Dark of the Moon is a show that wears its folklore roots proudly, drawing loosely from Scottish and English myth and the centuries‑old ballad Barbara Allen. Here, the tale is transplanted to the fictional Appalachian town of Buck Creek and the Smoky Mountains that loom above it — a setting that immediately gives the piece a rustic charm and a slightly uncanny edge.

What unfolds is very much a story of two worlds. Down in Buck Creek, life is all rural routine and small‑town bustle, brought to life through upbeat country‑infused musical numbers with a bright, modern musical‑theatre sheen. High above them, the witches’ coven moves in an entirely different rhythm — darker, heavier, and more ritualistic. Their rock‑driven sound and striking movement vocabulary create a vivid contrast that helps the audience feel the pull between the human and supernatural realms.

Glenn Adamson is a delight as John the Witch Boy, fully committing to the physicality and emotional shifts required as he moves between these two worlds. His relationship with Barbara Allen, played with sensitivity by Lauren Jones, feels grounded and sincere, and the pair share an easy chemistry that anchors the story. Vocally, the standout of the night is Josie Benson as the Conjur Woman — her voice cuts through the space with astonishing power.

Despite the intimate size of the Charing Cross stage, the production makes clever use of height and levels, with the coven often appearing above the town buildings, as if watching from their mountain perch. Scene changes are fluid, with pieces sliding and opening without interrupting the flow. The lighting design is particularly effective, especially early on when John mingles among the townsfolk — the witches picked out in cold blues and whites, visible to us but untouchable to the humans around them.

Overall, Dark of the Moon is a distinctive and atmospheric production, rich with movement, mood, and a thoughtful blend of musical styles. A lovely, unusual piece of theatre that leaves the audience reflecting on themes of love and inclusion.

Four Stars

Reviewed by Alexa Gardner.

Photo credit Tom Bowles.

https://charingcrosstheatre.co.uk/theatre/dark-of-the-moon