The Void: A Horror Story Review

September 13, 2025

The Void: A Horror Story Review

11th-12 September 2025

It is 2160; Earth has been destroyed, governments have collapsed and only corporations have survived. This information is presented to us on a large screen embedded in an impressive futuristic set worthy of the West End stage which screams high production values.

Atmospheric lighting, ominous, echoing sound effects and regular waves of dry ice help to create the eerie setting which delivers on every level. It is clear, production company Thunder Road, have invested heavily in an extremely talented design team.

“The multimedia and cinematic elements of this production are blended seamlessly to create an unsettling tension with a creeping sense of dread that keeps us on the edge of our seats throughout”

Space ranger – Flint – is cruising eight million miles from Earth when he receives a distress signal from an ageing research vessel. His ship is drawn into the mystery craft and, with reluctance, he boards to find the crew are missing and AI ‘Nova’ has assumed command. Nova speaks directly with Flint, drip feeding him information, filling his head with horrifying images, which we see projected onto the screen, and denying him access to what he needs to know. We fear Flint may never leave this vessel.

According to the company website, Thunder Road is a multi-award-winning theatre company specialising in original, cinematic horror shows that fuse multimedia, storytelling, & illusion and this production most certainly delivers on many of those claims.

The multimedia and cinematic elements of this production are blended seamlessly to create an unsettling tension with a creeping sense of dread that keeps us on the edge of our seats throughout. The atmosphere is genuinely chilling and the masterful stage magic is imaginative and often intriguing, however, the plot takes a back seat and feels secondary to the impressive immersive experience. Both characters have a back story lined with pain and tragedy but this is not developed sufficiently and as a result we don’t care enough to be moved by the events which unfold.

Whilst this production lacks strong characters and a well-developed story, Thunder Road must be applauded for creating an innovative brand of entertainment which bridges the gap between stage and screen. The Void: A Horror Story will certainly appeal to fans of dystopian fiction and science fiction horror films.

Filing an auditorium at regional venues is a growing challenge and the producers should be commended for finding a platform which encourages a wider audience, particularly a young audience into the theatre. On the night I saw this production, a school group of early teens squealed and shrieked throughout and clearly loved the experience. Their enthusiasm and excitement was great to see.