DramaNorth WestReview

Shock Horror- The Lowry Theatre, Salford

Reviewer: Clare Boswell

Writer: Ryan Simons

Director: Terence Mann

Shock Horror by Thunder Road, on a nationwide tour and currently playing at the Lowry Studio in Salford, is the brainchild of writer Ryan Simons and has been billed as Stranger Things meets The Woman in Black. The story centres on Herbert (Alex Moran), a horror movie fanatic and film-maker, who has returned to the derelict Metropol cinema to present his best film yet, entitled Shock Horror. As the plot unravels, the audience realise that this particular cinema holds some deep and frightening memories for Herbert; the dwelling where he spent the majority of his dysfunctional childhood, the protagonist’s memories flit from his father’s (Chris Blackwood) obsession with only screening horror films to hiding from his deranged mother (Chloe Proctor), a woman who is perpetually consumed by ‘the darkness in the walls’, even calling upon a local priest (Joseph Carter) to exorcise the cinema of these demons.

Comparisons with The Woman in Black are apparent from the outset and Ryan Simon’s script is captivating enough to hold the attention of the audience throughout. There are numerous references to an abundance of horror films, which will certainly appeal to any horror-film buffs. The interactions between the pre-recorded film and live performance also works well and director Terence Mann has produced a slick and pacy show. Special mention also must be given to Ben Parsons for an incredible musical score. Music is integral to the horror-film genre and Parson’s music perfectly compliments the on-stage action, encapsulating the tense and eerie atmosphere throughout.

Alex Moran’s excellent storytelling skills really brings to life Simon’s script and his emotional connection with Herbert ensures that this production doesn’t just stray into hammer horror. Herbert’s self-reflective and emotionally challenging moments enables the audience to connect to the characters as well as the events. Moran is also supported by three strong performances by Proctor, Carter and Blackwood. Chloe Proctor’s nuanced turn as Herbert’s mother allows the audience to empathise, whilst Chris Blackwood is successful in portraying the father’s internal battle between his paternal and spousal duties.

There are some stand-out stage moments in this production and once again, credit must be given to director Mann for this; the puppetry and added extra’s in the second half of the show, paying homage to Horror masterpieces are two notable aesthetic highlights.

Overall, Shock Horror is an entertaining and captivating evening of theatre, with four strong performances at the core. Whilst some of the more melodramatic and dare I say slightly comical moments may make one wonder whether this is a pastiche of the popular film genre, it is still great fun and a must-see for any horror fanatics out there.

Reviewed on 27 October 2022

The Reviews Hub Score

excellent storytelling

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The North West team is under the editorship of John McRoberts. The Reviews Hub was set up in 2007. Our mission is to provide the most in-depth, nationwide arts coverage online.

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