Horror at the Hydro as Swindon theatre goer sacrificed by cult in immersive Halloween show

Thankfully this didn't happen in real life, but rather it was the fun conclusion to an immersive horror theatre show that I happened to be taking part in at the same time as Coun Jandy on October 29. 

The show was Wrong Shoes Theatre Company's 'Horror at the Hydro' which involved an audience being led through the deepest and darkest parts of the Grade II listed site with an interactive no-phones-allowed story involving demonic possession, angry spirits and supernatural cults unfolding around them. 

Spooky goings on at Horror in the Hydro (Image: Luke Strange)

There were two story arcs that intersected briefly throughout before converging for an intense finale. One group would meet a former Catholic Church 'miracle debunker and demonic possession specialist' and the other a supernatural spiritualist. I was in the former's group. 

He was John Wickerman (see what they did there) and we were paranormal enthusiasts there to hear him speak about his career with the help of steward Annie.

After the power went out things really kicked up a notch and we were all then led by the pair through a series of corridors and into a series of rooms - doors were inexplicably locked, possible escapes were blocked and spooky and sinister things started to happen around us.

Something behind a locked door blocking our path at Horror at the Hydro (Image: Luke Strange)

At this point, I should say that the Health Hydro is the perfect venue for this kind of thing and it was used to its full strength. Its tiled walls, vast rooms, winding corridors, and cleverly incorporated historic past, were all eerily reminiscent of a horror-movie insane asylum and added to the atmosphere.

One room was set out like a child's bedroom full of child horror stereotypes. In another we watched on CCTV as a member of the group was dragged away by an unseen force and all the lights went haywire.

But the creepiness certainly ratcheted up when we were all literally ushered into the building’s empty small pool and the big finale twist was revealed. Steward Annie and several others had surrounded us on the outside of the pool, revealing they were part of a cult that had lured us to the Hydro under the pretence of a seminar and one of us was about to be sacrificed.  

The empty pool we found ourselves in for the final sacrifice (Image: Newsquest)

All of us had to pick a token from a bag, with one of us being the chosen sacrifice. This is how Robert Jandy’s partner ended up wearing a ceremonial robe and a bag on her head. Then, through some clever stage trickery, she was brutally and bloodily murdered before our very eyes.

All-in-all it was a thoroughly enjoyable night of entertainment that towed the right line between scary and fun. It was also a really imaginative and excellent use of a heritage space like the Health Hydro and definitely something we need more of in the town.  

Only a lucky few got tickets this Halloween, but if Shoebox Theatre put on something similar next year I would strongly encourage everyone to give it a go, it was the perfect Halloween treat, especially if it stays around the bargain price of £10.

The cult has got us now! (Image: Luke Strange)

But don’t just take my word for it, here’s what the man who watched the person he was with have her heart ripped out had to say about it

Coun Jandy said: “With the history and urban myths surrounding the Health Hydro, it is surprising that it's never held a Halloween event. Congratulations to the Shoe Box Theatre for stepping up to the mark and exceeding expectations with the hottest ticket for Halloween."

To find out more about Shoebox Theatre visit their website - https://www.shoeboxtheatre.org.uk/