Eerie Tales by Mackenzie Vee Crompton and Jorvik Theatre
From the warped mind of Mackenzie Crompton & the cast of Jorvik Theatre Company, came the premiere of Eerie Tales; a series of original horror scenes, classic ghost stories and Edgar Allan Poe-ms.
Seated in the venue as various creepy tunes and unsettling ramblings played, we were suddenly plunged into darkness as several shadowy figures filtered down the sides of the seating area to stand alongside the audience. As an ear-piercing scream filled our ears, the lights went up to reveal a series of masked grotesqueries, which gave us a great jump scare.
The evening continued with an original ouija board story. For me, not being a fan of the ouija stories, it was a bit of a slow burner. However, it ended with a well-done, seemingly Paranormal Activity/Insidious-inspired scene. From being meek & scared to being dragged off, possessed and murderous, the change in character was ably-performed and punctuated well by a superb psychotic stare.
Next up was a personal favourite. One man, a chair, red lighting and a stage were all that was needed to provide a thoroughly gripping rendition of The Tell-Tale Heart. In any form of public speaking or performing it is difficult for one person to captivate an audience but the gentleman in question managed it, conveying a rising insanity as his story was told. A wonderful performance.by Alex de Luca
Following this, we were regaled with the tale of Mary Shaw. Another monologue (duologue if you count the puppet) about the ghastly exploits of a shamed ventriloquist and her penchant for tongue removal, this was again well performed, this time engaging the audience with the prop, grisly details and a venture into the audience.
After an intermission, the story of The Grey Lady graced our eyes. An author is shown to her room by a hotel owner and confesses she is intrigued by the building's spectral history. Seemingly influenced by The Woman In Black, this was an intriguing set up of believer & sceptic followed by very good voice over work to represent the haunting voice of the titled Grey Lady. A shriek, a hasty exit and a debate about the author's sanity later, and we were met by the Grey Lady chillingly warning that she will haunt us.
The penultimate piece was entitled The Workhouse. Adapted, I believe, from a local York ghost story, it told of a Victorian man who worked children to death. Beginning with the unsettling sight of a grown man shoving a child's corpse into his wardrobe, we saw Percy driven mad by the sounds of children playing and the supposed corpse screaming at him until he massacred the children. An uncomfortable tale of brutality, which we enjoyed but did prove slightly confusing to people who weren't familiar with the source material.
The finale of our evening of Eerie Tales was a rendition of The Raven. A classic story, well-read & performed by a gentleman in his study, it was a solid performance however, due to the source material, it lacked the drama and intensity of the previous Tell-Tale Heart. Not to do the actor a disservice as the frustration, consternation and fear of the character came through very well.
Overall, it was an engaging, entertaining evening highlighted by innovative use of voice overs to provide jump scares and, at times, wonderful story-telling.
Seated in the venue as various creepy tunes and unsettling ramblings played, we were suddenly plunged into darkness as several shadowy figures filtered down the sides of the seating area to stand alongside the audience. As an ear-piercing scream filled our ears, the lights went up to reveal a series of masked grotesqueries, which gave us a great jump scare.
The evening continued with an original ouija board story. For me, not being a fan of the ouija stories, it was a bit of a slow burner. However, it ended with a well-done, seemingly Paranormal Activity/Insidious-inspired scene. From being meek & scared to being dragged off, possessed and murderous, the change in character was ably-performed and punctuated well by a superb psychotic stare.
Next up was a personal favourite. One man, a chair, red lighting and a stage were all that was needed to provide a thoroughly gripping rendition of The Tell-Tale Heart. In any form of public speaking or performing it is difficult for one person to captivate an audience but the gentleman in question managed it, conveying a rising insanity as his story was told. A wonderful performance.by Alex de Luca
Following this, we were regaled with the tale of Mary Shaw. Another monologue (duologue if you count the puppet) about the ghastly exploits of a shamed ventriloquist and her penchant for tongue removal, this was again well performed, this time engaging the audience with the prop, grisly details and a venture into the audience.
After an intermission, the story of The Grey Lady graced our eyes. An author is shown to her room by a hotel owner and confesses she is intrigued by the building's spectral history. Seemingly influenced by The Woman In Black, this was an intriguing set up of believer & sceptic followed by very good voice over work to represent the haunting voice of the titled Grey Lady. A shriek, a hasty exit and a debate about the author's sanity later, and we were met by the Grey Lady chillingly warning that she will haunt us.
The penultimate piece was entitled The Workhouse. Adapted, I believe, from a local York ghost story, it told of a Victorian man who worked children to death. Beginning with the unsettling sight of a grown man shoving a child's corpse into his wardrobe, we saw Percy driven mad by the sounds of children playing and the supposed corpse screaming at him until he massacred the children. An uncomfortable tale of brutality, which we enjoyed but did prove slightly confusing to people who weren't familiar with the source material.
The finale of our evening of Eerie Tales was a rendition of The Raven. A classic story, well-read & performed by a gentleman in his study, it was a solid performance however, due to the source material, it lacked the drama and intensity of the previous Tell-Tale Heart. Not to do the actor a disservice as the frustration, consternation and fear of the character came through very well.
Overall, it was an engaging, entertaining evening highlighted by innovative use of voice overs to provide jump scares and, at times, wonderful story-telling.
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