Five shows to see this Halloween

The nights are drawing in but if you want to brave all that’s ghoulish and grisly and get out this Halloween, there are a host of weird and wonderful shows on this year to dress up for and help you celebrate – or practise your scream.

The Exorcist at the Phoenix Theatre

The infamous movie that had audiences fainting in fear in the cinema gets is own stage show in London this Halloween, adapted by playwright and screenwriter John Pielmeier from the original novel and directed by Sean Mathias. Audiences are asked to face some demons and, if they dare, a positively petrifying supernatural spectacle as priest Father Damien attempts to save young Regan from demonic possession. 

The Exorcist is at the Phoenix Theatre from 20^th October 2017 until 10^th March 2018. Book your tickets here.

Photo: Robert Day

The Mysterious Gentleman at the Courtyard Theatre

Opening on Halloween night, The Mysterious Gentleman is based on the life of magician JN Maskelyne, inventor of tricks, illusions and the first public pay toilet, and exposer of fraudulent spiritualists. Maskelyne – who has an award named after him for services to British magic – died in 1917 and his illusions are still wowing audiences 100 years later. The production makes its London debut this autumn and promises to astonish theatre-goers with stage magic and the fascinating tale of an unpredictable magic man full of contradictions.

The Mysterious Gentleman is at the Courtyard Theatre from 31^st October until 18^th November 2017. For further information or to book visit the Courtyard Theatre website here.

Hammer House of Horror – The Soulless Ones at Hoxton Hall

This is the opportunity for horror fans to partake in the first immersive theatre experience hosted by Hammer Films, and it’s all taking place at a real old fashioned Victorian music hall. Comfy shoes are recommended as theatre-goers will be exploring the nest of a brood of vampires and possibly trying to escape the clutches of Vampire Queen Carmilla as she and her clan have a stab at a ritual that will enable them to come out during the day.

Hammer House of Horror – The Soulless Ones is at Hoxton Hall from 20^th October until 4^th November 2017. For further information or to book visit the Hoxton Hall website here.

Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution at London County Hall

We all know that jury duty can be hellish, but Witness for the Prosecution is giving theatre-goers the chance to watch the drama of the courtroom play out. Taking place in what was formally London’s government headquarters, Christie’s story of murder comes to life. Leonard Vole is on trial for killing Emily French, a wealthy widow, but he’s pleading his innocence. The production is directed by Lucy Bailey (Titus Andronicus) and stars Waterloo Road’s Jack McMullen and Downton’s Catherine Steadman, and audiences are already raving about this unique, immersive theatrical experience.

Agatha Christie’s The Witness for the Prosecution is at London County Hall from 6^th October 2017 until 11^th March 2018. Book your tickets here.

The Toxic Avenger at the Arts Theatre

This year, the Arts Theatre is hosting a cult classic in musical form, complete with a seven-foot, slime-green hero with an eco-conscience. It’s the perfect show for superhero fans and Rocky Horror Time Warpers alike, with a joyful blend of absurdity, hilarity and gore – as well as a pointed environmental message. But, never fear, this award-winning production is an absolute scream. 

The Toxic Avenger is at the Arts Theatre from 28^th September until 3^rd December 2017. Book your tickets here.

The editorial unit