A Shadow of Doubt Cast List: A Haunting Exploration of Loss and Susceptibility

Gill Mcvey's powerful one-woman show, A Shadow of Doubt, is a poignant exploration of loss, grief, and the human susceptibility to suggestion. The play follows the story of a daughter struggling to come to terms with the loss of her mother to dementia and her father's sudden passing.

Mcvey herself takes on the role of the daughter, bringing a deeply personal touch to the performance. Her portrayal is booze-addled and tormented, yet courting sympathy as she navigates her disproportionate behaviors. Chris Rawson plays the father, conveying a deflated and helpless air, yet with a tentative resignation that belies his stoic nature.

Together, Mcvey and Rawson create a trio of characters who are all struggling to cope with internalized anguish. But amidst the darkness, there is also tenderness and a more gentle handling of the subject matter. This is perhaps due in part to Mcvey's own experiences working with dementia patients and their families.

The play shines a light on how susceptible we are to suggestion when seeds of doubt are planted. The notion of time slipping away and the urgency for living in the moment raises questions about which characters really need each other, and in what capacity. As the daughter navigates her new life with her father and a care worker, she becomes a sitting duck for intrusive doubts that threaten to consume her.

Through well-placed ambiguity, A Shadow of Doubt extends this doubt to the audience, leaving us questioning our own perceptions and certainties. The play is a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, and its themes will resonate long after the curtain falls.

A Shadow of Doubt premiered at Harrogate Theatre's Studio on Tuesday 11th February 2020. If you missed it, be sure to catch it when it comes around again – but be prepared for a haunting and unforgettable experience that will leave you questioning everything.

Shadow of a doubt cast list