Theatre review: Salisbury Playhouse - When Darkness Falls.

With just two actors to carry the multi-layered story including Olivier-nominated actor and former Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan, both conjured up a performance that was suitably eerie and thought-provoking.

In a small office on the island of Guernsey, history teacher and paranormal sceptic John Blondel (Duncan) invites a young paranormal expert (Daniel Rainford) to join him to record the first in a series of podcasts about folklore, beasts, and ghostly apparitions.

Slightly awkward, and soaking wet from his journey to the island, the younger man begins to regale frightening stories drawn from his own research.

Salisbury Playhouse (Image: Salisbury Playhouse)

Sceptic Blondel is soon drawn into the sequence of horrifying stories and disturbing truths that both captivates and intrigues ultimately making him question his own beliefs.

There are clever stage effects which add to the atmosphere. Books fall from the shelves, lights turn on and off, crackling on the dimly lit stage while a chair moves by itself.

There is humour, darkness and intrigue and it is up to the audience to pull together the threads of the story.

Inspired by true events, the play is beautifully written by James Milton and Paul Morrissey and the performances are compelling. It brings the past, present, and future to a fascinating conclusion leaving the audience to explore their own perceptions of life and the paranormal.

When Darkness Falls runs until Saturday, October 1.

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