Storefront City London

Archive for the tag “Halloween”

24 Oct 2019

Cursed Presents Fright Fest 2019

WHAT: Cursed Presents Fright Fest 2019
WHEN: 17 October – 2 November, 2019
WHERE: Wat Tyler Centre (Pitsea Hall Lane, Pitsea, Basildon, SS16 4UH)
PRICE: £18-34

OUR RATING: CHANCE IT!

Credit: BCM Productions

On the winding back roads of the Essex countryside, you come across a whimsical fairground, complete with big top. But beware: this isn’t your ordinary circus, which you’ll soon realize when the friendly-looking clown that’s rapidly approaching has something other than fun on his mind. Enter Cursed…

Credit: BCM Productions

Safe Zone
Our Scare Factor: 6/10
Atmosphere: 7/10

Storyline: The infected are honing in, and you need to make it to quarantine. Will you arrive at the safe zone unharmed, or will you become one of them?

After facing judgement we were thrown into the outside ‘safe zone’ starting with a journey through a haystack maze. This was definitely one of the highlights of the night, as the haystacks and the actors created a chilling ambience, and it was really fun trying to decide in the complete dark which path to take and if we should venture under the haystack piles and face the wrath of the creatures in order to get out. 

The only real downside to this maze is that after we passed the actors some of them broke character and started chatting and laughing, but it was still probably the most fun we had all night. 

Credit: BCM Productions

The Institute
Our Scare Factor: 5/10
Atmosphere: 5/10

Storyline: As Junior Reporter’s, you have been assigned to witness the execution of Andie Gard at Bridgegate Institute, the infamous serial killer… but inmates don’t take too kindly to visitors, so watch your back

The beginning of this maze was definitely scary as you witnessed the attempted – and botched – execution of a serial killer who escapes in front of your very eyes. Other than this, this was a very typical prison-style attraction with lots of metal bars and strobe lights, but the beginning certainly made it an entertaining adventure. 

Credit: BCM Productions

The Haunting
Scare Factor: 5/10
Atmosphere: 6/10

Storyline: This house has been left vacant for decades, and you are about to learn why. You’d be surprised how heightened your senses are when you aren’t able to see.

After experiencing Tulleys’ VIXI maze, the concept behind this maze was very familiar. We put on blackout goggles to venture into this hair-raising house – while a bit annoying for those who wear glasses, this was much better than the black hoods of Tulleys, as we could feel water, air, and other elements on our faces, which was certainly an interesting experience. We don’t think the two mazes were too different from each other other than this – it still seemed a bit too simple and missing out on lots of sensory opportunities (again, no smells!) but there was a tiny bit of touching by the actors which was definitely creepy! (Granted, they should have warned about this for those who have issues, but it was so slight to not be problematic for us – instead it was quite intriguing!)

Credit: BCM Productions

Abducted
Our Scare Factor: 5/10
Atmosphere: 5/10

Storyline: A quiet drink in the local tavern leads to a chilling story about local disappearances. What will you do when you come face to face with the explanation? Running may be your only option.

The beginning and end of this maze were exceptional, with an immersive tavern-themed intake room and a crazy room full of alien-like nests and creatures protecting them at the end. We also enjoyed the slower strobes in this maze where we couldn’t really see what terrors we were headed toward at the end of harrowing hallways. Our special warning for this maze is to put your hats and any loose accessories away before you get extremely squeezed – do not take the warnings of claustrophobia in this one lightly!

Credit: BCM Productions

The Sewers
Our Scare Factor: 4/10
Atmosphere: 5/10

Storyline: The Workshop was shut down, forcing business underground. Will you be able to navigate your way through the tunnel system and escape the butchers clasp?

This maze certainly had a genuinely fun theme perfect for the UK at Halloween, with old and eerie Victorian-style brick walls and tunnels you had to choose between. Unfortunately, while all the mazes at this park were short, this one was even shorter, and we were out before we really knew what was going, but it was gripping while it lasted!

