The Haunting of Gusty Nook – Axis Ballymun, Dublin, Bram Stocker Festival

Writer: Peter Dunne

Director: Ursula McGinn

Peter Dunne brings family friendly fright to the Axis just in time for Halloween with The Haunting of Gusty Nook: a ghostly comedy with a meaningful message hidden within that’s sure to entertain children and adults alike this Bank Holiday weekend.

Caitríona Williams plays Belinda, a 13-year-old Gusty Nook native with a secret power, who is on a mission to rid her town of the monsters that plague it, as well as hopefully make a few friends along the way. Donnacha O’Dea and Margaret McAuliffe join Williams as the various other inhabitants of the town; from 12-year-old Portia the babysitting businesswoman to spectral Mr. Tomes, they play several distinctive characters each, with some clever costume changes undertaken at lightning speed and a wide range of regional accents from both. All three give performances that are lively, comedic, and very physical – there’s great direction from Ursula McGinn in terms of movement and use of space particularly – and Williams is a convincing teen, bringing a lovely sweetness to Belinda, but O’Dea and McAuliffe steal the most laughs with their excellent rapport and solid comic timing.

Dunne has written a heartwarming story that marries humour and very gentle horror with a thoughtful undertone; the characters learn about the importance of expressing their feelings and not letting fear get the better of them, ensuring that there is something for children (and adults) to take away from this hour of entertainment. The writing is fresh and funny, and Dunne has certainly found the balance necessary for a mixed age audience.

A splendid set from Naomi Faughnan; the stage is the picture of haunted house chic, but versatile as well as the scenes that take place outside of the Tomes mansion make just as much sense. Suzie Cummins and Denis Clohessy bring the spook with great light and sound work respectively.

For those looking for a delightful hour of children’s theatre this is the perfect way to satisfy that urge, but The Haunting of Gusty Nook need not be relegated to families alone, it’s a professional production of a well written story that has plenty to recommend it. Well worth a visit to the amazing Axis this weekend – catch it while you can.

Running Until October 27th 2024.