Charles Dickins was a lover of the spooky tale. The Hanged Man’s Bride is one of his lesser-known works and in this new adaptation of it by writer/performer James Nicholas, we follow the spooky tale about a writer who is trying to find focus to create his work. He goes to a supposedly haunted inn, the site of a real-life crime and then… things happen. Are they real, imagined, or something in between? This is what James Nicholas’ one-man show explores.
One of the difficulties with this piece is that the writer character is not likeable. Do we as the audience then relish his haunted experience more? Nicholas is a solid performer and brings energy to the different roles played out on stage. There are some tricky sight lines at times, and with a show such as this, it may have helped to have more than just the story to enhance and build the atmosphere of this tale. It feels like a soundscape as an undercurrent could help the suspense grow.
If you are a lover of Dickins' work and appreciate hearing one of his lesser-known works, then this is the show for you. The room was packed, an indication that audiences still love tales of the supernatural, no matter how aware we are in this modern world.
Show Time: 16:15
theSpace@ Symposium Hall
2–23 Aug (not 11,18) (19,22 @ 17:15)
Ticket prices: £11(£9)
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/charles-dickens-the-hanged-man-s-bride
Accessible entry: Wheelchair Access - Permanent Ramp; Wheelchair Accessible Toilets; Stairs: Information not supplied; Age: 8+ (Guideline)