The New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich has unleashed a production so hauntingly beautiful it will linger in your mind long after the curtain falls. Their new adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's psychological masterpiece 'Don't Look Now' proves why this chilling tale continues to captivate audiences decades after its creation.
A Masterpiece Reborn
Under visionary direction, this production transforms du Maurier's nuanced exploration of grief and the supernatural into a visceral theatrical experience. The stage becomes a character in itself, with atmospheric lighting and sound design that creates an ever-present sense of unease. From the opening moments, you're transported into the fractured world of a couple grappling with unimaginable loss.
Performances That Chill to the Bone
The central performances are nothing short of extraordinary. The actors portraying the grieving parents deliver raw, emotionally charged work that feels both intimate and universal. Their journey from scepticism to terror is portrayed with such authenticity that you find yourself questioning reality alongside them.
Particularly noteworthy is how the production handles the story's supernatural elements. Rather than relying on cheap jump scares, it builds tension through subtle psychological manipulation, leaving the audience to wonder what's real and what exists only in the characters' traumatised minds.
Venetian Nightmares Come Alive
The creative team has worked miracles within the New Wolsey's space, transforming the stage into the watery, decaying beauty of Venice. The production design serves as a perfect metaphor for the characters' emotional state - beautiful on the surface but hiding dark secrets beneath.
What makes this adaptation particularly compelling is its faithfulness to du Maurier's original themes while bringing fresh perspective to the material. The production understands that true horror doesn't come from what we see, but from what we fear might be there.
A Must-See Theatrical Event
This is exactly what regional theatre should be - ambitious, intelligent, and emotionally resonant. The New Wolsey has created something special that deserves to be seen by anyone who appreciates sophisticated storytelling and masterful stagecraft.
Be warned: this production will get under your skin. The images it creates may well visit you in your dreams, and the questions it raises about grief, perception, and the unknown will stay with you for days. In the best possible way, this is theatre that haunts.
