A talented but out-of-work actor named Joe takes on a peculiar job - to be the ghost haunting Paragon Hall, reportedly owned by David, a mysterious handsome stranger. In exchange, he gets paid off his debts and some acting practice. However, things quickly get complicated as Joe starts questioning if he's truly alone in the woods surrounding the mansion.
In ThickSkin's production of this ghost story, Foley's script expertly blends elements of 19th-century gothic literature with modern horror film jump scares. The staging is impressive, featuring a back screen of bare tree trunks that come to life through clever lighting and projection design.
The narrative unfolds mainly through Joe's narration, which provides some beautiful atmospheric moments, as well as a pre-recorded omniscient voiceover by Paul Hilton. Foley's script delivers phrases like "the ancient valley howled and spat out this house" and "some say it's because they hurt so much," evoking the kind of eerie feeling that will give audiences chills.
Director Neil Bettles delivers jump scares with ease, using a combination of sound, light, and projection to create an unsettling atmosphere. The set design by Bettles and Tom Robbins is also noteworthy, featuring bare tree trunks that shift and shake with shadows.
The story starts off excitingly, but takes several unexpected turns as different plot threads begin to unravel. A character known as the Dancer emerges from the woods, revealing some surprising twists and turns, including a Pan-like mythology surrounding an entity that's more of nature than supernatural horror.
Despite the play's quick pacing, there are moments where it feels like too many balls are being juggling at once. The themes of class privilege and exploitation receive some attention but not enough to fully unpack their significance. Nevertheless, ThickSkin's production is a thrilling ride that will leave you on edge, with plenty to think about long after the curtain falls.
Overall, this spooky ghost story is worth experiencing for its spine-tingling moments, clever staging, and memorable performances. Just be prepared for some unexpected twists and turns as you follow Joe and his mysterious encounter with the paranormal.
In ThickSkin's production of this ghost story, Foley's script expertly blends elements of 19th-century gothic literature with modern horror film jump scares. The staging is impressive, featuring a back screen of bare tree trunks that come to life through clever lighting and projection design.
The narrative unfolds mainly through Joe's narration, which provides some beautiful atmospheric moments, as well as a pre-recorded omniscient voiceover by Paul Hilton. Foley's script delivers phrases like "the ancient valley howled and spat out this house" and "some say it's because they hurt so much," evoking the kind of eerie feeling that will give audiences chills.
Director Neil Bettles delivers jump scares with ease, using a combination of sound, light, and projection to create an unsettling atmosphere. The set design by Bettles and Tom Robbins is also noteworthy, featuring bare tree trunks that shift and shake with shadows.
The story starts off excitingly, but takes several unexpected turns as different plot threads begin to unravel. A character known as the Dancer emerges from the woods, revealing some surprising twists and turns, including a Pan-like mythology surrounding an entity that's more of nature than supernatural horror.
Despite the play's quick pacing, there are moments where it feels like too many balls are being juggling at once. The themes of class privilege and exploitation receive some attention but not enough to fully unpack their significance. Nevertheless, ThickSkin's production is a thrilling ride that will leave you on edge, with plenty to think about long after the curtain falls.
Overall, this spooky ghost story is worth experiencing for its spine-tingling moments, clever staging, and memorable performances. Just be prepared for some unexpected twists and turns as you follow Joe and his mysterious encounter with the paranormal.
it was like something out of a horror movie! The way they blended 19th-century gothic literature with modern horror film jump scares was genius, and I'm here for that kind of atmosphere 
. But yeah, sometimes I felt like too many plot threads were being juggled at once...it's like the writer wanted to throw everything at you at once 
. Still, the performances were on point and the staging was top notch 
. The Pan-like mythology added a unique twist that kept me guessing until the end 
.
and I'm still reeling from it! The atmosphere was SO intense, I felt like I was right there in the woods with Joe 
. I loved how the script blended old-school gothic horror with modern jump scares - it was like a perfect storm of creepy 
. But what really caught my attention was the way they explored themes of class privilege and exploitation 
... they barely scratched the surface, but it added an extra layer of depth to the story. The Dancer character was so intriguing too! I'm still thinking about all the plot twists and turns 
The cast was also amazing, especially Paul Hilton as the omniscient voiceover guy - his voice sent chills down my spine every time! 
This new ghost story by ThickSkin seems like it's got all the ingredients for a thrilling ride 
I mean, how many ways can one guy get haunted without anyone seeming to care about his feelings? 
It's also kinda weird that this "ancient valley" stuff is just tossed in there like it's a normal part of the story. Like, what even does that have to do with anything? 
And don't even get me started on the way some plot threads are juggling too many balls... I mean, come on, can't they make up their minds? 
... The way they blended old gothic vibes with modern horror was so clever! But omg, I was completely on edge when those tree trunks came to life 
... What did you think of the story?
. I mean, who benefits from these mysterious mansions and their owners' shady dealings? And what about Joe's story? Is he just a pawn in the game or does he have a right to demand answers? 