About the Play:

Night Must Fall was one of Royal National Theatre of Britain's top 100 plays of the 20th century.

Night Must Fall is a full length psychological thriller by Emlyn Williams. The charming Danny inserts himself into the rather dreary life of elderly Mrs. Bramson and her beautiful niece, Olivia. What effect will he have on their lives? It's frightening to think what a face can hide, in this, masterful thriller, which is based on a real-life case. Especially recommended for school and contest use.

Night Must Fall has all the tension, atmosphere and suspicion of the best British mysteries. When Dan, a charming, smooth-talking young bell hop arrives unexpectedly at old Mrs. Bramsom's remote woodland home, he pleasantly upsets the dull routine. But when a local woman goes missing and rumours of murder among the household surface in the press, fingers begin to point towards the dashing bell hop. He has already murdered one woman and there is little doubt that he will soon murder another: the aged Mrs. Bramson herself may be next on the list. He skillfully insinuates himself into her affections while attempting to seduce her suspicious niece Olivia from exposing his diabolical intentions. And though she professes loathing, Olivia is attracted and fascinated by Dan. Fatally. Has the past finally caught up with Dan and could he really be capable of murder? As the police close in, and with the press baying for blood, is anyone safe? Master playwright Emlyn Williams' renowned psychological thriller will leave your audience at the edge of their seats.

Night Must Fall premiered in 1935 a the Duchess Theatre in London's West End. It has been made into a movie twice, enjoyed revivals in the West End and on Broadway as recently as 1999, with Matthew Broderick as the suspicious, too-cheerful Dan, and has been performed in regional repertory, middle school, high school, college, and community theatre productions.

Cast: 5 female, 4 male

What people say:

"A killer thriller to knock 'em dead." — Daily Mail (London)

"...brilliantly entertaining." — Southern Daily Echo (UK)

"An entertaining and gripping watch with plenty of mystery and intrigue." — Salisbury Journal (UK)

"A creepy and insinuating psychological thriller that still has the power to disturb and entertain." — The Stage (London)

"This is a wonderful piece of suspense theatre that keeps you engaged until the last moment." — Ipswich Star (UK)

About the Playwright:

Emlyn Williams (1905-1987) was an acclaimed Welsh writer, director, and actor – and often all three at once. Overall, he produced dozens of plays, but is best known for his stage thrillers and his autobiographical play The Corn Is Green. As an actor, he internationally toured readings from the work of Charles Dickens and Dylan Thomas, as well as appearing in his own plays, countless classic and contemporary productions, and forty-one films. In addition to authoring or co-authoring nineteen screenplays, he wrote, directed, and appeared in the movie The Last Days of Dolwyn, which marked the film debut of his fellow Welshman Richard Burton.