With strong performances, inventive staging and plenty of genuine scares, The Haunting of Hill House is a fantastic addition to Theatre Royal Brighton’s autumn programme and a must-see for anyone looking to embrace the spooky season.
It’s October and spooky season is upon us, so what better time to see something haunting at the theatre?
Based on Shirley Jackson’s acclaimed novel, The Haunting of Hill House has already found success as a hugely popular Netflix series, which I’ve admittedly just added to my watch list.
Now the story has made its way to the stage, bringing with it a blend of suspense, mystery and supernatural thrills. But can this theatrical adaptation deliver the same chills as its literary and on-screen counterparts?
There was a delay getting into the theatre which, although unintentional, ended up working in the show’s favour. As the start time came and went, a sense of anticipation began to build around the auditorium as nobody quite knew when things were going to begin.
Then, when it finally started… it really started.
From the opening moments, The Haunting of Hill House wastes no time making its intentions clear. The production launches straight into a barrage of expertly timed jump scares that had the audience gasping, jolting and nervously laughing in equal measure. If anyone arrived expecting a slow burn, they were quickly proven wrong.
We first meet Eleanor, played by Clancy Ryan, as she arrives at Hill House, the first of five drawn to the property’s dark mysteries. It is here that she encounters the enigmatic Mrs Dudley, played by Sian Howard, whose unsettling warnings about the house immediately set the audience on edge.
Eleanor is soon joined by Theodora, played by Sophie Lenglinger, whose confident and charismatic presence provides an interesting contrast to Eleanor’s more reserved nature. Later, Luke, played by Robin Morrissey, joins the pair as they begin to explore the secrets of Hill House.
Leading the expedition is Dr Montague, portrayed by Jasper Britton, he is determined to uncover the truth behind the house’s haunted reputation. Armed with an array of spiritual and ghost-hunting equipment, he sets about exploring Hill House and documenting any evidence of supernatural activity. Later, his wife, Mrs Montague, played by Jemma Churchill, arrives to assist with the group’s efforts.
The staging was fantastic, with the clever use of lighting and projection adding significantly to the intensity of the production. These effects helped create an atmosphere of constant unease, ensuring the audience never quite knew where the next shock might come from.
I particularly loved the miniature Hill House doll’s house positioned at the front left of the stage. Individual rooms would light up throughout the performance, allowing the audience to follow the investigators’ movements around the house. It was a wonderfully inventive way of showing exactly where the action was taking place, while also reinforcing the feeling that Hill House itself was watching over its occupants.
Combined with objects moving seemingly of their own accord and doors creaking at all the wrong moments, every element felt meticulously planned. The production’s technical team deserves immense credit for creating an environment where tension was ever-present and, judging by the frequent gasps and startled reactions around me, they succeeded in keeping the audience firmly on edge throughout.
I’ll avoid giving away too much, because half the enjoyment comes from not knowing what’s lurking around the next corner. Just be prepared to jump more than once.
With strong performances, inventive staging and plenty of genuine scares, The Haunting of Hill House is a fantastic addition to Theatre Royal Brighton’s autumn programme and a must-see for anyone looking to embrace the spooky season.
The Haunting of Hill House is at Theatre Royal Brighton until Saturday 24th October, with evening performances at 7.30pm and matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Click HERE to book.
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