World Premiere of DARK OF THE MOON to Open at Charing Cross Theatre

Based on the 1941 play by Howard D Richardson and William Berney, Dark of the Moon features a book by Jonathan Prince, with music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum songwriters Lindy Robbins (Demi Lovato’s “Skyscraper”), Dave Bassett (Elle King’s “Ex’s and Oh’s”) and Steve Robson (Rascal Flatts’ “What Hurts the Most”). It is directed by by Georgie Rankcom (The Frogs; Anyone Can Whistle; How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying; Before After – Southwark Playhouse).

Loosely inspired by the traditional Scottish ballad Barbara Allen, Dark of the Moon is a supernatural story about witchcraft, small-town prejudices, and the power of love. Barbara Allen, a human girl from a small rural Appalachian town, falls in love with John, a witch boy from the mystical world of witches and warlocks in the Smoky Mountains. The two young lovers defy their communities and dynamically polarised worlds to be together, set to a thrilling score that blends country/bluegrass and rock.

Since its original Broadway production, the play has been performed widely around the world, and was recently referenced in the fifth season of the hit Netflix series, Stranger Things, and plays a crucial role in the stage play Stranger Things: The First Shadow.

Georgie Rankcom said, “Dark of the Moon has captivated audiences since the 1940s, and it’s exciting to see the story finding new resonance today — most recently through its appearance in the world of Stranger Things. This musical adaptation allows us to rediscover the story for a new generation.”

Full casting and creative team to be announced in due course.