Theatre

Murder in the Dark, Derby Theatre Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Louise Edwards

This week, Derby Theatre, located in the city’s Derbion shopping centre, hosts Murder in the Dark, on its nationwide tour.  There is a small restaurant and bar serving coffee and hot and cold snacks in the foyer.  The theatre is modern and comfortable with tiered seating around the stage. Car parking is easily available and reasonably priced within the shopping centre. 

Written by acclaimed writer, Torben Betts, Murder in the Dark, as the name suggests, is a supernatural/horror production, designed to thrill and disturb in equal measures.  The stage, designed by Simon Kenny, depicts a neglected living room with a Christmas tree in the corner, a TV, a table and a sofa.  The lights are dimmed and the atmosphere is a little spooky and unsettling.

Outside we hear an engine stop and voices as Danny Sierra, played by Strictly champ Tom Chambers, his much younger girlfriend, Sarah played by Laura White and Mrs Bateman played by Susie Blake (well known from Coronation Street and Victoria Wood: as Seen on TV) enter the room.

It is New Year’s Eve and former pop sensation Danny and Laura have been involved in a car crash on a rural road in a snowstorm.  Mrs Bateman is a lone farmer who happened to be passing and she has saved them and brought them to the cottage, she rents out on her land.  They are keen to get to London as have plans in the city but Mrs Bateman tells them that all the trains have been cancelled but they are welcome to stay in the cottage for the night.  Her colleague, Marion (whom we don’t meet) has gone to pick up the rest of the party.  Danny’s extended family – estranged brother Will played by Owen Oakeshott, ex-wife Rebecca played by Rebecca Charles and their son Jake played by Jonny Green.

The first half builds the characters and slowly the backstory to the scenario is played out.  Without revealing any spoilers, we learn more about the troubled Danny and the battles he has faced in his life, perhaps as a result of what he has experienced.  There is tension and intrigue which keeps the audience glued to their seats.  Cleverly, along with the supernatural atmosphere, there is a lot of comedy which lightens the mood.  The sound effects and music play a key role in horror to create the right atmosphere and Max Pappenheim, sound designer and composer creates the perfect balance as the story develops.

There are some disturbing scenes tormenting the anguished Danny and the second half has twists and turns to rival the classic thrillers and ghost stories.  Directed by Philip Franks (who I remember as an actor himself in The Darling Buds of May), himself an avid horror fan, has skilfully used the writing, actors, and creative team to produce a thrilling ride that will delight fans of classic horror dramas.

Perfect escapism theatre and a thrilling rollercoaster of a ride.

Rating: 4/5

Tickets cost from £28

For more information or to book tickets, please visit Derby Theatre’s website here: https://derbytheatre.co.uk/event/murder-in-the-dark/

Show More
Back to top button