When Darkness Falls: An interview with Peter Duncan
Something spooky is coming to our modern medieval city this September.
Whether you believe in the supernatural, or just consider it as folklore, this spine-chilling ghost story coming to Salisbury Playhouse, will leave you cowering in your seat.
Inspired by true events, ‘When Darkness Falls’ is a powerful new production by James Milton and Paul Morrissey. Starring the Olivier nominated actor and former Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan, this performance delivers twisted, terrifying and thrilling tales of the supernatural.
It all begins on a stormy night on the small island of Guernsey when a young paranormal expert joins a sceptical history teacher to record the first in a series of podcasts based on the island’s incredible folklore and paranormal history.
As the expert regales his horrifying stories, the teacher learns that we all have our own truth. Our own story. Ghosts that haunt us - ghosts that bring the past, present, and future together in unexpected ways. Ways that could threaten to unsettle everything we think we know.
Ahead of the show’s opening night at Salisbury Playhouse on Tuesday 27th September, Experience Salisbury spoke to Peter Duncan about this eerie production.
©Pamela Raith
When Darkness falls has been called a ‘spine-chilling masterpiece’ – what do you think is the most important asset in performing a live thriller?
An element of surprise that the audience isn’t expecting - the special effects and the storytelling.
Can you tell us about a time when you were most scared?
I was threatened by a Georgian Mountain Dog. It was huge; I thought I was going to die.
This is based on real events - what are your thoughts on the existence of ghosts and have they changed since being involved in the play?
I believe time is not linear and much of the universe is inexplicable. Especially hauntings.
Tell us a bit about the history teacher, John and how he fits into this spooky story...
John is a historian and is making his very first podcast about ghosts - are they real or not?
©Pamela Raith
Do you enjoy touring?
I haven’t toured since 2020 and the beginning of lockdown. The world has changed.
Will you get to see the sights of Salisbury?
I think I shall visit the crooked spire again.
Why should Salisbury audiences come to see this play?
It might change your understanding of the paranormal.
When Darkness Falls will be on at Salisbury Playhouse from Tuesday 27th September - 1st October 2022. Tickets start at £15.
Explore Salisbury's tradition of hospitality with a pre-show dinner at one of our independent eateries or contemporary restaurants - find out more here.