The Shadow in the Mirror | The Mill at Sonning

The Shadow in the Mirror tells the story of Peter Letting (Nick Warring), an antiquarian bookseller as he is about to be led to the guillotine. The problem is, he remains convinced that he is innocent. Desperate to escape his hellish fate, he writes down the story of how he arrived there. With the help of a prison guard (George Dillon), the audience is taken through every harrowing detail. But this story is not as straightforward as one might hope. To truly understand it, one must be willing to believe the impossible.

The show focuses on Peter’s perspective, jumping back and forth in time to unravel his journey. This is achieved primarily through lighting (designed by Mike Robertson): the closer we come to understanding his fate, the darker the lighting becomes. These elements blend seamlessly to create a terrifying, eerie atmosphere—exactly what one seeks in a successful ghost story.

For much of the production, the pacing remains strong. When the narrative grows difficult to follow, the direction steps in with carefully judged support: video projections, special effects, and bold lighting choices punctuate the monologue. Cleverly, these techniques balance out the lengthy, weighty soliloquies, ensuring that each scene is not only engaging but, at times, downright terrifying.

The set evokes a 20th-century prison cell, with long, dark stone walls, dirty and broken mirrors, and two looming staircases. From the moment the audience enters, they are immersed in the underground world the prisoner inhabits. A wooden desk, soon to become the focal point of attention, anchors the space. Every detail of the design is meticulously crafted to build a sense of unsettling tension—one that lingers long after the metaphorical final curtain falls.

Performances from the cast of four are nothing short of chilling. Two actors shift between multiple roles, while the central pairing of Waring and Dillon remains constant. The acting throughout is a masterclass in precision and intensity—there is no exaggeration in calling it exceptional.

In the end, The Shadow in the Mirror is not simply a ghost story—it is a meditation on guilt, fate, and the blurred line between truth and madness. With its haunting performances, evocative design, and unrelenting atmosphere, it grips the audience and refuses to let go. It

is theatre at its most unsettling, and it leaves you questioning not just the prisoner’s reality, but your own.

The venue itself, is one of few remaining dining-theatre spaces in the country. For the price of a West End ticket, audiences are treated to a two-course meal alongside the performance—a unique pairing that elevates the evening. Nestled by the Thames, the venue is as charming as it is welcoming; the entire experience feels like the warmest of embraces.

Having now seen two very different productions here, one can say with confidence that the creative teams—both on and off stage—stop at nothing to make each visit special. The shows may not always be perfect, but the overall experience ensures they will be remembered in the best possible way.

The Shadow in the Mirror plays at The Mill at Sonning until 08th November 2025.

Tickets and More Information

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Pamela Raith