The Changes

The changes that have been made.

A lot has changed over the years since our first official event, to name a few, we have actors grow too old for us and move on. Some just simply drop out, illnesses, lack of interest, death and I’m not joking it was a tragedy. Some developed long term sickness and one was tragically injured but made a full recovery. Our 2024 haunt was diabolical not only in name but also in delivery. It made me question why we were doing it in the first place and if I had made a serious mistake. It ruined my whole Halloween experience and I remember clearly, I just wanted it to end. I set myself the task of designing a better haunt and not giving power away to anyone else again. It didn’t mean I would run and rule as an authoritarian but collaborate with the people closest to me, whom I trust.

On the 1st November 2024, I designed the following year’s haunt, well at least the 'more than' basic plan and presented it to the closest few, it was well received, so I went with it. I presented it to the Capel Manor team, who loved the idea and gave us a better deal of less days but more money. Then came a frantic few months of getting everything together and trying not to push the people who had agreed to work with me too hard. Also, not over loading my car because it was the work horse ferrying all and I mean all of the equipment and the 12m by 6m marquee to the site. It then took 7 days to fit it together with all the black out material and props.

We were due to go live on the Saturday morning and come the Thursday evening, it looked ready and I could relax more, the plan that had sat on my computer for 6 months suddenly stood there before me in real life. Any fears it wasn’t going to work were lifted and it was not only the best haunt we had done, it was the best experience, the best looking, the best crew and team performing it. I had my right hand man Jordan and surrogate Daughter Adrieanna, as well as my own Son Lucas and his friend, with the return of the very talented June and two of their actor friends from Chicken Shed. Plus an incredible appearance for one day only from my ex Wife and friend Nicole.

I needed to make some changes to make the Dread House financially effective and viable, as a non profit was clearly not working. This needed to be run as a business and we needed to earn from it. I dissolved the CIC and sold it to ‘Spookarium Events’. The 2026 haunt is looking great we have partnered with 'Enfield Ghosts' and the 'Enfield LGBT Network' and we are currently producing an amazing 2026 project. Plus, a short film in the works as well as an escape room.

You’re gonna need better pants.

Written by a Human... well sort of.