Ghostly goings on in West Berks village

The Ghosts of Halfway House at Compton Village Hall from Thursday, October 19, to Saturday, October 21

Review by TONY TRIGWELL-JONES

COMPTON Players’ annual production took a spooky turn this year with Richard James’ The Ghosts of Halfway House.

The Pattersons, along with their paternal mother-in-law take shelter in the dishevelled Victorian house of the title, as they try to report a road traffic accident. They are accompanied by the enigmatic Mr Godley, an estate agent who is more than he appears to be.

The drama unfolded with well-structured twists and turns, carefully managed by the gifted cast.

Pete Watt portrayed Mr Godley with an uncanny elegance; gentle yet commanding, evasive but to the point; underpinning much of the tension with warmth and care.

Whereas Mary Warrington, as the waspish Nora Patterson, had the lion’s share of the comedic lines, delivered with an assured professionalism that brought some perfectly pitched levity.

Phil Prior gave a considered, naturalistic performance as Simon Patterson, torn between trying to please his mother, defend himself and his wife, while also trying to figure out what is happening.

Jasmine Mullany as his wife Daphne gave a thoughtful interpretation of anxiety, with subtle self-soothing ticks which gave her character depth and credibility.

Catherine Lee, Teagan O’Brien and George Buckland delivered the final twist with strong cameos at the end, which broke the tension and prepared the ground for the heart-warming resolution, which laid the ghosts of Halfway House to rest.

Helen Saxton’s clever direction allowed space for heightened tension, as well as laughter with some clever, neat jump-scares and playful character interaction, as well as one or two well-placed, non-naturalistic devices that served to provide effective moments of cognitive dissonance.

While the “they’re already dead” literary device is a well-used one, this company of community players pulled it off with the skill, wit and sincerity of experienced professionals.

I can’t believe we have to wait a whole 12 months to see what they do next!