Spooktacular 2014: Our Night Out

   

On the 1st November 2014 six of us from Alterego Fancy dress attended the annual Spooktacular scare event at the Heart of England Centre, Meriden.  The event itself consisted of a three course meal, disco and games, along with a unique themed scare attraction set within the forest-land surrounding the site (more details on that later).

Many of our team had been to one of these shows before however this was my first time.  I, along with my wife, have been to ‘scare-fests’ before so had some idea of what to expect….and yet we saw none of it coming!

   

We all kitted ourselves out with top costumes….as did everyone who was there.  When we arrived it was obvious that no expense was spared – the centre lavishly decorated with Halloween staples such as cobwebs, tombstones & ghouls along with horror props and characters from films.  All tables surrounded a stage which was book-ended by two large movie screens showing iconic scenes from classic horror films whilst all of the ‘victims’ mingled and meandered their way to the tables.  A mixture of Death & Heavy Metal boomed through the speakers to complete a ‘Horror-Assault’ on the senses!

I find Halloween parties a surreal experience at the best of times, due to the experience of seeing so many people in-character as something generally frightful or unpleasant.  The feeling of fun and freedom is addictive and contagious – and there was no lack of it here!  The atmosphere that was created was palpable!  Where else would you see an 8 foot animatronic spider drop from the ceiling to dangle above the stage throughout the celebration?!

     

So…the scare event was structured to take enough people from two tables at a time.  This means that throughout the night two tables at a time disappear for half an hour whilst the others have their delicious food served.  This kept the flow of the evening going nicely (however we were all very glad that we weren’t on the last tables that finally got their turn at nearly midnight).

       

We were on table 12 which was pretty much bang in the middle.  When our number was called we were led outside to a large truck (or, as we were told, an amphibious vehicle).  We were driven deep into the forest towards an unknown building.

At this point its probably apt for me to set the scene!!  At the start of the evening a compere, dressed as a Military official, stood and introduced the night’s festivities.  We were all attending for a specific reason.  In 1944 a number of brave soldiers died in this area of the forest due to the war – but their deaths had only recently been unearthed.  We were all descendants of these soldiers and were legally obliged to pay our respects to them.  The compere was brilliant, shouting at people from the stage and generally setting the tone of the evening “Be quiet!  Treat this evening with dignity and respect, dammit!”

       

So we were on this truck to see where our loved ones departed this earth, so many years ago.  The compere accompanies you as your guide…again shouting for order and quiet – very believable! Once off of the truck we were led into the compound, and this was where the fun (and fright) really began!  Zombies begin bursting through doors and windows as we meandered our way through twisting corridors and rooms, frantically trying to find an exit.  Towards the end we encounter the mastermind behind the undead – Dr Vivian Mortus.  He explains that our dearly departed never really died – and that we were next in order for him to create an undead army of super-soldiers….no thanks!!

A mad dash to the exit ensues – everyone screaming as zombies advance on our position.  Finally we got back on our truck and head back to the party although its not quite over.  The zombies burst through the doors to the compound and ran after the truck almost all of the way back…phew!

       

When we got back to the centre the evening was in full swing with the disco up and running – so we were able to dance the night away….safe in the knowledge that the zombies were securely locked outside!

       

Everyone had a fabulous night.  It was clear that no expense was spared for the scare event and the theme / story line really padded out what can sometimes be quite a repetitive affair.  The compound was chock full of really believable zombies and scary moments.  Absolutely loved it! I would recommend this evening to anyone who fancies immersing themselves deeper into Halloween, so next year watch out here for details of the upcoming event!

Thank you to the Heart of England for having us there, although we will be happy if we never have to go back to that compound ever again!!

Thanks

Chris J

Alterego Fancydress

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Left The Costume Late?? Bring On The Home-made Zombie!

Ok, Halloween is tomorrow night.  You’ve got that fancy dress party in the evening…how did it slip your mind?  You don’t even have a costume yet!  Take it easy, deep breaths, it’ll be ok.  You can MAKE one! Yes, great idea – there’s got to be something around the house that can be turned into a fancy dress masterpiece.  Nope, not that empty television box; too obvious.  How about an apron and gloves an…no, that’s boring.  What can be done at such short notice??

If this is you before Halloween then get ready for our guide on how to ‘Zombify’ pretty much any clothing and have a great costume ready in no time.  Prepare for the Home-made Zombie Apocalypse!

