The Widow, the latest production by Talking Scarlet, is a chilling thriller involving a mother’s determination to preserve her dying son at any cost.

Merlin Ward’s complex tale, revolving around a terrible family secret, is enthralling but far-fetched, with whispered warnings and ghostly figures suddenly emerging.

Catherine, a young model well played by Lara Lemon, accepts a photographic assignment in a remote Victorian mansion in Wales. But it transpires that the modelling job is a sham.

Desperate mother Elizabeth (Polly Smith) has lured Catherine to her home to meet her son Joshua (Samuel Clemens), get pregnant by him and marry him. She is assisted in her outrageous plan by ruthless servant Mrs O’Brien (Anita Graham).

Catherine and Joshua do fall for each other and get married just before he dies. But then things go drastically wrong as we learn of a connection back in the 1830s when a young woman was pushed from the roof to her death.

Talented director Patric Kearns does a good job in projecting the doomed romance and sinister motives, but is unable to prevent the audience being confused at times. Good supporting performances by Ben Roddy, Jo Castleton, John Hester and Claire Vousden maintain some credibility.