It Walks Around The House at Night

Southwark Playhouse Borough

A good piece of horror theatre that is well done is hard to come by, and Thick Skin Theatre have cracked it! This show keeps you on the edge of your seat and hungry for more.

Tension fills the theatre as the audience dives deeper into this haunting piece written by Tim Foley. Although the theatre is filled with people, you still feel alone and unsafe. The storyteller, Joe, played by George Naylor, takes you on the ghost walk with him. Whilst there are moments of comedy, the fear will take over, and the creature will have you shivering with fear in your seat. Things aren't always what they seem. The one question I ask you is: How far would you go for 10 thousand pounds?

There is no doubt about the level of work George Naylor has put into his character 'Joe' and bringing the story to life. He carries the story, embodies the other characters, and keeps the audience glued to it. Whilst the writing is incredible and strikes the perfect balance by giving the audience a sense of fear and taking them away into moments of safety, it's down to Naylor to keep the audience locked in. He fully commits to the character to the point that it feels as though he owns the story and his personal experience. I don't want to give any spoilers, but there is a moment you fully believe him, and it does take you aback. 'The Dancer' is played by Oliver Baines; he takes on this role with so much grace. If you are a lover of contemporary dance, the choreography does scratch that dance itch. His movement skills make the creature seem otherworldly, and the dancer feels ghostly. Personally, I think showing the other cast member's face takes away an element of fear from the creature, because you know who is under the other costume. I feel like keeping the other person masked the whole time keeps the audience at a high level of fear. The fear is real, though. I went to the show alone, and I didn't want to show off how scared I was, you know, you want to seem strong and cool... but I kept my eyes closed for moments, because I was so scared.

Some incredible teamwork by the sound team, Pete Malkin and Kieran Lucas; set design by Neil Bettles and Tom Robbins; and costume by Madison Omatseone. Each element brought the story to life, and there was no veil between the audience and the story. You were very much in the story as soon as your feet touch the mud on the floor, you're on the walk with Joe. Each area was so meticulously planned, and it is crystal clear. There was not one design or direction choice by Neil Bettles (director) that made no sense. Each element brought the story to life and heightened the sense of fear. It was clear that those around me felt it too because audience members were jumping and screaming, you know, that their reactions were real because they would laugh at themselves, making these reactions after having them. It truly is ghostly.

This is the first piece of horror theatre I've seen that has a compelling story with direction, creates a true sense of fear and makes you feel completely alone in a room filled with an audience. No choice is made for fear's sake; it is done because it adds to the story, and it's refreshing. This piece is a diamond, and it is going to grow into something even stronger if it carries on developing in the direction that it is. Honestly, some great writing by Tim Foley and huge appreciation for George Naylor for keeping the audience drawn to him for a whole 90 minutes. Exceptional work in all areas!