Stanley Arts transformed into a Haunted Mansion for Days of the Dead Festival
South London’s Stanley Arts is set to transform into a haunted medieval mansion for a unique immersive theatre experience based on Arthur Conan Doyle’s short story Selecting a Ghost.
From November 6 to 9, audiences will be taken on an eerie journey through Goresthore Grange, a fictional estate that will serve as the setting for a supernatural hunt.
The site-specific production, directed by Phil Cheadle, invites visitors to promenade through the Georgian Grade II-listed venue, which has been reimagined as a haunted manor. Spectators will follow the wealthy and eccentric characters Silas and Matilda D’Odds as they search for a resident ghost to match their grand new home.
Based on Doyle’s quirky tale, the couple, newly risen to wealth, realize their mansion lacks one essential item: a ghost. Their search spirals into a bizarre obsession, leading them to trust a mysterious figure who promises to conjure a spirit.
As the suspense builds, the production culminates in a grand finale: a 'Ghost Selection Ceremony'. This climactic moment features performances by BirdGang Ltd, an award-winning local hip-hop dance company known for their innovation. BirdGang, who won OneDance UK’s Innovation in Dance Award, will fuse contemporary dance with classical theatre, adding a modern, energetic twist to the ghostly proceedings.
Cheadle, the director and co-founder of Two Lines Productions, explained the inspiration behind the show: "When I first came across Arthur Conan Doyle’s gem of a story, I immediately saw its potential for the stage—especially in a space as distinctive as Stanley Arts. With BirdGang Ltd bringing the ghosts to life through hip-hop dance, the piece gains a fresh, dynamic energy. It’s a perfect blend of classic literature, ghostly hip-hop, and an unforgettable setting. Theatre can be ridiculous fun sometimes!"
Two Lines Productions, founded by Cheadle and fellow actor Lisa Caruccio Came, is known for re-imagining classic texts with a fresh, socially relevant approach. Their latest production at Stanley Arts seeks to engage modern audiences by blending traditional storytelling with immersive technology, interactive elements, and contemporary dance.
Stanley Arts, a prominent cultural venue in South London, is committed to providing a platform for under-represented voices, including artists of colour and LGBTQ+ creatives. With this innovative production, Stanley Arts continues to be a home for cultural expression, delivering thought-provoking experiences that resonate with local and wider audiences alike.
Tickets are for Selecting a Ghost are available now: https://stanleyarts.org/event/selecting-a-ghost/2024-11-09/1/