Veronica's Room is a gripping piece of theatre, and Harleston Players have done themselves proud with their skilful production of this psychological thriller by Ira Levin.

This amateur company has shown again that, from set design, props, costumes, make-up and lighting to direction, production and the acting itself, it can put on quality plays to a professional standard.

The play opens with a young couple, Larry and Susan (played very ably by Graham Fuller and Josie Grimble), on their first date. They are approached by an elderly Irish couple (the talented David Cumming and Juliet Lloyd), who are struck by Susan's resemblance to Veronica, the daughter of a wealthy family they worked for many years ago.

They urge her to visit the house where they worked to see Veronica's room, then ask Susan to put on Veronica's clothes and impersonate the dead girl to ease the troubled conscience of her one surviving relative.

And so begins the nightmare.

The actors perform their roles brilliantly – and, incidentally, hold their accents throughout – and carry the plot effortlessly from its innocent beginning through the twists and turns that follow. Every time you think you've worked out what's going on, the plot twists again – and the actors' perfect timing ensures that each surprise adds to the suspense.

Director Dawn Symonds and producer Helen Farrar have staged a challenging and thought-provoking play with great skill and this production really should not be missed.

Further performances take place at Archbishop Sancroft High School on Thursday, May 10, Friday, May 11, and Saturday, May 12. Tickets, priced at �8 and �6 concessions, are available from Harleston Pet Stores, or by calling 01379 676324.