It Walks Around the House at Night: A Spine-Chilling Horror Theatre Hit in London
London's horror theatre scene is experiencing a remarkable renaissance, and Tim Foley's It Walks Around the House at Night stands as a thrilling testament to this trend. This rollicking yarn, playing at Southwark Playhouse Borough in Elephant & Castle from March 11 to March 28, 2026, masterfully blends supernatural chills with sharp wit, offering audiences a gripping theatrical experience that avoids the pitfalls of cringe-inducing horror.
A Supernatural Adventure with a Modern Twist
The play follows Joe, portrayed with superb nuance by George Naylor, a cynical gay actor trapped in a dead-end pub job while his acting career languishes. Just as Joe contemplates abandoning his artistic dreams for a conventional job, he encounters David, a handsome and aloof regular whom he dubs 'the mysterious stranger.' David offers Joe an unusual gig: £2,000 to dress as a Victorian ghost and walk a circuit through the grounds of Paragon Hall, a spooky country estate, for five nights to entertain his visiting nieces.
Joe eagerly accepts, convinced the easy money and potential romantic interest from David make it a perfect opportunity. However, the nocturnal circumnavigations quickly turn sinister. On the first night, Joe senses something following him through an eerie woodland; by the second night, the situation escalates into full-blown terror. Foley, who has written several Doctor Who audio adventures, skillfully merges his sci-fi horror background with early Lovecraftian influences, creating a spicy mix that distinguishes this play from similar works like Hampstead Theatre's A Ghost in Your Ear.
Masterful Direction and Performances
Naylor's performance as the dissolute Joe is a highlight, capturing a character so jaded by failure that he disengages from the world, yet remains compelling company. Director Neil Bettles eschews cheap jump scares in favor of inventive creepiness, utilizing techniques from dry ice to bungee ropes that allow Naylor to stand at impossible angles, enhancing the supernatural atmosphere. Pete Malkin's otherworldly ambient score further immerses the audience in the play's haunting world.
Foley excels at building mystery, layering suspense without over-explaining the supernatural events. While the play's attempts at class commentary feel somewhat superficial and the ending leans toward the overripe, it successfully delivers a satisfying horror adventure. Wrapping up such narratives is notoriously challenging, and Foley navigates this with commendable skill, avoiding abrupt stops that might suit short stories but not stage plays.
A Must-See in London's Thriving Horror Theatre Scene
Following acclaimed productions like Paranormal Activity and A Ghost in Your Ear, and with the Almeida's Under the Shadow on the horizon, It Walks Around the House at Night reinforces London's position as a hub for quality horror theatre. It offers a breath of fresh air in a musty old tomb, providing both scares and laughter in equal measure without crossing into full comedy.
Details: The play runs at Southwark Playhouse Borough, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BD, with performances from March 11 to March 28, 2026. Tickets are priced at £28, and the runtime is 1 hour 30 minutes. Transport is accessible via Elephant & Castle Tube station.
