What would you do if there had been a murder in your village and you suspected the killer was living in your house? This was the scenario facing characters in Studio Theatre’s latest production.

Night Must Fall is a psychological thriller, written by Emlyn Williams in 1935, examining the inner workings of a murderer’s mind

When the embittered Mrs Bramson learns that her young maid Dora is pregnant, she summons the child's father to see her. The happy-go-lucky young man, Dan, is charming but mysterious. Artfully, he worms his way into Mrs Bramson's affections and instils himself into the household as an attendant to the smitten homeowner. Despite strong suspicions of Dan's fiendish intentions, Bramson’s niece Olivia finds herself fascinated by the young man. Could he be responsible for the recent murder and beheading of a local woman, and who will be his next victim?

There is plenty of impressive acting from this amateur theatre company.

Joanna Daniels is brilliant as the mean, bossy Mrs Bramson – a self-proclaimed invalid, who sits in a wheelchair that she does not need and forces everyone to dance in attendance. Despite being a grumpy old bat, she makes us laugh with some fabulously sarcastic one-liners.

Clare Green aptly plays the innocuous niece Olivia, who is unhappy being her aunt's live-in housekeeper, she reads and writes poetry and longs to escape.

With his head constantly buried behind a newspaper, Matt Hodge is likeable as the stuffy businessman Hubert – Olivia’s potential suitor, if she didn’t find him such a bore.

Lucy Salmon is funny as the outspoken cook Mrs Terence, while Antonia Harding is endearing as naïve, nervous young maid Dora.

Jamie Pullen brings a foxiness to Inspector Belsize, the tenacious detective investigating the murder who continually pops up at the Bramson home to ask questions and deliver progress of the investigation.

There are also supporting roles from Nick Goodman, as the Lord Chief Justice, and Stephanie Mutton as the nurse.

But it is Adam Barge who should be most commended as the happy-go-lucky Dan, who soon transforms into a manipulative psychopath. Adam is convincing and lovable as the charmer that wins over lonely Mrs Bramson and chillingly brilliant as his mental state unravels.

Director Sally Marshall, ably assisted by Sophie Townsend, does a superb job of keeping this classic play captivating and engaging for the audience from start to finish. Although a thriller, the play is surprisingly funny in places with humour often breaking up the tension.

An effectively atmospheric set creates Mrs Bramson's living area and lighting is cleverly put to good use – particularly during Dan’s eery monologue, as his mental state disintegrates.

Praise to Studio Theatre for making this dark, chilling production totally gripping.