Supernatural spine-chiller

Bestselling writer Peter James' modern day Gothic thriller

Do you fancy an old-fashioned ghost story set in the Gothic hall of a run-down manor house and complete with a creepy, sentient ghost, a grey lady in crinoline that walks through walls and all the usual trimmings? If so this play at Sonning is for you.

Written by No 1 best-selling author Peter James, who claims in the programme notes to have lived in such a haunted house some years ago, it has been adapted for the stage by playwright Shaun McKenna.

The play opens with the arrival at the manor house of the Harcourt family. Matt Milburn and Madeleine Knight play the devoted couple, happy and contented on arrival, but gradually doubting their senses as time goes by.

Both were convincing as sensible adults and there was a really impressive performance by Hannah Boyce as their daughter Jade, who had all the facial expressions, cheek, stroppiness and everything else to be found in a fairly average teenager and also conveyed her essential vulnerability effectively – ‘Who under 40 ever uses Facebook?’.

The play built slowly but impressively over two acts and in seven scenes turned from casual family life to spine-chilling. The setting was dark and Gothic, but with modern touches reminding us we were living in the present.

Dan Buckley played Chris, a computer nerd setting up various wi-fi and web functions. He was relaxed and convincing, even connecting an Alexa for the family.

Kevin Hand as Phil, a builder intent on relieving the family of £40,000 for essential renovation, was good in scenes where he got quite heated.

Debbie McGee convinced as a medium posing as a cleaner, although she could have used more voice projection.

A special mention goes to Graham Weymouth for the sound and visual effects that set up the scenes and atmosphere throughout. Clever lighting effects too.

Keith Myers’ direction ensured a good, steady pace.

The best line in the play though actually came from Alexa. When asked ‘Who is the grey lady?’ she replied: “The Grey Lady is an Italian restaurant in Tunbridge Wells serving Italian food.” Well, that’s the sort of answer you often get from Alexa hubs isn’t it?

DEREK ANSELL