As someone who enjoys the horror genre, I realise I barely talk about it. Certainly on here, anyway. So let’s change that, shall we?
One of my earliest memories of taking an interest in anything horror-related was at primary school. Our very small library had this reference book of horror characters, most likely donated by someone who’d been having a clear-out. The type of book probably published in the sixties or seventies with realistic illustrations of Dracula (as Christopher Lee), etc, and more within the confines of its black cover. I remember being fascinated; this little Scottish lassie who hadn’t yet reached double-digits but was curious about vampires and scientists creating people from others’ body parts, etc.
Ever since, I’ve had a healthy fascination with the horror genre in various formats. Heck, I’ve even written some horror stories myself, but in this post I wanted to spread the word about a short audio series I discovered a few years back, via the BBC Sounds app, which beautifully plays in the horror sandpit to great effect.
Made by Darkfield and the BBC, Deadhouse contains three immersive, binaural episodes (plus an introductory trailer) in which you, the listener, are the main character. You could be in a hospital bed, unable to communicate, or waking up in a strange flat with no idea how you got there. Or just perhaps, you’ve died and your body has been buried.
You’re encouraged to listen to these lying down with your eyes closed to get that complete immersive experience. The first time I heard these, it was night time and I wanted to listen to something before I went to sleep. Subsequent times, it had been in the daytime and my eyes have very much been open. I’ve learnt that I can’t listen or watch anything horror-related before bedtime. If I do then I need to watch or listen to some comedy afterwards (I highly recommend a couple of episodes of Cabin Pressure).
All three stories written by Glen Neath
Bethlehem
You’re in some sort of medical facility, in the future. You’re Unit 11, but the young man who whispers in your ear, decides to call you Frances. You’re just one of many ‘dead’ people (although there’s mention of dogs being experimented on, too) trying to be brought back. You can hear what’s happening around you – other Units being tested on, the management leaning on a doctor to “get results”.
Salem
The wonderful Rosie Cavaliero plays a woman who has kidnapped you. But that’s not the worst of it – through hypnosis, she has forced you into committing terrible acts. You cannot move or communicate. All you can do is lie there and listen as she potters about cooking, occasionally speaking to you as you gleam what’s going on through snatches of the news, phone calls she receives. There is a moment of animal cruelty, which you’re forewarned about before the episode begins – and, of course, no actual animals were harmed in the making of the drama. Probably my least favourite of the three if I had to rank them, but only because the other two scenarios are more fascinating to me.
Xanadu
You are dead. But you can still hear all around you. From the hospital, to the morgue, to the graveyard where you hear the earth being dropped on top of your coffin. And you’re not alone. Death themself (played by Kenneth Cranham, who I should also say is excellent in the the radio drama, The Interrogation) comes to visit while you lie there in the coffin.
The episodes are still currently available on BBC Sounds at the time of writing this, but anyone who can’t access it can find the Deadhouse page here.
Having checked out Darkfield’s website for this post, I love that they actually put on immersive events (including some at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival!). I’m not sure whether or not I would actually be brave enough to go to one of them – not without a spare pair of trousers and plenty of pennies for the Swear Jar.
I also see they have available an audio experience, Eternal, which for £3.99 you get a 23-minute immersive audio experience. I might try that out – the only requirements are to be wearing headphones in complete darkness – and let you know my non-spoiler thoughts.
But as for the three episodes that make up Deadhouse, I do hope Darkfield and the BBC team up again for more audios soon. These were superb!
If you do decide to give the Deadhouse episodes, or Eternal, a listen yourself, let me know what you thought of them!