Ghosts and Gothic Horror in Sonning
“If you’ve heard the whistling . . .It’s already too late“
The adaptation for the stage and world premiere of Rebecca Netley’s ghost and murder mystery novel The Whistling is an exciting new venture for the Mill at Sonning. The novel has a readership thrilled and chilled by its eerie Gothic scenes on a Scottish island in the 1860s. Adapters Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel have previously adapted for theatre, The Girl on the Train and The Da Vinci Code.
Alone in the world after the death of her sister, Elspbeth Swanscombe (Rebecca Forsyth) is employed to care for nine year old Mary (Saffron Haynes) who hasn’t spoken since her twin brother William died. The Whistling is set on the remote Scottish island of Skelthsea. The last nanny has disappeared. Few people live on Skelthsea; the West Wing of Iskar House, the big house, being badly damaged by a fire some years ago.
Mary’s aunt, Violet (Stephanie Farrell) has brought a doctor (Jonny McGarrity) to look at her and it is decided she should be taken to the mainland and put in an institution. This never happens as forces require her to stay. Things start to take on a life of their own as the tension rises. Mary, trying to communicate with Elspbeth, points to words in books. Elspbeth will start to uncover the secrets held in this island community. I could go into more detail but I might spoil the enjoyment of the evolving plot.
The set, designed by Diego Pitarch, is dark and intense and by the simple changing of the props, the scene changes progress fluently into some unknown secret rooms. There are some simple touches that make this a play worth seeing, I particularly liked the butterfly being released from the Killing Jar. Illusionist Guy Barrett has designed moments that will make you jump. The eerie soundscape from composer and Sound Designer Simon Arrowsmith adds to the dramatic experience, as does Richard G Jones’ lighting.
The cast, with the exception of the two leads Mary and Elspbeth, take on a number of different roles throughout the play so the audience is involved in the different stories of the mostly female inhabitants of this cold, windswept and sinister island.
I think this is a good, timely play, well adapted and acted for The Mill, although it is a slight diversion from the normal fare, it is well worth seeing. It should attract not only the regulars but potentially new visitors looking for a good gothic horror story at Halloween. And the menu in the restaurant has Scottish touches with whisky and delicious Cranachan.
Production Notes
The Whistling
Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel
From Rebecca Netley’s novel
Directed by Joseph Pitcher
Cast
Starring:
Raghad Chaar
Rebecca Forsyth
Heather Jackson
Nadia Kramer
Jonny McGarrity
Stephanie Farrell
Susie Riddell
Sophie Bidgood
Ivy Evans
Saffron Haynes
Creatives
Director: Joseph Pitcher
Set Designer: Diego Pitarch
Costume Designer: Natalie Titchener
Composer and Sound Designer:
Simon Arrowsmith
Illusionist: Guy Barrett
Movement: Joseph Pitcher and
Alex Christian
Lighting Designer: Richard G Jones
Information
Running Time: Two hours 30 minutes with an interval
Booking to 16th November 2024
Theatre:
The Mill at Sonning Theatre
Sonning Eye
Reading
RG4 6TY
Website: millatsonning.com
Box Office: (0118) 969 8000
Reviewed by Malcolm Beckett
at the Mill at Sonning
at the matinée on 5th October 2024