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Teenager Stephanie is sent to Aswarby House, the latest in a long line of placements for her – and even makes a friend in the community leader’s son, Ben…

AK Benedict’s choice of MR James tales is another clever remodelling of the original story, updating not just the trappings of the piece, but taking into account the way in which children without immediate family to look after them are handled in the 21st century. No heading off to remote places with a “cousin”, but a placement with a foster mother who’s going up in the world (she’s on the penultimate floor of tower block Aswarby House, just beneath the penthouse suite). The way in which the place is run – for the good of all – strikes Stephanie, and the listener, as creepy… with good cause.

Benedict has an ear for dialogue, and Stephanie is a very credible teenager – with a daughter only a few months older, so much rings true – while the relationships between her and Ben, and with the adults are brought across with an economy of description. There are very strong central performance by Rosa Coduri, Susan Jameson and Jeff Rawle with Bill Milner, Helen Goldwyn, Chris Porter and Elizabeth Uter providing good support – particularly with regard to the end of the story, it’s vital that every link in the chain is strong, and everyone gives the right level of intensity. David Roocroft’s sound design and music never intrude, but ensure that you’re kept slightly off edge, assisted by Simon Barnard’s assured direction.

Verdict: Another excellent and disturbing piece of drama. 10/10

Paul Simpson

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