Theatre

I totally agree with Alice Jennings review. We laughed along but were unsure at the end whether it was indeed supposed to be comical. The beginning has promise to create an eerie and chilling story but instead the script gets confusing with references to Faust, bizarre possessions and frankly a rather abrupt ending. Did we miss something? Perhaps the holes from the script were filled by the actors on the fabricated balcony off stage...

I disagree with Alice Jennings. We had a great night out and became totally absorbed in the story - we live in Southwark and know people who are spooked by the history of the place. The whole point is we're supposed to be watching two plays - is it reality or taking place in their minds (like The Shining)? The writing in the first half was witty and clever and set the scene for a 'reality' play which then becomes a whirlwind as events catch up and overtake the characters. The possession references are clearly Bill Sykes and Nancy (both Gary MacDonald and Jessie Wallace are superb) and Sue Devaney's torture scene was incredible. It's new writing like this coupled with great performances by the entire cast that make British Theatre the envy of the world.

The cast make the best of an irredeemably bad script and hole-filled direction. Four guests attend a poorly planned dinner party as Jessie Wallace serves up pate with carrots. It doesn’t matter as no one’s hungry, they're too busy opening endless bottles of wine. The 'horror' largely involves Wallace becoming possessed by the spirit of Kat Slater (Eastenders) and turning on her guests with an ancient but unexplained grudge. Thought provoking to an extent:- why is Alex (Wallace) unscathed after her finger is mashed in the sink, when Clive (Hamish Clark) is mortally wounded by warm water and washing up liquid? A few more of these comedy moments and the play could effectively re-sell itself as a farce.