With a little crowbarring, it is quite easy to separate Fringe theatre into three distinct categories: comedy, Shakespeare and gritty drama that deal with real issues, such as domestic abuse and racism. With this mind, it’s quite refreshing to see something that is essentially a horror piece, as you rarely see that on stage these days.
Actually, Dark Sometimes is more in the vein of urban myth than full-on horror but the surprise is still the same, as the flyer pitches it as a seemingly run-of-the-mill paedophilia piece and simply doesn’t prepare you for the journey ahead.
While it isn’t particularly shocking or frightening, Dark Sometimes is a clever, tightly written supernatural piece that is reasonably enjoyable to watch. The action is occasionally overtly signposted but it is always interesting to observe. That said the finale is a tad trite and a bit of a disappointment.
However, what makes this interesting is the stagecraft, as the play employees a careful use of light to emphasis its themes and to drag the audience into its close little world. This is highly effective throughout and often adds the just the right feeling to the scene, whether this is the isolation on an interview room or panic of a chase scene.
Dark Sometimes is a well-directed, well-presented piece but the script lets it down a little in places. As a result it is merely enjoyable rather than brilliant.
3/5
Richard Biggs
