The Haunting @ New Theatre
The Haunting, Monday 28th March, New Theatre
Never in all my life as a drama enthusiast have a seen a play more brilliant than The Haunting. Adapted from some of Charles Dickens’ ghost stories, Hugh Janes penned a masterpiece which was beautifully interpreted by Hugh Wooldridge, the director.
The story follows a young David Filde (Charlie Clements) who goes to the manor of Lord Gray (Paul Nicholas) where he intends to categorise and sell Gray’s father’s library to solve money issues the Lord is facing. While in the manor though, it becomes apparent to Filde that all is not as it seems and throughout the play, secrets after conundrums after cryptic clues are revealed!
Arriving at the New Theatre, I was amazed to be given a free programme and free drinks during the interval, just for reviewing this genius. Life is good. Entering the theatre, I was struck by how silent it was. The audience of course were bickering and eating purposely loud foods just to annoy me, but I was interested in the choice to have no welcoming music. Ooh, the tension it built.
Tension is one thing that was expertly created and utilised in this production. Never had I thought a stage production of anything could be so terrifying and chilling. The use of lighting, smoke and an incessantly ticking clock onstage created the greatest atmosphere of an old haunted Victorian manor. The crew of The Haunting deserve infinite recognition and praise for their exemplary timing and for the almost unbelievable set they created.
I have the utmost praise for Charlie Clements who was onstage throughout the entirety of the piece. I should imagine it takes incredible skill to be able to pull of such a feat and lead the play on your own. With all the sets trickery and constant sound, lighting and effect cues to have to initiate, I can only praise Charlie’s performance. His acting was impeccable and the conviction with which he played the role was of the highest level.
Paul Nicholas was also brilliant. Again, truly fantastic acting! How he managed to maintain his nerve, keep focused and remain in character of a non-believer, when surrounded with constant tension and startling actions is beyond me! I simply cannot congratulate him enough… because I haven’t met him. You get my point I’m sure. He was brilliant.
Both Clements and Nicholas wore appropriate clothing, which although out of our time period, fitted in perfectly in the context of the play. The set was not only beautifully and cleverly constructed, but also looked great. The music and sound effects made the play the terrifying experience that it was. Credit must be given to the sound designer (Jonathan Suffolk) and the composer of the original music for the play (Laura Tisdall) who created a realistic while equally horrifying atmosphere.
Overall, The Haunting was tremendous although, I must admit, the ending confused not only my +1 and I, but also other audience members as I heard on my departure from the theatre, a woman telling a group of people what the ending had meant. Apart from the somewhat confusing ending (although it might just be that I lack the intelligence to correctly interpret the piece), the show was a resounding success. I cannot recommend it enough. If you won’t take my recommendation, then I encourage you to see it in order for you to prove to everyone you’re not easily scared. You’ll have a challenge. Go and see it… if you dare.
The Haunting is at the New Theatre until Saturday 2nd April
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6 Comments – Post a comment
DeadAngelLover22
Commented 13 months ago - 30th March 2011 - 09:39am
I really enjoyed reading this, and im glad someone made an article. Abotu The Haunting as im going to see it this weekend :-) great work
Sambow
Commented 13 months ago - 30th March 2011 - 20:26pm
Hey, thanks for the review :D
I'm going to see it soon so it was good to read this, it sounds awesome- great job!
Stormer007
Commented 13 months ago - 31st March 2011 - 00:02am
Thanks muchly =) It was a pleasure to review such a great show! I'm sure you'll both enjoy it immensely!!
DeadAngelLover22
Commented 13 months ago - 4th April 2011 - 00:53am
Well i finally saw it OMG it was amazing. . .thou i was scared lol it made me jump so much and sadly i'll admit i had nightmares :( secretly i think i must have the fear of a six year old But thanx again Stormer007
urbangirl
Commented 13 months ago - 4th April 2011 - 11:19am
Yes it was good but not amazing and I were not too scared by it. The sound effects made the story seem real.
Tansi
Commented 11 months ago - 23rd June 2011 - 13:44pm
Do forgive me that I have only just remembered that you wrote a review on this C: But I still feel the need to comment. I can agree that it was indeed an amazing play to see. I was infact lucky enough (With Sambow) to be invited to watch it. Ah the joy of seeing people jump about in their seets with fright at the ghost and what not...