The Dark Carnival: Unplugged

The Dark Carnival: Unplugged is an intimate music and theatre show: With songs, storytelling and a free (though not compulsory!) glass of whisky for everyone, it tells the tale of newcomers to the afterlife who discover that death is not actually the end. Incredulous at their continuity, they form their own necropolitan community where every night is party night.

Based on the recent five-star theatre spectacular The Dark Carnival, this new ‘unplugged’ version features Biff Smith on acoustic guitar, accordion and vocals and narrator Robert Jack telling the story of the residents of Dickinsons Brae cemetery – a love story that spans life and death and a celebratory, heart-warming night out. 

Inspired by Weimar cabaret, danse macabre, Kurt Weill and Lionel Bart, the songs find themselves in a musical space somewhere in between Leonard Cohen and The Muppets.

Sponsored by The Famous Grouse

The Dark Carnival: Unplugged is created by Vanishing Point. It is being created with rural venues in mind and therefore has minimal technical requirements and can fit into almost any space including a traditional theatre, community hall, bar – or even outdoors.  

This show is being developed as part of The Touring Network’s project BRAW.

Please note this show is still in development. 

A New International describe their music as “an evocative mixture of cinematic strings, circus lights, carnival and cabaret, music hall, gypsy, chanson, a little bit of folk, a little bit of flamenco too, yet with pop at its beating heart.” Reference points for the uninitiated include Scott Walker, Calexico, Beirut, Morricone. 

Vanishing Point is Scotland’s foremost artist-led independent theatre company, internationally recognised and acclaimed for its distinctive, ground-breaking and visionary work that often incorporates live music in an imaginative way. Recent work includes Tabula Rasa, a co-production with Scottish Ensemble featuring the 12-piece string orchestra; Bluebeard’s Castle & The 8th Door, a co-production with Scottish Opera – and The Beautiful Cosmos of Ivor Cutler featuring the songs and stories of Ivor Cutler.