Reviewed by Deborah Mackenzie
The House on Cold Hill is a modern-day ghostly thriller which is based on a true story that best-selling author Peter James experienced when with his former wife purchased an isolated historic Georgian manor house in Sussex.
The paranormal or ghost story genre has been around for decades, but The House on Cold Hill is set in present day. The Harcourt family, Ollie (Joe McFadden), Caro (Rita Simons) and teenage daughter Jade (Persephone Swales-Dawson), are starting a new chapter in their lives having left their city life to purchase a huge mansion, their ‘forever home’ that has stood empty for over 40 years unaware of the fateful history of its previous owners.
Ollie has employed the village tech-geek, Chris (Charlie Clements) to set us the Wi-Fi and help him build his new web design business. Jade who is unamused at the move is continually facetiming her best friend. Caro is excited as she has purchased Ollie’s most wanted birthday gift Alexa and has asked Chris to install it.
Ollie is excited as he works with builder Phil (Leon Stewart), is surprised at some of the things he is finding as he tries to rectify problems with the house. Odd squealing noises make you jump and send shivers down your spine but they both put it down to the old water system in the house.
Caro asks Chris if he know of someone in the village who would be interested in a cleaning job. Chris asks his friend Annie (Tricia Deighton) the local craft shop lady. Things are not as they first appear as she has a secret.
Fortinbras (Padraig Lynch) the local vicar turns up to sell raffle tickets but get more involved when asked about the history of the manor.
As the story unfolds Jade discovers Chris’ blog and she tells her parents; only naturally the start to blame him for all the high strangeness going on. But is it him?
The House on Cold Hill is extremely well-written, filled with humour, twists and turns with strong performances and expertly used lighting and sounds present chilling moments that make the hairs on your arms stand up. It uses modern day technology throughout the storyline, that makes you realise how much it has changed your lives. I must admit, I don’t want Alexa in my home now!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £13 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
The House on Cold Hill is at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow from 28 May to 1 June 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-glasgow or call the box office on 0844 871 7647.
Theatre Royal, 282 Hope Street, Glasgow, G2 3QA | 0844 871 7647
