East of the sun and West of the moon comes a tale of finding your courage and staying true to yourself. Nocturne is a new original musical created by composer and lyricist Hedda Rustad Carlsen, writer and art director Hannah Debansi and writer Leah Sperring. The musical is rooted in Norwegian folklore and folk music, filled with puppetry and beautiful set design, ready to transport you into the fairy-tale forest.
Join our protagonist Solveig as she delves into the forest of ancient fairy tales, encountering familiar characters and dark mysteries. We invite you to get lost in the magical worlds and fables we often forget as we grow older.
★★★★★ "Every song had a lyric that sent shivers down the spine and unexpected comedy moments that entertained and delighted all who saw it. " - Theatre in Brighton (2025)
★★★★★ "If I had a magic flute of my own, I’d whistle up a ninety-minute version and a transfer to the West End." - The Wee Review (Edinburgh Fringe 2025)
Cast & Creative Team
Creatives: Composer and Lyricist - Hedda Rustad Carlsen Creator and art director - Hannah Debansi Writer and director - Leah Sperring Dramaturg - Helena Rustad Carlsen Light design - Bradley Varney Costume design - Kate Debansi Farrer
Cast: Solveig - Hedda Rustad Carlsen Old Mother - Saskia Douglas King Valemon/father of the house - Jack Stringer Nøkken - Em-J Smith Espen Askeladden - Samuel Koppel Country Mouse - Helena Rustad Carlsen House Mouse - Leah Sperring Forest spirit - Kayleigh Osborne Forest spirit - Hannah Debansi
https://youtu.be/a8cIDGMwwPw?si=KR7mWUwhaT16v868
Reviews
The musical theatre highlight that came out of nowhere
- Theatre in Brighton
★★★★★
It’s as sparkling as the fjords and as warming as a Nordic sweater
Venue Accessibility:Assistance Dogs WelcomeWheelchair AccessibleAccessible Toilet This is combined information – if this event is happening across multiple venues, please be aware this may not be applicable across all performances.For any queries about venue accessibility, including step free access, please contact box office. Age suitability: 5+ (Guideline)Babes in Arms policy: Under 2's are allowed in for free on the lap of a guardian.
Content Warnings:
Contains Haze/Smoke Effects Depictions and references to ViolenceAdditional Content Warning: Depictions of mild violence
Assistance Dogs Welcome 
Wheelchair Accessible 
Accessible Toilet This is combined information – if this event is happening across multiple venues, please be aware this may not be applicable across all performances.For any queries about venue accessibility, including step free access, please contact box office. Age suitability: 5+ (Guideline)Babes in Arms policy: Under 2's are allowed in for free on the lap of a guardian.
Contains Haze/Smoke Effects 
Depictions and references to Violence Additional Content Warning: 
