Fierce young love takes center stage in Dark of the Moon at Charing Cross theatre, London, where the power and personality of its singers and music elevate this Twilight-esque story into the realms of enjoyably ridiculous.
A Supernatural Love Story Rooted in Folklore
The origins of this supernatural musical lie in ancient British folklore, but it unfolds as a teen love story set in small-town America. Young, spirited, and human Barbara Allen (Lauren Jones) falls for John the Witch Boy (Glenn Adamson), who hails from a community of Witches and Conjur People. She is willing to defy her parents and neighbours in her Appalachian town to be with this mysterious man from the Smoky Mountains, rumoured to possess diabolical powers. He, in turn, is ready to renounce his immortality to spend his life with her. Both are rebels, determined to be together despite social censure. The matriarchal Conjur Woman (Josie Benson) throws down the gauntlet: if the couple can remain faithful for a year, John gains his mortality.
Twilight Parallels and Originality
The generation raised on Twilight might find the setup derivative, but Dark of the Moon predates it. Originally a play by Howard Richardson and William Berney, first performed in 1942 and later adapted into a musical, it explores themes of fierce young love crossing social and mortal boundaries, alongside undertones of sexual fear and fidelity. Jones brings a punk edge with a look reminiscent of Kristen Stewart, while Adamson channels emo pop star energy with jeans, plaited hair, and eyeliner.
Music and Performances
The production proves its enduring appeal through the songs by Lindy Robbins, Dave Bassett, and Steve Robson. Vocally pure performances across the cast shine, despite the overall cheesiness. However, Jonathan Prince's book paints Barbara Allen's community as wholesome and the witches as archly evil, creating a mishmash of Walton's mountain and Salem. The love story, akin to Wim Wenders' Wings of Desire in its exploration of time and mortality, lacks profound insight. The deepest moment comes when Allen's wannabe rock star brother, Floyd (Wills Mercado), composes a song about being buried six feet under.
Direction and Musical Style
Under Georgie Rankcom's direction, the love story fails to ignite, feeling hammy. The lyrics are cheesy (e.g., "Yeah life's a bitch and I'm a witch") but catchy, brilliantly sung with country and bluegrass twangs in human songs like Ordinary Life and Wildflower, and glam-rock electric guitar sounds in witch songs such as Play a Little Dirty.
The production is too ridiculous to be the tear-jerker it might have been, but it remains enjoyable nonetheless. Dark of the Moon runs at Charing Cross theatre, London, until 8 August.
