Dark of The Moon

New Musical - Charing Cross Theatre

Two lovers from separate worlds, but will it work? The new magical musical at the Charing Cross is sure to leave you shaken. Brilliant performers, great space, but the story feels disjointed.

Trigger warning for the show, it does deal with the heavy subject of birth complications/loss. There are some loud moments and the use of guns.

Something witchy for the summer, 'Dark of the Moon' is sure to get your toes tapping with a mix of bluegrass country music and rock music. This enchanting new musical, with the book by Johnathan Prince and lyrics/music by Lindy Robbins, Dave Bassett & Steve Robson, has a unique story that you have a complicated relationship with. It does indeed keep you on your toes. Let's talk about the drama of the show, shall we?

Two worlds have collided. Is it the first time? In a small country town where everyone lives in each other's pockets, someone new has entered the wooden villa, and he has his sights set on young Barbara Allen. This shakes up the town; they aren't ready for the stranger to change their world. This musical is filled with spells and love. Whilst the story is unique and interesting, it seems to jump from event to event without allowing the audience time to understand the gravity of the situation being explored. This means their connection isn't as strong as it could be. Whilst the music shows the difference between the two worlds and how they don't fuse, the disjointed music makes the show lose its flow and feel like two separate stories. It has its strong moments and weak moments, but I have so much faith that this musical has the potential to be different and bold. There's so much magic in the story, and making it easier for the audience to digest would make it stronger. It's not a predictable story, and it could be quite the tear-jerker. It just feels like something is missing and I can't put my finger on what it is.

Glenn Adamson and Lauren Jones are the perfect performers to star in a whimsical show. There is something magical about the way they look and sound; together, they make a powerful pair with fiery chemistry. Adamson is suited to the rock part of the music, and Lauren Jones suits the country side perfectly. Lauren Jones plays the strong female lead 'Barbara Allen', and Glenn Adamson plays the stranger who shakes her world up, 'John'. The strongest audience connection is to 'John', as you see his vulnerable side and the change in his character. The moment Lauren Jones sings her climactic solo is so powerful, and you can see how intense the stakes are for her character. The whole cast features such a range of personalities, and one of the most warming characters is Martin Callaghan, who plays 'Preacher Haggler'. It's so easy to laugh at his jokes and warm to his character, because he has such a lovable energy on stage. His relationship with all the characters and the status of his character is clear; everyone listens and trusts him, even if what he is saying does not always make sense. The way his character summarises is what makes him so comic.

Community spirit is really important within the story, and the ensemble, how they are directed by Peter Noden and choreographed by Jane McMurtrue, is what makes this community unit clear and the strength of their opinions. It also shows that they have a very set way of life; if anyone strays from it, they are shunned by their peers for not living their version of 'normal' life. However, in terms of how the community react to strangers, and different ways of life are confusing. When John the stranger appears in the town, he's welcomed warmly by most of the community, but when he's revealed as a witch... even though he does the same thing he did when he first came into the town, the people are shocked, but still are intrigued by his powers. It's confusing why they don't like him so much, and it's not consistent. The intetion of what the witches are doing is also conflicting, what does 6 witches create? What is their plan? It just feels like a question that is never truly answered, and how will it affect the town? You never truly get to know the witches and what mischief they are planning. There are so many different plot directions that so much gets lost, questions are unanswered, and not everything seems to make sense.

This witchy show is worth watching because there is something magical about it, and the story is so unique. The set by Libby Todd is beautiful; there's so much stage magic, and it displays the environment of the show perfectly. It's enjoyable, and you are caught off guard by how in the story you are. You just long for a stronger connection and understanding of the characters. John's intentions are clear, his arc is clear, but what the witches need him for, other than the strength of 6 is confusing. There are some incredible songs, community spirit and a beautiful story that is blossoming within this musical. Some brilliant performers in this show indeed! If you like a touch of magic, some toe-tapping songs and bold characters, you must see this show and be cast under its magic spell.