Final Thoughts: This was for sure a special community-style event and we could tell the actors really cared and tried very hard to help you enjoy your evening. The mazes were admittedly quite short, but they definitely took amazing advantage of the space allowed in each of the maze marquees. The biggest disappointment was the theming of the main event green area, which is the hub into and out of the mazes. There was a small entertainment space and a single food truck, but the lack of lighting and any decorations really let this area down. We didn’t really want to hang around and enjoy the ambience as there really wasn’t any – this was the biggest let down of the night, and just a few small touches, from decorating the ped-barriers to adding some strands of lights or even a sweet stand, would have changed everything. But all in all the mazes and actors made this a night we would suggest you give a try, especially if you are local to the area!

P.S.: The UK has haunts galore this Halloween season. Why not try out Hallowscream at York Maze for some more chills and thrills.

Posted in Do It!, Festivals, Outdoor Attractions, Performing Arts, See It! and tagged , , , ,
21 Oct 2019

The Mansion Halloween Ball

WHAT: The Mansion Halloween Ball
WHEN: 26 October, 2019 (9pm-3am)
WHERE: Secret Location
PRICE: £24-150

OUR SNEAK PEEK RATING: Do It!

Credit: The Mansion London

As the nights darken and autumn breezes chill the bone, an array of ghoulish events present themselves to adorn your ever-filling nocturnal calendar. There are haunted houses, hayrides, and your more typical club nights. And then there’s the Halloween Ball, devilishly conceived by the exquisite minds at The Mansion London.

The location is top secret until 48 hours beforehand, but given the extravagance of The Mansion London’s previous events, we’re sure that it will be suitably one of a kind. With three dance floors, an art room, two lounges, and VIP areas, this is one huge setup! Each dance floor will feature a different genre of music, including chart toppers, house, electro, and Latin from the likes of DJ Amin Sane, DJ Fabrizia, and DJ Carlitos, whilst live musicians on sax and djembe will make this experience truly unique.

Credit: The Mansion London

What sets the Halloween Ball apart from other events though is the sheer variety of unique entertainment throughout the space. Live fire shows, a seriously spooky graveyard, a ravenous werewolf, a mysterious clairvoyant ready to read your destiny…the list of acts is endless!

Credit: The Mansion London

Get dressed up for this one – fancy dress is mandatory and there’s a chance to win flights to New York for the best costume. And, of course, no costume would be complete without a nightmarish makeover, with makeup artists on hand to give you that final spooky touch.

Watch this space for our upcoming full review after the event!

Posted in Do It!, Drink It!, Nightlife and tagged , , , ,
20 Oct 2019

Hallowscream

WHAT: Hallowscream
WHEN: 11 October – 2 November, 2019
WHERE: York Maze (Elvington Lane, York, YO19 5LT)
PRICE: £22-40

OUR RATING: Do It!

There’s no doubt about it: London seems to have it all. But, it’s a common mistake of Londoners not to venture beyond the city limits and miss out on all that the country as a whole has to offer. This Halloween, we’re travelling north to York Maze and the award-winning Hallowscream, an entire park dedicated to this dark season. With a thrilling and chilling five mazes, ample food and drink options, and spooky surroundings, if Halloween is your thing then Hallowscream is THE place to be.

As soon as you line up to enter the park, you know you’re in for a scream. Watch out – monstrous characters stalk the waiting area and aren’t afraid to spot a scared victim amongst the crowd. Soon after being admitted, you are given a primer on all things Hallowscream by a most unusual character. We won’t spoil it for you, but the level of technical expertise (which we’ve only ever seen in the US before) immediately sets Hallowscream apart from the competition. After being rapidly spewed out into the park, the terror begins….

The Singularity
Our Scare Factor: 6/10
Atmosphere: 9/10

Storyline: A scientist creates a human/robot hybrid, hoping to bring peace before the world becomes broken in a war between robots and humans.

What a way to start the night! The details and the set for this maze were so astoundingly unique – lasers, distinct zones, and plenty of hidden corners. The makeup/prosthetics for the androids was amazing and the acting was superb. It’s immediately apparent that a great deal of effort has been put into narrative – something sorely lacking from other mazes we’ve been to – and to see such dedication to storyline bridges the gap between a simple horror maze and a fully immersive experience.

