Review: ‘The Haunting of Alice Bowles’ turns into modern horror story

In the mood for a very dark, spooky ghost story? I have one for you: “The Haunting of Alice Bowles,” streaming now from Original Theatre Company through Feb. 28.

I’ve previously reviewed two of Original Theatre’s productions, “The Habit of Art” and “The Croft.” I can attest to the quality and production values of the United Kingdom-based company, and “The Haunting of Alice Bowles,” despite its 53-minute length and dark paranormal predictability, continues that legacy.

It is based on a short story, “The Experiment” by M.R. James, and co-director Philip Franks ingeniously adapted the supernatural tale to a modern-day setting, alternating with the dark 1918 Spanish flu period. The production was shot both on location and remotely, and has period costumes by Siobhan Boyd, set and lighting by Adrian Linford, and suspenseful sound and music by Max Pappenheim. Alastair Whatley, artistic director of Original Theatre, serves as the production’s other co-director.

The play opens with YouTube vlogger Matt and his girlfriend, Caitlin, in a graveyard, examining Francis Bowles’ marker stone. “Monster” has been scrawled across it (a little reminiscent of “The Blair Witch Project”). Bowles died during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. That scene quickly melts into one with the vicar in 1918 acknowledging Bowles’ death and his wife, Alice, wanting an immediate burial in a dark and damp corner of the church graveyard. Apparently, Mr. Bowles was not well loved, let alone liked.

Unfortunately, Alice and her son, Joseph, soon discover that Bowles has left them nothing but debt and some letters.

Alice also has discovered a terrible secret concerning her son that she has attempted to rectify. Consequently, Alice and her son try to summon up the spirit of the dead Bowles via an experiment, written about in the letters, to attempt to discover the whereabouts of his hidden fortune. And because this is a modern horror story, too, so do Matt and Caitlin, who mysteriously are sent those same letters more than a hundred years later.

Franks chose “The Experiment” for adaptation because of its placement of a female protagonist at the center of the story; Tamzin Outhwaite (probably best known to Americans for “New Tricks,” “EastEnders” and “Doctor Who”) is that female. Watch her face, her eyes, listen to her as she portrays Alice. She’s comforting, scheming, obsessive, troubled, oppressed. Jack Archer plays her son, Joseph. I don’t know how he did it, but he conveys someone dead both inside and out. Only once do we get a quick and almost elusive glimpse at hope with him. In most scenes, he’s a quiet, expressionless face.

Stephen Boxer is the befuddled, but kindly vicar. He believes in the best and questions what he is to do. Of course, he has Poppy Roe’s housekeeper Mrs. Ivy keeping him up to date and expressing her opinions on the Bowles situation and giving us an idea of Mr. Bowles’ character. Robert Mountford is Mr. Armitage, the too briefly seen attorney and catalyst of what’s to come. But watch out for Tim Treloar, the extremely creepy boatman, guaranteed to give you a nightmare or two if not a downright shiver.

Max Bowden is modern-day vlogger Matt. He flawlessly captures what it’s like to exist without a real job or the ability to call his assistant, Caitlin, his girlfriend. And you understand Alexandra Guelff’s Caitlin perfectly. We’re all there with her.

The ending comes quickly. One plot point you know is coming, but didn’t want to happen; the second is a surprise, but I’ll let you experience it. There will be impact and consequences for all the characters’ actions. It’s at all times a creepy tale with adult themes and vocabulary – a little head-spinning – but “The Haunting of Alice Bowles” is the perfect tale for a cold, dark, winter’s night.

• Regina Belt-Daniels has been involved with the theater since the first grade and eagerly awaits the return of what she loves to do best: act, direct, teach, travel overseas with her husband and attend live theater with an audience.

IF YOU VIEW

WHAT: Original Theatre Company presents “The Haunting of Alice Bowles”

WHEN: Through Feb. 28

COST: $20

INFORMATION: www.originaltheatreonline.com