HENRY James' creepy story about strange goings-on in a large country house makes for an absorbing evening's entertainment.

Inexperienced young governess Miss Grey is left in charge of eight-year-old Flora and her older brother Miles, who has been dismissed from his boarding school.

Their guardian leaves instructions that he is not to be disturbed on his business trip. With some trepidation, Miss Grey agrees, comforted by the presence of sensible, motherly housekeeper Mrs Grose, but things very quickly start to deteriorate. Are the spectres that appear to Miss Grey the ghosts of former employees, or just the product of her fevered imagination?

With nerves stretched to breaking point, she comes to believe the children are in danger and resolves to protect them at all costs. Sarah Mowat as the highly-strung governess makes a good fist of a difficult task; the character is a tedious one who could do with a Valium or a strong drink. Katie Evans as the housekeeper holds the whole thing together with her calming presence, but it's the children, Jessica Louise Inglis and Nicholas Richardson, who steal the acting honours. They're a little on the large side for eight and ten, but their confident, natural performances belie the fact that neither has appeared in a professional production before.

* Runs until Saturday. Box Office (01325) 486555

Published: 01/07/2004