The Croft by Ali Milles.

Chilling and thought-provoking. The Croft is based on a true story, set in a remote part of Scotland, Coillle Ghillie in an old Crofters Hut. Laura (Gracie Follows) is returning home with her partner, Suzanne (Caroline Harker), for some time away from everything and everyone.

Laura is half Suzanne’s age, and the marriage and family Suzanne has left behind for the couple to be together is proving to be the cause of all the arguments between the couple. Although the chemistry between the pair, being a couple in the throes of romance, wasn’t overly convincing.

The ghost of Enid played by (Liza Goddard) has never left her home and continues to haunt the Croft. Prepared to defend her home even in death.

As the story develops, the ghosts of the past combine with the present. Laura is still grieving the loss of her mother and has unfinished anger towards her father (Simon Roberts). In an attempt to uncover the truth, more secrets are uncovered which add to the tension between the couple.

Steeped in the myths surrounding the folk lore Scottish “Selkie” a seal that can mysteriously shape-shift into humans and live amongst the residents. Although if it loses it’s cloak it remains likely in the human form never returning to the sea.

A special mention to lighting designer Chris Davey bringing the mysterious Croft to life with a range of ghostly effects, which caused a few audience members to jump during one particular haunting. If you look closely there’s a visible hue from the Northern Lights as well.

Is Laura a silkie? The play never commits to confirming this. The storyline is written to leave that decision up to the audience. Even then, you could be in two minds. From my visits to the Shetland Islands, the Crofters ‘ Huts can be found there, along with the mythical stories about the Selkie and other similar Island myths and legends.