There was an edgy feeling of fear and excitement as the audience settled down for a night of the unknown.
And two hours later it was back to earth with a bump after a truly chilling experience thanks to Shirley Jackson’s 1959 spooky novel, The Haunting of Hill House, which has been adapted for stage by Olivier and BAFTA winner Stef Smith and directed skilfully and with real fright, by Sky Arts award winner, Martin Constantine.
Currently showing at The Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh, the play is not for the faint-hearted with scary moments from the first minute when a trio of guests arrive at the abandoned Hill House following an invitation from Dr Montague (Jasper Britton) to investigate its rumoured supernatural misfortune.
With a background of sinister music, creaking doors and sudden thuds, the play draws in the audience waiting pensively for the next move.
Ti Green’s magical set is so slick and the audience so intent on watching as bulbs blow and furniture slides about, that the scenery seems to just change on its own.
Throw in some subtle lighting from Chris Davey and chilling sounds by Johnny Edwards, along with scary videos by Duncan McLean and it’s the perfect settling for a real heart thumper.
The story centres on Eleanor (Clancy Ryan), who has spent the last 32 years looking after her now deceased mother and is desperate to be free and find her way in the world. She thinks she is haunted by her mother, and her emotions runs wild now the weight of caring has lifted.
She is the first to arrive at Hill House and meets housekeeper, Mrs Dudley (Sian Howard), followed by Theodora (Sophie Lenglinger) and the house’s heir Luke (Robin Morrissey) as they take on the mystery of the house and their curiosity soon descends into real terror, taking the audience along with it, especially when Mrs Montague (Jemma Churchill) arrives to ramp up the investigation.
With twists and turns and real complexities, the story is gripping and spell binding and sent many of the audience heading for the bar at the end to find more hospitable spirits!
Mark Puddle, with Alexander “Sandy” Marshall and Patrick Myles, present a Wiltshire Creative production in association with Theatr Clwyd of The Haunting of Hill House, which runs at The Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh until 14th November before rounding off its UK tour at The Arts Theatre, Cambridge from 17th to 21st November 2026. For performance times and ticket availability, please visit: www.lyceum.org.uk and www.thehauntingofhillhouse.co.uk.
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.
Photographs by Pamela Raith
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