THEATRE REVIEW: The Croft ★★★★

The Croft
The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
Wednesday 22nd - Saturday 25th January 2020

Ali Mille's Scottish Thriller begins with Suzanne 'Suz' (Caroline Barker) and Laura (Lucy Doyle), a couple of considerable age difference and one that after nine months of secrecy and a 'Babysitter' backstory have ran for a getaway weekend away to Laura's family Crofter's Hut, unknown to them to a haunting presence still lurks of a Laura's late mother. This slow moving plot puts a lot of detail and description into the romance between the two, even when tension starts to stir from tensions back home.

Seamlessly tied within the script is the ability to travel between time and expand on what at times can seem like throwaway moments; a conversation had regarding Laura's lack of presence in her mother's life at the end of her days is explored beautifully with the art of transformation from Barker, who wraps up with a shawl to represent a younger version of Gwen Taylor's frailed Enid, the late mother who's tragic end is shrouded upon mystery. It's Philip Frank's direction which allows this transition to happen, and throughout greatly settles on a naturalistic direction that for the most part never feels forced. The use of Adrian Linford's design further allows Frank to explore the use of an outside world beyond the hut, wether that's by the shore or on top of the Highlands.

Making up the rest of the cast is Drew Cain and Simon Roberts, portraying David and Tom respectfully, though do multirole in other ways to add to the history surrounding Laura's family. Cain fits in like a glove to the chemistry on stage fully integrated from Doyle and Barker, making the whole performance a relaxing state as Mille's words flow. Roberts gives Taylor mostly a partner that strives and battles against eachother, drawing in moments of rage and anguish. Chris Davey's lighting switches with clarity depending on the timeframe, and does justice in focusing on the moments of tension, especially when jump scares are involved, though not to the heightened effect of terrified senses.

Overall, whilst The Croft is in lack of a punchy and fast-paced plot, it certainly delivers on character development of our two main female protagonists situated within a remote Scottish hut with no signal for miles, and a garunteed evening of intriguing mystery, one that will keep you on your toes and ears pricked until the final beat.