In Edwardian London, newlyweds John and Jenny White set up home together. As the years pass, things do not turn out the way they had hoped.  One day, a mysterious, ancient object comes into their possession, a ghoulish talisman that seems to grant wishes. Could this be the remedy for all their troubles? Or is it something more sinister, with the power to plunge them into far deeper miseries?

The Monkey's Paw is currently playing at the Hope Theatre in Islington from 21st October to 8th November. This adaptation of W.W. Jacobs' horror story is written and produced by Infinite Space Theatre and directed by Leah Townley.

It follows the story of Edwardian newlyweds John and Jenny White, played by Steven Maddocks and Josephine Rogers. The play starts with a fast forward of their meeting and marrying. We join them starting life in their new home full of expectations of family, promotion and a comfortable and happy future. However, things don't go as planned, living in an isolated dismal cottage, childless, the cost of living increasing and John not getting an expected promotion they plummet into unhappiness and poverty. One day John brings home a curious antiquity that has the power to grant wishes but is there a price to pay?

Steven Maddocks captures John's obsessive behaviour well and Josephine Rogers gives a strong performance as Jenny, capturing her varying moods as their circumstances change.

This is a horror story with a moral as there's a payment made for each wish granted. It's well performed and fast paced. The play is an easy watch and definitely worth a visit.