After Eleanor Died

I had the pleasure of attending Bishop Auckland Town hall this Halloween to see Bishop Auckland Theatre Society’s self-written play, “After Eleanor Died”.  In true spooky season spirit, the set up was dark and ominous, with a pre-set Victorian study on half of the stage, great atmospheric lighting and theatre staff encouraging all of the audience to go to the loo early so as not to disturb the performance expected.

The storytelling was good however the pace was a little slow throughout.  Despite the nature of the play having atmospheric effect, the pace did somewhat drag a little in parts.  We were introduced by our narrator, Charles Harrison, ably portrayed by Adam May.  Charles was a little heard to hear in parts and I would encourage Adam to speak up and out to make sure the entire audience gets the benefit of his prose.  Charles greets his friend and solicitor, Edward Trevelyan whose conversations narrate and provide the shorter inner ghost/paranormal stories we are introduced to throughout.  Josh played a strong clear part extremely well, really well done josh.  Amanda Stewart brought us the housekeeper Mrs Henderson within Mr Harrison’s household which is lamenting the loss of his wife Eleanor.

Throughout we are introduced to some inner paranormal stories as Charles investigates and obsesses over whether he is able to contact his wife again who had recently deceased.  Supporting actors throughout those stories included Ellie Pettit as Aunt Julie, Ritchie Balland as James Shorthouse, Sarah Gray as The Woman, Malcolm Stamp as the Man, David Stothard as professor Parkins, Sharon Cook as The Maid, Charley Stamp as Mary Wilson, Brooke Henderson as The Child, Gareth Stamp as the Signalman and Simon Huntington as The Driver all of whom played their parts well and contributed to the effect.

The lighting and special effects were really well thought out and effective throughout, giving the audience the creeps, shocks and adding great effect sometimes very simply, sometimes elaborately and always adding great effect with the trickery.  Really well done with those.

All in all a great nights entertainment. Well done.

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