On entering the snug surroundings of the Scream Lounge, the audience are immediately assailed by contrary sensations, write Haf Williams.

Sweet-smelling aromas mingle with a stark set, dominated by an ominous sign bearing the words criminally insane.

Once the audience are settled, they are welcomed with delicious homemade cakes, however, their sense of safe, cosy home comforts is soon shattered by the chilling sounds that accompany Mrs Rosie Thorn’s entrance.

The contrast between sweet lightness with that of sinister darkness is the motif of this thought provoking and brilliant piece of theatre.

Mrs Rosie Thorn is a creation from the imaginings of local actress/playwright, Eleanor Appleton, who has been developing this unique characterisation of ‘demure womanhood’ for a number of years.

Eleanor Appleton’s portrayal of Rosie Thorn is mesmerizing.

Her depiction of deluded vulnerability, contains an Ophelia-like quality, which evokes only a fleeting empathy that dissipates quickly, when she unsettles the audience with a brilliantly conveyed wickedness that certainly has the power to ruffle even further an already disturbed audience.

The ability to engage the emotions of an audience is the mark of good theatre and Rosie Thorn certainly hits the spot with aplomb.

Appleton employs several tactics to demonstrate how Rosie’s outer beauty is marred by a deep inner rottenness.

For example – the black make up that she delicately applies throughout the play, cleverly symbolises the unfolding of Rosie’s wicked deeds.

This was a stellar performance that deserves to see the light of day again and again and I hope this is not the end of Rosie Thorn, but merely the beginning of her adventures.