Based on several ghost stories by Charles Dickens, The Haunting by Hugh Janes is to be staged in-the-round at the New Vic in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire.
Director Eleanor Taylor said, “this gothic ghost story offers us an incredible opportunity to stage a play full of magic and illusions, and call on the New Vic’s fabulous atmosphere and immersive quality to really place audiences at the heart of this spooky, engaging story.
“Staging illusions in the round is naturally far more challenging than in other theatre configurations. I’m really looking forward to working with the team to push our creative boundaries, explore the space and bring this Dickensian tale to life.”
The Haunting features a young man who visits an ancient manor house to organise the estate of the late owner.
The cast comprises David Ahmad as Lord Gray, Jessica Hole as Mary and Richard Leeming as David Filde.
Ahmad played Telegin and Waffles in Trevor Nunn’s adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya at the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond, Surrey earlier in 2024.
Michael Holt, who designed Stephen Mallatratt’s adaptation of Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black in the West End, will design The Haunting. Assistant director is Polly Wain. Daniella Beattie is lighting designer and sound designer is Jamie Lu. Illusionist consultant is Dr Will Houstoun.
The Haunting will take to the New Vic stage from Friday 24 May until Saturday 15 June.