★★★★☆
Just in time for Halloween, The Haunting of Hill House makes its stop in Manchester at the Palace Theatre, ready to scare audiences into the spooky holiday spirit.
Many of us will be familiar with Netflix’s (loose) adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s famous ghost story, so it only feels right to see The Haunting of Hill House staged before our very eyes for that extra scare factor. Based on Jackson’s acclaimed novel, this brand-new theatrical adaptation by Stef Smith is making its world premiere on a UK tour, which began in September this year. Bringing it all together, Martin Constantine directs this fresh take on Jackson’s classic ghost story with assurance.
As the show begins, Hill House comes to life through brilliant projected animations of the building spinning and fitting together like puzzle pieces throughout time. Designed by Ti Green, with video design by Duncan McLean, the visual effects are a masterclass in projection, something particularly difficult to get right in touring productions. As we move through the house, these projections are heavily relied upon to represent movement and the gradual unlocking of its secrets, with each visual feeling like another puzzle piece in the ghost story’s mystery.
In true ghostly fashion, the show opens with a jump scare, introducing the sharp and nonchalant Mrs Dudley (Sian Howard), who creeps up behind Eleanor (Clancy Ryan) just as she arrives. Ghost hunter Dr Montague (Jasper Britton) has invited young Eleanor, amongst a few other companions, to investigate the apparent ghosts residing at Hill House and prove his theory that the spirits mean no harm. Inside, we meet his other invitees: artist Theodora (Sophie Lenglinger) and young heir to the house, Luke (Robin Morrissey).
An antiquated room within Hill House frames the back of the stage, complete with a glowing miniature replica of the house in the upper corner. To represent different rooms, projections paint moving and swirling wallpaper across the walls, making the house feel just as alive as the characters within it.
Clancy Ryan is strong as Eleanor, portraying her growing confidence to speak up alongside her increasing infatuation with Hill House. Terrifying and precise, Ryan is electrifying as the spirits take hold of her body. Her intense movements and shaking, guided by movement director Georgina Lamb, strike such terror that they provoke screams from the audience.
Sophie Lenglinger’s portrayal of Theodora is equally captivating, effortlessly commanding the attention of her love interests just as she does the audience. Lenglinger is poised, bringing mischief and ardour to an otherwise bleak tale. Luke (Robin Morrissey) naturally plays into Theodora’s charm, with the pair sharing great chemistry on stage.
Jasper Britton and Jemma Churchill are a delightful pairing as Mr and Mrs Montague, with Churchill bringing a refreshing burst of comedy and warmth to the otherwise chilling atmosphere. Their playful back-and-forth is entertaining, with Churchill’s eccentric energy contrasting wonderfully with Britton’s more serious and measured portrayal. Although Mrs Montague’s arrival towards the end leaves little time to fully explore their dynamic, the pair bring a welcome touch of humour and charm to the production.
The first half flies by, with Constantine’s production proving absolutely captivating. In terms of its similarity to the novel, Smith’s adaptation stays close to Jackson’s original tale, retaining the key characters and dark atmosphere. However, it certainly keeps fans on their toes with a different ending.
The characters are so warm and engaging that you can’t help but lean in, wanting more, while simultaneously leaning back in fear of the next fright. While a few characters, particularly Luke and Mrs Montague, could have benefited from further development, this does little to detract from the production’s overall impact. The ingenious set design and projections make Hill House feel like a living, breathing puzzle, with rooms shifting, walls transforming and pieces gradually falling into place as its dark secrets are uncovered.
The Haunting of Hill House is well worth the terror, delivering an incredibly effective and entertaining theatrical ghost story just in time for Halloween.
The Haunting of Hill House runs at Palace Theatre Manchester until October 31st (fittingly!) and tours the UK until November 21.
