Review: The Haunting of Hill House is a chilling thriller not to be missed
Prepare yourself for this spooky thriller with the Totley Operatic and Dramatic Society (TOADS)
The Haunting of Hill House is a novel by Shirley Jackson and has been adapted for the stage by F. Andrew Leslie. It tells the story of a house, cut off from the outside world by its remote location. Hill House has remained empty and silent except for daily visits from grumbling caretaker Mrs Dudley.
TOADS brings to life the story of Dr Montague, an investigator of supernatural phenomena, who has been granted a short lease to delve into the morbid history and come to grips with the occult forces that have made Hill House uninhabitable for many years.
This am dram production is both funny and chilling that will keep audiences on their toes from start to finish, as Dr Montague is joined by three others who all struggle to disguise their mounting fears caused by strange and eerie occurrences.
Sarah Scott, TOADS Chair said: "The Haunting of Hill House is a change from our usual light hearted comedies, we do hope the audience will enjoy it.
“We try to make our productions inclusive and budget friendly so it is accessible to all. Our society has such a long history and we all have such fun putting on these plays, it is a joy to give back to the community that supports us."
Founded in the 1950s TOADS is an amateur dramatics society which meets every Tuesday around 7:30pm at St John's Church Hall on Abbeydale Road and produces 2 plays a year, in May and November.
Jenni Gray the director of their most recent production said: "The society has been so friendly since I joined. I've been able to act, do props and direct plays. It's such a diverse group of people, and yet somehow it just works.
“So much hard graft has gone into this production and I'm so proud of everyone. Can't wait for the audience to see it."
Actor Alice Bird added: "We are just normal people with full time jobs and kids and other stuff...We sometimes forget our lines or things go wrong, but when you are there on stage with your friends the buzz just fills you. Being with TOADS has really helped me with confidence and public speaking.”
The Haunting of Hill House will be performed from Weds 11th November to Sat 14th November. The weekday performances are at 7.30pm and the Saturday performance is a matinee only at 2.30pm.
For tickets email [email protected] or call 0114 2351206