It Walks Around the House at Night
Tim Foley
Thickskin Theatre Company
Lowry, Salford
November 3-7, 2026; 90 mins, no interval
With the shadow of Hallowe'en lurking in the not-too-distant past, It Walks Around the House at Night's chilling and thrilling ghost story fits perfectly into our darkening, chilly evenings.
This contemporary horror-thriller play, written by Bruntwood prize-winning playwright Tim Foley and produced by Wigan’s award-winning ThickSkin, doesn’t fail in what it sets out to do: present extraordinary stories in unexpected ways.
Joe (George Naylor) is an out of work actor at a particularly low and desperate ebb. He is attracted to the prospect of a well-paid "acting" job and to the rich and handsome provider of this role, which demands he acts as a ghost at Paragon Hall, a classic English country manor.
But everything is not as it seems, and things begin to unravel as Joe finds himself intrigued, seduced and trapped by the role and his surroundings.
Naylor invites the audience to go on this journey with him, as he tells of his past adventures by painting the picture and enlivening the imagination of the audience. They are further stimulated by the excellent soundscape by Tony award-winning sound designer, Pete Malkin, and the evocative lighting of Olivier award-winning lighting designer Joshua Pharo.
There is much that is appealing and beguiling about this piece; the clever stagecraft of director Neil Bettles, the blend of dark humour and psychological fear, the use of physical theatre and multimedia - all of which enhance the ambience, the theatricality and, most importantly, the story. There is also the haunting presence of Oliver Bains as The Dancer, who expertly adds to the story through physicality and movement.
The piece feels a little self-indulgent at times, and the story tends to meander occasionally - regardless of which, audience members remained gripped, startled and challenged in equal measure. The play touches on themes such as class, exploitation, the attraction of money, people and fear, and most importantly of being there for each other when needed.
This is a 90-minute, fast-moving single-act play, with excellent timing and effects, unexpected twists and humour; inventive and engaging storytelling with a difference. Are you brave enough to join Joe on his ghost story tour?
More info and tickets here
