Review: The Haunting, Theatre Severn
A spine-chilling new adaption of Charles Dickens' ghost stories left a packed audience at Shrewsbury's Theatre Severn on the edge of their seats last night.
As the nights draw in, and with Halloween just past, it was appropriate timing for a good ghost story – and The Haunting definitely fits the bill.
The play is set in a crumbling mansion in the middle of the Moors and charts the tale of a young book dealer who is employed by Lord Gray to catalogue his late father's impressive library.
But as strange noises and ghostly apparitions begin to occur, it becomes clear all is not well in the house as evil deeds from the past are exposed.
James Roache, the son of Coronation Street stalwart Bill Roache, made an impressive stage debut as the young book dealer. Meanwhile, Downton Abbey star David Robb was equally well-cast as the cynical Lord Gray.
Billed as a journey 'to the very edge of terror', the play certainly lived up to its name and there were plenty of gasps from the audience as the tension racked up.
But as well as the scares there was also plenty of humour from the two leads to lighten the mood.
The set was also impressive, with fog spilling from the stage throughout the night adding to the spooky atmosphere.
It was a polished production by leading West End theatre producer Bill Kenwright, and a fitting fright-fest to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Dickens' birth.
The Haunting runs until Saturday.
Catherine Ferris
