Unique new comedy podcast from The Faces At The Window!

We're thrilled to announce our involvement in a new podcast created by acclaimed comedy team, The Faces At The Window.

The Faces At The Window logo, designed by Victoria May.

The Faces - actor/writers Victoria May, Steve Cain, Ed Barry and Daniel Thackeray, actor/singer/songwriter Richard Barry, and writer/director Ross Kelly - toured the North West throughout 2017 with two stage shows, Looking at the Lesser Postcodes and The \Bandwidths of Balderdash, co-produced by Scytheplays Ltd in collaboration with Lilaloka Productions and Hat Hair Productions.  Now the team has re-united to bring The Faces At The Window to a global audience, in the form of a new comedy sketch-and-song show with a unique format.

Launching in early May 2019, the podcast will release new short episodes every day for a month.  For 31 days, there will be a new sketch or song (sometimes several) appearing in podcast feeds everywhere.  We at Scytheplays, and the rest of the team, hope that audiences will find their days brightened by the addition of a daily dash of comedy.

Both critics and audiences responded very well to The Faces At The Window's live shows (The Reviews Hub gave the show five stars, Manchester Salon called it "worthy of Monty Python" and audience members left comments such as "Never disappointed" and "Excellent, laugh out loud") so the team hopes that the podcast will also be taken to people's hearts.

The show will be available on all good podcast platforms, including iTunes, Podbean, Spotify, Spreaker, Soundcloud, Podchaser and YouTube as well as the Faces' website.  A video preview of the series is below.

The Dead, Live at the first London Lovecraft Festival!

Between Tuesday 6th and Sunday 11th February 2018, the renowned Etcetera Theatre in Camden Town plays host to the first-ever London Lovecraft Festival, and Scytheplays Ltd  is thrilled to announce that the company will be part of the chilling entertainment on offer, with a special performance of The Dead, Live.

Artwork by Jake Geen

The play's writer, Daniel Thackeray, says: “In recent years a growing number of writers and producers of theatre have been emboldened to enter the realm of the supernatural, and often their inspiration is the work of HP Lovecraft - the man who, in many ways, redefined the territory of literary supernatural horror, and who is owed a great debt by every writer who has worked in that field since. Even though our play has no direct connection to Lovecraft’s works, when I was writing it, his universe of ‘cosmic horror’ was very much in my mind as something that might lurk beneath the surface of the world of the stage ‘psychic’. It’s high time there was a fully-fledged Lovecraft Festival and I'm beyond thrilled that we're part of it and sharing the bill with some of his greatest titles. The festival organisers are clearly doing it out of a great love for the material, and they’ve put together a really special programme."

Carly Tarett and Howard Whittock will be reprising their acclaimed performances from last year's tours as Rachael and Lawrence respectively.  The performance of The Dead, Live will be a matinee at 3.30pm on the last day of the festival, Sunday February 11th, and tickets can be booked via the Etcetera Theatre website.

Other titles in the festival's packed line-up include adaptations of Lovecraft's terrifying The Shadow Over Innsmouth and At the Mountains of Madness, Eldritch-inspired comedy in The Society of the Strange, and much that falls in between.  For more information please explore the festival website.

Stage Fright 2017 Pics & The Dead, Live news

We're very pleased to be able to report that the first-ever Stage Fright event, at Salford's King's Arms on Sunday October 29th, proved to be a terrific day of horrific, theatrical fun for all in attendance.  As usual with this type of event, there were a few last-minute logistical issues - illness prevented guests Carly Tarett and Brian Gorman from attending, with brave actress Victoria Tunnah stepping in, script in hand, to read Carly's role in The Dead, Live as a result - but almost all the planned events took place.  The day ended with a triumphant performance of The Haunting of Blaine Manor, ending its 2017 Salford run.  One attendee commented, "Best £20 I've ever spent!"  Plans are already afoot for further Stage Fright days to come.

Sean Mason was present with his camera to document the day, and so we are able to present some visual highlights here...

Ed Barry brought his fiendishly difficult Halloween quiz to the King's

Actor Victoria Tunnah - looking just a little tired after playing Letty in Simon Clark's They Will Not Rest and then stepping into The Dead, Live at the eleventh hour!

Paul Mallinson, presenter of the talk on The Weirdest Horror Films Ever Made, with his 'mausoleum' of horror goodies

The impeccably-dressed writer of The Haunting of Blaine Manor, Joe O'Byrne, reading some of his fiendish poetry

Maestro of terror, horror author Keith Keitherland (alias actor Peter Slater) reading from the Necronimicon Ex Mortis

Actor Jenny May Morgan reading Frazer Lee's So Much To See

Mallinson with attendees Mark 'Best £20 I've ever spent' and Charlotte

Writer Victoria Lennox with actors Anne Baron, Geoff Baron and Jenny May Morgan reading The Hag

Many attendees arrived dressed for the occasion!