2078
Our Scare Factor: 7/10
Atmosphere: 9/10

Storyline: The scientist we learned about during The Singularity makes a return, but this time shows us a future of a “post-Trump” nuclear apocalypse were society has broken down and everyone has become sick with radiation poisoning.

This maze was again completely immersive, moving from a science fiction time machine to a creepy corn field and finally to a world when Trump takes over everything – yes even the NHS – and society crumbles. There were really unique water and fire elements on top of more great acting. The tension ramped up as we traveled through an infected world towards possible decontamination – the only question was could we make it?

The Flesh Pot
Our Scare Factor: 4/10
Atmosphere: 5/10

Storyline: A butcher slaughters the drunks and whores of York, skinning them alive, selling their joints in his shop, and blending the rest of the bits into his pies.

Your typical maze and story, and very similar in concept to many other mazes around the country. The makeup, yet again, was fantastic and the characters had consistent elements that helped create the world around us, but it was a bit one-noted compared to the other mazes we had just experienced.

Corny’s Cornevil
Our Scare Factor: 7.5/10
Atmosphere: 9/10

Storyline: Corny, the famous circus clown who was killed by the butcher from The Flesh Pot, haunts his twisted and sinister house of fun.

Not only does this rival Tulleys great 3D circus maze, it probably beats it. You begin the maze as one should – with a hall of mirrors and continuing into almost every sort of funhouse element you can think of. There were interactive moving floors, endless optical illusion rooms – we weren’t sure which way was up or down or more importantly – out! The actors in this maze were particularly great, knowing exactly what movements make creepy characters, especially clowns, work in an experience like this.

Barnageddon 3D
Our Scare Factor: 3/10
Atmosphere: 6/10

Storyline: An industrial accident plunged the brave workmen of Dunnington Lodge into an underground chasm, where they now work on into eternity.

We were really looking forward to this maze as it’s on all the ‘best maze’ lists we’ve been reading while making our plans on what to visit and review this Halloween. There were fun 3D glasses, but we were a bit confused at what the theme in this was, and the acting, makeup, costumes and set pieces just weren’t on a par with the other mazes. There were some redeeming elements, however, such as the first toilet room (look out for that smell!), a great water element, and some really creepy masks towards the end!

Final Thoughts: Not only are Hallowscream’s mazes truly thrilling, but the atmosphere around the entire event, from the queue and food stall theming, to the quirky horror inspired fairground games, fully immerses you in the spirit of the season. The best Halloween event we’ve experienced in the UK by far!

P.S.: Need another haunt for the Halloween season? Check out our review of Tulleys Shocktober Fest.

*All images credit York Maze

Posted in Do It!, Festivals, Nightlife, Performing Arts, See It! and tagged , , , ,
11 Oct 2019

Tulleys Shocktober Fest 2019

WHAT: Tullys Shocktober Fest
WHEN: 4 October – 2 November, 2019
WHERE: Tulleys Farm (Turners Hill Road, Turners Hill, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 4PE)
PRICE: £12-150

OUR RATING: Do It!

Storefront City is back from hiatus and what better way to kick off our return than to review a scare attraction celebrating our favourite holiday of the year – Halloween.

The last time we reviewed a haunted attraction was Thorpe Park’s Fright Nights. It’s good to know before you continue to read our review that as producers of immersive haunts ourselves and avid haunt-goers when we lived in the US, we have relatively high expectations and aren’t super easy to scare – although we try to put ourselves in the zone no matter the haunt!

Tulleys Shocktober Fest, with its wealth of history and huge playing space, is a must to visit with TEN haunts – eight scare mazes, a haunted hayride and a circus act.

We attended early in the season in the haunt’s second week of operation on a weekday. Since we absolutely had to experience every single maze, we arrived super early. The mazes open half an hour after the park itself does, which gives you time to walk around and get a feeling for the place. The park has a really smart flow as you go from haunt to haunt and encounter bars, food stalls, rides, and live music stages, with the smell of bonfires comforting you along the way. There are also really convenient boards that display live queue times, but on the night we went the queues were only between 5 and 20 minutes long. We were worried for no reason!