Step 1 – Choose your clothing

First things first.  You need to decide the look of your zombie.  If its easiest then raid your wardrobe for a selection of bits and pieces that you no longer wear (you are going to have to do some pretty permanent modifications to it!) and choose an ensemble that won’t look out of place worn together.

If you have time to get hold of some uniforms or old costumes then you can theme the fancy dress further.  There are endless ideas here – I mean anyone can get bit by a zombie!  Here are some great possibilities:

• Army surplus

• Doctors / Nurses

• School Uniform

• Party / Night out

• Work Uniform

• Boiler Suit

Step 2 – Rough it up

Once you’ve got the clothes chosen it gets really fun!  Now zombies are well known for being clumsy and un-coordinated.  As such they fall down and scrape their clothes or catch them on bushes and walls.  You need it to look as though you’ve been buried and risen from the grave so – get out that Stanley knife!

Start by fraying as many edges as possible.  Work on the cuffs and ankles.

Get the knife and cut random slits across the bulk of the clothing.  Make it look hap-hazard, it’s not about making it look fashionable!  There’s no harm in using your hands to make the slits bigger!

If you are feeling particularly imaginative then you could grab some matches or a lighter and add some burn marks on the clothes.

Step 3 – Gore it up!!

Zombies are all about blood.  They are generally covered in it, dripping from multiple wounds across the body and face.  As you will be doing this from home then you might have to play around with different ‘blood’ recipes (or you can just use red paint).

Start by clearing an area that you can get messy in.  Splatter some blood drops across the items, have lots of the stuff collected around the collar where it has dripped from your mouth!  Pop over a couple of cool looking hand prints across it and you’re all set.

You might also want to dirty it up by rubbing in some dirt / mud.  If you are one of the unlucky zombies that’s had to climb out of their own grave then you’re going to be a bit of a mess!

Step 4 – Make-up

Not everyone is going to have this around the house so you’re going to have to work with what you’ve got.  Find something to pale your face – no blood pumping through your body can really ruin your tan!  Use some more of that ‘blood’ around your mouth if you can.  If you don’t have any of this then some dirt will do the trick.  Just make sure you look a wreck – dirty, bloody, pale – it’s all good.

Mess your hair up as well.  Get some gel and run it through your hair.  Then just throw your fingers through it, don’t look in the mirror!  Even better, roll around on the bed to make your hair a real mess!!

Step 5 – Go ‘Full Zombie’

The costume’s now done and you’re wearing it right now.  Your jobs not quite done yet though.  You’ve got to sell this costume now – make people believe that you’re a member of the un-dead.  Remember the ‘Shaun of the Dead’ crash-course in walking like a zombie?  You need to shuffle along, painfully slowly whilst swinging your arms as though they are out of your control.  Maybe drag one of those feet along the ground as you walk.

Get your practice in here (be mindful though, the video does contain some bad language):

Don’t forget the moan!!  Urrrrrrgggggghhhhhhh!!!!!  Braaaaaaiiiiiinnnnnssssss!!!!

So that’s it.  You should have yourself a pretty nifty costume right there – and far more believable that a store-bought costume!  You’ll be the life (or death!) of the party!

Thanks

Chris J

Alterego Fancydress

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Boo!! Shocking, Spine-tingling, Sensational – Some of Our Favourite Costumes For This Halloween!!

Halloween is nearly upon us yet again.  The pressure is well and truly on to find that costume that’s going to put you ahead of the rest this year.  Last month we highlighted the incredible Ani-motion mask as a top costume choice, however, there really is so so much more on offer from us at Alterego Fancydress!

What I am going to do today is showcase some of the best Halloween choices for you this year.  Enjoy!

For Women

Royal Vampiress

 She is the empress of the night and she will get what she wants. The Royal Vampiress costume includes an elegant black and white dress with attached corset and collar, and cameo choker.

Dreadful Doll

She wants to play. The Dreadful Doll costumes features a sequined dress with lace up trim. Also includes mop cap, stripped thigh highs, and frilled collar.

Naughty Jester

She just can’t help but get into trouble. The Naughty Jester costume features a checkered dress with a laced detailed sweetheart neckline and attached sleeves. It includes a two toned eye mask, a frilled collar, thigh highs and a miniature jester hat.

Dark Alice

On the other side of looking glass there is only her dark smile. The Dark Alice comes with a dress with attached apron, glovelettes and thigh highs.

For Men

Jack The Ripper

This infamous murder carved out his grim legacy in blood.

Night Fiend

Not all vampires care to be suave. The Night Fiend costume comes with jacket, character hands, hood, and ani-motion mask with moving mouth action.

