Review: More…Ghost Stories by Candlelight
High Tide are a writer-centred theatre company, based in the East of England. They produce new plays by playwrights from across that region, and tour the East and beyond.
Following the success of their Ghost Stories by Candlelight in 2023 they are currently touring with “More… Ghost Stories by Candlelight”, always dangerous as sequels can very often fall flat on their face, but fear not as this is not the case here.
October-November with it’s dark nights is the perfect season for some spooky tales, add in the location on the night that I saw it, the very atmospheric Layer Marney Towers, in Essex and you’re in for a spell binding night.
The production consists of four separate ghost or mysterious tales, told over an hour long performance by two talented actors, Becky Barry and Sharan Phull.
Lighthouse by Tassa Deparis is set in Orford, and knowing the area well myself added to the tale. Orford and Orfordness always holds a sense of mystery with the bleak landscape and the Ness with it’s stories of strange goings on during it’s time as a top-secret military testing area. As the first piece of the evening this just gripped the audience, before it’s conclusion.
Sorry no spoilers, you will have to go and see it to find out more.
James McDermott is a Norfolk based writer, and it is in Salthouse, Norfolk that he sets his ghost story.
She by Aisha Zia is completely different again and involves a young woman telling her story, Aisha said “if you want to spook people you have to know just where to put the chills” well she certainly found the right spot!
Finally we have Lovers’ Gate by Eloise Pennycott a tale of young lovers.
I found it amazing how much was put into just 60 minutes, so well-written and performed. High Tide are definitely a company worth watching and adding in the local element adds even more to the interest for East Anglian audiences.
The tour continues until 31st October culminating with two performances at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, New Globe in London on 30th and 31st October. In between you can catch it at Halesworth, Lowestoft, Bury St Edmunds, Gr Yarmouth, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norwich, Harlow and Cambridge.
One final note, our return home from Layer Marney involved driving from the Towers along an unlit and twisting lane, all the while I was hoping and praying the car didn’t breakdown, so thank you High Tide, I think you spooked me!
For more information and booking visit www.hightide.org.uk
• Review Mark Keable, Ipswich24 Magazine
Pictures: Fourth Wall Photography