Soon after Pepper’s debut of the effect, Dirck’s and Pepper’s collaboration ended. In 1863 Dirck had a book published entitled The Ghost, and he states that Pepper had 'deluded' him in their happenings over the effect. Twenty-seven years later, Pepper explains his own version of the events in his own book entitled The True History of the Ghost. In this book, Pepper goes on to describe in detail the workings and development of the effect.
      While the effect is simple enough and allows live actors to interact and mingle with transparent objects and ghosts, there were limitations for its use and presented many problems. To begin with, the large piece of glass that was needed for the effect to work was hard to get into place in a theatre. Handling the glass was also dangerous and heavy. Once in place, the glass acted as an acoustic shield. In an age where microphones and amplifiers where non-existent, this was a problem. The audience of the time would have a hard time hearing what was being said on stage unless something was invented to fix this problem. Perhaps that was the reason “Pepper’s Ghost” was soon adapted and used more so in fairgrounds, haunted houses, dark rides, and carnival sideshows. In these shows a ghost would just need to be there with no talking involved thus solving the problem.
      Surprisingly on November 3rd of 2005, a live studio audience and television audience witnessed 3D computer characters sing and dance on stage with other real live performers. The effect blew away everyone who witnessed it happen. One viewer stated that “this is an amzing Step towards holographic art” (MilkandCookies). Cara Speller, producer of the live extravaganza, is quoted, “It’s quite old technology. It’s essentially Pepper’s Ghost, which was a Victorian invention of reflection and projection on to mirrors.” Ms Speller later added: “Our Gorillaz (the name of the live band) aren’t holograms because holographic technology isn’t quite up to what we need."(Sherwin)
      Today we rarely see “Pepper’s Ghost” in use in theatre due to the work and problems associated with implementing it. But the next time you take a walk through a fair or haunted house, take a look out for “Pepper’s Ghost”. It may be an old effect, but always know that ghosts will never die.