Hallowscream 2021: Return of the FreakShow
WHO IS YORK MAZE?
York Maze, situated just outside the city of York, is a popular seasonal attraction and home to one of Europe’s biggest maize mazes. Each year over a million maize plants are sown specially for the maze, with the design completely reimagined annually. The layouts are often intricate and themed, forming giant patterns that can only truly be appreciated from above.
Alongside its summer season, York Maze also hosts two major Halloween events. Hallowscream is an award-winning evening experience created for visitors aged 16 and over, combining live actors, themed scare houses, and atmospheric entertainment for those seeking a more intense thrill. In contrast, Hallowtween caters to families and children aged 10–15, offering spooky fun that bridges the gap between traditional trick-or-treating and the more frightening Hallowscream attractions.
Stage One: The Brief
In 2020, due to Covid-19 safety concerns York Maze decided not to host their flagship event, Hallowscream, however they did choose to run the family-friendly Hallowtween event instead, opting for increased dates but reduced capacity, and implementing additional safety measures.
Providing a full stage production for our second year running at York Maze, we were given to opportunity to provide our full stage show for the triumphant return of Screamfest – naturally it was the return of the the freakshow.
Our brief for Hallowtween was to create a Freakshow themed family-friendly stage show with an atmospheric and eerie ambience. Think dim lighting, foggy haze, and a carnival-meets-macabre vibe – with it still remaining family-friendly and suitable for Halloween fans without being too scary.
Stage Two: A look to die for
Because Hallowtween relies so heavily on its visual impact, it was essential to to have the right atmosphere through careful stage design creating a look to “die” for.
For the 2020 production, the stage was dressed with strips of red and yellow “rhubarb and custard” fabric strung up as bunting, paired with low-lit carnival bulbs draped overhead in a zig-zag pattern. Illuminated Freakshow signage and a backdrop of old-style sideshow banners added to the eerie circus feel we wanted to achieve. While the core theme of the Hallowtween show stayed largely the same, we refreshed the soundtrack and introduced new elements to heighten the overall spectacle including a pair of sparks machines framing the stage.
As Hallowscream was set to run alongside Hallowtween that year, we developed two separate versions of the show: one tailored to the 16+ crowd at Hallowscream, and another adapted for audiences under 16 at Hallowtween.
Stage Three: The Acts
Our Undead Ringmaster character returned as the show host – wearing his classic black tail coat adorned with bones, complete with topcoat and black and white striped trousers, he once again introduced acts to the stage such as an Aerial Hoop performer, Contortionist, and Fire Performers, while also performing Chainsaw Stunts, Human Target Whip Cracking, and a Pierced Weight Lifting.
Along with this action packed line up York Maze’s very own infamous Corny the Clown, and Lil Dribble, the resident granny characters, even made an appearance.
Stage Four: The Reception
The Freakshow was met with an excellent response, drawing positive feedback not only for the stage performances but for the overall event itself. Many reviews once again likened the experience to large-scale Halloween spectacles such as Universal’s Horror Nights.
“Thank you to everyone who visited, got scared and joined our party. But most importantly, thanks to the Hallowscream dream team! There are SO many incredibly talented people who make this event happen!”
– TOM PEARCY
York Maze, Business Owner
If you are interested in including family friendly Halloween entertainment at your next event you can find out more information on The Horror Circus page. Alternatively if you have your own ideas in mind and would like to discuss a custom package created just for you – feel free to drop us a message on our Contact page.