Herbert played by Alex Moran has spent his life growing up in the Metropol Cinema that was run by his Father (Joseph Carter). His Mother (Chloe Carter) struggled with her mental health and we witness the flashbacks through Herbert’s memory recollections screened onto the cinema-style screen at the back of the stage.

The once glorious old cinema is now in ruins and Herbert returns to what was once his home, playground and prison all at the same time. Could the mentally unbalanced adult we now see before us be a product of the amalgamation of horror classics that he grew up watching from the shadows?

There are twists and turns throughout Shock Horror:A Ghost Story as Herbert relives his childhood and recalls all the films he has seen over the years.

I particularly liked the use of the ventriloquist dummy. Herbert’s interactions with the dummy are creepy and although you know it is a dummy the lifelike mannerisms put you on edge at times. Especially when you hear the footsteps running around the stage. It appears from nowhere a few times and it’s unsettling.

The classic horror genre themes run throughout the play. With a large host of recognisable characters from Freddie Krueger,   the Clown from IT to the classic shower scene from PSYCHO. Each of these shaped the unconventional childhood and outlook on life that adult Herbert has. Although it is never fully confirmed there’s a suggestion that he has escaped from a secure unit of some sort.

The stage is dressed as a derelict cinema and offers a striking backdrop to enhance the dark and disturbing performance by Moran. The attention to detail is impressive.

For more information about Shock Horror:A Ghost Story and future productions at Theatre Royal Portsmouth please use the links below.

Four Stars

https://www.thunderroadtheatre.org/shockhorror

Cast

Alex Moran-Herbert,

Chloe Carter-Norma,

Joseph Carter-Jack,

Chris Blackwood-Father Karras.