Abingdon show to tell story of writer Edgar Allen Poe

Moonhawk Theatre will present 'Poe' at the Unicorn Theatre from November 20 to November 23.

The show, created and performed by the Moonhawk team, will take audiences on a journey through the life of gothic horror master Edgar Allen Poe.

Born in 1809, he was an American short story writer, poet, critic, and editor who is famous for his love of mystery and the gruesome.

Edgar Allen Poe (Image: Moonhawk Theatre) Regarded as the architect of the modern short story, he was also the principal forerunner of the 'art for art’s sake' movement in 19th-century European literature.

The show will feature some of his most well-known works, including 'The Raven', 'The Tell-Tale Heart', 'The Fall of the House of Usher', and 'The Pit and the Pendulum'.

Moonhawk Theatre is known for its horror-thrillers and has previously performed 'Frankenstein', 'Adrift', 'Four Letter Word', and 'The Pillowman'.

Leon Witcomb, the brain behind Moonhawk Theatre, said: "I caught the drama bug over 10 years ago and have been acting, directing, and teaching drama ever since.

"More recently, I've entered the world of producing, hence Moonhawk Theatre.

"We’re based in Abingdon-on-Thames and we use several locations to put on our diverse types of drama."

Chris Bedford as Edgar Allen Poe (Image: Moonhawk Theatre) He added: "Moonhawk are a group of talented performers based in Abingdon-on-Thames.

"They love nothing better than tackling challenging scripts and material that requires them to use all their vocal and physical skills.

"Instinctively I just knew the works of Edgar Allen Poe was for us."

The team of three performers said they found it easy to cast the roles for 'Poe', but the production does have its challenges.

Mr Witcomb said: "Thanks to the technical wizardry of Mike Ward, we are able to combine masses of lighting effects, some gloriously frightening sound designs, and the founding stories of horror.

"We have a lot to do and say in this show, and as a company, we utilise the entire theatre to bring the horror as close to you as possible."

Poe's early mystery tales featuring the detective Dupin, though not numerous, laid the groundwork for similar characters that would eventually become famous throughout the world.

His tale 'The Murders in The Rue Morgue' initiated the modern detective story and the atmosphere in his tales of horror is unrivalled in fiction.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle said, "Each of Poe's detective stories is a root from which a whole literature has developed."

Tickets for the show will cost !15 or £10 with concessions.