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The Croft Malvern Theatres **** This chilling thriller by Ali Milles is based on a true Highland story. Based in the remote Scottish Highlands, two women arrive at a former Crofters hut in the deserted village of Coille Ghillie. But suddenly things take an unexpected and chilling turn. Cut off from the modern world Laura and Suzanne find themselves drawn into the dark history of the Croft and those that lived here in bygone years. The secrets of the past won’t be silenced and gradually unravel in a sinister way. The Croft stars Liza Goddard who plays Enid, Caroline Harker as Suzanne and Ruth, Gray O’Brien as David, with Gracie Follows as Laura and Eileen, Russell Layton as Ronald and Simon Roberts as Tom. Judith Ray and Rheannah Trueman are the understudies. Even entering the auditorium there was a chill in the air and I’m not talking about the temperature in the auditorium! We are greeted with the sound of the swell of the sea. Following this we saw the candle lit figure of a female saying “Let them all come”! We first meet Laura and Suzanne at Laura’s Highland retreat. Suzanne is dismayed to hear there is only one shop and also she can’t get a signal to contact her two teenage sons and husband who she is in the process of leaving. Laura tells her that the only way they can communicate there is through a rather archaic walkie talkie system. Laura wants her to forget about her family and concentrate on her relationship with Laura which, as is later highlighted, is a lesbian relationship. We then meet David and discover the story of Enid who allegedly still haunts the building. Frequent ghostly happenings such as the slamming of doors and the snuffing out of the candle suggest an angry presence still lingers in the Croft, particularly when we find out that traditionally candles are left by the window to ward off evil spirits. We are then taken back to the story of how Enid took in Eileen who was rejected by her father for having an affair and becoming pregnant. Adding to this we then discover the story of Ruth, Laura’s mother who had an affair with David, and, discovering she is terminally ill, takes her own life. During the action there is a haunting Scottish ballad sung evocatively by Gracie Follows who plays both th sad characters of Laura and Eileen.All these stories are mysteriously interlinked. It seems that the events of the past are visited upon anyone who dares to stay in the Croft. This chilling ghost story keeps the audience on the edge of their seats wondering what will happen next. Directed by the theatre’s Artistic Director Alastair Whatley and brilliantly acted by a stunning cast of just 6 who play all the parts this performance runs until Saturday 31st May. Jane Lush 27-05-25 |
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