The Cape Breton Stage Company is bringing its horror-themed theatre event Tales From the Bottom of the Well back from the grave. Staged in St. Patrick’s Museum, theatre-goers will be treated to a group of four new plays by local playwrights Anna Spencer, James FW Thompson, and Jenn Tubrett. Some of these stories are based on Cape Breton folklore and history, and some are based on just creepy ideas.
According to Thompson, Tales From the Bottom of the Well is a chance to partake in some traditional Halloween fun. “It gives people something to do that is appropriate for (almost) any ages and is – in my opinion – genuinely scary without being gratuitous about it. Last year people left the church scared – in a fun way. This year will easily have the same effect.” For people who attended last year, a few questions and cliffhangers from last year will be answered in this year’s show.
The historic St. Patrick’s church-turned-museum in Sydney’s North End is supposed to be one of the most haunted spots in the area, with the death of a local priest in the belfry being reported in 1939. “The story delves deeper into the history of the church itself,” noted Thompson. Whether or not one is superstitious, the building’s cool dark ambience makes the perfect backdrop to some storytelling that leaves audience members with the spooky task of separating fact from fiction.
The plays will run on October 28, 29, 30, and 31, with showtime at 8pm. The showing on the 31st will include bonus material not included in the other shows, and a $2 discount for anyone who attended ant of the previous days’ showings. Admission is $10, which includes treats from the downtown Sydney-based Time Machine Candy Works. For more information on the Cape Breton Stage Company’s upcoming events, visit capestage.ca
