The Enfield Haunting
Harrowing in Enfield
The Enfield Haunting
by Paul Unwin
Smith and Brant Theatricals et al at the Ambassadors Theatre, West End until 2nd March 2024
Review by Heather Moulson
The Enfield Haunting is scary. Nearly ninety minutes scary in fact, with no interval to catch your breath (or have stiff drink). The play is an adaption of a true story from the late seventies. These ghostly events took place in Green Street on Enfield Highway, an area I knew well, as I worked very nearby about a decade later. I have to say I had a much happier time than this particular family.
We discover a breathtaking set of two floors of a council house, basic and dark with fire damage and household items of the time, things like a hazardous gas fire and a TV set that a family owned in 1977. The intricately detailed set and costumes are designed by Lee Newby. The set is almost a character in its own right as there are sudden blackouts and skilful shorting neon lights, plus a spasmodic blaring soundtrack. All of these are used effectively to create moments of true horror. The terrifying lighting is by Neil Austin and the chilling sound by Carolyn Downing.
The grim situation is enhanced with strong performances all round but David Threlfall as Maurice, the amateur psychical researcher, has the sharpest edge with his empathy for the Hodgson family. Maurice slips unwittingly into a father figure, but a bit too often for Mrs Hodgson’s liking.
Peggy Hodgson, played by Catherine Tate, is a single mother with three children, who variously brings despair and optimism into what is a tumultuous situation, whilst clinging on to her two daughters and very unhappy son and keeping the family unit as tight as she can. Peggy also lives under the shadow of her intimidating ex-partner whose return is anticipated throughout the production. Tate’s screams are real and convincing.
Grace Molony as Margaret, the eldest of the siblings brings a somewhat animated presence and light relief through this dark era. The likeable and energetic Mo Sesay plays Uncle Rey, the sincere, if clumsy, neighbour.
The youngest family member, Jimmy, covered by two actors Jude Coward Nicoll and Noah Leggott, is brittle, disturbed and ashamed of the media attention his household receives. Jimmy’s typical pre-adolescent behaviour is summed up convincingly. Janet, the middle child, played skilfully by Ella Schrey-Yeats, is the most sinister and watchable. Janet carries a burden of a paranormal malevolence, which, in an impressive debut stage appearance from Schrey-Yeats has the potential to arouse sheer terror. She is hard to watch, but then how could you not?!
As the plot progresses, Maurice reveals a real tragedy of his own, and the appearance of his late wife, Betty confirms their terrible loss. Ironically it is not Murice who stands up to this ghostly force, but the matriarchal Peggy. Peggy is emboldened after learning some late news about her unwelcome intruder brought by Gareth Radcliffe. We can only hope they took the hint!
Directed skilfully by Angus Jackson, the pacing and timing are excellent. The Enfield Haunting’s amazing effects build up to a startlingly strong ending, and a chilling one. Those hairs on the back of the neck won’t stay down!
Heather Moulson, December 2023
Photography by Marc Brenner
Mark Aspen 