REVIEW - The Haunting of Hill House has you on the edge of your seat!

We were invited to the Palace Theatre, Manchester to see The Haunting of Hill House. Read what our reviewer Rosie Patterson had to say about this spooky show...

A mansion in the hills. Unexplained noises, spirits roaming the halls. All formulate to create the perfect supernatural tale, The Haunting of Hill House. From best-selling novel to a Netflix series, the classic ghost story still lives on, this time in a gripping stage adaptation. I was completely new to this story, but I am no stranger to genres like the supernatural, as  I am surrounded by friends who love anything related to ghosts or horror.

The Haunting of Hill House follows the story of the enigmatic Hill House; a house so haunted the caretakers refuse to stay overnight. Two individuals invited by Dr Montague, who is determined to record the paranormal activity that goes on within the house. These individuals, Eleanor and Theodora, have all had some experience with supernatural events. They are also joined by the eventual heir to the house, Luke. As the play progresses, stories and reasons are revealed, bonds are formed and broken. Even as the play ends, it ensures it will leave you to question, are we haunted?

Clancy Ryan (Singin’ in the Rain, Cabaret, South Pacific) is the troubled Eleanor Vance. She is haunted by her grief, which is more than meets the eye. She believes her mother’s spirit is following her, something that many others cast doubt upon. Many occurrences lead to an eventual revelation, leading to the implication that the paranormal may be to do with ourselves. Sophie Lenglinger (Privileged, Stags, Whitetail) plays the charismatic Theodora. A character rumoured to be telepathic, Theodora brings light into the room and shows affection towards Eleanor, but as events go on, she begins to withdraw, blaming her for certain happenings within the house. Sophie Lenglinger does a wonderful job of portraying a loveable but flawed character. Jasper Britton (Midsomer Murders, Hijack, Heartbeat) is Dr Montague. He is the reason all individuals are there, as he is intrigued to their experiences with the paranormal. He is adamant he will capture the various occurrences, even after they begin to put the others in danger. He is the driving force of the investigation, along with his wife, Mrs Montague, Jemma Churchill (Waterloo Road, Call the Midwife, Alma’s Not Normal). Both characters show an interest in the supernatural, as Mrs Montague has suffered a devastating loss herself. Their belief in the ghost activity becomes almost frustrating, as the play takes a shocking turn, both Mr and Mrs Montague turn a blind eye to it.

Robin Morrissey (Coronation Street, Holby City, Doctors) plays the heir to Hill House, Luke. A character who is troubled by his past, and his treatment by his father. Robin Morrissey portrays this character wonderfully. A fascinating yet cowardly character, fleeing as soon as he can.

The fascination did not only lie in the characters. The set was an impressive feat, designed by Ti Green. The set was a simple room, made up of multiple doors, however, the use of projection brought the story to life. A screen in front of the set created a 3D effect, as if the house were being constructed before our very eyes. This set certainly took the audience aback, as the projection created multiple illusions, such as shattered glass, a staircase, and rain.

One element of the show that truly stood out was the sound. Designed by Johnny Edwards, this was hugely significant to the supernatural, as it created another immersive element which added to the chilling atmosphere. From the very first bang, the sound is crucial to the story. From eerie singing, lights shattering and doors banging, sounds certainly played a huge role in the feeling that we were also in Hill House, which did not fail to impress.

Overall, The Haunting of Hill House is a show that will have you on the edge of your seat. A play that explores how things may not be what they seem, how people may present themselves differently to who they truly are. It is more than just a spooky ghost story. It is a tale of grief and underlying secrets that reveal themselves at the worst moments.

WE SCORE THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE...

The Haunting of Hill House is on at the Palace Theatre, Manchester until Saturday 31st October 2026.


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