Review: The Haunting at Clwyd Theatr Cymru in Mold

Mar 24 2011 by Francesca Elliott, Chester Chronicle

VISITORS to Clwyd Theatr Cymru this week would be forgiven for thinking they had stepped back into a Victorian Christmas ghost story.

Despite the nice spring evening in Mold, it was a dark, stormy night for the cast of The Haunting, an adaptation of Charles Dickens’s ghost stories by Hugh Janes.

Sent to a crumbling lonely mansion in the middle of desolate moorland, young book dealer David Filde, played by former EastEnder Charlie Clements, must attempt to sort and value the vast library of Lord Grey, played by Paul Nicholas, but finds his efforts hampered by more than a few spooky goings on.

Set in the late 1800s during a period of four days, David must convince Lord Grey of the existence of the ghostly events before together, they can set out to solve the mystery surrounding the forgotten library and the last days of the former Lord Grey.

The packed audience spent an enjoyable evening shrieking and jumping out of their skin in turn.

There were minimal special effects used, just lots of wind, gloom and the occasionally ghostly screech to set the scene.

Charlie Clements and Paul Nicholas played the parts of nervous outsider and cynical lord to a tee and their on-edge whimperings prompted more than a few goosebumps.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Haunting and urge everyone to see it.

Call 0845 330 3565 or visit www. clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk.