The Haunting of Hill House at Theatr Clwyd in October

Sián Howard as Mrs Dudley in The Haunting of Hill House. Photo: Pamela Raith
Sián Howard as Mrs Dudley in The Haunting of Hill House. Photo: Pamela Raith
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The world premier stage adaptation of Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House comes to Theatr Clwyd this month (October 13-17).

Sián Howard (Curtain Up, Much Ado About Nothing, All My Sons, Ghosts, Arts and the Man, Copenhagen, Pygmalion, Two Princes, Suddenly Last Summer, Blithe Spirit), a familiar face of stage, screen and Theatr Clwyd, marks her return to Mold playing Mrs Dudley.

Having been a best-selling novel and a hit Netflix series, this new production promises to use every theatrical trick, to have you on the edge of your seat (and occasionally jumping out of it).

Cast of The Haunting of Hill House at Theatr Clwyd.

Sián reveals all about the upcoming production, her favourite memories of Theatr Clwyd and her Ruthin roots...

Tell us about the show, what is it like to be part of it?

It's been incredibly exciting to be part of this brand new stage adaptation of Shirley Jackson's novel, The Haunting of Hill House, beautifully brought to life by the wonderful Stef Smith. What's been most thrilling for me is the collaboration - between writer, director, producer, actors and all the other creative forces: the composer, the illusionist, the soundscape artist, the lighting team, the projection designer… there are so many elements that work together to tell this story!

What can audiences expect?

The audience can expect to be absolutely terrified! But I also think they'll be deeply moved, because there are powerful themes - of isolation, the longing to belong and grief.

How are you feeling about returning to Mold in the new building?

I'm so excited about returning to Mold and seeing and experiencing the wonderful refurbishment that it has undergone. I've kept in touch with Kate Wasserberg [artistic director] and others, and I've talked to actors who performed there during the refurbishment, but I haven't been back since it all began. That first day stepping in is going to be absolutely incredible. But my favourite bit of the theatre will remain always the stunningly beautiful view!

What's your favourite memory of performing at Theatr Clwyd?

I think my favourite memory of performing at Theatr Clwyd has to be my very first show there, so many years ago! I played Violet Bradman in Terry Hands' production of Blithe Spirit. It was all wrapped up in the experience of working with the great Terry Hands. I came to know and learn so much from him. I love and miss him dearly.

Do you have a favourite North Wales hangout?

My father was born and brought up in and around Ruthin, so no visit to Theatr Clwyd feels complete without a trip to Ruthin - walking through the marketplace, the church and Llanfair DC church and the very house (Plas Tirion) where my father was born.

Have there been any spooky moments so far whilst rehearsing/on tour?

I wish I could tell you that I've had a spooky moment while rehearsing or performing The Haunting of Hill House, but I haven't - so I'm not going to make one up! What really matters, in the end I suppose, is the atmosphere we create on stage, and that's where the true magic lies.

• The Haunting of Hill House runs at Theatr Clwyd from October 13-17. For more information, or to book tickets, visit theatrclwyd.com or call the Box Office on 1352 344101.

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