EDITH IN THE DARK to Embark on First Ever National Tour

As the darker nights approach, Baroque Theatre Company, one of the UK's most established professional independent theatre companies, will be kicking off their autumn/winter theatre season with the first ever national tour of EDITH IN THE DARK, an evening of chilling ghost stories by playwright Philip Meeks.

EDITH IN THE DARK will premiere at The Garage in Norfolk on Thursday 27 September before embarking on a 14-venue tour ending at St Bride Foundation, London on Saturday 22 December 2018.

The play is based on the little-known ghost stories by poet and writer E Nesbit, author of some of the most famous children's stories ever written including Five Children and It, The Phoenix and the Carpet and the much-loved The Railway Children.

Admired by the great Noel Coward, Edith Nesbit also wrote adult books including four ghost stories which form the basis of this haunting evening of ghostly tales.

EDITH IN THE DARK takes place on Christmas Eve during a party hosted by her husband. Edith escapes to her attic writing room where she meets up with her housekeeper and a mysterious guest. She reads them a story, not one of her cherished children's tales, but one of her terrifying early ghost stories. As the tales unfold it becomes clear all is not what it seems...Someone in the attic is hiding a deadly secret.

EDITH IN THE DARK, is a haunting glimpse into the nightmarish inner world of an author whose reputation for cosy childhood innocence is only half the story.

EDITH IN THE DARK is directed by award-winning Director and BTC Artistic Director Adam Morley. Adam is the associate director of canal cafe theatre and runs UK arts charity Minerva as well as being a Patron of Actor Awareness fighting for equality and diversity in the arts. Credits include the WORLD Premiere of David Walliams' Billionaire Boy, Dracula and The Greater Game in association with the Football Association as part of Football Remembers, bringing theatre and football together.

Adam said "I am very excited to be directing this play on its first ever national tour. E Nesbit is best known for children's favourite The Railway Children but little is known of her adult ghost stories or her own life. This chilling production will certainly provide audiences with some shock moments and surprising twists. Be ready!"

EDITH IN THE DARK is written by playwright Philip Meeks who enjoyed sell-out performances when it was first commissioned in 2013 by Harrogate Theatre. Philip has written for Emmerdale (ITV), Doctors (BBC) and his new play 'Harpy' starring Su Pollard which recently premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe. Other works include 'Murder, Margaret and Me' at New York Fringe and more recently at the Salisbury Playhouse.

Philip added "Edith in the Dark is one of my favourites and Adam Morley has some great ideas for bringing the play back to life"

EDITH IN THE DARK stars Kent-born and Norfolk Arts award nominee CLAIRE BIBBY as Edith, Producer and Founder of Baroque Theatre Company, credits include national tours of Great Expectations (Molly/Miss Skiffins), Veronica's Room (The Woman), The Hundred and one Dalmatians (Cruella de Vil); Thurrock in Essex-born GRACE DUNNE as Biddy Thricefold credits include Sybil Fawlty (Fawlty Towers, Nationwide tour), Morticia Addams (Addams Family, Nationwide Tour) and making his Baroque Theatre debut is London-born JEREMY SMALL as Mr Guasto credits include 'The History Boys' (Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop's Stortford) and Scrooge in 'A Christmas Carol' (tour, Hobgoblin Theatre Company).

Costume designer is Suzanne Bell (BBC4 series The Detectorists, BAFTA and Oscar winning film (Best Costume Design category) The Duchess); Wig-maker Sophie Eade from Norwich (Harry Potter); Lighting and Sound Technician Chloe Sturrock; Stage Manager Samson Robinson; set design Matt Nunn, Bix Productions. Sponsored by Clarian.

EDITH IN THE DARK is suitable for 12+ and provides the perfect theatre experience for the forthcoming Halloween and Christmas seasons.

EDITH IN THE DARK tours from Thursday 27 September until Saturday 22 December 2018 Tickets are priced from £10/Concessions available. www.baroquetheatre.com