The Haunting of Hill House, based on the novel by Shirley Jackson (widely regarded a masterpiece of horror writing), is a good old fashioned ghost story. It is the story of a scientist named Dr. Montague who sets about trying to prove the existence of ghosts by conducting an experiment in the most reportedly haunted house he can find. He agrees a short lease for Hill House and invites guests with unique insights into the paranormal whom he believes will help to conjure up the various forces at work in the house. His plan succeeds... a little too well! The Haunting of Hill House has been made into 2 films, both entitled just The Haunting. The first (The Haunting, 1963) was a well respected effort by director Robert Wise, which closely followed the intentions of the book, the second (1999 remake) had very little at all to do with it's source novel. The play is closer than either film to the novel, and so what we are aiming to create on stage is as accurate and frightening as possible a realisation of Jackson's iconic and, in more ways than one, haunting tale.
Director - Matthew Austin
Producer - Megan Abbott
The Cast
Mrs Dudley - Monica Gregory
Eleanor Vance - Megan Abbott
Theodora - Nicola Henry
Luke Sanderson - Matt Kerslake
Dr Montague - Matthew Austin
Mrs Montague - Kristen Coucill
Arthur - James Golder
Producer - Megan Abbott
The Cast
Mrs Dudley - Monica Gregory
Eleanor Vance - Megan Abbott
Theodora - Nicola Henry
Luke Sanderson - Matt Kerslake
Dr Montague - Matthew Austin
Mrs Montague - Kristen Coucill
Arthur - James Golder
NODA Review
This production by B Company was no mean feat; indeed it was all the more remarkable considering Nicola Henry took on the role of Theodora with only three weeks to curtain up. Another simple but stunningly effective set from Watlington; creating a spooky claustrophobic atmosphere. Good use of furniture and dressing; subtle background music to heighten the psychological fears and gloomy lighting set the scene for this horror thriller. Excellent performances from the quartet of leading characters; Megan Abbott (Eleanor), Nicola Henry (Theodora), Matt Kerslake (Luke) and Matt Austin (Montague) were well supported by the rest of the cast. Pace and projection were of a very high standard as was the lighting which we have come to take for granted at Watlington. Movement was good though occasionally some characters were masked as in the chess games which may have been better set at a slight angle. I felt that the gentlemen should have had at least a couple of costume changes, but these minor points aside this was a stunning piece of drama underpinned by one of the best sound effects design I’ve ever heard. Congratulations Jake Leathley-Andrew (sound), I have not seen an audience so frightened since watching “Jaws”.
Jim Farr - 19th February 2008
Jim Farr - 19th February 2008