29 October 2025.
By Alan Ayckbourn. Director: Claire Armstrong-Mills.
This is something of a departure for Ayckbourn, who we usually associate with more amusing pieces. This one, however, deals with darker issues.
The story concerns Julia, a 19-year-old gifted musician who,12 years ago, took her own life. Now the three men closest to her are being haunted.
The action takes place in the music centre, set up in Julia’s name by her father. The room in which the play is set was Julia’s room when she was at university. The stage is set up as a girl’s bedroom and is completely believable as such. There are books scattered around, along with music scores, posters, coffee mugs and other accoutrements, including a teddy bear on the pillow which gave us all a shock when it was picked up and an alarm shrieked. Lighting and sound were spot-on and really provided a spooky atmosphere. Set design was excellent.
This is a three-hander. It’s a long play to be carried by such a small cast but they did it admirably. All three were completely confident and absolutely believable in their roles. They were all word perfect, even during some pretty long monologues, and I never heard one prompt all evening.
David Stone was outstanding as Julia’s dad, Joe. His voice was perfect throughout. He delivered comic lines with a deadpan brilliance and, at the end when he was ‘watching’ Julia’s ghost, he was so believable that it sent a chill up my back. He was just absolutely fabulous from beginning to end.
Alan Groucott was also really good in his role as Julia’s boyfriend, Andy. He started out as the ‘good guy’ but it wasn’t long before we realised he was not what he seemed. We could see his fear when Ken made him aware that he knew what had happened with Andy and Julia.
Ian Eaton as Ken Chase, the ‘psychic’, was brilliant. He comes across as very childlike, stuttering and flapping his hands. He seems to be projecting the simple, harmless man, but there’s more to him than meets the eye. It turns out he knew Julia well and is here because he has something to say. He did this so well, moving between hapless and calculating very nicely. He was hilarious at times.
There was far more comedy than I expected, and the audience loved it. Several times, we laughed out loud.
Direction was impeccable throughout. Claire Armstrong-Mills is an experienced director, having worked on many plays in Birmingham theatres. This one, though, is her first ghost story and her first Ayckbourn, although you would never know it. She certainly knows her craft and this one was stunning.
This was an excellent night of theatre and the audience loved it. Looking forward to the next one.
Well done Sutton Arts.
Reviewed by Lesley L
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