When Darkness Falls, James Milton and Paul Morrissey’s ‘eerie’, ‘entertaining and ominous’ evening of Guernsey ghost stories, has certainly spooked critics. We’ve rounded up early review highlights. Its strictly limited run at north London’s Park Theatre must end 4 September 2021. Time to get booking… if you dare!
On the small island of Guernsey, local history teacher, John Blondel (Will Barton), runs the Island’s only Historical Society. Tonight, as part of the Society’s weekly vlog, a young writer (Alex Phelps) who has been researching the island’s mysterious and often frightening folklore, has been invited to give a talk.
As his seemingly innocent stories unfold – many of which are based on true events – it isn’t long before they reveal dark pasts, disturbing truths and unforgettable terrors.
When Darkness Falls is co-written by James Milton and Paul Morrissey, who also directs. The production is designed by Justin Williams, with illusions by John Bulleid, lighting by Bethany Gupwell and sound by Daniel Higgott.
Following London, the production tours to Theatre Royal Winchester (16-18 September), Southampton’s MAST Mayflower Studios (20-25 September) and Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre (28-30 September).
When Darkness Falls runs at the Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP, with performances (90 minutes) on Mondays to Saturdays at 7.30pm, Thursday and Saturday matinees at 3pm. Tickets are priced £23-27. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE!
Review highlights
Dave Winskill: “Spine-chilling folklore from Guernsey’s blood-drenched history makes for an unsettling evening of ghost stories at Park Theatre…
To say that Alex Phelps had the audience in the palm of his hand would be an understatement. His timing, modulation and simmering menace left us spellbound… Combined with the brilliant (but not over the top) lighting and sound design and startling special effects, the ninety minutes flew past…
Best not to go alone.”
Kate Wyver: “This spooky tale gets smarter and scarier as the night goes on, cleverly entwining local history and folklore… The tension is overwhelming. The tales became tangible, and we’re cowering every time the lights get low.”
Dave Fargnoli: “Eerie tales told with relish… Evoking the history and folklore of the Channel Islands, When Darkness Falls is a straightforward, unapologetically traditional ghost story for the stage… Entertaining and ominous.”
Nick Curtis: When Darkness Falls “delivers its sparing shocks well and generates a heady atmosphere of suspense… The hair stirred on my scalp several times… [There’s] excellent work [by] the sound and lighting designers, illusion co-ordinator, and particularly the stage managers.”
Dominic Maxwell: “A pleasurably tense 90 minutes… performed beautifully by Will Barton and Alex Phelps… Justin Williams’ crammed office design, Bethany Gupwell’s lighting, Daniel Higgott’s sound design and John Bulleid’s illusions combine to put you in just the right sort of altered state.”
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