Thunder Road Theatre, in association with Watford Palace Theatre, has announced the cast and creative team for The Void: A Horror Story, an immersive sci-fi horror production that blends live theatre and film.
Described as an experience that places audiences inside a horror film, The Void brings together theatre-makers, screen actors, filmmakers, illusion designers and visual artists to create a cinematic live event.
Alex Moran and Ryan Simons will reprise their original roles as Flint and Blair respectively.
Moran’s previous theatre credits include War Horse at the National Theatre, A Clockwork Orange at Arcola Theatre and Quality Street with Northern Broadsides and New Vic Theatre.
Simons’ stage work includes Firebird, Kes and Lord of the Flies.
Joining the company are Olwen May as the voice of NOVA, Riana Duce as Phebus, Terence Rae as Miner and Emma Leah Golding as Ru.
The production’s creative team includes writer and director Ryan Simons, producer Alex Moran, dramaturg Steve Marmion, set and costume designer Caitlin Mawhinney, associate director Jason Furnival, composer Ben Parsons and lighting designer Andrew Crofts.
Ryan Simons said: “There’s something inherently frightening about being alone in space, with nowhere to run and no idea what’s waiting in the dark. The Void gives us the chance to really lean into that isolation and paranoia. You can watch a horror film from the safety of your home, but there’s something very different about being in the room when it unfolds – hearing it, seeing it and feeling the tension build around you.”
Producer and actor Alex Moran continued: “With The Void, we’re creating something that sits somewhere between a film and a live theatrical experience – and that unique blend is what makes it so exciting. It’s all about making our stories visually impressive and placing the audience at the heart of everything we do. If you’d like to see how it’s done, step into the unknown and grab yourself a ticket”
Riana Duce, who plays Phebus, said: “My time filming for The Void encapsulated everything I love about modern theatre and multi-media performances. At every step of the way, the team considered how the filmed elements would tie in with and expand the physical on-stage world, and I was so excited to be part of the process of piecing it all together. My character, Phebus, holds some truths within the play’s backstory. I can’t wait for audiences to see how she fits into the mystery, and hopefully give them a few scares along the way!”
The tour will visit venues across the UK from 30 September to 7 November, including stops in Edinburgh, Birmingham, Colchester, Chester and Sheffield.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
