A chilling night at the theatre where the house is just as much a character as the people inside it
This week, Manchester’s Palace Theatre welcomes The Haunting of Hill House, a new stage adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s legendary horror story. When a group of investigators enter a mysterious mansion with a history of unexplained events, what begins as an attempt to understand the supernatural quickly becomes something much more frightening. With strange occurrences, unsettling secrets and the constant question of what is real, this is a story that promises to get under your skin.
Personally, I think horror is one of the most difficult genres to get right on stage. Making people laugh is one thing, but making an entire auditorium jump, feel uncomfortable and question what they are seeing is a completely different challenge. There is nowhere to hide in live theatre, and I was really interested to see how this production would bring such a well-known horror story to life.
The set and technical elements are absolutely central to this production. Hill House itself feels like something you should probably stay away from, and that is exactly what you want from a show like this. There is a clear unease that you feel from the first minute and if you don’t have that – you can edge onto it being dull but I felt it from the first second!
Horror relies on timing, and the difference between a moment that makes you jump and one that falls flat can be incredibly small. The production plays with silence, darkness and sudden changes in atmosphere to build tension, while also allowing moments of humour to break things up. You need those moments of relief before the next unsettling moment pulls you straight back in, and the direction deserves all the praise on that front.
Clancy Ryan as Eleanor is the emotional heart of the production. There is a vulnerability to Eleanor and Ryan brings a real sense of unease to proceedings that in turn but the audience on edge. There is a clear sign of question in their role too, is it supernatural or is it targeted that you can really feel.
Sophie Lenglinger as Theo brings a completely different energy to the stage. Confident, intriguing and full of personality, and in a show of this stature, that clear dynamic is so welcomed.
Robin Morrissey as Luke brings some much-needed charm and humour to proceedings. In a story that becomes increasingly dark, those lighter moments are important, and Morrissey makes the most of them without taking away from the tension. I feel like he is me in real life at times, find humour where you can and I loved it.
Jasper Britton as Dr Montague is integral to this production. Britton gives the character a sense of authority and purpose, helping ground the story while the world around him becomes increasingly difficult to explain. There is also a danger In a role like this to over compensate but the pitch from Britton was excellent.
Jemma Churchill as Mrs Montague adds another interesting dimension to the supernatural side of the story, while Sian Howard as Mrs Dudley brings an unsettling presence that fits the atmosphere of Hill House perfectly.
If you enjoy a bit of mystery and supernatural storytelling with a few scares, you don’t want to miss thos.
The production is at Manchester’s Palace Theatre until Saturday 31 October. Tickets still available at: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-haunting-of-hill-house/palace-theatre-manchester/
