The book of darkness and light

Tuesday, 26 December Centre stage, a wooden crate is standing upright and serves as a coffee table for a pewter tankard and three artificial candles. These emanate a pulsing orange glow, strong enough for me to see the violin laying on the floor. On the other side of the crate, there's an empty chair. First to walk onto the stage is Ben Styles, whose accompaniment at the violin is the undiscussed highlight of this minute ghost stories showcase. Like a lament, his first note echoes from wall to wall, tearing the silence before drowning in darkness. A second longer note floats in the space like a slow cry, sending chills down my spine.

The book referred to in the title of this show has a lot to live up to. In the first of three stories, a minister responsible for socially ruthless policies is haunted by the spectre of austerity. The script includes several grisly passages which work reasonably well to conjure physical gruesomeness. A nice lighting design includes some effective use of candles and concealed bulbs, and there are a couple of moments of accomplished stagecraft, such as Robinson coughing up witch hair. But more of these are needed to elevate the show above a sort of dimly lit gothic Jackanory.

Legend has it that years ago, from deep beneath the streets, a book of strange and haunting tales was unearthed …. The Book of Darkness and Light is a new storytelling experience combining gothic stories written and read by Adam Z. Robinson and a haunting musical score composed and performed by Ben Styles.
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