Shock Horror Review

November 4, 2025

Shock Horror Review

29th – 30th October 2025

Shock Horror is the work of Thunder Road, a multi-award-winning theatre company from Yorkshire, specialising in original, cinematic horror shows that fuse multimedia, storytelling, & illusion. The company began in 2011 by reimagining cult novels in association with Harrogate Theatre and now tours to venues UK-wide.

Their current production is written and directed by Ryan Simons, the company’s resident writer and director. He created Shock Horror in 2021 having written for popular television series including Eastenders, Emmerdale & Spooks.

Haunted by a turbulent early homelife, the protagonist, Herbert revisits an abandoned cinema where he spent his childhood, in an unstable, and often abusive environment with a violent mother and alcoholic father.

“For any horror film fans out there, this experiential production is a must see”

This play has all the traits of a classic Thunder Road creation with an impressive immersive quality, high production values and a set befitting of any West End theatre.

The show cleverly blends a cinematic and theatrical experience with flickering film clips, atmospheric sound-design, sudden images and props that creep out of the shadows. Scenes move between quiet dread and sharp jolts, giving us the occasional scare amidst the ominous heavy tension. If you enjoy being quietly and steadily unnerved, this show will not disappoint. The moments of silence before the shock are well judged.

Supported by a talented ensemble digital cast, Alex Moran is excellent as the tormented Herbert, displaying the vulnerability of a disturbed young man. He interacts seamlessly with his fellow (on screen) actors and gives a convincing performance, keeping us on edge throughout.

This play is loaded with iconic horror film references and for any film buff this will surely add an extra enjoyable dimension to the show.

The special effects are, in the main very good, however there are a couple of moments where we spot the ‘magic’ behind the illusion and this immediately shatters the moment. Puppetry is another area where the company really push the boundaries and for the most part, it works but there are times when we see the puppeteer hiding which again destroys what has been so carefully created.

Whilst this production has a promising premise, the story is often lost among the desire to impress with theatrical tricks. I walked out of the theatre wowed by what I’d experienced but failed to reflect on the plight of the central character, and didn’t feel moved by the very sad story which had been presented.

Whilst this play falls short in some areas, Thunder Road must be commended for such an ambitious format. For any horror film fans out there, this experiential production is a must see.

Stephen Cambridge