Jemma Churchill is appearing in the world premiere stage adaptation of The Haunting of Hill House, playing Mrs Montague in Stef Smith’s new version of Shirley Jackson’s iconic supernatural novel.
Opening at Salisbury Playhouse before touring the UK, the production is directed by Martin Constantine and brings one of literature’s most enduring ghost stories to the stage. Churchill joins a cast featuring Jasper Britton, Sophie Lenglinger, Robin Morrissey, Clancy Ryan and Sian Howard.
The Haunting of Hill House tours the UK from 11 September to 21 November 2026, including performances at Richmond Theatre from 6 to 10 October. Tickets and tour information are available here.
You’re starring in The Haunting of Hill House at Richmond Theatre. What can you tell us about the show?
It’s spooky, unsettling, funny in parts and I’ve heard that audiences have been hurling their drinks over their neighbours during the jump scares!
Shirley Jackson’s novel is regarded as one of the greatest ghost stories ever written. What attracted you to this stage adaptation and to the role of Mrs Montague?
I’ve heard of the Netflix series and then whilst on tour with John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers I got offered the job and quickly read the Shirley Jackson novel.
I loved it and then, thoroughly reading Stef Smith’s adaptation, which whilst true to and honouring the original, has its own twists and turns to bring it to life for the stage.
This is the world premiere of Stef Smith’s adaptation. What has the rehearsal process been like as you help bring this new version to life?
Being a new play we had to delve straight into the period, the historical facts and the fictional ‘facts’ of our characters that inhabit this dark, ominous place.
It was a great intellectual exercise and lots of fun.
The Haunting of Hill House is known for its suspense and psychological tension. How does this production create that atmosphere for a live audience?
The soundscape, orchestration, videography, and lighting design alone gives the audience their money’s worth.
It’s more atmospheric and tense.
You’ve worked across stage, television and film throughout your career. What has been particularly rewarding about working on this production?
I love the variety of being an actor and believe most of us are still in our hearts the travelling players and vagabonds of centuries ago.
There is nothing greater than arriving in a new town and seeing how they’ll react.
This production in particular has so many jumps and twists that by the end the audiences can be quite stunned by what they’ve experienced and they just sit in shock and then begin to clap.
We’ve had some very appreciative audiences who, after the experience, have jumped to their feet.
Another rewarding aspect of this job has been the total commitment of my fellow actors and stage team. It took a great deal to get this show up and running due to its technical nature and the new writing but the devotion to the piece from my colleagues has been humbling.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see The Haunting of Hill House?
Well, I’ve invited my old and young friends, my pregnant friends, my friends who hate horror, people who love the book or the Netflix series and complete Hill House virgins.
Everyone has had a fabulous evening or afternoon out, in spite of drinks being spilled on them!