The Park has a truly spooky atmosphere – roaming characters who convey a rich mix of creepy and humour. Now for the haunts:


The Cellar
Our Scare Factor: 7/10
Atmosphere Rating: 8/10

“Those that dwell in the Cellar have not been forgotten.

We had read that The Cellar was one of the best and scariest haunts, so we decided to beat everyone to it and get to it first. This haunt was highly detailed and themed (the dank, miserable interiors oozed with terror), with interim rooms just as interesting as the main rooms, which really explored what you can do with different sized spaces. While we ultimately didn’t think it was the scariest maze we’ve ever been to, it was definitely one of the scariest at the park.


Twisted Clowns
Our Scare Factor: 6/10
Atmosphere Rating: 8 or 9/10

“The Clowns are here as you expected. An unhappy band of souls neglected. ”

We were very wary of the concept of a 3D maze, but man did we misjudge this maze from the outside! The 3D glasses you are given help the UV paint pop, making both the images and the actors jump out of nowhere. The rooms are slanted with a great funhouse feel. This also had one of the best executed Spin Tunnels we’ve ever experienced because the UV paint and 3D glasses really did make you feel like you were dizzily floating in space. The only downsides to this maze was that it was a bit too short and that it missed out on a few classic funhouse themed tricks we’ve seen before, but ultimately this was super memorable. Not for coulrophobia sufferers!



Wasteland Penitentiary
Our Scare Factor: 5/10
Atmosphere Rating: 5/10

“Beyond the explosion ripped through the world, bringing an end to civil life.”

When we first approached the outside of this haunt we were kind of blown away (some entrances weren’t themed at all, which was a really strange inconsistency in the park). There was even a real blacksmith working away on one side of the apocalyptic wasteland space while characters roamed around. However, the haunt itself was extremely underwhelming and one of our least favourites. But if you like a haunt that’s basically prison bars along most of the way with lots of banging about, strobe lights, and loud metal music, maybe this is for you.


The Wreckoning
Our Scare Factor: 5/10
Atmosphere Rating: 9/10

“These are stranded souls who have sunk to the depths of despair & depravity.”

For the first minute or two of the maze we were a bit underwhelmed and really – what’s so scary about adventure music and pirates? But suddenly around halfway through the maze the entire world opened up and the set design was ramped up to the extreme. The maze was absolutely gigantic with lots of very beautiful little worlds and some really fun floor elements – definitely one of our favourites. Certain to shiver your timbers!


The Chop Shop
Our Scare Factor: 4/10
Atmosphere Rating: 2/10

“You better be careful now, Billy-Bob is real handy with a reconstruction.”

Maybe this was a bit of a self-fulfilled prophecy; we went into this haunt with low expectations and luckily so as it wouldn’t have lived up to any. The maze pretty much consisted of just white walls and fake blood and chainsaws. It was a relatively short scare – the scariest part was how real the chainsaws were but that’s really about it. Our favourite part of this maze was the full grown bloke behind us, terrified to get away from the chainsaws as quickly as possible.


VIXI
Our Scare Factor: 5/10
Atmosphere Rating: 5/10

“A torturous, painful and tormented moment before finality.”

During this haunt a black hood is placed over your head to encourage the idea of sensory deprivation. It was a good idea in concept, but not as well executed as we hoped. It was a relatively short haunt and didn’t really touch on many teases to the senses – there were some smart choices and nice experiences but really – nothing at all to play with the sense of smell? What? It just missed one too many tricks for us. 


The Village Coven of 13
Our Scare Factor: 6 or 7/10
Atmosphere Rating: 9/10

“A witch confirmed, tried and convicted; Death upon her was afflicted.”

Just wow – what a great atmosphere to this! Lovely woods and trees and then this absolutely riveting and somewhat terrifying trick they use with lasers and fog to make it look like the witches are emerging out of water to come and attack while you struggle through the set as if trying to swim away. Very surreal and very beautiful. An extremely effective atmosphere and use of the woodland spaces and a very nice change from the white wall interiors of some of the other mazes. Some of the actors really understood how scary quiet creepiness can be too, another nice change from all the banging and screaming.


