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.
