A REPORT run by Solace Women’s Adi in 2014 found that 95 per cent of domestic abuse survivors experienced coercive control, a form of abuse that was only included in UK law as recently as 2015.

This insidious, often less noticeable form of domestic violence is brought under the harsh dining-room light in Catrina McHugh’s compelling play.

Anna Reid’s set design confines a domestic space within harsh metal bars, framing the supposed idyll of homelife. There’s no glass on the frames, no tangible barriers, but Suzy (Christina Berriman-Dawson) and Jen (Eilidh Talman) cannot leave. They sing about escapism, but the tiniest of mistakes causes them to flinch in anticipation of how James may react.

Told alongside one another, the two women’s stories are years apart but intertwine deftly with plenty of narrative suspense in Charlotte Bennett's production. From small details - a piece of fluff brushed off clothing, the setting of a table - we see how James’s control manifests itself in both women’s lives with similar foundations of trust and vulnerability.

Despite no physical violence, the way the story weaves its arcs delivers some emotional gut punches, which are bound to haunt the audience long after the lights go down.

The final sequence where Suzy looks in on Jen, trapped in the same four walls she’s lived in herself, serves a chilling message. There are still women stuck in these situations. Dawson and Talman bring an emotionally rich and engaging performance to the stage, inviting us to take knowledge of those first warning signs home with us.

Open Clasp and Live Theatre, Newcastle, present Rattle Snake at The Studio, York Theatre Royal, tonight and tomorrow at 7.45pm; Saturday at 2pm and 7.45pm. Box office: 01904 623568 or at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk