As The Haunting of Hill House—the thrilling new stage adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s seminal gothic horror novel—continues its major UK tour (currently playing at Richmond Theatre), audiences are being drawn into its dark and atmospheric world. Adapted for the stage by Olivier and BAFTA-winning writer Stef Smith and directed by Martin Constantine, this gripping production brings a fresh, psychological depth to the classic tale of paranormal investigators probing the terrifying mysteries of a haunted mansion.
The Artiscape spoke to Sían Howard, who stars as the efficient and matter-of-fact housekeeper Mrs. Dudley, about bringing this iconic and eerie character to life for the stage, the intense collaborative effort behind the production, and what makes this theatrical ghost story so universally chilling.
What drew you specifically to the role of Mrs Dudley, and how are you approaching playing such an iconic, eerie character for the stage?
Sían Howard: Mrs Dudley is the efficient and matter-of-fact housekeeper. But she’s also a gatekeeper between the “ordinary world” and the strange, isolated world of the house. She made a promise to always care for the house. She’s been in service there since she was a girl, and that’s all she’s known. There are deep internal layers to her, layers you can’t play outright, but you have to know they’re there. That internal complexity is what really drew me to her.
With The Haunting of Hill House having such a massive legacy as a novel and a Netflix series, how does this new stage adaptation bring something fresh to the story?
Sían Howard: Disclaimer – I haven’t seen the Netflix series – my daughter informs me it’s the scariest, most compelling thing she’s seen on Netflix!
I understand that our stage adaptation brings something fresh by focusing on the psychological nuances of the novel. We have six characters and we stay closer to the novel. Young people I have met since opening and who were fans of the series, told me they were enthralled by our show and equally as terrified in the theatre as they were in their living rooms! They are actually physically with us, after all!
The show is described as blurring the line between suspense and the supernatural – how do you and the cast build that intense, heart-thumping tension during live performances?
Sían Howard: This show is a huge collaboration. It’s not just about us actors! We start with Stef Smith’s wonderful and lyrical dialogue. Then it’s the collaboration with the set designer, the set builders from the extraordinary workshop at Salisbury Playhouse, the projectionist, the lighting design team, the orchestrator, the soundscape creative, the director’s vision, and yes, we even have an illusionist (a magician) on board. It’s that incredible collaboration, honed over a few years, that helps us blur the line between suspense and the supernatural, and build that intense, heart-thumping tension during every live performance. An incredible team!
Given your extensive theatre background, from Shakespeare and the RSC to contemporary dramas, what unique challenges or rewards does a psychological horror like this offer you as an actor?
Sían Howard: Interestingly, I’m not usually drawn to horror or supernatural stories, whether on television, on stage, or even in novels. But what captivated me about The Haunting of Hill House was its psychological depth and gothic nature. It’s not just about scares; it’s about the psychological layers underneath. One of the challenges I faced in playing Mrs. Dudley is the art of doing less and less. It’s the very fact that she appears completely normal, without showing any of that internal tension. That subtlety, that restraint, is what makes the role such a compelling challenge.
As the world premiere opens in Salisbury before embarking on a major UK tour, how do you think audiences in different cities will react to the show’s spine-chilling atmosphere?
Sían Howard: I honestly don’t think audiences in different cities will react differently to the show’s spine-chilling atmosphere. A good story remains a good story anywhere in the works. And just as a baby instinctively jumps or laughs when someone goes “boo”, an audience will respond in that same visceral way. It’s a universal, primal reaction to the tension and suspense we’ve created.
If you could sum up the theatrical experience of this production in just three words for potential theatregoers, what would they be?
Sían Howard: Unsettling. Scary. A great night out!
Tour Listings & Tickets
The UK Tour of The Haunting of Hill House visits the following venues this autumn:
- Richmond Theatre, Richmond: 6 – 10 October 2026
- Theatr Clwyd, Mold: 13 – 17 October 2026
- Theatre Royal Brighton, Brighton: 20 – 24 October 2026
- Palace Theatre Manchester, Manchester: 27 – 31 October 2026
- Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, Liverpool: 3 – 7 November 2026
- Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh: 10 – 14 November 2026
- Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge: 17 – 21 November 2026
For more details, schedules, and ticket bookings, visit The Haunting of Hill House Official Website.
