Cast

Synopsis

Newlyweds Robert and Olivia Chappell have bought a small hotel in the English Lake District, and at the end of their first season they settle down with a drink in front of a warm fire. But their evening is interrupted by the arrival of a rugged hiker seeking shelter from the snow storm outside. Unlike her husband, Olivia senses danger. Could the stranger have anything to do with her own dark past involving a stolen diamond and a dangerous ex-boyfriend looking for revenge? Another male visitor soon appears and Olivia’s worst nightmare comes true. A desperate fight for survival begins, shedding a very different light on all those involved while ratcheting up the suspense until the very end.

Directors Notes

Returning for my second production at BLT after last season’s Ayckbourn’s Sisterly Feelings. A completely new genre for me which has brought many production challenges to build the atmosphere of this tense thriller. In the words of Andy de la Tour who directed the first production of Stone Cold Murder at the Vienna’s English Theatre .”my job as the director is to keep the atmosphere tense and dramatic throughout the play. Music and sound effects help of course – when used sparingly! On stage, perhaps especially in thrillers, music and sound effects can play an equally integral part and help to lift an audience out of their seats – perhaps literally!”

This has been my challenge. With the help, support and imagination of my production team I hope you, the audience, will be kept on the edge of your seats as the play wends its way to its conclusion. To say more would spoil the plot.