By Pat Whymark

Presented by Common Ground Theatre Company

“Number 17 Friar Street was a modest two storey house of Georgian construction in a lonely corner of a forgotten market town in Norfolk. The house became unexpectedly available at short notice and seemed the perfect location for me to complete a volume of short stories, woefully overdue, to be ready for publication by Christmas. Surely nothing here would distract, disturb or alarm, not a sound would break the evening silence, no footsteps would echo in the cobbled streets, and nothing save the weather would disrupt one’s sleep in the small hours.

“I became aware that there was a mystery attached to No 17 that the townsfolk weren’t keen to talk about. It was only Mabel who was obsessed with finding the truth.

“I met Mabel when I arrived to take possession of the house in late September. She was standing in the street staring at an upstairs window deep in thought and quite oblivious to my presence. “Do you know the house?” I asked. Without altering her gaze she replied, “I know something of its history. You mustn’t even think of lodging here.” Smiling condescendingly at her, I said, “Dry rot? Rats? Or a ghost perhaps?” as I turned the key in the lock…”

Scares, shocks, and a spine-chilling twist in the tale await those brave enough to come with us to Friar Street. But there will also be humour, haunting live music and a heart-warming affirmation of undying love and loyalty.

HAVERHILL ARTS CENTRE

Tickets: £16 (Under 18s £11)

Also showing at Gallery Studio Theatre, Ipswich on 1 - 3 October 2026. Click HERE for details.