Dark of the Moon releases ‘Wildflower’ as full cast announced for world premiere

07-05-26

You can now hear Wildflower, the soaring new track from upcoming musical Dark of the Moon, now playing on Matinee Musicals ahead of the show’s world premiere in London this May.

Set to open at the Charing Cross Theatre from 18 May, Dark of the Moon blends supernatural folklore, forbidden romance and Appalachian mysticism into what promises to be one of the most distinctive new British musical premieres of the year.

  

Leading the cast are Glenn Adamson as ‘John, The Witch Boy’ and Lauren Jones as ‘Barbara Allen’, the doomed young lovers at the centre of the story. The newly released Wildflower offers audiences their first major taste of the show’s score, which fuses country, bluegrass and rock influences into a sound that feels worlds away from the traditional West End musical formula.

Based on the classic 1941 play by Howard Richardson and William Berney, Dark of the Moon tells the story of John, a witch-boy from the Smoky Mountains who falls in love with human girl Barbara Allen. Their relationship sparks fear, suspicion and prejudice among their communities, all while darker supernatural forces loom in the background.

The production arrives with an impressive creative pedigree. Direction comes from Georgie Rankcom, whose recent work on Anyone Can Whistle and The Frogs has earned strong acclaim, while the score is written by Grammy-winning songwriters Lindy Robbins, Dave Bassett and Steve Robson. Between them, the trio have written hits for artists including Demi Lovato, Rascal Flatts and Elle King.

The newly announced company also includes Sue Appleby, Josie Benson, Jordan Broatch, Martin Callaghan, Sophia Duncan, David-Michael Johnson, Thomas-Lee Kidd, Al Knott, Kiah Lindsay, Gemma Maclean, Wills Mercado, Samuel Murray, Gary Turner and Appolilly Szwarc, alongside onstage swings Will Foggin, Vieve Hamilton and Nick Wyschna.

The show’s themes of outsiders, fear and fractured communities have found fresh relevance in recent years, particularly following references in Stranger Things: The First Shadow and the Netflix series itself, helping introduce the title to a whole new audience.

Director Georgie Rankcom described the musical as “a beautiful piece that, at its heart, is about love and connection in the face of hatred” and praised its “truly unforgettable score”.

With a haunting premise, a contemporary folk-rock sound and growing buzz around its music, Dark of the Moon is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing new musicals of 2026.

Dark of the Moon plays at Charing Cross Theatre from 18 May until 8 August 2026.

Visit the official site HERE