Cast kept in the dark for new Castle Players show

THERE is no room for groping in the dark for the Castle Players as the cast of Peter Shaffer’s Black Comedy have realised.

Rehearsing the one act farce has meant learning how to act with the lights out.

In his play, Shaffer cleverly reverses light and dark – when it is daylight in the play the stage is in darkness, and when a fuse blows, plunging the characters into darkness, the lights come up for the audience to see the ensuing confusion.

“Some of the time we’ve rehearsed with the actors wearing blindfolds,” said director Dawn Trevor.

“It makes you aware just how much movement and posture changes when people are suddenly thrown into darkness.

“Listening becomes so much more important, and everyday tasks become a Herculean challenge – and of course, that’s where the fun of the play lies.”

It all promises to give new meaning to Spencer Tracy’s famous advice to actors, “Learn your lines and don’t bump into the furniture”.

Black Comedy will be performed at The Witham, Barnard Castle on Friday and Saturday, October 27 and 28 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are on sale at www.thewitham.org.uk by phone at 01833 631107 or in person at The Witham, box office during centre opening hours.