Writers: Ned Cox and Alexandria Haber
Director: Alain Goulem
Author Vicki Garner is suffering from writer’s block for her latest novel. Dragging her best friend Cassie halfway across the world to seek inspiration from cliffside views and English manor houses, she’s finally able to piece together a story. But whose story is it? And more importantly, is it being told how they want it to be told? The old house they’re staying in is full of secrets, memories, and ghosts of the past. The time to stay silent is no more – the tale has to be told.
Horror is always notoriously hard to replicate in a theatre setting, never quite eliciting the same level of fear or suspense that is created in TV or movies, yet somehow, director Alain Goulem manages to pull it off. Using minimal lighting and sound techniques, Goulem creates the perfect atmospheric, spooky ambience to suit Ned Cox and Alexandria Haber’s gothic-style storyline.
Presenting the performance as a novel, complete with chapters being announced and third person character narration is an interesting technique, not often explored on stage, but is extremely well executed. The cast bring this fictional re-enactment alive and set the scene impeccably. Main narrator Jane Wheeler, plays author Vicki, and is the perfect casting choice. Her voice is so clear and soothing that it makes her the ideal selection for any audiobook or voiceover opportunity. The only props used are a few chairs and a table, yet the conviction from the actors and the well-written description in the script will have you feeling the clifftop breeze on your face.
Fiona Tong, playing local gossip / barmaid Moira, provides a brilliant element of comedic relief from the suspenseful storyline. Naturally funny, she delivers each line without missing a beat and is a good balance of humour amongst the other cast members. Cara Steele (Rose) and Alexandria Haber (Cassie) haunt the stage with the parallels between the two characters lives, both plagued by the same tragedies in different centuries. They slowly build the pace within their scenes, right up until the edge-of-your-seat final crescendo.
The Silent Woman is unique, exciting and definitely a little bit spooky. A mixed bag of genres, a storyline within a storyline and a brilliant cast that bring this intricately layered script to life – what more could you ask for?
Runs until 23 April 2022
