REVIEW: IT WALKS AROUND THE HOUSE AT NIGHT @ SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE

🎭 It Walks Around The House At Night

📍 The Large, Southwark Playhouse,  77-85 Newington Causeway, London, SE1 6BD

🗓 Monday 9th March 2026

⭐️ 5 Stars

A CHILLING MASTERCLASS IN ATMOSPHERIC HORROR

Oh, Southwark Playhouse Borough, you've done it again! Whoever is in charge of programming at the venue needs a pay rise. The quality of shows recently have been at an incredibly high standard.

Last night I was in The Large to catch IT WALKS AROUND THE HOUSE AT NIGHT from ThickSkin Theatre, and honestly? My nerves are still shredded! There is something uniquely delicious about being tucked away in the intimacy of the Borough space while a nightmare unfolds inches from your face. From the moment the lights dim, you can feel the air change; it's thick with anticipation and that specific brand of Southwark magic that makes you forget the world outside even exists.

The story follows Joe, an out-of-work actor who lands a bizarre gig: playing a "ghost" at a remote manor to spook the owner's nieces. It sounds simple enough, but as he wanders the grounds for five nights, the silence starts to bite back. I won't say anything more because you need the mystery, but Tim Foley's writing is just sublime. The flow is perfect - it drips with tension, building and building until you're practically vibrating in your seat.

Let's talk about George Naylor. Darling, he is a revelation! He is one of the most engaging performers I have seen in a long time. His storytelling capabilities are genuinely epic. He has this way of weaving a world in your imagination using nothing but his voice and a look. He commands the stage with such ease, shifting from relatable humour to sheer, eye-widening terror in a heartbeat. The use of direct address is a stroke of genius - it pulls you right into his paranoia until you feel like you're standing in that lodge with him, breathing the same cold air.

Oliver Baines as the Dancer adds such a haunting, fluid layer to the piece, and the direction by Neil Bettles keeps everything tight and terrifying. But - and it's a big "but" - the technical side is what turns this into something truly gargantuan. Joshua Pharo's lighting and video designs are used wonderfully, blurring the lines between what is physical and what is projected. It's a sensory overload in the best way possible. The soundscape from Pete Malkin is bone-chilling, using every corner of the room to make you look over your shoulder. This is, quite simply, theatrical perfection.

There are jump scares peppered throughout that had the whole room gasping, followed by that delicious, nervous laughter you only get when a production has you totally in its grip. It's immersive, it's bold, and it's an absolute must-watch.

Belinda Carlisle noted that "heaven is a place on earth", little did she know that specific place was in the darkness of a South London theatre.

IT WALKS AROUND THE HOUSE AT NIGHT continues performances at Southwark Playhouse Borough until Saturday 28th March. Click here to grab your tickets... if you're brave enough!

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one reviewer.  

My ticket for this performance of It Walks Around The House At Night was gifted by Chloe Nelkin Consulting who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given. 

CAST:

George Naylor as Joe; Oliver Baines as The Dancer

Featuring the voice of Paul Hilton

RUNNING TIME (approx):

1 hour 30 minutes, with no interval

CONTENT WARNINGS:

Loud and sudden noises; Haze; Strobe lighting; Periods of full blackout; Strong language; Horror imagery; Jump scares; Depictions of violence and vomiting

AGE RECOMMENDATION:

14 +

To keep up to date with all the latest theatre news and more, follow Pink Prince Theatre on social media.

Find us on Instagram, Facebook, BlueSky and TikTok.