Based on a true story, Ali Miles’ gripping play transports audiences to the haunting beauty of the Scottish Highlands, where the past and present entwine with chilling effect. Under the assured direction of Philip Franks and Alastair Whatley, this production by the Original Theatre Company (in association with Wiltshire Creative) is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling.

A Spellbinding Setting

From the moment the curtain rises, the audience is enveloped in the austere, windswept isolation of Coillie Ghille. The set design is evocative and meticulously detailed, conjuring the sense of a place steeped in secrets. The lighting, expertly crafted, deserves particular praise: subtle shifts mirror the passing of time and mood, casting shadows that hint at unseen presences and heightening the play’s palpable tension.

Standout Performances

The cast deliver performances of remarkable depth and nuance. Liza Goddard, as Enid, is a revelation—her portrayal exudes both stoic resilience and a haunting vulnerability, anchoring the play’s emotional core. Caroline Harker brings Suzanne to life with a compelling blend of curiosity and unease, drawing the audience into the mystery that unfolds.

Gracie Follows, as Laura, is a standout. She captures the restless energy and emotional turmoil of a woman confronting both personal and ancestral ghosts. Her chemistry with Harker is authentic and deeply affecting, lending the play its beating heart.

Gray O’Brien’s David and Russell Layton’s Ronald both deliver strong supporting performances, each imbuing their roles with a sense of history and gravitas. Simon Roberts, as Tom, adds a layer of warmth and humanity, providing moments of relief amidst the tension.

Direction: Building Suspense and Engagement

Alastair Whatley’s direction is especially noteworthy for its deft handling of suspense and engagement. Through measured silences, careful blocking, and the interplay of light and shadow, Whatley masterfully evokes a sense of foreboding. His collaborative style empowers the cast to deliver layered, psychologically complex performances, keeping the audience invested and on edge as the croft’s dark history gradually comes to light.

A Haunting Narrative

What sets The Croft apart is its deft weaving of past and present. As Laura and Suzanne’s weekend getaway spirals into something far more sinister, the audience is drawn inexorably into the croft’s dark history. The play skilfully explores themes of identity, legacy, and the inescapable pull of the past, all while maintaining a simmering sense of dread.

Technical Excellence

The sound design is equally praiseworthy, with subtle effects that evoke the howling wind and creaking timbers, further immersing the audience in the croft’s eerie atmosphere. The pacing is tight, with every scene building upon the last, culminating in a finale that is both moving and unsettling.

Final Thoughts

The Croft is a triumph of ensemble theatre—intelligent, atmospheric, and deeply affecting. With standout performances from Liza Goddard, Caroline Harker, and Gracie Follows, exceptional technical work in lighting and sound, and the suspenseful direction of Alastair Whatley, this production is not to be missed. It lingers in the mind long after the final curtain, a testament to the enduring power of storytelling.

Highly recommended.

Dates: 10–14 June 2025
Venue: Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EP
Tickets: £15–£39.50 (concessions available)
Book online at birmingham-rep.co.uk