Guernsey folklore is at the heart of When Darkness Falls, a new ghost story by James Milton and Paul Morrissey – which is reportedly inspired by real life events.
A history teacher and a paranormal activity expert get together one evening to record a podcast. They plan to tell ghost stories and hope something fantastical happens that might attract more listeners. But as the stories start flowing and dark histories are dug up, the pair – and their captive audience – get more than they bargained for.
The Weekender spoke to Thomas Dennis, who plays The Speaker in the show, ahead of its arrival at the Churchill Theatre last week…
Holly O’Mahony (HOM): You’ve performed in several big West End productions before joining this touring production of When Darkness Falls. What else might audience members have seen you in?
Thomas Dennis (TD): I’ve been acting since I was 12 years old. My theatre CV also includes playing Christopher Boone in the West End production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and playing Albert Narracott in War Horse, both at the National Theatre and on tour.
HOM: How did you come to be involved with the current touring production of When Darkness Falls?
TD: I landed the part through an audition process that involved trying my best to make the casting team jump. It was one of the hardest instructions I’ve ever been given before starting an audition piece! I’m pleased to say I caught them unawares.
HOM: Tell us a bit about the story… is it really inspired by true events?
TD: When Darkness Falls is a play set in a historical society in Guernsey. The head of the historical society is hosting his very first podcast and has decided to invite a paranormal expert to join him to talk about ghosts. His hope is that something a little ‘fantastical’ might attract more listeners. The guest speaker arrives with four stories to tell, three of which are embedded in the folklore of Guernsey, inspired by real events and stories that have been told on Guernsey for generations. As the Speaker, my main aim is to make the listeners (our audience) and John Blondel (the host) believe in ghosts. What ensues is a psychological thriller.
HOM: Just how scary is it as a play?
TD: A scare factor is really subjective. Some audience members think it is really scary, others find it more creepy, or unnerving. It all depends on how one relates to the stories. There are definitely some moments where we catch the audience off guard and I have full faith we will make you jump. When? How? Who knows… You’ll just have to watch it to find out.
HOM: How have you found rehearsing for a ghost story? Has it made you more jumpy?
TD: Rehearsing a ghost story is definitely unusual in comparison to other projects I have worked on. Rehearsing in daylight at the studio I felt more than comfortable. However, practising my lines at home late at night was rather unnerving. I am now much more aware of every creak my house likes to make. My imagination is vivid enough as it is – I’m not sure I needed any more incentive to be jumpy.
HOM: How are you finding being on the road? Where’s home for you normally?
TD: I am currently based in Oxfordshire. We are a small team of four so being on the road together is like being part of a family. We explore, share experiences and learn about all the places we go to. It is hard to call it a job really. I love it!
HOM: What’s your favourite thing about seeing the audience react to the story each night?
TD: One of the reasons I love touring is that audiences react differently to shows wherever you go. It is always one of the most exciting things performing somewhere new for the first time. It is an incredible feeling as an actor knowing you have an audience in the palm of your hand. If we do our jobs correctly the scares work so much better. It is a real joy exploring different ways to lure people into the stories and see how they react.
Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley BR1 1HA.
April 4 – 8, 7:30pm with additional 2:30pm matinees on Thursday & Saturday.
Admission: £15+.
www.churchilltheatre.co.uk/Online/tickets-when-darkness-falls-bromley-2023
