He combines state-of-the-art technology (including 80 moving spotlights and 6.5 kilometres of fibre optic cables) with century-old techniques to detach spirits from dying bodies, create a ghost fight on a moving subway train, and allow Sam to cross the great divide between the worlds of the living and the dead. The show's stage illusions are the brainchild of stage magic consultant and designer Paul Kieve, who worked on the Harry Potter films and Martin Scorcese's Hugo. How does Sam Wheat walk through that seemingly solid door? The show's stage effects have had audiences, critics and even stage magic professionals scratching their heads. Ghost the Musical won't necessarily make you believe in the afterlife but there's a good chance it will cause you to disbelieve your own eyes. 'Though I did smash a bacon deluxe last night. My vanity levels are on the rise,' he laughs. A few abs down there I've never seen before. 'I've got muscles I never thought I'd ever have. 'I started working out a few months ago,' says Mills. Mills, who strips to the waist for some of the show's sexier scenes, confesses he's 'dropped a dress size' in preparation for opening night. The drama stakes are high but Ghost also gives its audience plenty of eye candy. When you are playing a character who is going through so much every night, it's great to have someone like that around for balance.' 'Millsy is really fun and one of the most generous people ever, super thoughtful. 'The audience has to believe this couple is completely in love and so you need to be working with someone you are comfortable with,' says Rix. The working relationship between Mills and Rix is flesh-and-blood real and it dates back to 2008, when Mills joined the cast of Wicked as the dashing Fiyero, opposite Rix's green-skinned Elpheba. Ghost the Musical isn't all smoke and mirrors, however. Rob Mills and Jemma Rix in Ghost the Musical. If you don't know how it's being done, it's amazing.' It really is a very magical show, it's pretty speccy. 'Millsy and I got to see the show in Singapore before we started rehearsals last year and it was great to be blown away by the tricks. 'People are very curious to know how it all works,' says Jemma Rix, who plays the story's bereft, pot-throwing heroine Molly Jensen (played by Demi Moore in the film). Originally directed by Matthew Warchus ( Matilda the Musical) in 2011, Ghost the Musical is one of the more successful screen-to-stage spin-offs with critics and audiences hailing the show for its innovative stage illusion effects. There is no downtime for messing about backstage.' I have to constantly engage with the story. There are only 12 minutes of this production when I'm off the stage. It's nice to be able to play someone who is going through the loss of a loved one while trying to unravel a thriller as well. 'Danny Zucko was a bit of a caricature, and so was Warner in Legally Blonde,' Mills says. You can see why he got so many roles back in the day.'ДЇor Mills, a graduate of the first season of Australian Idol, the role of Sam is the most complex he has attempted yet. It made him very charming, very easy to watch on screen. He got the role because other actors didn't want to be seen as vulnerable. 'I remember an acting coach saying to me, 'when you show your vulnerability, that's when you show your strength'. That vulnerability is the key to the role, Mills believes. Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze in 1990's Ghost the film.

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