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Show 'won't give children nightmares'

From the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, first published Thursday 4th Apr 2002.

MEMBERS of an amateur theatre group in Hyndburn are reassuring theatregoers that their latest production will not give their children nightmares.

The Oswaldtwistle Players cast of The Haunting of Hill House say their production is based on F Andrew Leslies's adaptation for the stage, rather than the 1990s film starring Liam Neeson and Catherine Zeta Jones, but this had caused concerns for parents.

Several worried parents who have seen the 15 certificate film have approached the crew to voice their worries that the show may be unsuitable for younger eyes and ears and ticket sales have confirmed these fears.

But Gayle Knight, players' secretary, says parents have nothing to worry about as their budget did not stretch to the special effects seen in the big screen version of the story.

She said: "I think a lot of people are aware of the film The Haunting, which was very scary because of its special effects, but the stage version is more about suspense and tension because we could not use those effects on stage.

"This is not a horror story with blood or gore and is suitable for most ages. It is very difficult to say whether or not it would definitely scare someone, but I don't think it would give anyone nightmares -- it is more chilling than scary.

"We haven't done anything of this nature before and it is difficult to know when to put a disclaimer on unless something clearly contains strong language, which this doesn't, but it is fine for any mature child."

The ghost story, originally written by Shirley Jackson, revolves around a professor who invites people with an interest in psychic experiences to spend time in Hill House for investigative purposes. But as the guests slowly unravel the history of the house they encounter strange happenings and ghostly goings-on.

The show, which will take to the stage from April 17 for four nights, is the first performance of the year by the award winning local group which formed about 50 years ago.

Tickets, available from Oswaldtwistle Post Office and Accrington Town Hall, are £6 or £5 for concessions.

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