Inside Salisbury: Theatre Review: The Croft
The Croft: When the past threatens the present...
By Annette J Beveridge
If you love a dark and mysterious play, then The Croft at Salisbury Playhouse is perfect with its dramatic tale of love, possession and need that transcends the centuries.
Based on a true story, it is a play where the shadows of the past threaten to overwhelm.
The Croft is set in a remote part of the Scottish Highlands, and two women arrive intent on securing their relationship away from the demands of everyday stresses and strains and the needs of family life. But not all is as it seems.
Suzanne (Caroline Harker) is a married woman who has fallen in love with Laura, who is much younger and demanding (Gracie Follows), but the difficulties in their relationship soon become apparent.
Even though Suzanne is married, it is not her husband who comes between them, but the property itself. Built on a site of a tragedy, where ghosts are free to roam, and the lights flicker and fail, the women become afraid of the essence of the past, the malevolence and the old folklore of the Kelpie - a seal that sheds its fur to be a spirit on the land.
Enid (Liza Goddard) is a dark, foreboding presence whose influence can be experienced from beyond the grave. Tied to the land, her love, anger and fear is keenly felt by all. But hers is not the only death at the Croft.
David, is the ghillie, (Gray O’Brien), the local gamekeeper who watches over The Croft, but is an unwanted visitor, and as intricately woven into the fabric of the building as any of them. His story brings a new sub-layer to the plot. He is on hand to help them, with an easy familiarity, but Laura does not want him there.
If you are looking for an entertaining evening and pure escapism, then I highly recommend this play. There’s a great cast including Russell Layton, who plays Ronald and Simon Roberts, who plays Tom. The stage set, lighting and great acting bring a sinister element to the Salisbury stage.
Directed by Alastair Whatley, The Croft is produced by Original Theatre and is well worth a visit. This is a play that keeps you guessing.
Suitable for ages 14+, to book a ticket, click here.
