AUDIENCES looking for a spine tingling supernatural thriller this October should make their way to South Hill Park.
Casting The Runes is a puppet-based literary adaptation of a chilling tale originally told by grandfather of British horror, M.R. James.
With tense original music, bespoke puppets, and a shape-shifting set made from recycled materials, the dark two-hander tells the tale of a sceptic academic, who, having been given some mysterious runes, is haunted by increasingly sinister happenings.
After meeting a mysterious Mr. Karswell, scholar Edward Dunning’s life becomes a waking nightmare.
He is haunted by something sinister at every turn, and must uncover the secret of the runes before time runs out and the dark presence at his heels finally catches up with him.
The two-hander, written by Noel Byrne and Antonia Christophers, and directed by Adam Lenson, promises to take audiences on a ride through dark magic and intrigue,
Writer Noel Byrne said: “Puppets have a natural magic and sense of otherworldliness.
“They can be charming, of course, but they can also be unnerving and strange – often what we imagine is worse than what we see.
“This works to our advantage in Casting the Runes, a fantastic example of M.R. James’ skill in building tension and dread, creating an incredible atmosphere.
“It’s a rollercoaster of a story, slowly ratcheting up and up until the inevitable final descent.
“We’ve just finished an amazing run at the Edinburgh Fringe, with sell-out crowds and wonderful reviews, so we can’t wait to get the show out on tour and share it with audiences around the country.”
Theatre company Box Tale Soup, known for its classic Gothic theatre, has toured throughout the UK and abroad including at the Lyric, Hammersmith; Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham; Broad Stage, California; and Long-Fu Theatre, Beijing.
It has had seven commissions from the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, and two from The Clark Memorial Library, UCLA.
The company has also collaborated with choral ensemble The Sixteen, and Guardian Charity of the Year winners, Music Action International.
Casting the Runes can be seen at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell on Thursday, October 5.
Doors open at 7.45pm, with tickets available at £19.50 for adults, and £12.50 for under 18s.
For tickets and information, visit; www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on: 01344 484 123
