‘an exceptional production. . . and a shining example of storytelling at its very finest’
‘One Man Poe’ is spectacularly performed, produced, and directed by Stephen Smith, in an exhilarating journey into the heart of gothic horror, with this outstanding one-man production brings Edgar Allan Poe’s haunting world vividly to life, captivating audiences from beginning to end.
Stephen Smith is nothing short of a master of his craft. His performance is powerful, mesmerising, and technically flawless as he seamlessly transforms between completely contrasting characters with astonishing precision. Each character is depicted with remarkable accuracy, dedication, and emotional depth, making every moment feel authentic and immersive. Watching him command the stage alone is a testament to his extraordinary talent, making ‘One Man Poe’ a true one-man masterpiece.
This latest production explores two of Poe’s most celebrated works, ‘The Black Cat’ and ‘The Raven’, both of which are brought to life with chilling intensity. The atmosphere is further elevated by the exceptional sound design (Joseph Furey and Django Holder) and lighting which adds haunting layers that perfectly complement the performance, creating an immersive theatrical experience that lingers long after the final curtain.
I was eagerly anticipating this production having seen Smith’s previous performances of ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’ and ‘The Pit and the Pendulum’. Those productions awakened a deep fascination with Poe’s writing, inspiring me to independently delve into – and become wonderfully lost in – his extraordinary stories. That newfound appreciation is very much down to Smith’s evident passion, dedication, and sheer theatrical genius.
Beyond delivering an unforgettable performance, Smith is inspiring a new generation of Poe enthusiasts. His ability to breathe new life into these timeless tales ensures that Poe’s legacy continues to enthral modern audiences. ‘One Man Poe’ is an exceptional production – powerful, atmospheric and unforgettable – and a shining example of storytelling at its very finest.
If you want to learn more about One Man Poe, Stephen Smith, or Threedumb Theatre company of which Smith is the artistic director, please head over to https://www.threedumbtheatre.com/ or follow the hashtag #OneManPoe on social media.
With many upcoming performances in the North-West including venues in Liverpool as part of the Heading North Festival and Manchester as part of the Greater Manchester Fringe, I urge people to give this hauntingly brilliant production a try. Catch it nearby as they make their way to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to perform an impressive 42 performances in 23 days.
Review Date: 3rd July 2026
Star Rating: FIVE