Dark of the Moon Tickets

Dark of the Moon in London

A haunting tale of love and prejudice comes to life in Dark of the Moon, playing at the Charing Cross Theatre, just off the Strand. Based on a 1940s play about a witch-boy and a human who fall in love, this new musical reimagines a classic Appalachian folktale through a distinctive score, blending country, bluegrass and rock’n’roll. This production comes to London for a strictly limited run - read our Dark of the Moon review and secure your tickets today!

What Is the Musical Dark of the Moon About?

In a quiet Appalachian town, superstition and tradition shape daily life. High in the nearby Smoky Mountains, however, another world exists - a mysterious realm inhabited by witches and warlocks whose powers influence the land below. When John, a curious witch-boy, falls in love with Barbara, a human girl from the town, their relationship challenges the boundaries between these two worlds. 

Determined to live among humans, John makes a dangerous bargain that allows him to become mortal, but only if Barbara remains faithful. As suspicion spreads through the town and tensions rise between the earthly and supernatural communities, the couple’s love is tested by prejudice, fear and the consequences of the pact made under the dark of the moon. Blending folklore with emotional storytelling, this new musical explores whether love can survive when two opposing worlds collide.

The History of Dark of the Moon

Dark of the Moon is based on the play of the same name by Howard Richardson and William Berney, which was in turn inspired by the traditional folk ballad “Barbara Allen”, a centuries-old song that appears in British and American folk traditions. Richardson and Berney’s drama transformed the ballad into a supernatural tale set in the Appalachian Mountains, blending folklore, romance, and social commentary. Premiering on Broadway in 1945 and in London in 1948, the play became known for combining fantasy and realism and exploring themes of prejudice within a small community. Despite the story’s rich folklore and atmospheric setting, the play is rarely revived - although it does feature as a 'play within a play' in Stranger Things: The First Shadow. 

While the original play does include songs, this musical version expands the story through a score influenced by Appalachian musical traditions, bringing the tension between the human and supernatural worlds to life through music as well as drama. The musical had its developmental debut at the Rubicon Theatre in California in 2023, and now makes its UK premiere at The Charing Cross Theatre for a strictly limited run. 

The Cast of Dark of the Moon 

Casting for this production is to be confirmed. 

The Creative Team of Dark of the Moon 

Dark of the Moon features a book by Emmy nominee Jonathan Prince (American Dreams, Melrose Place), with music and lyrics by Grammy winning song writers Lindy Robbins (Birds of Prey, Descendants), Dave Bassett (Elle King’s “Ex’s & Oh’s”, Vance Joy’s “Riptide”) and Steve Robson (James Blunt’s “You’re Beautiful”, One Direction’s “Story of My Life”). The musical is based on the play by Howard D. Richardson and William Berney.

The production is directed by Georgie Rankcom (Ride, Anyone Can Whistle), with choreography by Jane McMurtrie (Lizzie, Spring Awakening). Brad Haak (Come From Away, School of Rock) serves as Musical Supervisor, with Matt Herbert (Matilda the Musical, Heathers) as Music Director and orchestrations by Dillon Kondor (Six, Be More Chill). 

Production design is by Libby Todd (Ride, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾), with lighting design by Jonathan Chan (Ride, The Time Traveller’s Wife) and sound design by Andrew Johnson (Heathers, Jerry Springer: The Opera).

Tickets for Dark of the Moon at Charing Cross Theatre

Dark of the Moon blends romance, folklore and music with supernatural drama and a sultry, Appalachian-inspired soundtrack. You won't want to miss this atmospheric new musical from an award-winning creative team. Let yourself be spellbound - secure your tickets for Dark of the Moon at the Charing Cross Theatre today.