Evil Jester

This guy is not joking around. The Evil Jester costume comes with: shirt, waist sash, jester hood/collar with skull trim and mask.

Big Frank

Still one of our favourites…He is an experiment made to party!  Jacket, Pants, Inflatable Shoulder Components, Socks, Character Mask & Hands included.

Plus Size

Lady Reaper – Magnificent Witch – Dark Red Riding Hood

                      

Evil Unchained – Vampire B Slayed – Jokes On You Jester

                          

Best of the Rest!!

This section showcases some of our best costumes for those of you who might not want to ‘go scary’ this Halloween!!  Sometimes it really doesn’t matter what the theme is…just dressing up is half the fun, right??

Lady of Camelot – Twilight Fairy –  Sequin Flapper – Spanish Pirate

                

Blackbeard Pirate – Electric Mad Hatter – Massive Mobster – King Arthur

                        

So there you have it, just a taste of some of the fantastic fancy dress costumes we have on offer this year.  I hope that we have given you plenty to think about this Halloween!  Just remember – enjoy yourselves!!

Thanks

Chris J

Alterego Fancydress

Enjoy this post? Follow our blog for more ideas and coverage of fancy dress events.  And please join our Social Media family on Facebook & Twitter.  Check out our pinterest page for more costume inspiration.

Halloween Fright Nights Preview – Spooktacular, Meriden

So, Halloween is a little over two weeks away. The time has come to decide how best to celebrate this event. Most eventualities will involve costume dress-up, getting scared out of your skin or having a party. What better than a combination of the three, right? Halloween scare events have become increasingly popular in the UK over recent years with over 100 organised fright-fests taking place in October 2014, not even including murder mysteries and parties/discos. The concept of being able to immerse yourselves in an interactive horror experience plays to our primal fears to a far greater degree than simply watching a scary film and, speaking from personal experience, its way more fun!!

The history of such events is difficult to pinpoint, however they originated from – yep, you guessed it – the United States. They have evolved from the classic premise of a Haunted House where guests would walk through it’s rooms and corridors, being scared by actors and sound effects. Visitors may experience intense animatronics, bloody and frightening set pieces, rustic antiques, scary music and sounds, dynamic lighting, fog, costumed actors with elaborate make-up or masks, and other special effects used to create scenes of terror. Haunted houses can be located in hospitals, grocery stores, shopping malls, warehouses, semi trucks, factories, boats or ships, dilapidated homes, etc.

Another evolution of the Haunted House that I’m sure a large number of people have experienced at one time or another, whether at a theme park or local fair, is the Ghost Train. These would generally be set within a house like before, or sometimes a cemetery. Visitors would once again encounter actors in make-up along with other environmental scares. The beauty of these rides are that because the speed of your movement is controlled, there is little chance to properly brace yourself for the next scare! A dark ride does not have to be dark. They are enclosed, so all illumination is artificial, and most use special lighting to achieve theatrical effects. Selective use of darkness helps hide the ride mechanisms and increase the visual drama of the experience.

So these scare attractions attempt to combine the very best of what works with conventional Haunted Houses or trains, before taking them a step further. Usually set within a specific theme, these attractions generally involve visitors walking though a themed maze of sorts or travelling from one enclosed room to another.

 

Spooktacular – Heart of England Conference & Event Centre, Meriden

This Halloween we at Alterego Fancydress will be attending the Spooktacular, at the Heart of England event centre. These nights of horror are the brainchild of Stephen Hammon, Managing Director of Heart of England, and feature seriously spooky live Halloween entertainment with a cast of terrifying characters, a host of evil props and a trip to the hauntingly scary woods. This will be our third outing here – its that good!

The Heart of England have been running these events for many years now. This year’s theme is ‘Zombie Apocalypse’ – and is described as follows:

“Shortly after the end of WWII, a team of scientists operating under the command of Professor Vivian Mortuus began work on a top-secret experiment designed to create a new breed of super-soldier. Professor Mortuus’s formula was said to heighten physical abilities, phenomenally increasing muscle growth.

Military volunteers referred to as ‘candidates‘ were sent to a location so secret that its whereabouts was kept from all but those few working there. Work was extraordinarily successful at first but before long, disturbing reports began to emerge.

Last communication received mentioned the appearance of unexpected and apparently frightening side-effects. Massive deformities in certain subjects, before the onset of sudden death. Strangely the bodies, although showing no signs of life, appeared in some cases to continue ‘growing‘. The decision was made to bury the cadavers within the secure compound, and evacuate immediately. But it appears that all contact was lost before this task was ever confirmed as completed. And none of the base personnel ever reported for duty again, presumed AWOL.

