ABOUT.



Renowned as the ‘Godfather of Gothic Horror’, Edgar Allan Poe was a pioneer in establishing the horror genre. Although his works are nearly 200 years old, Poe’s stories have stood the test of time and have inspired a countless number of horror writers.


Using Poe’s original text from the 1840s, one actor faithfully brings his words to life on stage, performing four of the most terrifying examples of gothic literature:


Act One:

The Tell-Tale Heart and The Pit and the Pendulum


– Interval –


Act Two:

The Black Cat and The Raven​



★★★★★



"Our eyes were glued to his, hanging on his every word"



- Christopher James​, BROADWAY BABY (on The Tell-Tale Heart)



★★★★



"A thrilling watch … A compelling presentation of Poe’s suspense-filled text."



- Karl O’Doherty​, THE REVIEWS HUB (on The Black Cat)



★★★★



"Smith gives the part his all… with a booming voice that is able to provide Poe’s words with suitable gravitas."



- Nick Ferris, A YOUNGER THEATRE (on The Black Cat)



★★★★



"One of the finest examples of gothic horror ever written… Smith demands your attention with his precise and elegant performance."



- Kiefer Williams, NORTH WEST END (on The Black Cat)



★★★★



"Edgar Allan Poe is a writer beloved of goths everywhere … When material has not just admirers but fans, getting the interpretation right matters. In 'The Black Cat' this is not in much danger."



- Emma Burnell, VIEW FROM THE CHEAP SEATS (on The Black Cat)



★★★★★



"An absolute triumph"



- Nathan Blue, EVERYTHING THEATRE (on The Black Cat)



ONCOMM AWARD



- OFFWESTEND.COM (for The Tell-Tale Heart and The Black Cat)





★★★★★



"Brings this macabre masterpiece to life."



- Elaine Chapman, MY THEATRE MATES (on The Black Cat)



"The protagonist’s inner torment and outward manifestations of viciousness are superbly conveyed by Stephen Smith who gives his best performance yet in a mammoth monologue of Poe’s distinctive prose."



- JOHN CHAPMAN (on The Black Cat)



DATES & VENUES



1 - 2 OCTOBER



WATFORD PALACE



as part of the Watford Fringe Festival



19 - 23 OCTOBER



THE SPACE



as part of the London Horror Festival

(feat. Livestreamed and Captioned shows)



31 OCTOBER



SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE



Halloween Show



Cast and Creatives



Written by Edgar Allan Poe


Directed and Performed by Stephen Smith

Featuring Jack Hesketh as the Doctor / Policeman

Music & Sound Designer - Joseph Furey

Sound Operator - Django Holder

Lighting Designer & Operator - Eddie Stephens

Production Assistant - Jack Hesketh


Dramaturgical Support:

Amber Buttery for The Tell-Tale Heart

Amy Roberts for The Pit and the Pendulum

Jonah York for The Black Cat

Rebecca Phythian for The Raven


Marketing Support:

Bethany Fox and Jack Hesketh


With special thanks to

Lewis Butler, Mark Featherstone-Witty, Brigid Lamour, David Smith, Xavier Moras Spencer, Alya Sayer,

Maddie Baylis, Richmond Rudd, Stephanie Van Driesen, Jason Keen and Victoria Keen.


Supported by Watford Palace Theatre as part of the Culture Recovery Fund (Here For Culture)

Sponsored by the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and Watford Borough Council



promo videos





an introduction to the characters of 'one man poe' and a brief summary of the stories they tel...





5 minute q&a with stephen smith





AUDIENCE REACTIONS AFTER OUR WATFORD PALACE RUN OF 'ONE MAN POE'





INTRODUCING 'ONE MAN POE' at the LONDON HORROR FESTIVAL





Our theatrical trailer for 'one man poe'
music by joseph furey and photographed by alya sayer





ONE MAN POE: NOW ON DEMAND (UNTIL 14th NOVEMBER)





IN Rehearsals (Photos by alya sayer):



IN PERFORMANCE (Photos by Alya Sayer):



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SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS:






enquiries@threedumbtheatre.com