The Monkey’s Paw Review

The Monkey’s Paw Review

21st October – 8th November 2025

With Halloween is almost upon us, there is a creeping sense of spookiness in the air.  Shop windows decorated with skeletons, cafés offering seasonal pumpkin soup and public houses cladding their interiors with spider’s webbing. 

The commercialisation of the original pagan festival of Samhain is evident in all we see and it comes as no surprise that London’s fringe theatres are cashing in too with stories of hauntings and unfavourable spirits.

“Infinite Space must be applauded for their inventive approach”

This evening at the Hope theatre on Islington’s Upper Street, I am here to see Edwardian ghost story The Monkey’s Paw presented by Infinite Space Theatre. 

The description of this show on the theatre’s website starts with a thought-provoking question. In your darkest hour, what would you wish for?

Adapted from the macabre Edwardian ghost story by W. W. Jacobs, the play is set in London and newlyweds John and Jenny White set up home together. They look forward to a happy and prosperous life, however things do not turn out the way they had hoped.

With a backdrop of a world war rumbling, John and Jenny face the ravages of poverty and childlessness. Then one day, a mysterious, ancient object comes into their possession that seems to grant wishes. Could this be the remedy for all their troubles? 

Walking into The Hope Theatre, there’s much to enjoy: the set design, costumes and atmosphere are all handled with care and attention to detail.  The intimate black box is transformed into the interior of and Edwardian London home and we are intrigued by what is presented before us.

The production deploys beautiful, stylized sequences set to music to convey parts of the story.  They are often romantic and mesmerizing, and Infinite Space must be applauded for their inventive approach.

The cast of two invest well in their characters and the piece creates a strong period feel, and the eerie idea of a wish-granting talisman with a sinister price is still potent.

However, the production doesn’t fully deliver on its promise. While the atmosphere is effective, the pacing often lags and the narrative sometimes becomes fuzzy.  

This is a good play and has high production values for a London fringe show. The craftsmanship is commendable and there are a couple of moments of real tension, but it doesn’t quite rise to greatness. 

If you’re looking for an atmospheric period play over the spooky season then this is worth a visit but don’t expect a flawless thriller.

Photo © Cam Harle

Stephen Cambridge

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