PLAYHOUSE, LIVERPOOL – UNTIL SATURDAY 5TH JULY 2025
REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN
4****
There’s something truly captivating about experiencing a thriller live on stage—no special effects, no edits, just authentic performances and real-time suspense. Watching The Croft is like being transported into a haunting, secluded world where the past clings tightly.
Set in the chilling isolation of a remote Highland croft, this psychological thriller cleverly weaves themes of loss, trauma, and buried secrets. The narrative intertwines three timelines: present-day Laura with her older partner Suzanne, Laura’s mother Ruth in the early 2000s, and Enid, a 19th-century Highland woman confronting the Clearances.
As the storyline unfolds, the mood grows increasingly tense, immersing the audience in a gripping world where not everything is as it seems. With its intricately crafted plot, evocative staging, and powerful performances, this production provides a deeply moving experience that only live theatre can offer.
The play’s brilliance shines through its rich storytelling. Ali Milles’s writing skilfully weaves suspense by blending reality with the supernatural. Characters from various times connect, suggesting that haunting is not just about spirits but also about the emotional scars passed down through generations.
The beauty of The Croft comes not just from its captivating ambience but also from the depth and emotional richness of the performances. With a tight-knit cast playing various roles across different eras, the actors showcase remarkable versatility and skill. Even with the script’s transitions in time and mood, the performances maintain a sense of emotional continuity. The dedication of the cast keeps the audience engaged, even when the story delves into its eerie aspects. These aren’t merely ghostly figures; they are well-developed characters, brought to life with thoughtfulness and attention to detail.
In a play filled with atmosphere and emotional depth, Laura’s performance, portrayed by Gracie Follows, stands out the most. Her acting is captivating, but it’s her surprising and beautifully haunting singing that truly makes a lasting impact.
The Croft is an engaging and immersive thriller that provides a captivating theatrical experience. With its eerie setting, powerful performances, and clever use of lighting and sound, the play skilfully invites the audience into its multi-layered, time-shifting story. Although a few parts might leave you a bit puzzled, the suspense and emotional depth really stand out – a ghost story as much about a place as it is about people.