[Ad-gifted] Our latest theatre review takes us to the New Vic Theatre to see Charles Dickens’ The Haunting.
I have never been fond of classic horror and gore, but ghost stories/gothic horrors are somewhat oddly fascinating. And over the years I have enjoyed watching plays like The Woman in Black and films such as The Others all of which are Victorian-style tales of ghosts. Another TV series that also captivated this style was Penny Dreadful inspired by the Penny Dreadfuls a Victorian Publication, telling tales of gothic horror, legends and folklore costing just one penny. The publication will have been very much known to Dickens at the time when he wrote many of his novels.
Charles Dickens was another person who found ghost stories intriguing and even with his doubt about the existence of ghosts, still managed to write some of the most chilling and imaginative tales during the 19th Century. So much so, that they were pieced together by the playwright Hugh Janes to create the play Charles Dickens’ The Haunting.
The story is about a book dealer David Filde who on behalf of his uncle is sent to catalogue the books of Lord Grey. Lord Grey’s House is old and dilapidated and whilst Flide is trying to work it seems that the strange happenings are preventing him from doing so. This is when Filde and Lord Grey decide they must journey together in the depths of the darkness to find out why and who is creating these strange happenings. Keep reading to find out how the play went and what I thought…
What I thought of the play Charles Dickens’ The Haunting
Last night was a feast for the senses in all ways possible, from atmospheric lighting, to smoke and screams, to smells and scares. You were taken back to Victorian England and the crumbling house of Lord Grey.
This was a spectacular play with a top-notch production that captured the essence of Gothic Horror with great success. I had goosebumps during parts of suspense where the theatre was so quiet you would have been able to hear a pin drop or in this case books being propelled from shelves by themselves. When the lights went out during the second part of the play, a person behind us actually said “Oh no!” knowing that we were in for a scare…
The play was truly formidable and the acting alongside the effects were sensational too. Richard Leeming playing David Filde was a natural in this role and played the character with ease, so much so, that I felt as though I had been transported back in time. He was accompanied for the most part by David Ahmad as the somewhat reluctant Lord Grey, who equally consumed his role with precision. Both actors portrayed their characters’ contrasting personalities with rigour and the ghostly presence of Mary was chillingly performed by Jessica Hole, who at times I felt was floating through the set.
This is a must-see show and is on at New Vic until 15th June. I would recommend booking this and taking your family out for a truly horrifying tale performed in a way that could never be replicated with such success in the cinema. Plus in the round of New Vic, you are so close to the actors and set that you almost feel as though you could be part of the play.
Check out the details below on where to book and be sure to go as it shouldn’t be missed, we came out of the theatre buzzing last night having seen such a fabulous performance and we hope you do too. And finally, a big shout out to the creative team with this one (even though they always deserve one!) specifically, Illusionist Consultant Dr Will Houstoun who had everyone scare-jumping throughout!
Cast
David Ahmad as Lord Gray
Jessica Hole as Mary
Richard Leeming as David Filde
Creative Team
Director Eleanor Taylor
Designer Michael Holt
Lighting Designer Daniella Beattie
Sound Designer Jamie Lu
Illusionist Consultant Dr Will Houstoun
Assistant Director Polly Wain
How much do the tickets to The Haunting?
Tickets are on sale now, priced from £10 to £31.50.
Concessions: £2.00 off
Group Discounts: £2.00 off for ten or more
Tickets: £10.00 – £31.50
How do I book tickets to watch The Haunting?
Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 01782 717962 or visit the New Vic Theatre’s website here.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
The Haunting will run until Saturday, 15 June 2024 with evening shows at 7.30pm and Matinee at 2.15pm (on 6/8/13/15 June). No shows on 9 & 10 June.
Interpreted Performances:
Captioned: Tuesday 11 June 7.30pm
Audio Described: Saturday 15 June 2.15pm
Where is New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme?
New Vic Theatre
Etruria Road
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Staffordshire
ST5 0JG
The theatre has a large car park, with a £2 charge on show days. Only contactless card payment is currently accepted for parking charges.
The theatre café is open 10am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday – then from 5.30pm for pre-show meals.
Booking is required for pre-show meals 5.30pm onwards, via their booking system at this link.
About The New Vic Theatre
Founded in 1962, the New Vic is the producing theatre for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. With around eight major productions a year, its varied programme includes contemporary drama, new commissions, adaptations and classics. Recent productions have toured nationally and internationally, and have transferred to London and Manchester. The New Vic has developed extensive and award-winning community involvement. It works regionally, nationally and internationally through its education department and New Vic Borderlines, which aims to change the lives of the most disadvantaged members of the community. The New Vic is funded by Arts Council England, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Staffordshire County Council.
About Arts Council England
Arts Council England is the national development agency for creativity and culture. By 2030 we want England to be a country in which the creativity of each of us is valued and given the chance to flourish and where everyone of us has access to a remarkable range of high quality cultural experiences. Between 2018 and 2022, we will invest £1.45 billion of public money from government and an estimated £860 million from the National Lottery to help deliver this vision.
Review by: Lex Ward
You may also want to read this:
Review: A Play for the Living in a Time of Extinction at New Vic Theatre
Review: Marvellous at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme
Review: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte Adapted for New Vic Theatre
Photo Credit: New Vic Theatre/Andrew Billington
22 comments
I love a good scare and this sounds like a great play to see. I would probably gasp myself if the lights went out.
Absolutely, a lot of people were in shock as well, so you will be in good company
Charles Dickens yessss…I love him….I can’t wait to watch this one, I hope they come to my city soon. I can’t wait.
I am sure they would tour Karen and hope you get to see this in person
Thank your for this in-depth and honest review of this play – sounds like a good ‘scare.’ The theater looks lovely also.
You are welcome Stephanie, glad to share our review
It sounds like the actors did a fantastic job in this performance! Thank you for sharing your review, I love plays that have you at the edge of your seat.
The actors are so talented and performed exceptionally well
Looks and sounds like a very lively show! I’d love to see this in person…I think would be so entertaining.
It certainly was and I enjoyed watching it
Your review has given high ratings for the show. Seems to be a fabulous theater performance not to be missed.
Absolutely Indu, a production worth watching if you ask me
This sounds amazing. I’m a huge fan of Dickens’ work, and I love the way they translated it to the stage. I’d love to see it.
Hope you do
I thoroughly enjoyed your blog post! Like you, I find classic horror and gore less appealing, but there’s something irresistibly captivating about ghost stories and gothic horrors. Your mention of plays like “The Woman in Black” and films such as “The Others” perfectly captures the allure of Victorian-style tales. It’s fascinating how the legacy of Penny Dreadfuls and the works of Charles Dickens continue to influence modern storytelling.
You could not have said it better Sue, exactly what I was thinking
Amazing that Dickens is still so popular after all these years. Still one of my favorites.
Such a classic and it does not go out of fashion as well
Wow! Gothic horror is a new genre for me, but the costuming and set design look incredible. Great recap.
Thank you, it was such an experience to watch the show in person
I like Dickens’ work, my family likes Gothic horror it so fun to watch. Will love to check this out too.
I bet you would enjoy watching this especially since you are a fan