ACTORS have been rehearsing in the dark to prepare for their latest performance.

The Castle Players, of Barnard Castle, are set to put on Peter Shaffer’s Black Comedy tonight and tomorrow.

But rehearsing for the one-act farce meant learning how to act with the lights out as Shaffer reverses light and dark in the play.

“Some of the time we’ve rehearsed with the actors wearing blindfolds,” said director, Dawn Trevor. “It makes you aware just how much movement and posture changes when people are suddenly thrown into darkness. Listening becomes so much more important, and everyday tasks become a Herculean challenge - and of course, that’s where the fun of the play lies.”

Black Comedy will be performed at the Witham, Barnard Castle at 7.30pm on each evening.

For tickets, which cost £10 or 38 for students and those under 16, are on sale at thewitham.org.uk, by calling 01833-631107, or in person at The Witham box office.