When Darkness Falls is written by James Milton and Paul Morrissey. It is running from Tue 27th September 2022 – Sat 1st October 2022 at Salisbury Playhouse
On a stormy night on the small island of Guernsey, a young paranormal expert joins a sceptical history teacher to record the first in a series of podcasts based on the island’s incredible folklore and paranormal history. As the expert regales his horrifying stories, the teacher learns that we all have our own truth. Our own story. Ghosts that haunt us. That bring the past, present, and future together in unexpected ways. Ways that could threaten to unsettle everything we think we know.
Inspired by true events, this powerful new production by James Milton and Paul Morrissey draws us into dark pasts, reveals disturbing truths and explores the power of stories. Perhaps most importantly, the ones we tell ourselves.
The Artiscape spoke with Daniel Rainford about his role in the play.
Firstly, can you tell us a bit about When Darkness Falls and what attracted you to the show and your character?
Rainford: It’s a ghost story set in Guernesey in the modern day and it’s centred around 2 characters who’ve come together to create a podcast about spooky/ghostly tales!
I’ve never done a ghost story before, I really like darker stories and the opportunity to play with stage magic and illusion and this looked a really exciting opportunity! the part is great getting to tell lots of stories and engage in rich discussions and arguments.
It’s definitely a challenge and not like anything I’ve ever done before and I know it’s going to take a lot of work and take me potentially out of my comfort zone which always really appeals to me!
What do you think are the key ingredients in bringing a thriller to the stage?
Rainford: The right level of tension, timing, lulling the audience into a false sense of security and lots of confidence and energy!!
I noticed it is ‘inspired by true events’ could you tell us a bit more about what the true events are?
Rainford: Many of the stories and key figures in the story are inspired by real documented history of the island of Guernsey. The witch trials, nazis invading and occupying the island for the Second World War. Real structures/places/buildings in Guernsey with genuine testimony.
How are rehearsals going?
Rainford: Great! Hard work – there’s a lot of lines so rehearsals don’t finish when we leave the studio they carry on into my bedroom and whilst I’m cooking/washing the dishes! But the team are fantastic and I’m always excited to get stuck into it and problem solve and discover. I’m shattered but buzzing!
What will an audience take away from When Darkness Falls and why should someone book tickets?
Rainford: Lots of discussion afterwards hopefully about the story they’ve just seen and will hopefully make you question whether or not “Ghosts are real?!!” We all experience nightmares/scares/things we can’t explain and the conversations that are triggered with friends of having had similarly spooky experiences is something we can all relate too. You should book tickets because it’s extremely timely entering ‘spooky’ season!
And it’s a story that will have you gripped and on the edge of your seats!
Starring Peter Duncan
