Darkling ★★★★ Bush Theatre | Sep 5 - Oct 24, 2026


On 3 December 1984, a leak of methyl isocyanate gas from the Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, India, released a highly toxic cloud over the surrounding area. Thousands of people died within days, while many more suffered serious injuries and long-term health problems. The disaster is regarded as one of the world’s worst industrial catastrophes, with estimates of the eventual death toll reaching into the tens of thousands. The scale of the tragedy is almost impossible to comprehend, but in Darkling, Linnea Berthelsen creates an individual who becomes emblematic of those whose lives were devastated by the catastrophe. The overwhelming scale of the event is brought down to a human level, allowing the audience to grasp its impact through the story of one poor young girl and her family whose lives are shattered. The monologue evokes the everyday life of a girl growing up in the slums of Bhopal, capturing its mixture of joy and hardship. There is abuse and racism, but also a strong sense of home and community, making the eventual destruction all the more devastating. Berthelsen gives a compelling performance, convincingly capturing the young woman’s changing emotions, youthful aspirations and growing awareness of the harsh limitations imposed by her circumstances. Her portrayal moves effortlessly between innocence, humour, fear and despair, giving the character a vivid emotional life rather than allowing her to become merely a symbol of the disaster. As the community is destroyed and lives are lost in the carnage of the gas leak, her grief becomes intensely personal, and the performance is powerful enough to leave members of the audience visibly moved. Darkling is powerful theatre with an important message about human greed and the enduring power of love, while giving a human face to a tragedy of unimaginable proportions. It is a moving, memorable and deeply affecting piece of theatre.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Marc Brenner

When, Where, Getting there:
Map & Location: 7 Uxbridge Rd, London W12 8LJ, UK

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