Alan Ayckbourn wrote this piece, after being inspired by the chilling play The Woman in Black - his chief objective was to make his audience jump out of their seats!

I can certainly confirm that this Barn production directed, by Maureen Davies, not only made us jump - we also found ourselves gripping the person next to us for reassurance!

As we enter the theatre, we are transported into a museum replica of Julia’s bedroom, lovingly recreated by her father, Joe, played by Doug Brooker.

Joe has dedicated his life to sharing the pride he felt having a daughter who was recognised as a musical prodigy and, in doing so, unearthed a desire to find out what happened on that last night of his daughter’s life. Doug Brooker gives a strong performance as a man torn to find the truth, whilst desperately holding onto the memory his daughter’s outstanding talent.

Julia’s ex-boyfriend Andy, played by Harry Harding, has come to support Joe with his new venture, but for him the past is too traumatic, Harry Harding portrays Andy with a gentle presence whilst containing the demons he has held on to for so many years.

Joe has also invited a psychic, Ken, played by Neil Harrison to open the chakras and invite Julia back into her room. Closure is needed for all these three men. But Ken is not all he seems! Neil Harrison’s performance had us all fooled! We completely believe every possible resolution his character brings to the evening’s proceedings.

We, the audience, also tried to solve the mystery! I can only compare the process presented to us to be that of enjoying an infamous walnut whip (they are still on sale somewhere!). So, you nibble the walnut off the top but you’re not there yet! Then chomp on the rich chocolate and finally you reach the centre: a soft marshmallow inside! Voila the case is solved!

Although in this production this is where the similarity ends, do not expect a soft marshmallow ending! Ayckbourn and Maureen Davies are not going to gently close this haunting play! I wish I could expose the superb climax, but I can’t!

Do not miss out on an evening that will leave you with wobbly legs and disturbing questions about the afterlife. It is without swearing! 

Haunting Julia runs until Saturday, December 3, 8pm evenings and 2.30pm matinee. Tickets £13, from Barn box office on 01707 324300 or online at www.barntheatre.co.uk