REVIEW: HAUNTED SHADOWS GrimFest at Old Red Lion Theatre 28 – 31 October 2024

‘Haunted Shadows offers an intriguing, if restrained, take on Victorian horror.’ ★★★

Haunted Shadows, performed by Claire Louise Amias, explores the eerie and lesser-known ghost stories of Edith Nesbit, a Victorian author celebrated for her children’s books yet skilled in horror writing. Adapted by Amias and directed by Jonathan Rigby, the play dramatizes two of Nesbit’s haunting tales—The Shadow and A Strange Experience. The production aims to reveal the dark, complex characters in Nesbit’s work and transport audiences to a ghostly Victorian world.

Amias’ commitment to the role is evident, especially in the second story, where her acting shines. This tale of two sisters entangled in a tragic love triangle is the emotional core of the evening, capturing Victorian themes of passion and jealousy. Her performance here is gripping, drawing the audience into the heartbreak and secrets within the story. The second act is where the play truly hits its stride, with Amias’ depth and range as a performer fully on display. It showcases the potential of Haunted Shadows when emotional intensity and gothic atmosphere align.

The minimalist stage design—featuring just a chair, teddy bear, porcelain doll, and chest—creates a haunting backdrop that hints at forgotten memories. This bare-bones approach adds to the eerie atmosphere without overwhelming Amia’s performance. However, the decision to start the play abruptly, without a buildup, disrupts the momentum crucial for horror. The absence of a gradual entry into the story leaves the audience without a chance to settle into its suspenseful rhythm. This choice limits the initial impact of the performance.

Technical elements, particularly sound and lighting, also fall short of supporting the play’s gothic atmosphere. Sound design is essential in building horror, and here, its lack of precision is noticeable. The poorly matched sound cues make it challenging to fully engage with the supernatural tension. Lighting, too, could be better utilized to mark shifts in mood and enhance eerie moments. Improving these elements would make the performance feel more immersive and cohesive.

In a production that relies heavily on atmosphere, these missed technical beats undercut the potential for suspense. With more synchronized sound design and deliberate lighting, Haunted Shadows could more effectively pull viewers into its eerie world. These refinements would amplify Amias’ storytelling, allowing the production’s gothic elements to shine.

Ultimately, Haunted Shadows offers an intriguing, if restrained, take on Victorian horror. While it falls short of delivering spine-tingling terror, it succeeds in spotlighting Nesbit’s darker tales through Amias’ strong storytelling skills. With further refinement in sound, lighting, and pacing, the play could evolve into a truly haunting experience. For now, it’s best approached as a gothic storytelling piece rather than a horror spectacle. Haunted Shadows offers glimpses of brilliance, making it worth attending for fans of Nesbit and Victorian horror alike.

Box Office https://www.oldredliontheatre.co.uk/haunted-shadows.html

Performed and adapted by Claire Louise Amias.

Directed by Jonathan Rigby.