Black Comedy is a one-act farce written by the British playwright Peter Shaffer. First performed in 1965, the play is famous for its unusual theatrical idea: although the characters believe they are in darkness because the electricity has gone out, the audience sees the stage brightly lit. When the lights go out at the end of the play, the stage becomes dark for the audience, allowing them to experience the characters’ confusion.

OCTOBER 16 thru 18

MATCHBOX 1

RUNTIME:
1 hour 15 minutes with no intermission

NO LATE SEATING

TICKETS:
General Admission
$15 regular

Please note that this performance is not recommended for children under the age of 10.

ABOUT THE PLAY

The story takes place in the London flat of a young sculptor named Brindsley Miller. He has invited an important art collector and his fiancée’s father to his home because he wants to make a good impression. However, Brindsley has secretly borrowed expensive furniture from his neighbor without his permission. He hopes the furniture will make his modest flat appear more impressive.

Just before the guests arrive, the electricity fails. The darkness causes a series of misunderstandings and comic situations. As more odd characters arrive, they struggle to move around the flat without being able to see. As they try to hide their secrets, their lies become increasingly complicated.

Shaffer uses darkness as a major source of comedy. The audience can see everything that the characters cannot, creating dramatic irony and allowing the audience to laugh at their mistakes and misunderstandings. The play also explores themes such as deception, appearances, social status, relationships, and the difference between what people believe and what is actually happening.

Overall, Black Comedy is a fast-paced and entertaining play that combines clever dialogue, physical comedy, misunderstandings, and theatrical innovation. Shaffer turns a simple power cut into a chaotic situation, showing how quickly people’s carefully constructed lives can fall apart when they lose control of their surroundings.

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO MATCH

🎟️ BOX OFFICE & TICKETING 

• Online sales end 30 minutes prior to curtain. After this time, tickets may be available in person at the MATCH Box Office. 
• The Box Office opens 2 hours prior to curtain for Will Call and walk-up sales. 
• All sales are final. No refunds or cancellations after purchase. 
• Have a discount code and need instructions on how to use it? CLICK HERE.
• Why is there a Box Office Support fee per ticket? CLICK HERE to learn more. 
• **Standby/Waiting List: If the performance that you are hoping to attend is SOLD OUT, please CLICK HERE for information on our Standby/Waiting list.
• Tickets for this event are available exclusively through the MATCH Box Office. Tickets purchased from any other website or ticket seller claiming to offer tickets for this event are unauthorized and will not be accepted for admission.

⏱️ BEFORE THE SHOW 

• MATCH Concessions opens 1 hour prior to the start of each event. 
• Seating typically opens 30 minutes prior to curtain. 
• 🚗 LOCATION & PARKING
• 🍽️ AREA RESTAURANTS & BARS

♿ ACCESSIBILITY: MATCH is a fully accessible facility. Questions? Click here to email the box office.