TWO actors who will be familiar to TV fans feature in this twohanded play by Philip Meeks, billed as a supernatural spine-chiller.

Brian Capron, whose performance as Corrie’s charming murderer Richard Hillman had audiences riveted for many weeks (perhaps hoping to witness the demise of the tedious Gail) takes the part of clairvoyant Edgar Ryme, giving a series of interviews to investigative journalist Amanda Schilling, played by Cathy Shipton.

Viewers of Casualty in its original form will remember Cathy as Sister Duffy, a tower of strength to patients and staff alike. So, it’s worth going along to the Civic to see these two reliable and talented actors, even in a play which turns out to be unmitigated tosh. The first half consists mainly of ghost stories of the sort with which we’re all familiar second or third-hand, and after the interval we’re introduced to the anti-Christ, trying to find his way back to wreak havoc on mankind.

The big shock finish draws titters from the audience, and this isn’t the fault of the actors, doing their best with a Seventies-style script from this contemporary playwright.

I had never seen a genuinely scary production in a theatre until Woman in Black, another two-hander with minimal stage sets, which manages to make its audience squeal with terror.

Meeks’ play conveys no atmosphere and, although the spooky stories are quite interesting, they’re certainly not spine-chilling for audiences used to scarier fare.

• Runs until Saturday. Tickets on 01325-486555.

Sue Heath