CHESIL Theatre Winchester opens the New Year with a classic piece when Henrik Ibsen’s Ghosts runs from January 25 to February 1.

To her social class, Helen Alving’s marriage appeared outwardly successful yet it was inwardly miserable, due to her husband’s continued philandering.

Now a widow, she wishes to protect her son Oswald and guide him from his father’s ways. But is she already too late? Will ghosts from the past reappear and events repeat themselves?

Ibsen’s drama is now considered a masterpiece but in 1883 the 19th-century audiences were shocked, particularly by comments on incest, prostitution and venereal disease.

This new adaptation by former-National Theatre director Richard Eyre was welcomed as “fleet and vivid” (Daily Telegraph) and “spellbinding” (The Independent).

Ghosts runs at the Chesil Theatre, Chesil Street, Winchester from Saturday January 25 to Saturday February 1 nightly with a matinee performance on Sunday January 26 at 2.30pm.

Booking is now available on www.chesiltheatre.org.uk.

Photo of Karen Fitzsimmons: Tony Rogers