Staff walking out, strange voices in the dark and tools and equipment
being moved without any explanation!
Those are just some of the frightening goings on at Clacton Pier’s Jolly
Roger building as preparations are being made for the epic, terrifying and unique
Evil on Sea event.
A team from Blackwater Fair – which is running the scare experience with
support from Clacton Amateur Dramatic Society – has been working behind the
scenes to create the perfect atmosphere.
And a number of happenings have already put them on edge, even before
Fear on the Pier gets underway.
Pier Director Billy Ball said that everyone was aware that the Jolly
Roger, which was built in 1893, would have its own spooky history but some were
not fully prepared for what they would encounter.
“One of the Blackwater Fair team, Ashley Smith, decided he had had
enough and walked off the set,” he said. “He could not handle what he
encountered while creating the rooms in the Jolly Roger – especially after dark.
“Noises, voices and things being moved around were too much and he has
had to be replaced as the final preparations come together.
“There have been stories about a lifeguard who used to work at the Pier’s
former swimming pool returning to haunt the landmark attraction as well as a
lifeboatman coming across the water towards the Pier from a ship stuck on the
sands – but I suppose we will never really know.”
Billy added that the event – which is new this year – will be a major
boost for its Halloween celebrations and something for a slightly older audience.
Those who dare will get the chance to meet the dysfunctional Stiles
family, who after a long hard season in 1953 found themselves locked inside the
secret rooms and passages of the Jolly Roger.
Alone and forgotten for more than six decades there is the chance to witness
the insanity and destruction into which the family have spiralled.
Only discovered this year, some of the characters to be encountered include
Mr and Mrs Stiles, Uncle Reggie, daughter Karen and Nan Wendy.
“This experience is for those 13 and above and promises to be something
totally different for Clacton,” said Billy. “We are hoping that if it goes well
it can be staged every year as part of our expanding offering.”
Tickets for Evil on Sea cost £19.99 and include the Evil on Sea
experience in the Jolly Roger, free unlimited adult rides, a round of adventure
golf and a free drinks voucher for the after party in the Boardwalk Bar with DJs.
The event is being held every Friday and Saturday night in October, plus
Thursday October 31, November 1 and 2.
Tickets can be booked online at www.clactonpier.co.uk
or on Eventbrite.
PHOTO by Kevin Jay/Droneshotz
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