Triptych Theatre, in collaboration with Park Theatre, is set to present their acclaimed dark comedy, ‘Vermin’, at Park90 from September 9 to 20. This chilling production examines themes of love, loss, and obsession against the backdrop of a nightmarish rat infestation, blending dark humor with psychological tension.
Written by Benny Ainsworth and directed by Michael Parker, ‘Vermin’ follows Billy and Rachel, whose passionate romance is overshadowed by sinister events, including a stranger’s suicide attempt on the day of their first kiss. As rats invade their home, the scratching sounds within the walls unearth deeper issues, revealing hidden grief and unsettling obsessions. The Stage hailed the play as “an unsettling yet compelling experience… using horror to delve into grief and how loss can unravel a person.”
Sally Paffett reprises her OffWestEnd Award-winning portrayal of Rachel, joining playwright Ainsworth as her troubled partner. After successful runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Arcola, where Paffett’s performance earned acclaim, the play is making its way to London.
Ainsworth shared his thoughts on the play’s contemporary significance, saying, “With attention spans shorter than ever, I aimed to craft a piece about grief and madness that hits like machine gun fire – keeping modern audiences engaged throughout. In this era of connectivity, we’re facing a new kind of isolation. ‘Vermin’ speaks to these themes more powerfully than ever.”
‘Vermin’ will be showcased alongside ‘(God Save My) Northern Soul’, a dark comedy exploring love, loss, and the Northern soul music scene, promising an engaging evening of contrasting yet thematically connected performances.
The press night for ‘Vermin’ is set for Thursday, September 11, at 8:30 PM, following the 7:00 PM performance of ‘(God Save My) Northern Soul’. Due to its mature themes—including references to suicide, stillbirth, animal abuse, and strong language—this production is recommended for ages 16 and up.
Tickets are now available through the Park Theatre website.
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