Original Production Reviews, 2008
Commendation for Best New Writing and Best Ensemble Performance at the NSDF Edinburgh Emerging Talent Awards, 2008.
“Imagine an unholy marriage of Enid Blyton and Noël Coward and you have the flavour of Bea Roberts' winning, funny yet ultimately moving play….The Darkling Plain is more than just a loving parody of wartime drama, however. Roberts also weaves in a scathing satire on the modern relationship between the UK and America…as the mood of the play darkens, and you find yourself not only laughing at the characters, but crying with them, too.”
The Guardian
“On the surface there is a brilliant comedy at work here, brimming with good ideas and full of exuberance on the part of the skilled cast; but underneath there is also a very clear and cutting anti-war message which is summed up with beautiful simplicity in the heartbreaking closing moments, which are as timeless and true in any era.”
British Theatre Guide
“A true work of original theatre, The Darkling Plain is a jaunty romp through an Enid-Blyton-inspired landscape of jingoism and naïvete. There are few plays which deliver laughter as well as this one, and few with as much heart or brains. To sum up, this play is a triumph. Watch it. Watch it today.”
Fest Mag
“Comedy is difficult, parody is difficult, establishing topical relevance without preaching is difficult, and Roberts and her admirable cast succeed at all of these in what is simultaneously one of the most enjoyable and most touching hours of the Fringe.”
London Theatre Guide
“This is intelligent funny stuff…With some gender-blind casting, and a beautiful gay love sub-plot to boot, this is a fine black comedy, which reminds us of the futility of war. I’ll certainly be keeping my eye on writer Bea Roberts from now on.”
Scotsgay“The Darkling Plain stole the evening with its part-satire, part-pastiche and part-tribute of Noël Coward’s wartime movies including Brief Encounter and In Which We Serve…Thoughtful, witty, beautifully observed and with great performances, Nick Blakeley’s direction created a show that deserves a wider audience.”
The Bristol Evening Post
Performed at The Alma Tavern & The Wickham Theatre, Bristol, & The Underbelly, Edinburgh 2008.