The location has remained a mystery…until now…”

Have a look at a video of last year’s event, ‘The Possessed’

We are extremely excited about this year’s event, and for good reason. People travel from all across the UK to visit this scare-fest and with the reputation that it has garnered, the ante is upped each time.

Please check back in 3 weeks for our review of ‘Zombie Apocalypse’ and click here for tickets, but be quick, there is only limited availability now!

Thanks

Chris J

Alterego Fancydress

Enjoy this post? Follow our blog for more ideas and coverage of fancy dress events.  And please join our Social Media family on Facebook & Twitter.  Check out our pinterest page for more costume inspiration.

Staying in this Halloween? Awesome House Party Theme Ideas

Not everyone wants to go out on Halloween…sometimes its easier, and way more fun, having everyone round for a kick-ass party right at home.  Halloween can be so easy to do with a few interesting decorations and fancy dress costumes.  However sometimes a specific theme can just make everything way more fun!  Even the preparation!!  In this blog I’m going to outline some images and videos that encompass the three main sections (decoration, food & drink and fun games) and how to have some fun with it!

1.  Decoration.

This is the area that I would probably have the most fun with.  It lends itself to people with a penchant for artistic flair!

There are literally loads of common themes  that are used for decorating houses and rooms like cobwebs, pumpkin jack-o-lanterns, bats, cats, skeletons….the list goes on and on!!  The main thing you need to decide is whether its going to be silly or scary!  You don’t want the theme to clash with the mood you are trying to set.  You should be looking to put up bunting on the walls, perhaps lighting in the front or back lawn, and bucket loads of nonsense decorations everywhere….the key is to be excessive!!

2.  Food and drink.

If you’re having people over for a party, then you probably need to cater it.  And as far as I’m aware, people need to drink to survive so thats a definite!!  Lots of fun can be had with this though, just watch this video below!!

How to make Halloween Gummie Worms

Putting on a fun food & drink spread can really take your party to the next level but it can be really easy to make it interesting.  There’s plenty of halloween themed sweets and candy about (especially at this time of year) so you only really need to put effort into the presentation.  That doesn’t mean that homemade food won’t go drown a treat too!  Go crazy with the Jack-o-lanterns…they’re a classic.

 

3.  Fun games.

Apple bobbing.

You will need:

• large bowl or bucket
• large towel or plastic sheet
• apples
• towels for drying off

Fill your bowl or bucket to 3/4 of its capacity with cold water and place your towel or sheet under the bucket. Put about 4-6 apples in the water and let each child have a turn at getting as many apples as possible – hands must remain firmly behind backs!  The easiest way to get the apples involves getting very wet (you need to push the apple all the way to the bottom of the bucket) so have a towel to hand to mop up wet faces!

 

Dress the mummy.

You will need:

• a big supply of toilet paper or kitchen towel!

Split the party guests into groups no smaller than two and give them a substantial supply of toilet paper. The object of the game is to try and turn one of the group into a mummy by wrapping them entirely in the loo roll! Prizes go to the quickest or the best attempt.

 

Pass it on ghost story.

Try this simple Halloween game. Fun and simple party or class game!

Turn off or dim all the lights and have all your guests sit in a circle. Start out by holding a flashlight so it illuminates your face and start telling a ghost story. At an exciting point in the story, pass the flashlight to the person on your left. They can then continue the story where you left off. Keep going for as long as you choose, it can be once around the cirlce or even longer. You can also set a timer for each person.

 

The devil is in the details.

Feeling like your guests haven’t fully appreciated the amount of detail you’ve put into your party atmosphere? Devise questions that deal with your decorations and watch them explore your haunt.

It’s simple, really. I created handouts with questions like “List the different types of vermin in the room” and “There are a total of 5 items in the lounge that are often used as weapons. List them”. I’ve created questions that had people checking the labels on prop bottles. Use your imagination.

 

I hope that you have been suitably inspired as to how to put on your very own Halloween party…remember, just enjoy it and have fun with it!!

I hope that you have found some inspiration here and have chosen the theme will make your Halloween night…however, if your plan is to go out then check out our Halloween cinema choices blog instead.

 

 

Thanks

Chris J

Alterego Fancydress

Enjoy this post? Follow our blog for more ideas and coverage of fancy dress events.  And please join our Social Media family on Facebook & Twitter.  Check out our pinterest page for more costume inspiration.

