Johnny’s Fear Factory has emerged as a brand-new scare event in Morecambe, a seaside town just on the outskirts of Lancaster. When visiting a first-year scare event, it’s best to keep an open mind. This approach ensures a good time while managing your expectations, which I would recommend for this event.
The event unfolds within two disused, art deco-style retail buildings, one of which was once home to Littlewoods, as evidenced by some vintage branding that still lingers. The other building used to house Woolworths. Stepping into the buildings evoked a wave of nostalgia for this reviewer.
The choice of these old retail units serves as an excellent setting for a scare event, as their naturally eerie, rundown appearance adds to the overall atmosphere. After checking in, we waited briefly for the mazes to open, and during this time, we encountered two memorable roaming characters. One was a silent yet foreboding pig character, creating an eerie ambiance, and the other was a fantastic clown who became a highlight of the night. The clown especially engaged visitors, played games, and brought a sense of fun to the atmosphere. They took a liking to us, affectionately calling us Gertrude throughout the event. Their presence added a delightful touch to the pre-maze experience.
Weirder Things
This maze, while relatively straightforward in design, utilised the available space effectively, employing sheets and curtains to create eerie corridors. The concept was intriguing and could serve as a strong foundation for future development. Some scenes felt a bit disconnected from the overall theme, but there were impressive effects using the building’s features. The use of mirrors to make actors appear in unexpected places was particularly well executed. Although some scenes seemed random, everything came together at the end where visitors were playfully reviewed and judged on their “meat quality.” This provided a record card that acted as a fun and unique keepsake from the night.
Hallway of Horrors
This maze stood out as the favorite of the night. It offered a more theatrical experience with fewer jump scares but a cohesive and intense atmosphere. True to its name, it was indeed a “hallway of horrors.” As you walked through various hallways, you encountered a variety of grotesque characters, from witches to surgeons. Each scene masterfully combined comedy and scares. The actors’ performances were consistently strong, turning this maze into a simple yet well-executed experience. It even featured a small escape room-style section, which added a refreshing twist. This concept has potential for expansion in future years with more rooms and different characters.
Electrotag
A recent addition to a few scare events is Electrotag, a variation of laser tag involving shock pads that deliver a mild jolt when hit. It’s an intriguing concept that elevates traditional laser tag. However, it would be beneficial to provide participants with some form of scoring after the experience, appealing to the competitive spirit in some visitors.
Ghost Rider
In addition to the experiences mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to ride the ghost train, one of a few fairground rides at the rear of the building. It’s a fun little addition to the night.
Overall, this inaugural scare event is a commendable effort. It offers a variety of activities, engaging side shows, and the delightful presence of roaming actors. Given the cost of entry, you can expect an enjoyable evening with mazes of decent length, well timed batching, and creative concepts. There’s room for improvement, particularly in fleshing out these promising concepts, but for a first-year event, it’s a job well done.
If you find yourself in the area, grab a ticket and make your way to Johnny’s Fear Factory. You’re in for an entertaining evening for sure.
