WHEN DARKNESS FALLS at The CHURCHILL THEATRE, BROMLEY
If you’re looking for a fun and chilling way to spend an evening, When Darkness Falls is the ideal choice. Things falling from the walls, thunder, and flickering lights are all staples of a good scary story, and you can count on them here; they’re used to great effect. And while these conventions are part of the story, the play by James Milton and Paul Morrissey stands out for its ability to emotionally engage the audience. The story is based on actual events and transports us to the island of Guernsey, where we learn about the local legends and ghost stories that have been passed down through the generations, ranging from witch trials to sightings of the dead in a hospital during World War II.
Tony Timberlake plays a history professor who meets Thomas Dennis's paranormal investigator character (known only as the Speaker) in order to make a podcast on the island's legends. Things are not going to go well, of course, and it is quickly evident that the characters both have something to hide - they both have more to say, and there is an underlying thread of something hidden bubbling away beneath each word.
One of the standout elements of When Darkness Falls is the excellent lighting design by Bethany Gupwell. As the play begins, the dim lighting in John's cluttered office creates a sense of unease and tension, making it clear that this is not going to be an ordinary evening. Throughout the play, Gupwell's lighting shifts and changes, heightening the suspense and bringing the supernatural elements to life. The use of shadows and subtle changes in colour help to create an otherworldly atmosphere that adds to the creepiness of the production. The lighting design is particularly effective in the moments when the Storyteller is recounting his tales of the paranormal, with flickering lights and sudden bursts of brightness adding to the sense of danger and uncertainty.
Overstuffed props and a chaotic stage design provide a visually rich backdrop for the story being told. The meticulousness of Justin Williams's set design helps to foreshadow the creepy and horrific happenings that unfold, and, above it all, it feels real. Anyone who has worked in an office will know about dishevelled shelving, a kitchen sink filled with mugs, and filing cabinets that just won't stay shut. Perhaps that last one is just John's concern...
Timberlake and Dennis give superb performances, infusing their characters with realism and nuance. Timberlake's performance as John is understated and restrained, creating tension and suspense in his scenes with the Speaker. As the Speaker himself, Dennis gives a compelling performance as well, evoking a sense of vulnerability and mystery that hooks the audience.
The play has tense, suspenseful moments that will have you wracking your brain trying to work out what the truth actually is because there is bound to be a twist. There is, by the way, and although it's a fairly obvious one considering other (unnamed for fear of spoilers) plays out there at the moment, not to mention a rather famous film, it still works because there is an added, extra twist that turns everything on its head in a delightfully different way that is much more unexpected and is definitely something to ponder.
The thing to remember is that when darkness falls, so does your sense of safety, and this story plays on that idea. This play is a roller coaster ride through the uncanny valley, leaving you with a spine-chilling grin and an unshakeable need for a nightlight. As the final scene draws to a close, an unsettling sense of dread falls over the theatre. It's a testament to the power of the play that the audience leaves with a pervasive, bone-chilling unease that haunts them long after they've stepped back into the light.
When Darkness Falls is not different enough to be groundbreaking, but for those looking for a night of frightful fun, it's an un-boo-lievably good time. Just remember to check under your bed and inside your wardrobe when you get home – you never know what (or who) from your past might be lurking in the shadows.
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