Going out this Halloween? Must-see Horror Films at the Cinema

So, its Halloween, you want to get out of the house and you need something to do…why not go scary yourself silly at the Cinema this October?  There’s going to be plenty on this year so here are a few of the ones we’re looking forward to.

 

1.  Horns

A very quirky twist on a Horror film this year.  Daniel Radcliffe, all grown-up, plays a man accused of brutally murdering his girlfriend – and as everyone starts seeing him as a devil, those horns begin to grow…

 

2.  As Above, So Below

Deep under the streets of Paris, a group of friends begin to explore the miles of mazing catacombs hidden below.  Unfortunately for them there are secrets beneath that should not be uncovered.

 

3.  Dracula Untold

I know what you are thinking…is there really anything left untold about the Dracula tale?  Well, as this movie attempts to focus on how the man became the vampire, then perhaps…

 

4.  Annabelle

This film is a spin-off to last year’s breakout hit “The Conjuring'” however this movie is focusing on a crazy doll with supernatural powers.  If it is even half as good as it’s parent movie, then t will be worth a watch!

 

5.  Tusk

Not your typical Kevin Smith film, although, from the trailer, its clear there will be plenty of his personality in this comedy-horror that both lampoons horror-film stereotypes and genuinely scares you in places.

 

6.  Ouija

Ouija boards are just plain scary….fact!  Why do kids keep insisting on playing this stupid game in films?!  Honestly, when does it end well??  Looks like a lot of jump-scares in this horror movie.

 

7.  Oculus

Two teenage siblings are orphaned by the murder of their parents.  The brother is accused and convicted of the crime but the sister is unconvinced…could something scarier and more sinister be behind it?

 

8.  The Pyramid

This is my personal favourite trailer….can’t wait to see it in cinemas!  A team of U.S. archaeologists get more than they bargained for when they discover a lost pyramid unlike any other in the Egyptian desert. As they unlock the horrific secrets buried within, they realize they aren’t just trapped, they are being hunted.

 

I hope that you have found some inspiration here and have chosen the movie that will make your Halloween night…however, if your plan is to stay in then check out our Halloween house party blog instead.

 

 

Thanks

Chris J

Alterego Fancydress

Enjoy this post? Follow our blog for more ideas and coverage of fancy dress events.  And please join our Social Media family on Facebook & Twitter.  Check out our pinterest page for more costume inspiration.

Ani-motion…Unmasking Our Range for Halloween

The Ani-motion mask is a fantastic addition to any fancy dress costume, and a must-have this Halloween.  They add a new and different quality to your chosen costume, an acccesory that sets your dress apart and easily makes you the centre of attention at that local social club do or awkward house party!

Their unique selling point is the ability for the wearer to control the mask’s jaw by moving their own.  It gives the impression of a more life-like appearance.  Click on the videos below some of the following masks to see them in action.

So, I am going to outline some of the best in this innovative fancy dress range, and showcase designs that will fit a variety of styles and themes….these masks are not just for Halloween!

 

Werewolf / White Lycan

                

 

You can truly howl at the moon in these fearsome Lycan masks!!

 

Night Fiend

                      

 

With large, gruesome teeth and a skeletal face, this mask is absolutely terrifying.

Last Laugh

                

 

You will be the only one laughing in this terrifying clown mask…

 

 

Dark Harvest

                   

 

This pumpkin won’t be turning into a horse-drawn carriage any time soon.

 

Zombie

                      

 

If you’re looking for a mask with horrendous dental hygiene then this is your guy!

 

Torment

                     

 

With a angry grimace and lifeless eyes, this one is the epitomy of tormented…

 

Now, along with Ani-motion masks, there is another range available; known as Rippers.  These masks, instead of having moving mouths, have a skin layer that ‘decays’ and peels away to reveal a ghoulish skull behind!

 

Bad Seed

                 

 

 

Muck Mouth

                    

 

 

In Stitches

                

 

 

ScreeeMachine Mobile App

Is the mask alone not enough?  Oh, alright then….introducing the ‘ScreeeMachine’ app, available on the iOS and android stores.  This app will give you the option of playing sound effects in-time with the movement of the mask’s mouth.  Cool, right?  It features 11 sounds, one for each Ani-Motion Mask, which allows users to enhance their masks with unique, custom made sounds. And it’s TOTALLY FREE!  To view it, click here.

 

 

Thanks

Chris J

Alterego Fancydress

Enjoy this post? Follow our blog for more ideas and coverage of fancy dress events.  And please join our Social Media family on Facebook & Twitter.  Check out our pinterest page for more costume inspiration.