With THE BLOODY CHAMBER, Angela Carter boldly reimagined Western fairy and folk tales, creating dark, rich and sensual stories of female empowerment and the possibility within each of us to change…

The composer/ lyricist and director behind THE WICKER HUSBAND wish to bring these “gothic tales,” as Carter herself describes, “cruel tales of wonder, tales of terror, fabulous narratives that deal directly with the imagery of the unconscious” to theatrical life. In doing so they will create a new British musical that is true to Carter’s rich imagination and radical intent.

Darren Clark’s narrative-driven, folk-infused music makes him the perfect interpreter of Carter’s stories. Drawing on the musical motifs threaded throughout, he will unlock the rich symbolism of her worlds and the subconscious desires of her characters. This rich sonorous world will be enhanced by a sound design inspired by the creaking winter landscapes and the dark forests of the book. 

Charlotte Westenra will bring her romantic and feminist perspective to the dramaturgy and directorial vision. Her stripped back, theatrically inventive and fleet-of-foot staging will sensitively draw out the many shiting tones of the stories… from the bawdy, farcical PUSS IN BOOTS, to the gothic romance of THE LADY OF THE HOUSE OF LOVE, to the horror-infused THE BLOODY CHAMBER. As is the case with Carter’s original, this production will defy easy categorisa(on, transforming itself from moment to moment like the shape-shifters in its stories.