ThickSkin, the award-winning Wigan-based theatre company, has unveiled an electrifying 2025 season packed with bold new work, emerging talent, and a chilling Halloween centrepiece.
The season’s flagship production is It Walks Around The House At Night, a gripping ghost story by Tim Foley, running from 24 October to 5 November at The Engine Room, Wigan.
Directed by ThickSkin’s Artistic Director Neil Bettles, with sound design by Tony Award-winner Pete Malkin, the production promises a spine-tingling theatrical experience.
Set on the grounds of a secluded countryside manor, the story follows an out-of-work actor hired to play a ghost—only to discover something far more terrifying.
Tim Foley said, “I’m so delighted to be working with ThickSkin again after our hit with Driftwood. This time we’re making a horror show full of shocks and scares, something I’ve always wanted to do. How can a company that’s so lovely make work that’s so terrifying? This is the best kind of theatre with the best kind of theatre-makers.”
Before that, Pigeon premieres 15–16 August at The Den @ Fred Longworth High School, Tyldesley. Commissioned by the Royal Exchange Theatre in association with ThickSkin, this mystical folk tale by Joseph Walsh is inspired by a true local story.
Pigeon follows Debs, who believes she saw a man turn into a pigeon outside a pub. Two decades later, she returns to save the now-abandoned building and encounters something even stranger.
Also returning is Driftwood, now available to stream via ThickSkin On Demand. Created with Pentabus, this evocative story of two brothers navigating grief and political division is available to rent for £5.99.
ThickSkin will also launch a new Climate Impact Series in partnership with Pigfoot Theatre, offering free resources on sustainable theatre-making.
Neil Bettles said, “It’s an exciting time at ThickSkin. We’re still relatively new to Wigan, so I’ve rooted this season locally and shaped the programme to platform stories that I hope will resonate with our audiences here. I’m thrilled to be announcing new work that truly reflects ThickSkin’s values —collaborating with world-class artists, supporting emerging talent and engaging with our local community to create imaginative, thought-provoking theatre that sparks creativity and connection.”
The company is also recruiting ten young performers for its Generator Company, a paid professional opportunity for early-career artists to devise and perform new work. Open auditions will be held in September at ThickSkin’s Wigan studio.
Laura Mallows, ThickSkin’s co-founder and Executive Director, added, “We’re working closely with partners across the borough to position Wigan as a thriving regional production hub where artists can develop and succeed. Our focus is on creating and premiering world-class, affordable theatre here in Wigan—work that can later tour nationally while celebrating the local talent that makes it possible.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here