The King's Arms' familiar, comfortable on the Blaine Manor set

Actor, storyteller and Lee/Cushing Podcast host Howard Whittock

A friendly face to welcome attendees...

Highlights from The Lee/Cushing Podcast talk can be heard here...

Meanwhile, The Dead, Live concludes its current tour with another appearance within the veil of Salford at Smiths Restaurant, Eccles on Wednesday November 15th (book tickets here).  This will be the last performance of the play for 2017, but we're pleased to announce that the show will be part of the first London Lovecraft Festival in February 2018.  Watch this blog for more details.

Stage Fright: A Day of Theatrical Horror - The Full Schedule!

Two days before Stage Fright: A Day of Theatrical Horror hits Salford's the King's Arms, we can now confirm the full schedule and timing's for the day's events, direct from the organisers:

Theatre – Quiz & Food Break – Story Readings – DEADTalks – Script Readings

Time/Location	Theatre	Bar	Studio 1	Snug
12pm
12.30pm				They Will Not Rest / Q&A
1pm			Caterpillars
1.30pm			The Weirdest Horror Films of All Time (ends 1.50pm)
2pm	The Dead, Live & Q&A (ends 3.10pm)
2.30pm
3pm
3.30pm			Brian Gorman, Edgar Allan Poe, Keith Keitherland (ends 4.10pm)
4pm		4.15 Barry Bros Halloween Quiz & Fiendish Food
4.30pm
5pm
5.30pm			Count Magnus
6pm				The Hag & Q&A
6.30pm			The Lee/Cushing Podcast
7pm			So Much To See
7.30pm	Break
8pm	The Haunting of Blaine Manor (with 15-minute interval)
8.30pm
9pm
9.30pm
10pm

Events Breakdown

12pm – Arrival and registration

12.30pm-1pm – THEY WILL NOT REST (The Snug)

A full-cast reading of the acclaimed, rarely-seen stage adaptation by playwright Ross Kelly of the nightmarishly imaginative short story by award-winning Yorkshire horror author Simon Clark, performed with the special permission of the author.  Followed by a short Q&A with the cast and director.

1.05pm-1.25pm – CATERPILLARS (Studio One)

Join actor Geoff Baron (Old Ground) for a special reading of this chilling, classic tale from 1912 by the English writer EF Benson.

1.30pm-1.50pm – DEADTalks: The Weirdest Horror Films of All Time (Studio One)

Paul Mallinson, editor of the magazine Practical Visual Nihilism, presents a personal rough guide to the weird world of cult horror films.

2pm-3.10pm – THE DEAD, LIVE (Theatre)

(NB. Not 1.30pm, as previously announced.)

A full performance of the acclaimed ‘postmodern ghost story’ play by Daniel Thackeray, recently seen at the GM Fringe and London Horror Festivals. Followed by a Q&A with the writer and cast.  (PLEASE NOTE: This performance will be filmed and audience members must give their consent for their image to be used should they be caught on camera.)

3.30pm-4.10pm – BRIAN GORMAN, EDGAR ALLAN POE, KEITH KEITHERLAND (Studio One)

Readings of short stories and poems by these masters of the macabre.  Brian Gorman and Keith Keitherland will be present to read from their own poetry and prose, while Joe O’Byrne will be performing the works of Poe.

4.15pm-5.25pm – HALLOWEEN SPECIAL QUIZ AND FOOD BREAK (Bar)

Legendary local quizzters the Barry Bros present their esteemed Halloween quiz, with prizes up for grabs, while the King’s Arms Kitchen serves up werewolf burgers of both the meat and vegan variety (yes, apparently there are vegan werewolves).

5.30pm-5.55pm – COUNT MAGNUS (Studio One)

Actor Howard Whittock presents his reading of this 1911 tale by the unmatched master of the English ghost story, MR James.

6pm-6.30pm – THE HAG (The Snug)

An exclusive full-cast reading of this chilling, never-before-performed short play exploring horror in a nursing home setting, by Manchester playwright Victoria Lennox.  Followed by a short Q&A with the cast and writer.

6.35pm-6.55pm – DEADTalks: The Lee/Cushing Podcast (Studio One)

A live recording by the cult podcast of classic British horror films, exploring why such films should continue to be celebrated, and focusing on a classic example pulled from The Bag of Death.

7pm-7.30pm – SO MUCH TO SEE (Studio One)

Actor Jenny May Morgan, fresh from much acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe, reads this bloodcurdling tale of missing children, with the special permission of its author, Bram Stoker Award finalist Frazer Lee.

8pm-10pm – THE HAUNTING OF BLAINE MANOR (Theatre)

(NB. Not 7.30pm, as previously announced by certain outlets)

Stage Fright comes to a climax with a performance of Joe O’Byrne’s smash-hit homage to classic  Hollywood horror, in which an American scientist discovers weird going on in an English manor house in 1953.  There will be one interval of 15 minutes.

