Review: THE WITCHING HOUR, Blue Orange Theatre
It’s that time of year; the sun starts going down earlier and earlier, the temperature is cooling, and the joys of summer are quickly becoming fond memories. For some, this is a blessed relief, nights in with fires and blankets; for this reviewer, there is only one thing to bring joy to this season - Halloween. The Witching Hour is a thrilling way to embrace the change in the air.
Jessica Porter leads the terrifyingly talented cast in the role of Erin Bailey. Studying for an MA in psychology, she is interested in the persecution of women or, as she is constantly reminded, witches. It is in her pursuit of dismantling the belief in the supernatural ability of these women that she comes across the path of the endearing Professor Dubois, delicately played by Mark Kitto.
Here is where our story truly begins as she learns of the witch hunt of Elspeth Langford (Eleanor May Blackburn), murdered not too far from the university in which she studies. Her quest is set. Uncover the secrets as to why many people have disappeared and their last known location was the home of Elspeth Langford - awkward coincidence or the curse of the Witch? With her brother, Sam Bailey (Saul Bache), a tent, camping chair and a gourmet feast of Pot Noodles and “tinnies”, they head to the derelict house, left to ruin over the years.
This is not the first foray into the horror play genre for James Williams, and it outweighs the previous production (The Wicked Lady) from this talented writer/director. The tension is present from the moment you enter the theatre. It is here we want to jump right into a description of the sights and sounds but we shall tread lightly as the less you know about it, the more immersive the experience will be. On that note, this review will tell you no more about its contents, with the hope that you are thrilled enough to visit the bijou Blue Orange Theatre in Birmingham - the perfect intimate setting for a play about witches, filled to the brim with jump scares.
As with most horrors, one must be patient as the story builds, Act One more so than Act Two. In Act One, the tension slowly builds in a way that you know something will happen. The question is what, where and how? as you slowly sink into your seat waiting for the tension to break. Act Two is a bombardment of the senses, again, We cannot say any more, though we really want to spill the secrets! The scares come thick and fast with one bringing audible screams from the audience – us included.
The story is good, though would benefit from a little more character history, especially regarding the Bailey siblings. At times, some of the horror sequences last a touch too long and therefore lose their impact. Besides these minor challenges, it is the small ensemble of actors, excellent direction, terrifying sound design by Dan Clarkson and effective lighting designed by Alex Johnson that bring this story to life. A strong recommendation for this Halloween season. Start your spooky season with a good scream.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Alanna Boden
The Witching Hour runs at the Blue Orange Theatre in Birmingham until 21 October, with further information here.