The exact details about the death of the author Edgar Allan Poe remain a mystery to this day. He died on October 7, 1849, and the circumstances leading up to his death have remained unsolved adding to the intrigue and mystery about the authors life and works.

Best known for his darker Gothic Horror works this production focuses on the darker side of Poe. From his gin drinking binges and his drug-induced days where he stumbled between the realms of reality and unreality. Poe wrote in his novel The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether, 1845 “Believe nothing you hear and only half of what you see.” This sets the overall tone for what you are about to watch.

Edgar in the Red Room is billed as “A Burial Chamber Musical” where the company pick out some of the characters from the plethora of works written by Poe during his lifetime. Many are easily recognised.

For example, the Raven is brought to life by one of the cast in an incredibly detailed and mesmerising Raven costume, it’s definitely worth studying while watching the performance.

Initially, it isn’t clear why two Poe characters are performing throughout the play.  As the Musical comes to a conclusion it all becomes clear and makes sense.

The performances are good and you learn an overview of Poe’s personal life as well as his literary. Although if you had no prior knowledge about him I am not sure whether audiences would understand some of the references used within the Musical.

It’s an entertaining and energetic production and the cast has put a lot of work and effort into paying homage to Edgar Allan Poe. After all Theatre is all about the suspension of belief.

For more information about EDGAR in the Red Room and future productions at The Hope Theatre please use the links below.

Four Stars.

Photo credit Greg Giovanin.

https://www.thehopetheatre.com/

https://www.lemoyne.edu/news/edgar-in-the-red-room-headed-to-london-in-2026/

Cast

Maya June Dwyer

Killian Crowley

Moxie Dwyer

Sammy Overton

Morgan Smith.