Dark of the Moon musical adaptation to receive world premiere

A new musical, Dark of the Moon, will receive its world premiere in London.

Based on Howard D Richardson and William Berney’s classic 1941 play, the piece will be directed by Georgie Rankcom.

Loosely inspired by the traditional Scottish ballad “Barbara Allen,” Dark of the Moon follows the clash of two polarized worlds – one a charming rural town and the other the mystical, smoky mountains inhabited by witches and warlocks, as a human girl and witch-boy fall in love.

The musical features a book by Emmy Award nominee Jonathan Prince and music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winning songwriters Lindy Robbins, Dave Bassett, and Steve Robson, who are responsible for hits performed by Demi Lovato, Elle King and Rascal Flatts, respectively. Press materials suggest the score will feature elements of country, bluegrass and rock.

It will run at Charing Cross Theatre from Monday 18 May to Saturday 8 August 2026, with a national press night on Tuesday 26 May.

Rankcom said: “Dark of the Moon has captivated audiences since the 1940s, and it’s exciting to see the story finding new resonance today — most recently through its appearance in the world of Stranger Things. This musical adaptation allows us to rediscover the story for a new generation.”

Additional members of the creative team are choreographer Jane McMurtrie, musical supervisor Brad Haak, musical director Matt Herbert, orchestrator Dillon Kondor, casting director Peter Noden, production designer Libby Todd, lighting designer Jonathan Chan and sound designer Andrew Johnson.

The show is produced by WitzEnd Productions LLC (Michael Jackowitz and Jeffrey Grove), and Steven M Levy for Charing Cross Theatre Productions Limited and is general managed by Steven M Levy for Charing Cross Theatre Productions Limited. Dark of the Moon is presented by special arrangement with the Richardson/Yale Property Trust, Elliot S Blair, administrator.

Full casting and creative team are to be announced.