Creepy Cottage
Our Scare Factor: 1/10
Atmosphere Rating: 3/10

“The occupants of this house would like you to stay for a very long time.”

We were warned in other reviews that this was the least exciting haunt, and those reviews were definitely right. There were some nice and creepy sounds and voices and a nice sensory trick but that was about it apart from some skeletons. Probably a good one for those first starting out though!


Circus of Horrors
Our Scare Factor: 3/10
Atmosphere Rating: 5/10

“Blending horror and burlesque with bizarre acts and live rock music.”

We actually attended a full performance of Circus of Horrors when they were in London. Gothic, crazy, and consisting of unusual feats of (impaling) swordsmanship, we liked the aesthetic, but some of their acts are most certainly gruesome indeed!


Haunted Hayride
Our Scare Factor: 5/10
Atmosphere Rating: 8 or 9/10

“Explore the abandoned backlot at the Horrorwood Film Studios.

An absolute must when you visit – it may not be the scariest experience, but there are definitely moments, and the acting is probably some of the best in the park. Fun, unexpected, and full of thrills, there are lots of great set pieces and a ton of interaction with set pieces and actors, with a lovely balance between creepiness and humour. We especially loved the scarecrow and pumpkin men set pieces and the actors who didn’t approach the tractor but instead stared at us from afar. There is also a hilarious and random ending with some nuns you’ve got to see to understand…or not understand….but funny to the extreme!

Summary: Go! Go with friends, go for a deadly night out, take your time exploring the whole park. Definitely go and see the clowns, witches and pirates and go for a nice hayride. Indulge in some not-too-expensive treats like choco-kebabs, fancy mac and cheese, or lots of other options in street food. Go go go, it’s the perfect combination of scary and fun – a great night out!

P.S.: For some more haunting fun, check out our review of Thorpe Park Fright Nights.

*All quotes and images credit Tullys Shocktober Fest

Posted in Do It!, Festivals, Outdoor Attractions, Performing Arts, See It! and tagged , , , ,
02 Nov 2013

Thorpe Park Fright Nights

WHAT: Thorpe Park Fright Nights
WHEN: 5 & 6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-31 October; 1-3 November
WHERE: Thorpe Park (Staines Road, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8PN)
PRICE: £25-50

OUR RATING: Chance It!

For a land as ancient as England, you’d expect Halloween to be celebrated with all the verve and finesse that Britain’s Celtic forefathers most likely did, complete with ghoulish dances around fires and a fair few scares. Add to that the traditional place of the English ghost story within the horror canon, and you’d certainly expect there to be at least one haunted house. Alas, England doesn’t do Halloween to the epic proportions of America or Ireland. But Thorpe Park Fright Nights offers you something that you can’t get elsewhere near to London: horror, terror and torture in the spirit of the season – what a welcome surprise!

Credit: Thorpe Park

Credit: Thorpe Park

Adam: A word of warning – fear is an emotion that you will learn to appreciate at Fright Nights. I’ve been to plenty of haunted houses, mazes and the like across America, but I’ve never been to a haunted theme park. Just think about that for a second – a theme park. That means all the nice, candy floss wielding attendants are replaced by satanic counterparts and the screams of patrons are not heard because of excitement, but instead out of sheer terror.

Four live-action horror mazes are the stars of the show – each one stemming from the deranged minds of Lionsgate screenwriters – along with a scare zone and a wandering band of maniacs (guess what, you’re next!) Five iconic horror films are represented in the attractions: The Cabin in the Woods, Saw, My Bloody Valentine, The Blair Witch Project, and You’re Next, with the addition of The Asylum for spookier measure.

In all honesty, I have absolute respect for the amount of work put into doing the Park up for the Halloween season. However, the attractions themselves were a mixed bag, although I think this is mainly because I’ve been spoilt rotten by years of different haunts in the States.

