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What happens when the lights go out?

From the acclaimed writer Torben Betts and directed by Philip Franks, this psychological thriller brings a seemingly endless twists and turns throughout, with plenty of jump-out-of-your-seat moments, interspersed with an unexpected sprinkling of wit.

Similarly to The Mousetrap, it is requested that the audience ‘spread the word but not the spoilers’ once the twists have been revealed, so there is less to say than I would perhaps like, particularly because I thoroughly enjoyed it!

The plot features a small number of characters with dysfunctional dynamics, their relationships becoming more complex as the play progresses. Danny Sierra (Tom Chambers) struggles with the loss of his former fame and has become an alcoholic. Accompanied by girlfriend Sarah (Laura White), ex-wife Rebecca (Rebecca Charles), resentful son Jake (Jonny Green) and older brother William (Owen Oakeshott), they seek shelter in the increasingly eccentric and rather unnerving Mrs Bateman’s (played brilliantly by Susie Blake) run-down cottage following a car crash on an isolated country road after attending Danny’s mother’s funeral. 

It’s a slow start as the characters are established, but the cast play it beautifully as we find out more about the reasons for their estrangement. Susie Blake presents a stellar performance as the increasingly unhinged Mrs Bateman, being able to switch between truly terrifying while serving as the main source of comedic one-liners. 

The increasing tension between the characters is amplified by the clever use of Paul Pyant’s lighting and Max Pappenheim’s sound design, and Simon Kenny’s seemingly simple set provides a perfect platform for the sudden scares. 

Murder in the Dark isn’t entirely original – there are a number of cliches and classic horror stories that elements of the play are certainly comparable to, but I left the theatre feeling satisfied (and a little disturbed) about the conclusion. 

Well worth a watch!

Murder in the Dark is on stage at The Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 11th November. Purchase your tickets here!