Review: The Watch House (Touring)

Friday, 8th November 2024 at Leeds Playhouse 

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Chris Foxton adapts Robert Westall’s novel, The Watch House, for the stage, and it’s an interesting blend of warm comedy with a cynical edge, and very mild spookiness.

Papatango’s production sees George Turvey direct a no-fuss production which relies on the cast appealing to the imaginations of the audience. A few token costumes, a heavily used (at times distinctly over-used to the point of onerousness, truth be told) and eerie sound design are the only assisting elements: all else is down to passionate performances.

Donald McBride leads the way as both the voice of the agonised haunting presence and the wonderfully charming and straight-talking Arthur. McBride is at his best with his witty one-liners which are made all the richer for their Geordie twang and dialect.

Aoife Kennan plays Anne – the downhearted teen sent to stay in this remote place beside the haunted Watch House (formerly a successful coastguard station) while her parents navigate a divorce back home. It’s not easy to carry a ghost story like this, and Kennan does well to capture the semi-fearful, semi-rebelliously spunky nature of this wounded teen intent on solving a spooky mystery.

The show really lies at the feet of Catherine Dryden though, as she plays quadruple the characters of her cast mates and impresses with versatility across voice, accent and distinct characterisations. At her best as the know-all socially awkward Timmo, but also carrying the production with zeal across other characters, Dryden proves herself the heart of the show.

The tale and the production are more softly spooky in a family show vein than they are terrifying or unnerving. Sound design goes a long way though – particularly with its emphasis on raspy voices and hauntingly beautiful songs. The plot itself remains more in line with mildly threatening myths and fairytales, and fails to impress with its reveal. So, while a strong cast deliver an interesting story here, complete with edges of comedy and eeriness, fear not – it’s not to keep you up at night or anything! 

The Watch House is at Leeds Playhouse until November 11th 2024 – more information and tickets can be found here.