June 1, 2014
Ernest and the Pale Moon is a weird hour of theatre, encompassing murder, obsession and madness.
The story was inspired by the works of Edgar Allen Poe and Alfred Hitchcock. It is clear to see the influence these gothic stories had on author, Oliver Lansley, when writing this decidedly creepy series of events. Ernest watches a beautiful woman from his apartment block and slowly his obsession with her builds. Gwendolyn, oblivious to Ernest's existence, falls in love with another man. This leads Ernest into a spiral of madness and murder which is not as predictable as the audience originally expects.
The production companies, Les Enfants Terribles and Pins and Needles Productions, have created a tense atmosphere throughout by emphasising the ticking of a clock and the scratches on the walls, and the lighting adds to these effects with constant reminders of the moon. The set is quite simple but full of unnerving touches, the half melted figurine candles being particularly effective. As the play develops it becomes clear that none of the characters are completely sane. The audience is left not knowing who to trust and what version of events is the most plausible.
The constant references to the moon are clever, returning us constantly to the theme of the lunatic. The play also poignantly describes the city as being too dark for stars, which do not dare to emerge in fear of being engulfed by the blackness. This is in comparison to the constantly shining moon, illuminating windows, showing on one side of the street a smiling girl's face, on the other the glint of a knife.
Parts of the play were quite macabre, and it wouldn't necessarily be suitable for individuals of a very nervous disposition. The tension in the play is impressive but it could perhaps have been increased by a more coherent storyline. At times, it was difficult to fully understand the plot and the audience was left with some questions. Overall, a creepy but entertaining way to spend an hour.
The story was inspired by the works of Edgar Allen Poe and Alfred Hitchcock. It is clear to see the influence these gothic stories had on author, Oliver Lansley, when writing this decidedly creepy series of events. Ernest watches a beautiful woman from his apartment block and slowly his obsession with her builds. Gwendolyn, oblivious to Ernest's existence, falls in love with another man. This leads Ernest into a spiral of madness and murder which is not as predictable as the audience originally expects.
The production companies, Les Enfants Terribles and Pins and Needles Productions, have created a tense atmosphere throughout by emphasising the ticking of a clock and the scratches on the walls, and the lighting adds to these effects with constant reminders of the moon. The set is quite simple but full of unnerving touches, the half melted figurine candles being particularly effective. As the play develops it becomes clear that none of the characters are completely sane. The audience is left not knowing who to trust and what version of events is the most plausible.
The constant references to the moon are clever, returning us constantly to the theme of the lunatic. The play also poignantly describes the city as being too dark for stars, which do not dare to emerge in fear of being engulfed by the blackness. This is in comparison to the constantly shining moon, illuminating windows, showing on one side of the street a smiling girl's face, on the other the glint of a knife.
Parts of the play were quite macabre, and it wouldn't necessarily be suitable for individuals of a very nervous disposition. The tension in the play is impressive but it could perhaps have been increased by a more coherent storyline. At times, it was difficult to fully understand the plot and the audience was left with some questions. Overall, a creepy but entertaining way to spend an hour.