Spooky and haunting goings-on as the Lovecraft Festival comes to Titchfield

Posted: 17th September 2019

Spooky and haunting goings-on as the Lovecraft Festival comes to Titchfield

From the master of cosmic horror, H.P. Lovecraft, The Call of Cthulhu and Pickman’s Model make their debut on the Titchfield stage this month.

Both stories have been adapted for the stage in different and unique ways, which makes for a really energising watch, whilst still using the same cast throughout.

The Call of Cthulhu is the first play and is directed by Daniel Fox. When Francis is left his recently deceased relative’s inheritance, he discovers among it a whittled idol of a strange, unearthly creature, and notes about a ‘Cthulhu Cult’. The audience will join Francis as he recounts his journey through strange dreams, witness accounts, and horrific events.

Pickman's Model is the second play directed by Dave Lee, who also takes major roles in both of the plays. Pickman's Model tells the story of an artist who has been creating these really gruesome paintings of this matted, pale figure, that's barely human. And this other painter, Thurber takes a real interest in these images and spends time with Pickman to learn his craft. It's a really disgusting and haunting tale that sticks in the mind.

Daniel Fox, director of The Call of Cthulhu said, “Titchfield is the perfect setting for Lovecraft’s stories. It is a reasonably small village close to the coast, similar to where H.P. Lovecraft grew up (Rhode Island) and also where he would set a majority of his work.

“Cosmic horror is a sub-genre of horror that plays upon existentialism and the question of whether we're really alone in the universe. It usually ends up twisting that answer by saying 'No, we're not alone…’ and because of this terrifying reality it can send witnesses insane.”

Audiences will love the intimacy of the two plays, both performed in the Acorn Studio and taking place in and around the auditorium ensuring that patrons are very close to the action. The production will have a real “camp fire” feel… two foreboding tales to get everyone ready for Halloween.

The Call of Cthulhu – a Lovecraft Festival opens on Monday 23rd September until Saturday 28th September 2019 at 7.30pm in the Studio Theatre, Titchfield Festival Theatre, St Margarets Lane, Titchfield PO14 4BG.

For more information, please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/or contact our Box Office on 01329 556156.