We’ve been creating immersive horror experiences in Newport for over three years now. Inhabiting unusual spaces and responding to the immediate environments. We like to hinge the work on classic horror concepts, introducing contemporary elements and playing with audience’s expectation of ‘The Event’. We’ve created experimental, promenade work in an empty bank, an abandoned warehouse, a living-Victorian museum, and now, for Leviticus, we find ourselves working in a four-bedroom terrace house.
As a bunch of horror nerds (enthusiasts) we make this work to celebrate the depraved and put people in touch with that innate and almost primal need to experience fear. It’s Antonio’s last production with the company before he moves on to something new, so he’s been holding the reigns, directing the work; it’s his ‘swan song’ if you like.
As always is our approach, we like working collaboratively with actors, sharing ideas, talking about what we makes us scared. We give the initial concept, but the work is developed and enriched by all who are involved. We finish with a product that is created by the people who perform it, bursting with heart and full of ambition.
We’ve spent two weeks working with 4 actors, a make-up artist, and an audio-visual artist in an empty house creating Leviticus, so here’s a little insight as to who these people are, and what makes their horror-inspired-minds tick.
Introduce Yourself:
Hi I’m Aled Wyn-Thomas, a 30-year-old Actor from North Wales living and working in Cardiff. I’m playing Father Matthew in Tin Shed’s Leviticus
What Made You Want To Be Involved in Leviticus:
Working with Tin Shed is always an exciting and creatively rewarding experience, so I jumped at the chance. As soon as they told me about the concept, I couldn’t wait to get involved. It’s been a real challenge creatively, but also physically, but that makes it so much more rewarding.
What’s your favourite Horror Movie:
The Exorcist. While it’s generally referred to as horror film, I think it transcends the conventions of a ‘scary movie’ and is actually quite a powerful film. It presents a lot of questions about faith and humanity while exploiting elements of fear and the supernatural, too. I love it!
What do you love about Horror as a genre:
Like the classic characters that inhabit it, the genre will not stay dead. It may go away and hide in the dark for a while, but it will always come back. People will always love the feeling of being scared, which is oddly unifying.
Introduce Yourself:
I’m Craig Smith, I’m a 24 year old Performing Arts graduate, teacher and recurring ‘Tin-Shedder’ born in Cardiff. I graduated from University of Wales, Newport in 2012 and 2013 with a BA honours degree and PGCE. Also a former keyboardist and backing singer for Cardiff indie/pop/punk band ‘The Motive’ performing at events such as Cardiff Mardi Gras.
What Made You Want To Be Involved in Leviticus:
Aside from the perverted enjoyment of terrifying the general public on my favourite holiday… Halloween. I have also been lucky to work with Tin Shed on this kind of immersive site-specific projects twice before and genuinely relish any chance to work with them.
What’s your favourite Horror Movie:
Well, of course there’s the classics; Halloween, Rosemary’s Baby, Nightmare on Elm Street etc. But I am somewhat a fan of foreign horror movies, my favourite being the Spanish zombie horror [REC]. Back when the ‘found footage’ style was just starting to become popular this movie was a bit of a pioneer. I found it interesting as it is filmed with many of the leading actors unaware of what ‘scares’ were coming. The events of the final scene being completely unknown to the actress makes for quite a tense and terrifying moment!
What do you love about Horror as a genre:
Horror is definitely my favourite genre. I love to torture myself with a good scare. The way in which horror movies tease and play the audience psychologically to get that feeling of fear and adrenaline pumping around the brain and body without ever having to leave your seat, and when that feeling lasts into the walk home, a glance over your shoulder, or a look out the window at the dark street. It can be quite a masterful genre at dealing with the human condition.
Introduce Yourself:
Hello, I’m Kaitlin Wray I’m playing Sarah/The Demon in Leviticus. I live and work in Newport and am currently in my third year studying Performing Arts at the USW, Newport. I was born in Canada but grew up in Lichfield in England. Outside of studying I perform and I’m a cheerleader for South Wales Saints! I’m also a reviewer for the Young Critics of Wales.
What Made You Want To Be Involved in Leviticus:
I’ve worked with Tin Shed Theatre Co. a few times now, working on things like Launchpad for ComedyPort, The Ritual, and I was part of The Old Man work-in progress showing for National Theatre Wales. I was a delight to be invited to work with them again for Leviticus.
What’s your favourite Horror Movie:
I don’t have a ‘favourite’ horror film. However the The Grudge is the scary thing I’ve ever seen, and I was totally creeped out by Rosemary’s Baby. I’m in love with the story lines of the Saw films but I could watch 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later all day everyday.
What do you love about Horror as a genre:
Horror as a genre is so broad, there’s psychological thriller, slasher films, suspense thriller and more. Personally I love horror films as they’re so intense. It’s fascinating that we are attracted to watching films that aims to scare us to death.
Introduce Yourself:
My name is John Weldon, and I’m from Bedwas near Caerphilly in South Wales. I graduated in Acting from the RWCMD in 2005, and I’ve been working as a professional actor ever since.
What Made You Want To Be Involved in Leviticus:
I’ve always been a huge admirer of Tin Shed’s work, and I performed along side Antonio and Justin in a production of Under Milk Wood a few years ago. When Antonio offered me a role in Leviticus, I jumped at the opportunity.
What’s your favourite Horror Movie:
I think my favourite horror film (or certainly the one that had the greatest impression on me) was a vampire movie called Salem’s Lot. I remember watching it as a kid, and it gave me nightmares for weeks!
Leviticus will run until Sunday 2nd Nov in a secret location in Newport. Tickets are available through The Riverfront Box Office.
