A Thunder Road Theatre Production 

Performer Alex Moran reveals what makes Shock Horror a “must-see” ghost story this Halloween.

Shock Horror is a theatrical thrill ride that takes audiences on a heart pounding journey into the depths of human psyche. Described as Stranger Things meets The Woman In Black, this haunting, cutting-edge ghost story combines multimedia screen action with live stage performance. And it’s not long before it visits Macready Theatre to terrify the locals brave enough to book. But who is the man behind it all? Alex Moran runs Thunder Road Theatre Company with writer / director Ryan Simons from their base in Yorkshire. To date, they have produced six critically acclaimed, sell-out shows, all exploring the spectacle of horror and the things that keep us from turning the light off at night. We caught up with Alex, who stars in the show, to find out more… 

Alex, hello! Can you start by telling us about your character in Shock Horror?
Herbert has grown up in a cinema that only screens horror. No contact with the outside world whatsoever. No friends, no school. His journey flips between haunting events of his childhood and present day. Any more info and I really would be spoiling it!

What makes Shock Horror unique and should must audiences come to see it? 
It’s the first ever horror show with it’s own self-produced horror film on screen. Set in a haunted cinema auditorium – multimedia not only compliments the show visually; it’s woven into the plot, an unpredictable character in the story.

What are some of your favourite things about performing a horror theatre piece?
I grew up watching The Woman In Black. 14 visits to see the show and it never gets old for me. Performing horror takes me right back to the first time I saw it. Like Herbert I’m a kid again. I can only hope the audiences seeing this share the same sense of excitement and chills I felt back then. 
The atmosphere in horror is totally different to any other theatre experience I’ve ever had. It’s not about the laughs, it’s all about the screams. 

What was your earliest memory of horror? Do you have any spooky childhood memories of your own to share?
Earliest memory was filming a ghost story at Halloween with my family. My grandpa wrote the script and filmed it. Everyone else acted in it. I played an American William Wallace. I still can’t understand why I chose American as an accent for the most famous Scottish hero of all time, but there you go!
Spooky memory? A recurring childhood nightmare of a knock at the door and a jangling of keys. The door flew open. An entity stood in the darkness. I was frozen. I can still see that image now. I’ll leave that story there before I hide behind the sofa.

Theatres are well-known for their ghosts. Have you encountered any spooky goings-on whilst touring? 
Harrogate Theatre is famous for having a theatre ghost called Alice that haunts the stalls. I’ve heard one or two strange sounds in that building, but thankfully nothing more.
I also went method with Herbert and spent the night in a theatre on my own. I wouldn’t recommend it.

Has anything changed from the 2022 tour of Shock Horror?
Massively. The show has a much bigger team on board after last year’s success. Specialists in lighting, sound, illusion and marketing; and a fantastic set designed by the West End’s Justin Williams. The show has evolved deliciously… more jumps, more scares, more stand out moments. I can’t wait to get started again.

We’re creeped out just thinking about it! Thanks Alex. Shock Horror is running at Macready Theatre between 06 October 2023 and 08 October 2023. Book your tickets now, if you dare!