This play, like many great horror stories, is set in a remote mansion, Hill House. A group of people, led by researcher Dr John Montague, arrive to investigate the house, but soon discover that things are far from what they seem. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Hill House may not be the only thing hiding dark secrets.
The set immediately established the atmosphere. The main lounge and a bedroom were positioned on raised platforms to stage left, while a set of imposing double doors provided the main entrances and exits to the grand room. To the right stood a brown door, locked and noticeably different from the rest of the room. It immediately drew the eye, leaving you wondering who, or what, might emerge from behind it. I particularly liked the placement of the grandfather clock at the side of the stage. Its persistent ticking, combined with the sinister music at the beginning, sent an early shiver through the audience and set the tone for what was to come.
Amanda Glover, as Mrs Dudley, made an equally chilling impression. Dressed entirely in black, with her hair scraped back and a wonderfully deadpan expression, she had an unsettling presence that made you feel uneasy simply by being in the room. Her role bookended the production, opening and closing with the same eerie business of placing a doll on the bed. The repetition was a lovely touch, leaving us with that same uncomfortable feeling right to the end.
Much of the play’s dialogue centred on Eleanor and Theodora, played by Heidi O’Connor and Molly Hill. Both had plenty of material to work with, and there were some lengthy exchanges to navigate. I must also acknowledge how tremendous it is to see an actress overcome personal challenges to take on such a demanding, word-heavy role. It is a real testament to her determination and commitment to the production.
There were a few pacing issues and some sticky moments along the way, but these did little to detract from the overall atmosphere. The Fellowship Players succeeded in bringing the sinister world of Hill House to life, keeping us wondering what might be lurking beyond those imposing double doors. There was a genuine sense that something strange was happening, even when we couldn’t quite put our finger on what it was.
So, thank you to Fellowship Players for introducing us to Hill House. It made for an intriguing and unsettling visit, but if you’ll forgive me, I think I’ll give staying overnight a miss! I’ll leave the house to Mrs Dudley and make sure I’m well on my way before dark.
Reviewed by – Emma T.
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