When Darkness Falls is a ghost story within a ghost story. Historian John Blondel (Tony Timberlake) president of the Guernsey Historical Society only believes in historical evidence and “facts” he asks The Speaker (Thomas Dennis) into his office to record a podcast on some of the folklore ghosts connected to the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Sark. Can the self professed non-believer be convinced that there are unexplained things that do go bump in the night!
Twisting and turning throughout the performance, the tales of four harrowing ghosts stories are set to the backdrop of the raring stormy night in 1987, the hurricane that weather forcaster Michael Fish got very wrong. The flickering lights, power failures, and claps of thunder add to the atmosphere, and many members of the auditorium jumped in sync at certain times.
There are subtle clues throughout the performance to The Speakers true identity as the tale unfolds. Working his way into the mind of Blondel, it infolds that he is forcing him to confront the depths of his memories that were buried years before and be honest with himself for once.
Justin Williams set designer creates a tired and cluttered working office capturing every detail of Blondel’s working career. Even a small money tree plant is buried amongst the files, clutter, and machinery. With traps and falling props positioned around the office as tempers flair you never quite know what will leap to life next.
Overall, the performances by both cast members is captivating at times and very good. However , I wanted to leave the Theatre feeling on edge and wary. Instead, it lacked the power and dramatic effects that could make the production a truly horrific Theatre experience.
For further information about Richmond Theatre and details of future for “When Darkness Falls”use the links posted below.
http://www.whendarknessfalls.co.uk/
Three Stars
WHEN DARKNESS FALLS
A Ghost Story by James Milton and Paul Morrissey
Wednesday 9th – Saturday 11th February
RICHMOND THEATRE, Richmond
Thursday 16th – Saturday 18th February
LIGHTHOUSE, Poole
Thursday 23rd – Saturday 25th February
THEATR CLWYD, Mold
Monday 27th February – Saturday 4th March
LOWRY, Salford
Tuesday 7th – Saturday 11th March
NORTHCOTT, Exeter
Tuesday 21st – Saturday 25th March
DUNDEE REP, Dundee
Tuesday 4th – Saturday 8th April
CHURCHILL THEATRE, Bromley
Wednesday 12th – Saturday 15th April
CURVE, Leicester
Tuesday 18th – Saturday 22nd April
PLAYHOUSE, Oxford
Wednesday 26th – Saturday 29th April
DEVONSHIRE PARK, Eastbourne
Theatre, Films and Art reviews 