Let The Right One In - Royal Exchange Theatre

IF you thought theatre has lost its power to shock, look no further than Let The Right One In, a genuinely creepy and unsettling night out.

Based on a Swedish novel and adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne, it’s the dark and disturbing tale of teen love that is as far removed from the stereotypical, slushy stuff as you could possibly get.

Pete Metcalfe brings a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘inferiority complex’ as Oskar. Bullied and shunned by his peers at school, Oskar meets a kindred spirit in Eli, who like him, lives on the periphery of the cheerlessly bleak society in which both of them live.

Eli seems to understand Oskar and there’s a deeply touching chemistry between Metcalfe and Rhian Blundell that makes us ache for a happy ending.

Just to complicate things for them, a series of grisly murders take place on their doorstep and Andrew Sheridan, who comes from Timperley, is a genuinely scary Hakim, sporting slicked back blonde hair and round glasses he’s hugely convincing as the man from your worst nightmares. And then some.

I also really liked Stefan Race as the self-appointed school bully in chief Jonny, as he takes every chance that comes his way to make Oskar’s life a misery, re-naming him ““piggy” with a sneering contempt.

The convincingly authentic nature of the performances is testament to the skill of director Bryony Shanahan and designer Amelia Jane Harkin who between them take us to a world in which the sun never seems to shine. The swimming pool scene in which poor, nice Oskar meets Jonny’s intimidating older brother Jimmy is particularly good.

Let The Right One In is definitely different. But is it worth the age restriction that’s been slapped on this production? Yes, it is. While the play is performed by a group of exciting and exuberant young actors, it definitely isn’t one for the kids.

Until November 19. The box office is on 0161 833 9833 or www.royalexchange.co.uk. Suitable for over 14s only.

Star Rating - ****

Photo - Johan Persson