Afriad of the Dark at London Bridge Experience 2008
“Recent excavations inside the ‘Tombs’ have left the vaults experiencing electrical malfunctions, shrouding the underground walkways in absolute darkness. The subterranean creatures that dwell in the vaults have risen to reclaim their territory and they do not welcome visitors. Dare you unearth London’s darkest secrets?”
So reads the promotional information for Fear of the Dark. Simon Casey ventured into the dark to “see” for himself.
The London Tombs have made some formidable improvements since my first visit earlier this year and I was really looking forward to a return trip during Fear Of The Dark, the attractions Halloween programme. Having recently toured the London Dungeon’s Halloween efforts (and whilst I thoroughly enjoy the Dungeons, there was little extra for the scare season), their neighbour under the bridge has really added the screams by actually removing an important scenic element, the lights!
Leaving the ticket office, we ventured into a holding room with a screening of the Fear of the Dark advertising campaign and a mock news report. I don’t think the crowd were paying much attention to the pre-show but I think they could have missed a nice introduction to the attraction ahead, it was hard to make out over the guest behind us doubting she would make it through (I’ll come back to her later). Lengths of scaffolding and wooden boards lined the room, preparing us for our journey into the “site”.
Our group was lead downstairs for the obligatory photo opportunity, then given our safety talk. The usual warnings followed, don’t run, touch, take photos, etc. and our invaluable piece of advice, “Follow the white rope on the ceiling.” Two victims were given headlights, one at the front and one at the back, this was to be the only method of illumination during our attempt to find the exit. Just as we were to about to make our way into the darkness, half the group ahead of us came back out in terror. You can’t buy advertising like that.
“Follow the white rope” they said. Well, it didn’t last long! It abruptly ended dangling from the ceiling literally minutes after entering. It also seemed like there was a lack of scare actors, lulling me into a false sense of security, silly me. Before long, the assaults came thick and fast. Memories of most of the scenery and props from my previous tomb journey were coming back to me but doing it in the dark really added a spine-chilling dimension. I did notice some of the haunt staples through the attraction such as a drop door and compressed air (and no, I’m going to list where they are) but they all succeeded in their goal of making me jump. Now, remember that young lady in the queue line who doubted her chances of reaching the exit? Well her and her partner disappeared in a cacophony of screams, I was sure it was all part of the show but I had my doubts, wondering if they’d just bolted for the exit. My hat goes off to them, it was a well executed scene. Obviously there’s plenty of hiding places in the dark and the actors did a great job of appearing right in front of you when you least expected it.
Fear of the Dark is such a simple concept that really works. A great addition to the Halloween season. Get down there and see what lurks in the unlit tombs of London Bridge.
So reads the promotional information for Fear of the Dark. Simon Casey ventured into the dark to “see” for himself.
The London Tombs have made some formidable improvements since my first visit earlier this year and I was really looking forward to a return trip during Fear Of The Dark, the attractions Halloween programme. Having recently toured the London Dungeon’s Halloween efforts (and whilst I thoroughly enjoy the Dungeons, there was little extra for the scare season), their neighbour under the bridge has really added the screams by actually removing an important scenic element, the lights!
Leaving the ticket office, we ventured into a holding room with a screening of the Fear of the Dark advertising campaign and a mock news report. I don’t think the crowd were paying much attention to the pre-show but I think they could have missed a nice introduction to the attraction ahead, it was hard to make out over the guest behind us doubting she would make it through (I’ll come back to her later). Lengths of scaffolding and wooden boards lined the room, preparing us for our journey into the “site”.
Our group was lead downstairs for the obligatory photo opportunity, then given our safety talk. The usual warnings followed, don’t run, touch, take photos, etc. and our invaluable piece of advice, “Follow the white rope on the ceiling.” Two victims were given headlights, one at the front and one at the back, this was to be the only method of illumination during our attempt to find the exit. Just as we were to about to make our way into the darkness, half the group ahead of us came back out in terror. You can’t buy advertising like that.
“Follow the white rope” they said. Well, it didn’t last long! It abruptly ended dangling from the ceiling literally minutes after entering. It also seemed like there was a lack of scare actors, lulling me into a false sense of security, silly me. Before long, the assaults came thick and fast. Memories of most of the scenery and props from my previous tomb journey were coming back to me but doing it in the dark really added a spine-chilling dimension. I did notice some of the haunt staples through the attraction such as a drop door and compressed air (and no, I’m going to list where they are) but they all succeeded in their goal of making me jump. Now, remember that young lady in the queue line who doubted her chances of reaching the exit? Well her and her partner disappeared in a cacophony of screams, I was sure it was all part of the show but I had my doubts, wondering if they’d just bolted for the exit. My hat goes off to them, it was a well executed scene. Obviously there’s plenty of hiding places in the dark and the actors did a great job of appearing right in front of you when you least expected it.
Fear of the Dark is such a simple concept that really works. A great addition to the Halloween season. Get down there and see what lurks in the unlit tombs of London Bridge.
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