Credit: Thorpe Park

Credit: Thorpe Park

Our first experience was The Cabin in the Woods, and after progressing through the ever-darkening queue (for 45 minutes), you are ushered inside. A choice of doors is presented to you, and that choice seems to determine which rooms you progress through. Although hoping for the said Dolls Room and the Facility advertised in the literature, we unfortunately must have missed them. We are not sure if this is because the choice of door renders different scenarios, although seeing other people from the line who entered other doors soon after suggests to us that this might not be the case. Unfortunately, The Cabin in the Woods, while using some killer special effects (I won’t spoil it for you), fails to deliver the full package, perhaps because its concept is rather broad (have you seen the film?!).

Credit: Thorpe Park

Credit: Thorpe Park

Moving ever forward, we lined up for Saw Alive, and proceeded to queue for around an hour through a crisscrossing maze of razor-wire and dismembered mannequins. This haunt definitely fit the more traditional bill. Jump-scares, gross-outs and a whole lot of strobe, Saw Alive is well-produced and the actors are genuinely scary. In fact, it all comes to an end too soon (about 5 minutes later) as you are disgorged back into the night air of the park.

As for My Bloody Valentine, hospitals, blood and darkness pervade – but I say too much, you will have to see for yourself…

Credit: Thorpe Park

Credit: Thorpe Park

Alicia: Although my home town is not so far from a Six Flags, I have never had the privilege of attending their Fright Fest back in the States. But when I heard of Fright Nights at Thorpe Park, I felt it was time to see what a haunted theme park could do. And the four live-action horror mazes on offer do provide one thing that no haunted house I’ve ever been to does: the experience of being touched by the actors. This is definitely a level of real-life horror that really gives a haunted attraction extra pizzaz.

In addition to Cabin in the Woods and Saw Alive, we also experienced Thorpe Park’s The Asylum, returning once again after previous success at the park. Enter if you dare into an asylum filled with white walls scrawled with blood and endless mirrors and flashing lights serving to disorient even the bravest of souls. This attraction was perhaps best for the actors’ use of space, with the characters knowing exactly which direction to come from (and this sometimes meant from above!). Truth be told, the experience seemed a little one-noted, but the set-up of the rooms and the movement of the characters definitely created the crazy and horrifying asylum promised. Although the wait time was approximately 45-minutes for us, the 5-7 minute maze was worth it.

Credit: Thorpe Park

Credit: Thorpe Park

Due to long queues, along with the fact that we got a little lost in the park due to limited signage, we were unable to make it to The Blair Witch Project before the park closed. In the Blair Witch Project, visitors follow pathways through the dark woods as they hunt for the Blair Witch. I’m rather disappointed we didn’t have the opportunity to attempt this live-action event, as it sounds like a thrilling reinvention of the classic movie.

Credit: Thorpe Park

For You’re Next, Thorpe Park released hordes of terrifying creatures into the park who wander bemasked, striking fear into the hearts of all unsuspecting victims. Unfortunately, although we wandered the park for a good 5+ hours, we didn’t once run into one of TP’s creations. While this disappointed us, I guess we should consider ourselves lucky for surviving the night!

And speaking of getting lost in the park, although the signage was a let-down, the park staff were lovely and very helpful during our stay. One attendant even ran to get us a map and continued to give us precise directions for the best route to all the attractions from where we were standing. Super helpful, and greatly appreciated!

Credit: Thorpe Park

Credit: Thorpe Park

Final Thoughts: Thorpe Park Fright Nights are the perfect compliment to your pumpkin carving and horror film watching. While the live-action events are obviously a must, the general ambience of the park as a whole is chillingly thrilling. Closer to London than any other multi-attraction haunt, it is a perfectly solid event for introducing people to the genre that is the haunted attraction and thus is a blessing for the UK as a whole. For those of you who have been Stateside, it might appear a little different than to what you’re used to – but we suggest you embrace the spirit of things. One more thing: if you can afford the fast past we’d highly recommend it to cut down on wait times, which can be exceedingly long.

P.S.: For a more serious take on hauntings, why not check out the Robinson Family Burial Ground and Robinson Preserve when you’re next in Chicago.

 

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