Photo credit – Pamela Raith Photography
An eerie stage adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s 1959 gothic horror novel that will leave you prickled with goosebumps, in a constant state of quiet unease. With audience members yelping, and gasping in moments of fear, this is a stage horror that will truly induce fear. Stef Smith’s adaptation, directed by Martin Constantine, creates hilarious dynamics between the characters jumbled into Hill House, an assortment of personalities forced into community. There are misunderstandings, entirely misaligned views, sexual tensions and a subtle sapphic undertone all while the characters endure the haunted nightmare that is Hill House.
The Company of The Haunting of Hill House – credit Pamela Raith
The cast are incredible. Every look, comment or gesture between them feels so meticulously spontaneous – a virtuoso act. Clancy Ryan and Sophie Lenglinger are a delightfully juxtaposed duo, Lenglinger is filled with sultry exuberance while Ryan’s timid, yet boisterous portrayal of ‘little Nell’ is decidedly unnerving. As though waltzing through the narrative; the pair twist, turn and flip their minds upside down, somehow culminating in a complete role reversal at a clever twist of the plot.
While a genius script executed by a talented cast is the heart of a great show, on a production of this scale it’s the design that has the power to win or lose an audience’s imagination entirely. The design team of The Haunting of Hill House did not disappoint, all aspects mingling together seamlessly. Ti Green’s sinister set design shadowed over each scene and transformed fluidly in the blink of an eye. Chris Davey’s Lighting Design was a magical spectacle to behold with projections and clever tricks timed perfectly alongside Johnny Edwards creepy sound design that ticked, clanked, and creaked through the show. All these elements, and more, made Will Houston’s illusion design all the more powerful, with insanely mesmerising, and terrifying stunts of possession.
Sophie Lenglinger (Theo) and Robin Morrissey (Luke) – credit Pamela Raith
Created by a masterful team, every aspect is a showstopper in this Wiltshire Creative production of The Haunting of Hill House. Not one to be missed!
The Haunting of Hill House has a sold-out run at The Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh from 12th-14th November 2026
Reviewer: Ella Beckley
Reviewed: 10th November 2026
Theatre Muse UK Rating: *****
