The Dark Carnival: Unplugged, a stripped-back, intimate version of the critically acclaimed The Dark Carnival – the recent Vanishing Point – A New International collaboration will be at The Theatre Royal Dumfries on Thursday the 16th of May 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm)
The show, which features A New International lead singer, Biff Smith, and a virtuoso storyteller – award-winning actor, Robert Jack – will tour to venues across the length and breadth of Scotland.
The Dark Carnival: Unplugged is an intimate music and theatre show: with songs and storytelling, it tells the tale of newcomers to the afterlife who discover that death is not actually the end. Incredulous at their continuity, they form their own necropolitan community where every night is party night. There will be a free (though not compulsory) glass of whisky for everyone.
Audiences first encountered an early work-in-progress version of The Dark Carnival – A Night at The Theatre – in March 2018, in which a specially-written song cycle by Biff Smith was performed live by A New International. The songs were accompanied by readings by from two of Vanishing Point’s Creative Associates. This work in progress was then taken forward in a development period on the Isle of Eigg to create the bones of what was to become the full stage version of the production including a script, written in verse, by Vanishing Point’s Artistic Director, Matthew Lenton.
The Dark Carnival: Unplugged is the first Scotland-wide tour to be undertaken by the multi-award-winning Vanishing Point in 10 years. It will see performances in theatres, community halls and other venues from the Highlands to the Borders.
“Vanishing Point’s recent work has been large-scale and international, playing at theatres and festivals in Scotland and around the world,” says Matthew Lenton, Artistic Director of Vanishing Point. “Whilst that aspect of our work continues, we wanted to make a commitment to communities and audiences across Scotland, and to tour our work here more extensively than ever.”
“What better way to do it than with a show that is big in heart, big in spirit, yet able to fit literally anywhere. The tour will include performances in community halls, theatres, bars and even a graveyard”
The Dark Carnival: Unplugged was developed as part of BRAW, an audience engagement project led by The Touring Network whereby artists are matched with rural promoters and communities. Vanishing Point was partnered with promoter Lucy Conway and the Isle of Eigg, where Vanishing Point undertook the first stages of development.
“Eigg is well known for hosting and developing innovative and creative initiatives. It’s a place where ideas can grow, influenced and infused by the local community. It has been the perfect environment for us to develop the show and think about a new approach to touring “We’re also proud to work with The Touring Network and their innovative BRAW initiative, which engages deeply with the importance of making sure audiences in rural areas have access to a broad range of theatre and live performance.”
“We’re thrilled to be hosting the premiere of Dark Carnival,” says Lucy Conway. “We had a hint of how funny, moving and hugely entertaining the show will be when Vanishing Point shared some of the songs and text with us last summer, and we can’t wait to see the final show in Eigg’s Community Hall.”
The Dark Carnival was a Vanishing Point-A New International co-production with the Citizens’ Theatre, in association with Dundee Rep Ensemble.
A recording of the songs from The Dark Carnival will be released by A New International on Friday 26 April.
