Murder in the Dark is a 2023 play by Torben Betts. The story is set in rural England on New Year’s Eve when a family are in a car crash which leads them to an empty holiday cottage where they soon start to experience the supernatural. Through this, family secrets soon unravel and tension rises among the family as they navigate the dark. The Rackheath Players are an inclusive amateur dramatic group based in Rackheath. They have previously put on fantastic productions of Calendar Girls and Bad Girls which we thoroughly enjoyed. As we are in October, this is the perfect time for a spine-tingling thriller!
Deborah Dance directs this production, allowing for a consistent pace and flow. Movement is effective on stage as the entirety of the space is used throughout. The set is designed very well, with the lodge decorated to allow for immersion. Lighting was also used cleverly to build tension. Tension is built brilliantly to keep the audience on their toes and the story is thoroughly engaging. The twists in the second act are genuinely very surprising!
Simon Taylor and Ebony Borg were both able to add additional value to each scene they appeared in. Jack Dance plays Jake. Dance is able to capture Jake’s emotional range during a conversation with Stephenson: making for a powerful scene. Elliott King plays William. King is able to be level-headed but also add comedic value throughout the piece. Laura Ferris plays Rebecca. Ferris is able to ground the characters within the story well and act as a calmer influence. Georgia Chapman plays Sarah. Chapman explores both sides of Sarah excellently, with different mannerisms to embody the roles.
Melanie Peter plays Mrs Bateman. Peter was the highlight of this production. Her witty humour and acting prowess were evident throughout: she was perfectly cast. David Stephenson plays Danny. Stephenson leads the production with confidence as he navigates challenging relationships. He’s able to capture Danny’s confusion well throughout the piece.
Murder in the Dark continues to run until Saturday 24th October. Book your tickets now!
Tickets for this production were provided complimentary. Many thanks to the Rackheath Players for organising and all the best with your final performance!
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