The Haunting

I am extremely impressed to be back at this lovely little theatre for the second time in just over a month, seeing a totally different production. The President’s wish expressed in his programme notes to provide variety and contrast is certainly evident this season.

THE HAUNTING was written by Hugh Janes in 2010 and adapted from the ghost stories of Charles Dickens. Dickens was fascinated by the spirit world and dabbled in the occult himself, and these factors are present in this spine-chilling story.

We find ourselves in a cobweb-covered library of an old manor house (set designed and built by Chris Young and Ray Lowry and beautifully dressed by Christopher Carr), situated in the eerie isolation of a lonely, swampy moor. The old lord has died and his son, wanting to realise his assets and pay off debts, has called in an antiquarian bookseller to value the tomes now gathering dust.

But there’s more to David Filde (Glen Kingston) than first meets the eye. From the outset he appears an eager young pup, sent out by the boss on his first serious business deal. He greets the current Lord Gray (Alex Swan), a cynical and dour man, with bright eyed anticipation.

However, his enthusiasm soon turns to terror when he starts hearing a young woman’s voice in the library and strange sounds about the house. He appears to be locked in a room where books fly off shelves and even worse is to come.

The sceptical Gray refuses to accept that the room may be haunted. “Everything inexplicable has an explanation behind it,” he resolutely declares. But the library’s walls hide a terrible and shocking secret and a strange twist in the tale, that is eventually revealed as this thrilling story progresses.

Both Glen and Alex give intense and powerful performances that draw the audience into their awful ordeal, and we’re with them every step of the way as they endure a horrific night that will change them forever. A two-hander with an occasional ‘ghost’ (Helen Bowman) is a difficult learn. The audience showed their appreciation at the end of the play supporting several curtain calls. Congratulations to all on stage.

This production relies heavily on special effects, sympathetic lighting and a soundscape many designers would give their right arm for. Janet Cooper the Director and her team pulled this one off extremely successfully though, with an impressive and thoughtfully decorated set, sensitively lit by Tony Hall, stage management by Stu Davidson, good sound effects by Andy Gilmore (next time give us louder thunder!!!), and nicely costumed by the Wardrobe Team. Also a special mention to the Props Team for their authentic looking properties, and their expert handling of the between-scene changes.

NB – my companion and I are still trying to work out how the ghost appeared behind that door!. Well done.

Thanks for the invitation and welcome. Another great night’s entertainment. I’m pleased I didn’t watch it alone!!!.

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