"No-one will guess the ending. There's a real twist in the tale..."
Joe O'Byrne is a writer whose work drips with class and northern character. He is probably best known for Paradise Heights, a gritty theatrical series that dispensed with cliché and convention.
Although, the setting was fictitious, he was able to sculpt recognisable characters that the audience could easily empathise with. However, it wasn't an everyday 'drama by numbers'. It had plenty of attitude, wit and menace, but it also included a masterful supernatural twist.
In The Haunting of Blaine Manor, Joe has elected to further explore the gothic horror theme. The play is set in 1953 and focuses on a sceptic visiting England's most haunted house. Staging the play in a traditional pub seems like a masterstroke.
The upstairs theatre at The Kings Arms adds to the backdrop and ambience of what is essentially a period piece. This extenuates the classic matinee feel that Joe was keen to create, and adds to the eerie atmosphere. It's up close and personal and will make the audience feel that they are residents of Blaine Manor. I interrupted rehearsals to speak to Joe...
Have you deliberately moved away from Paradise Heights?
"Yes, I'm taking a bit of a break and wanted try something different. I've always been a fan of classic horror films and actors like Vincent Price and Peter Cushing. I saw the lead character as a Bogart type figure. I tip the hat to Hollywood's golden era; there are plenty of subtle references and lighter moments."
What's the best thing about having your work performed in a pub?
"It's an immersive experience in an intimate venue. The sound design is great, it's very atmospheric."
How would you describe the play to tempt the people of Salford?
"It's the scariest play in the North West and unlike anything else. No-one will guess the ending. There's a real twist in the tale."
What is your ambition as a writer?
"Ultimately, I think that Paradise Heights would make a great TV series. I'd like to see Blaine Manor get a run in London. It'd make a great film, too."
The Haunting of Blaine Manor
Tuesday 16th to Saturday 20th August 8pm
The Kings Arms
Tickets £10/£8 – for further details and to book see the Kings Arms website – click here
See also the Facebook event page The Haunting of Blaine Manor – click here
Words by Ian Leslie
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