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Ayckbourn waves his magical writing instrument once again to create a triple sensation of plays about the ‘ghosts which lurk in the dark corners of our minds’. The title of the series could not be anymore expressive. In every aspect of the Things That Go Bump, Ayckbourn delivers a hint of fear to his devoted audience, yet still manages to slip in the infusion of comedy he is much loved for.

Inspired by Ayckbourn’s obsession with the number three, earlier successes Haunting Julia (1994) and Snake in the Grass (2002) have united together with a third in the series of the same genre, Life and Beth. The brand-new play is an ensemble of all six actors brought from the previous all-male, all-female performances at the theatre years before.

Ian Hogg and Adrian McLoughlin; Picture by N.Clark

There is a recognisable chill in the air of the auditorium preparing for any ghastly surprises. The perk certainly made it easier for people to be jumping out of their seats. The sets are cliché Ayckbourn, breaking no boundaries to outstanding design and invention. Scenery including garden terraces, tennis courts and trap doors dominate the stage; hand-in-hand with fantasy teased music and lighting.

Haunting Julia was first performed 14 years ago and has been brought back by the same three-man cast. The plot unfolds around the suicide of young musical genius Julia, and the devastating effect it has had on those surrounding her. The three characters elevate different levels of superstition to Julia’s death creating a dark journey filled with suspense and love, to a frightening conclusion. The rarity of Ayckbourn writing an all-male cast protrudes this as being a gem in his archive. Ian Hogg makes a memorable debut performance at the Stephen Joseph, whilst Adrian McLoughlin makes a startling comeback from being a favourite on the SJT cast list.

Snake in the Grass; Picture by N.Clark

Snake in the Grass has the same frightful theme, yet it is delivered in a completely different way. The thriller has a dominating assertion to the extraordinary, as two sisters try to cover up their father’s murder. The lingering thesis of the supernatural is toyed with as an emotional playground between the wounds of love and the mysterious spirits that invade after a death. Susie Blake, Ruth Gibson and Liza Goddard are a terrific example of a perfectly talented unison. Their strength as a trio formulates the story to scream animations of psychotic power and the terrible childhood memories that can remain haunting for years on.

Liza Goddard and Susie Blake; Picture by N.Clark

Life and Beth shares the same genre of the supernatural, yet is a very different flavour from the other two plays. Its inevitable humour shouts out over the spooky moments that creep into the scenes. It is almost like looking through the keyhole of a typical madhouse at Christmas. The ensemble of all six actors demonstrates just how brilliant the casting is, as each take on completely different roles in this brand new scenario. Richard Stacey’s character is utterly comical, being a complete clash in roles from Haunting Julia.

The plays have been rotated over the summer months and mark Sir Alan's last season as Artistic Director, after a legacy of 36 years. The performances will be on tour at the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-Under-Lyme from 3-20 September. It is another spellbinding gift from Ayckbourn’s collection of 72 plays to date, yet we will not be seeing the last of his magic.

Catch the last performances of Life and Beth showing until Saturday at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough.

Nadia Emam