Review: Pilgrimage, Old Red Lion Theatre

GrimFest

Jack Robertson’s Medium Rare make their GrimFest return, and it has a rather familiar look to last Christmas’ offering of Midwyntar. That rug and sofa are surely the same, as are a couple of its cast. As for the plot, ok some of that is recycled too but whereas 2023’s show felt at times a little too panto-esque, Pilgrimage takes itself a bit more seriously, which leads to a much more satisfying outcome. 

The setting is classic horror fodder; a creepy house in the middle of nowhere, and a setting that The Old Red Lion Theatre really lends itself to with all its creaking wood and doors. Nel and Cody (a playful Shani Gray and Harry Al-Adwani) have managed to trick their way in, hoping to film their latest podcast investigating haunted houses. And they think they have hit the jackpot with this one. Called Pilgrim’s Rest, it’s a house full of history and rumours going back hundreds of years. But it’s now home to mother and daughter Maggie and Faye. Maggie isn’t saying much as she sits speechless in her wheelchair after her stroke. As for Faye, she has come back home to care for her invalid mother, and she isn’t doing much to hide her bitterness about it all. 

Whilst the setup might not be the most original, it is given a neat modern twist with the frequent audio clips from a podcast about the house and its history. This acts not only in adding depth to the story but also as an extra layer of mystery to unfold. Because you just know there’s something more to this than simple scene setting. There’s a slightly sinister edge to the recordings as well, helped by being played out whilst we sit in total darkness. It certainly assists in raising the hairs on the back of your neck.

Robertson’s script sticks, for the most part, to the more dramatic, shedding off the comedy that at times overpowered Midwyntar. It’s a good choice, leaving us to focus instead on all the breadcrumbs he has scattered along the way to lead us to the final act. Lines jump out that you know will have a relevance: “You’re not one of those Christians?” is spat out by Faye, whilst she describes the house’s past life as “the last stop on the long road to England’s Nazareth”. It’s not too much of a spoiler to say it’s already obvious the house is still not going to be a safe haven for lost travellers! OK, there are a few glaring plot holes that could be tidied up, especially in certain character arcs, but they can be forgiven when mixed in with some good old fashioned horror. 

Diane Axford gives a superb turn as invalid Maggie, confined to her wheelchair, barely able to lift an arm to point and speechless except for the occasional grunt. Gabrielle Beasley as daughter Faye ably supports her as the reluctant carer, working with her character’s backstory that is slowly revealed. 

Ben Esdale’s sound and lighting are equally well thought out. It might seem a simple choice to leave us in blackout at the vital moments, but it’s still highly effective when handled correctly. 

Pilgrimage shows that you don’t always need a totally original concept to make a fun piece of creepy theatre. Instead, you just need to know how to thread together the clues and throw in a few good directorial ideas. For lovers of the genre it’s all we sometimes ask for, the chance to be entertained with a bit of unnecessary blood and a few curdling screams. 

Written and directed by: Jack Robertson
Co-Director, Sound/Lighting Design by: Ben Esdale
Produced by: Medium Rare

Pilgrimage plays at the Old Red Lion Theatre, part of GrimFest, until Friday 25th October.

Further information and booking details are available here.