Throughout the Day – MALLINSON’S MAUSOLEUM (The Snug)

Take the opportunity to browse Paul Mallinson’s unique horror collection and perhaps grab a bargain.  Also on sale will be a unique piece of Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee artwork, created especially for Stage Fright by artist Brian Gorman.

Tickets (£20 for the full day, £10/£8 for The Haunting of Blaine Manor alone, £7/£6 for The Dead, Live alone, or £1 (payable on the door) for just the quiz, are still available: online booking via The King's Arms.

Stage Fright: A Day of Theatrical Horror comes to Salford on Sunday October 29th

Scytheplays Ltd is delighted to announce that, late this month, it will be participating in a new genre theatre event in Salford, when a performance of The Dead, Live will take place at The King's Arms Theatre as part of Stage Fright, a one-day horror event for the weekend before Halloween.

The main event of Stage Fright will be a performance of The Haunting of Blaine Manor, Joe O'Byrne's theatrical homage to classic Hollywood and Hammer, which gained great popular acclaim over several performances in Manchester last year.  This will be preceded by a matinee performance of The Dead, Live.  There will also be several other attractions to the event such as a horror quiz, live readings of short stories and mini-lectures/presentations, food provided, and a horror cabaret.  Tickets are available from the King's Arms for the full day programme or for either play by itself.  The full event listing is given below.


The King's Arms presents a special treat for Halloween weekend - a whole day of horror-inflected theatre and entertainment.

Centerpiece of this will be full performances of two highly-acclaimed horror plays:

THE HAUNTING OF BLAINE MANOR by Joe O'Byrne. England, 1953. Something has awoken... At the behest of its mysterious owner, psychologist Dr Roy Earle comes to stay in 'the most haunted house in England' in company with a strange assortment of observers. But something has been expecting them. It's going to be quite a night... "See it if you dare" - I Love Manchester.

THE DEAD, LIVE by Daniel Thackeray. Lawrence Dodds is a popular 'psychic' medium who knows he's a fake, but the world of Spirit may have some surprises in store for him when someone unexpected attends one of his live shows. "Tense, atmospheric... Quite terrifying" - Fictionmaker. NB - audience members please note: this performance will be filmed live and audience members will be required to give their consent to their image appearing in the film.

The day also comprises:

QUINTESSENCE OF EVIL QUIZ: Renowned local quizzter Edward Barry presents his special Halloween quiz.

'ORRIBLE ORATIONS: Readings by professional actors of scripts and short stories from classic authors like EF Benson to modern masters like Simon Clark.

DEADTalks: short lectures on horror topics given by experts and fans, including a live recording by the podcast of classic British horror films, The Lee/Cushing Podcast.

CADAVEROUS CABARET: An opportunity to take part in an 'open mic' session as groups and individuals are invited to perform 5-10 minute horror pieces.

FIENDISH FOOD: Hot food provided for all-day pass holders from the King's Arms' legendary kitchen.

Cosplayers are encouraged to come in their most terrifying togs!

The day runs from 12pm to 10pm. Full timetable released nearer the day.

All day pass with access to all events: £20.

Only The Haunting of Blaine Manor (8pm-10pm): £10/£8 concs.

Only The Dead, Live (1.30pm-2.30 tbc): £7/£6 concs.

Only the quiz: (4pm-5.30 tbc): £1.

NB. Anyone who would like to either perform in the Cabaret or give a DEADTalk, please e-mail Dan via guiltedge@hotmail.com before Monday 23rd October to confirm this.

The Dead, Live hits the London Horror Festival and beyond in its new autumn tour

Jake Geen's new promo art for the show, featuring all the upcoming performance dates

Following its highly acclaimed run in the Greater Manchester Fringe Festival this July, eerie "postmodern ghost story" (to quote Starburst) The Dead, Live is returning with a short North West tour and a stop-off at the London Horror Festival between 19th October and 15th November 2017.

The London horror Festival logo (#LHF2017, londonhorrorfestival.co.uk)

The Dead, Live met with great audience enthusiasm and critical praise during its first run in Manchester. Starburst Magazine's Ed fortune, who will be previewing the show for the new run, describes it thus: "What begins as a gentle spook show twists into something much more interesting... Fantastic".  The Fictionmaker gave it four stars and called it "tight, atmospheric, and unsettling".  Andrew Riley of Quays News praised it as "a wonderful performance... it was perfect".  Steve Ballshaw, main programmer of annual Manchester horror cinema festival Grimmfest, called it "a fine, tense, old-school ghost story".

Many audience members chipped in their enthusiasm too, with Facebook and Twitter comments such as: "Thought provoking", "Had me on the edge of my seat", "I thoroughly recommend going to this", and "A chilling, sardonic tale that would fit right into Ghost Stories at Christmas (or inside Inside No 9)".

