Darkling
About Darkling
Presented by Actors Touring Company & Bush Theatre
Written by Titas Halder
Directed by Matthew Xia
I walk home. The skyline is changed.
The skeleton is fast becoming a huge metal creature.
They have built a behemoth here.
Bhopal. India. 1984.
Born under a blue sky in a city of lakes, a girl grows up with her father and sister. The three of them together, always.
But as she grows, the land begins to change. A giant factory rises over her town. Her mother always wanted more for them – now the girl wants more too.
Then comes the night that tears everything apart.
Ferocious, brutal and damning, this epic story of a life ravaged by ecological disaster is written by Titas Halder (Foal, Finborough) and directed by Matthew Xia (Tambo & Bones, ATC / Stratford East).
Cast
Linnea Berthelsen
Linnea Berthelsen is a British-trained Danish actress who resides in London. Linnea is perhaps best known for her role as ‘Kali’ in the Netflix hit Stranger Things. Linnea was first introduced as ‘Kali’ in season two, where she was revealed to be the sister of ‘Eleven/Jane’ played by Millie Bobby Brown.
Linnea’s character made a shock return to the show in its final season, playing a pivotal part in the show’s final storyline. Linnea’s other projects include the role of ‘Jen’ in Alex Garland’s mini-series DEVS for Hulu and the BBC. Linnea’s short film credits include Teenland opposite Vic Carmen Sonne and directed by Marie Grahto, Natskygge, What Tyler Did and Sláinte.
Creative Team
Writer Titas Halder
Director Matthew Xia
Designer Simon Kenny
Lighting Designer Rajiv Pattani
Sound Designer Beth Duke
Composer Niraj Chag
Movement Director Anjali Mehra
Casting Director Shaheen Baig
Associate Director Sara Aniqah Malik
Reviews
“A masterclass in storytelling.” ★★★★★
Curtain call reviews
“A devastating story powerfully told.” ★★★★★
London Theatre Reviews
“You simply cannot look away.” ★★★★★
Theatre and Tonic
Tickets
Please see important booking information below.
Booking information
Ticket prices:
Standard – £16.00
Pay more – £20.00
Pay less – £12.00
Dates & times:
Tuesday 03 and Wednesday 04 November 2026 at 8.00pm
Wednesday matinee at 2.00pm
Running time:
1 hour 30 minutes
Age guidance:
14+
Content guidance:
This show contains depictions of blood, vomiting, abuse, violence, sexual violence, injury, death, pregnancy and stillbirth; descriptions of sex, body hatred, suicide ideation; references to harassment, bullying, trauma; the use of strong language, alchohol/drinking; scenes of abuse and cruelty, including child abuse, emotional abuse and domestic coercion; and implied scene of sexual abuse/assault involving a young person, with descriptions of the aftermath.
Warning:
This show contains loud noises, flashing lights, moments of darkness and haze effects.
Good to know:
Post Show Q&A – Join actor Linnea Berthelsen & Associate Director Sara Aniqah Malik on Tuesday 03 November for a post-show discussion.
About The North Wall Arts Centre
The North Wall Arts Centre is an an award-winning theatre, gallery and performing arts centre located in Summertown, North Oxford. The facility was opened in 2007, and offers a fully flexible 200-seat theatre, a public art gallery, as well as studios for dance and drama.
The centre is owned by St Edward’s School and shared with the city, and it was created for the benefit of emerging artists across a range of disciplines. The programme of events at The North Wall places emphasis on new and innovative work.
Discover more about The North Wall Arts Centre, including travel, access and venue information.
