Twisted Tales in Hammersmith

Do you remember reading Roald Dahl when you were little? His children’s books illustrated by Quentin Blake were, and still are, tremendously popular. They are read in Primary schools and at home, as well as being adapted to stage and screen. But what some people don’t realise is that Dahl had a huge repertoire of darker material too, aimed at a higher age group. These fables aren’t for the faint hearted; over the years, Roald Dahl penned hundreds of short stories touching on some harrowing subjects, from autobiographical stories to horror and science fiction.

At The Lyric in Hammersmith, Jeremy Dyson presents his adaptation of these twisted stories. He’d also had much success with ‘Ghost Stories’, creating mystery and curiosity by keeping the details of the show a secret. This time it’s very much the same’ we’re left guessing about what the show will entail and just how scary or gory it will be. It has been publicised that Dyson was a great fan of the hit TV show version of ‘Tales of the Unexpected’ in the 70s and 80s. Perhaps we can expect some traces of this interwoven into his act; we shall have to wait and see! The minicabs Hammersmith has to offer will get you there in time for the show, should this be your choice of how to spend an evening.

Directing the show is Polly Findlay, who won the JMK award in 2007. She has worked at some of the smaller, more gritty theatres in London such as the Arcola and the Bush. This has won her respect amongst her peers, and now she’s really making a name for herself. This time she’s working on a much bigger stage, and working with tales of fantasy and cruelty.

According to the reviews so far, this show will make you jump and gasp. If you think you’re brave enough, book a cab to Hammersmith and find out just how twisted these tales are.