Night Fright – The Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage

Writer: Roger S. Moss

Director: Chris Moreno

Reviewer: Ian Cain

The Public Reviews Rating:

Newlyweds Frank and Jenny Gilman think they have found their dream home, a converted chapel in a quiet country village. However, their return from honeymoon, a day earlier than expected, unearths mysterious happenings and sparks strange behaviour from some of the locals.

Soon, the dream home turns into a house of horrors as the Gilman’s discover a blood-drenched spade in the shed and blood-stained clothes stuffed up the chimney. When Frank and Jenny decide to investigate, they are lied to by the locals and even attacked by intruders as the true horror of their situation begins to emerge.

Ian Dickens Productions present this tense, taut and gripping thriller that has you perched on the edge of your seat and keeps you guessing right until the final scene. Chris Moreno’s direction heightens the suspense even further and a stellar cast deliver consummate performances throughout.

Paul Opacic, as Frank Gilman, is perfectly cast as the rather randy young husband and he performs the role with bucketfuls of testosterone-filled charisma, whilst Helen George, as Jenny, is the typical damsel in distress who pouts, cries, faints and screams her way through the proceedings.

Ben Roberts excels in the role of shifty estate agent, Mr Watson, and it soon becomes apparent that he isn’t all he seems to be, whilst Louise English demonstrates her immense talent and versatility in a role that is, literally, a revelation. Her performance is carefully crafted and perfectly executed.

The production values are outstanding, and this owes much credit to the set designed by David North and Alan Miller Bunford. It is testament to Ian Dickens’s commitment to providing top quality productions that a touring set should include as much attention to detail, and he is to be commended for it.

A minor glitch, during which a painting fell from one wall of the set, may have threatened to detract from the action, but some rapid and ingenious improvisation from the undaunted company covered the mishap seamlessly and even worked it into the story.

Roger S. Moss has written a play that contains more twists and turns than a corkscrew. By turn, it is blood-chilling, nerve-jangling and blackly hilarious. The plot is intriguing, there are red herrings aplenty and the moment when the last piece of this psychological puzzle is put into place will leave you gasping for breath. Don’t miss it!