Stig Baasvik - Garth Marenghi's Darkplace (2006)

 

Composer: Stig Baasvik aka Andrew Hewitt

Network: Channel 4 

Soundtrack Release Date: 2006-10-16

Length: 24 Tracks, 1:10:40

Happy Halloween! 

I know I had originally written that the next posts would be GOTY but I decided, ehn, I should do something for Halloween. So here we are. 

This is the (very) rare soundtrack for the hit TV-show, Garth Marenghi's Darkplace! 

Darkplace is a cancelled TV show written, directed and starring horror writer (and dreamweaver) Garth Marenghi. It also has Dean Learner producing and also starring. Originally filmed in the 80s it wasn't until the 2000s the show was released although only 6 out of the 60 'supposed' episodes are available to the public thanks to the people at Channel 4. Previously it was only available on rare Peruvian piracy sites. 

Seriously though, this is a parody horror show written by Matthew Holness and Richard Ayoade. It's a deliberately poorly written show with many comedic elements, visual gags, off-hand jokes, very dry humour and outdated, sometimes offensive elements. 

Basically, in it, the cast has to act as someone who can't act. Truly, a difficult task for regular actors to do.  

The plot follows the 'spooky' adventures of 3 doctors and the director of the Darkplace hospital. They have to face things like opening the gates to hell in the hospital, Scottish mist summoning highland spirits and a broccoli pandemic. It's all very out there. 

The show wasn't renewed for a second season but Dean Learner got his own spin-off show with Holness. I read one of the reasons for the cancellation was due to the high budget the show had. They went all the way to make it look old-school, even shooting in 3.5mm film. 

As for the whole 'Garthverse' there have been this show, the Dean Learner spinoff, two stages shows (Fright Knight and Netherhead) and a book, TerrorTome which is coming out this November. There have also been rumours about a Darkplace movie and although nothing has materialized I believe it is still out there. 

The music was composed by 'Stig Baasvik based on melodies hummed by Garth Marenghi'. The result? We got amazing horror synth in the vein of John Carpenter, perfect music for horror and all in all a great album for Halloween. The Scottish-themes, though not spooky fit amazingly within the soundtrack. 

Officially this was composed by film composer Andrew Hewitt. He is mostly known for his work on The Double. 

Outside of a DVD bonus feature this soundtrack wasn't released officially. The version I am sharing is also slightly different from that version as well. 

The tracks in this version have been looped 2-3 times to add some length and have all been 'remastered' for better listening. Unfortunately while I was looking for the soundtrack I wasn't able to find the last song "Sad Theme 2". If anyone somehow has it, please send it to me. 

Regardless, have a happy Halloween and I hope this release provides a perfect backdrop for your evil night. 

"I guess I was gonna have to look out for everyone, not that I'd get any thanks." ~ Dr. Rick Dagless, MD.

 

(also as a bonus I re-upped the labyrinth of time OST with a newer, better version so go check that out too).

Download: aHR0cHM6Ly9tZWdhLm56L2ZpbGUvcUFRVFFDN1EjSU0xREctbFQ4bFNuNWM5S2EyMEhINnpPaExVbXlWMDZfcW1hSVA3RDV1QQ==

p@ss: garthmargenghisdarkplace