Review: THE ORPHANAGE, Blue Orange Theatre

Nothing says Christmas quite like pantomime…or ghost stories, and JW Theatres’ production of The Orphanage is guaranteed to give you goosebumps!

Written and directed by James Williams and Alexandra Whiteley, the story follows a young couple who dare themselves to stay in a long-forgotten building, isolated outside of town, that used to be a children’s home. With dark corridors, damp walls and a disturbing history, the couple decide that maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all.

However, with a broken-down car, they don’t have much choice but to stay until daylight…if they survive that long! 

Stephanie Simpson as Liv and Saul Bache as JP are strong leads. They have good chemistry and Bache is spot on as the annoying boyfriend who doesn’t realise quite how scared his fiancée is, whilst Simpson is the perfect storyteller; her behaviour giving us a glimpse of a hidden secret without giving the game away too early on. 

The set and lighting design by Alex Johnson and Joanne Marshall is suitably atmospheric. With the smallest detail apparent in the props and set dressing, there are just enough spooky shadows and dark corners to get the imagination running wild. The sound design by Dan Clarkson completes the package and has the audience quite literally screaming with unexpected noises!

So, what is the secret Liv is hiding? Who or what is the mysterious Doctor Harding? Is he really still alive or just a figment of their imagination? Will Liv and JP survive the night? How exactly will they get out?

You know there’s only one way to find out, Besties! Get yourself to down to The Orphanage … but don’t go alone … and don’t stand with your back to an open doorway … ever!!

Brace yourselves for a spine chilling and spookily entertaining night out.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

The Orphanage plays at The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham until 27 November, with tickets available here.