Much-acclaimed actors Howard Whittock and Carly Tarett will be returning for the new run, for which writer Daniel Thackeray and director Alex Shepley have taken the opportunity to refine and expand the script and effects - including the addition of new music by PH Fry - to make it an even more chilling experience.

The first season of Oldham's Third Thursday Theatre @ Jackson's Pit programme,
including The Dead, Live on October 19th

On Thursday October 19th, The Dead, Live returns to Oldham's uniquely atmospheric cellar bar and performance space, Jackson's Pit. Jackson's now plays host to a monthly night for theatrical performances called Third Thursday Theatre, which began on August 17th 2017.  Although only just having had its sophomore performance - One Man Bond - the night is already proving very popular with the new, growing local audience.

On Sunday October 22nd, there will be a special matinee performance of The Dead, Live at the London Horror Festival.  This annual festival takes over the legendary Old Red Lion Theatre in Islington for several weeks of horrific live entertainment, with different shows every day.  On Saturday November 4th, the Old Red Lion will play host to another returning spectral hit, Joe O'Byrne's The Haunting of Blaine Manor, featuring an acting role for The Dead, Live's writer, Daniel Thackeray.  The entire programme of this year's festival can be viewed at the LHF website.

Stage Fright: A Day of Theatrical Horror, coming to the King's Arms, Salford on Sunday October 29th,
and featuring The Dead, Live

Returning to the North West, on Sunday October 29th - the weekend before Halloween - Salford's the King's Arms is hosting its own one-off event, Stage Fright: A Day of Theatrical Horror.  In addition to panels, cabaret, exhibitions, a quiz competition and specially provided food, all on a horror theme, there will performances of The Haunting of Blaine Manor and, again as a matinee at 1.30pm, The Dead, Live.

Then, on Monday November 6th, The Dead Live heads to Chester for an evening performance at The Commercial Hotel.  Another unique event, this evening has The Dead, Live form part of a double bill with the world premiere performance of a chilling short play, K by Brian E Gorman.

Brian E Gorman's K, accompanying The Dead, Live's Chester performance

Following this, on Wednesday November 8th, the show moves to Glossop's The George Hotel for a one-off appearance at this popular music venue.

And finally, the tour finishes with an appearance at Eccles' wonderful dinner theatre venue, Smiths Restaurant - where you can absorb the play's shocks on a full stomach!

The new trailer for The Dead, Live, specially produced by Ambidextrous Solutions Limited, can be seen below.

Tickets for all of the performances can be booked at the following links:

Thursday 19th October, 7.30pm - Jackson's Pit, Oldham - £5/£4 concs

Sunday 22nd October, 3pm - The London Horror Festival, The Old Red Lion Theatre, Islington - £12/£8 concs

Sunday 29th October - Stage Fright, The King's Arms, Salford - £7/£6 concs./£20 all day pass (Booked via The King's Arms)

Monday 6th November, 7.30pm - The Commercial Hotel, Chester - double-bill with K - £10/£9 concs

Wednesday 8th November, 7.30pm - The George Hotel, Glossop - £5/£4 concs.

Wednesday 15th November, 7.30pm (food 7.15pm) - Smiths Restaurant, Eccles - £8/£7 concs.

Acclaim for The Dead, Live and The Faces At The Window!

Fringe theatre season is underway in Greater Manchester, and Scytheplays' current output has been going down well with audiences and critics.

The Faces At The Window: The Bandwidths of Balderdash had its first preview at Gullivers on June 29th, which received five stars from The Reviews Hub.  "A superbly staged production... quality stuff indeed" are just a couple of the nice things the reviewer had to say about the show, the full text of the review being available here.  The Bandwidths of Balderdash will receive further performances at the King's Arms, Salford on Monday 17th and The Met Theatre, Bury on Thursday 20th July, and booking links can be found in earlier posts on this blog.

All photos: Shay Rowan Photography

Meanwhile The Dead, Live had its first preview at the King's Arms on Wednesday 5th July and was very well received by its audience, with Dead Man Jones on Twitter calling the show "a chilling, sardonic tale that would fit right into Ghost Stories at Christmas (or inside Inside No. 9)". Meanwhile Steve Balshaw, one of the organisers of Manchester's annual Grimmfest, wrote on Facebook: "It's a fine work - a blackly comic and increasingly troubling tale of a fake medium with a dark secret, which starts off droll and knowing, and grows ever more unsettling as it progresses. In short, it's good, creepy fun, and there's still chance for you to check it out. It's a fine, tense, old-school ghost story." The next performances of The Dead, Live are at TriBeCa in Manchester on Sunday 9th July at 4pm and 9pm. Again, booking links can be found in previous posts on this blog.