HAUNTING JULIA (Hall & Childs Ltd)
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| McFadden, Preston & O'Callaghan |
It’s a joy to go to the theatre and see a lesser performed
Alan Ayckbourn play, rather than the more popular, slightly outdated, revivals
usually on offer and this week, Haunting Julia, is a real gem. Although it
isn’t as frightening as The Woman In Black, it certainly has enough scares to
qualify it as a thrilling ghost story.
Andrew Hall eloquently directs a superb cast of three who
effortlessly deliver Ayckbourn’s dialogue heavy script with immense focus,
while maintaining an impressive level of tension throughout proceedings. Duncan
Preston, most famous for his work with Victoria Wood, is simply excellent in
the role of Joe Lukin, the grieving father of his daughter, Julia, a musical
genius who tragically died twelve years ago, at the age of nineteen. Soon after
turning the site of her demise into a museum dedicated to her life, Joe begins
to become aware of some unusual happenings, that he shares with his daughter’s
ex-lover, Andy, perfectly played by the devilishly handsome, Joe McFadden,
who’s delectable Scottish accent becomes the perpetual voice of reason. The
arrival of a well-wishing psychic, quirkily characterised by Richard
O’Callaghan, soon brings about a series of confessions and unnerving events
that uncover the reason behind Julia’s death.
This is a wonderfully written and brilliantly performed
piece of theatre that utilises the ghostly theme extremely well, while providing
the perfect mix of comedy and drama. Trick or treat? Haunting Julie is a
spookily perfect Halloween treat and runs until Saturday at Malvern Festival
Theatre! Go and see it!
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