I experienced my first scare maze back
in 2013, at Chessington's Halloween "Hocus Pocus" event. Admittedly
it was a more family orientated event, though some of the attractions did
provide a good scare or two! This year I
got the chance to attend Thorpe Park's Fright Nights for the first time! For
2015, the event boasts five mazes, four of which being themed to Lionsgate
horror film IPs. These Include; My Bloody Valentine (The forgettable 2009
slasher remake), The Blair Witch Project, (Average, slightly overrated found
footage horror), The Cabin In the Woods, (Awesome, horror mash up flick) and
finally Saw Alive, (Needs no introduction!). The event also features an
original concept maze which was the headline attraction, named "The Big
Top", which had a demented circus theme.
Unfortunately, as expected, the park
was heaving on the Saturday, therefore we only managed to get in three of the
five mazes. Luckily we did manage the three I was most interested in seeing.
Here are my reviews of each maze, in order of preference. Be warned, as there
will be a few spoilers of both mazes and films!
3.) The Cabin in the Woods
I LOVE this film and I was very much
looking forward to seeing what Thorpe had included in the maze. Unfortunately I
was a little underwhelmed by this attraction. The idea of choosing your own
route is a fantastic concept, especially as "choosing you own fate"
is the primary concept of the film. This would definitely make repeat run throughs fun (When the queues is not 120 minutes long!) For me, I felt the maze was just a bit too
dark, making it easy to miss key set pieces. Acting was excellent, with some
good interaction and startle scares! The ending "outbreak scene" was
well executed and captured the chaotic third act of the film very well.
2.5/5
2.) Saw Alive
First off, this is hands down the most
visually striking maze at the event, both inside and out. The queue area is
much better themed than the other mazes, complete with traps and other
contraptions lying around, as well as tall barbed wire fences surrounding the
area. Once inside, you are subjected to another of Jigsaws (or
Amandas/Hoffmans?) twisted games. I
really liked the pre-show with Billy appearing on the screens, explaining the
situation before the timer begins and we're moved on. The sets looked fantastic, with recognisable scenes from various films in the franchise. The actors did a
great job of convincing us they were genuinely trapped in the many horrific
devices. There were also great uses of lighting and special effects to startle
guests. The ending scene featuring a trap from Saw VI was particularly
effective! I enjoyed this maze a lot!
3.5/5
3.) The Big Top
This was the main attraction at this
years event and it certainly did not disappoint. I was a little sceptical
before going in after hearing from previous reviewers that the maze was not
completely finished. You begin by having your fortune read before being chased
out by a maniacal clown. The attraction then quickly picks up the pace as you
enter and exit different tents, filled with bizarre and crazy circus
characters. The maze looks very impressive, themed with carnival games and a
giant grinning clown facade. Inside is themed to a funhouse with some very
lively actors getting very close for comfort. One actor proceeded to follow me,
laughing in my ear whilst running his hands through my hair! Lighting was very
well used and quite disorientating! The finale features the oldest scare tactic
in the book, the chainsaw! I honestly thought it would be a gimmick but when I
turned the corner and first saw it, I may have sworn a little and swiftly moved
to the exit! My only criticism would be there were a few dead spots,
particularly outside where there where either no actors or they just weren't
doing a lot. Overall though I was very impressed!
So that was all the mazes we managed.
There is an up-charge attraction called "Containment" which is
essentially a room escape experience. This wasn't something that particularly
interested me and was rather pricey so I gave it a miss. Of course the park is
open late so you can enjoy all your favourite rides in the dark. The Swarm and
Stealth both looked very impressive at night! The park itself does
unfortunately lack in general theming, though it was a nice touch to change the
rides audio to fit the whole circus theme.
Overall then, Fright Nights is a great
Halloween event for those seeking something a little more intense and physical.
I must say that I prefer the more theatrical/atmospheric style mazes at
Chessington, however if you want more short, sharp, impact scares, then Fright
Nights is definitely for you. I would strongly recommend that you either visit
on a Friday or Sunday as the Saturdays do get extremely busy. Frights Nights continue from the 23rd October - 1st November 2015.
Thanks for reading! Have you been to
Frights Nights this year? Let me know what you thought in the comments below!
