Top shows to see this Halloween
The Exorcist
Until 5 November, Birmingham Rep
You have probably at least heard of the Oscar-winning film, so now why not see the legend on stage? This is a brand new production based on the 1971 book which tells the story of the two priests' attempts to exorcise demons from twelve-year-old Regan MacNeil.
It stars Adam Garcia, Jenny Seagrove and Peter Bowles and if it's anything like the film, it should scare you out of your wits.
Partners in Crime
28 October to 19 November, Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch
Set in 1920s London, Agatha Christie's story tells of adventurers Tommy and Tuppence, whose first assignment puts them in dire danger. This classic detective murder yarn probably won't be full of surprises, but will be full of meaty conundrums, threat and derring do.
Adapted by Sarah Punshon and Johann Hari, this murder mystery stars Richard Holt and Naomi Sheldon.
The Woman in Black
Booking until September 2017, Fortune Theatre and on tour 25 to 29 October, West Yorkshire Playhouse
This stage adaptation of Susan Hill's novel has been freaking London out since 1989. And there's a reason why it's lasted so long: it is genuinely scary.
With spooky visitations and thrilling stage tricks, if you're looking for a horror-filled night out then this old reliable is definitely worth a visit.
© Rah Petherbridge
Dinner at the Twits
Until 30 October, The Vaults
Test your nerve (and your gut) by trying Mr and Mrs Twits' feast of rodent goujons, worm spaghetti and chicken heart. Roald Dahl's terrible Twits are entertaining and it's as frightening as the prospect of Donald Trump becoming president.
WhatsOnStage described this collaboration between theatre company Les Enfants Terribles and food scientists Bompas and Parr as "hilarious and gruesome".
The Society of Strange
31 October, Wilton's Music Hall
Head down to the beautiful Wilton's in the East End to be entertained by a cast of three who riff on comedy and horror as they explore stories by Neil Gaiman and Edgar Allan Poe.
Pre-show entertainment includes music puppetry and magic in the bar, and the audience are encouraged to dress up in their spookiest Halloween fancy dress.
© Pete Le May 2014
Comus: A Masque in Honour of Chastity
Until 19 November, Shakespeare's Globe
Director Lucy Bailey has previous in the gore department. Her production of Titus Andronicus was so bloody it made audiences faint. This upcoming production of Milton's masque play Comus probably won't be as gruesome as Titus but it does sound exceptionally dark.
The story tells of a woman abducted by the god of revelry who traps her in a cursed chair. Likely not for the fainthearted.
Murder Ballad
Until 3 December, Arts Theatre
The plot of this new musical is a darstedly murder whodunnit, where a love triangle leads to some very nasty scenes. The show stars musical theatre royalty including Kerry Ellis and Ramin Karimloo.
Perfect for a stagey Halloween, then.
Wicked
Until 4 November 2017, Apollo Victoria
Wicked witches! Good witches! Stephen Schwartz's musical is not exactly horror-filled but you get a family-friendly dose of magic as well as some evil flying monkeys. The story is the prequel to The Wizard of Oz and the music is hit-filled.
Having just turned 10, the show now features a crack cast including returning Elphaba Rachel Tucker, Anita Dobson and Suzie Mathers.
