A NIGHT full of classic horror and live music sounds like a dream for some people, and it definitely was for me.
Jason Frederick, a local horror connoisseur and composer, held a night celebrating his own horror film amalgam at Colchester Arts Centre - and it was absolutely terror-ific!
I arrived at the venue at about 7pm, taking in the beautiful repurposed church scenery, and it felt as if the graveyard and dark skies were setting the tone of the night ahead.
A few tables at the front were decorated with tiny fake flickering candles getting everyone ready for an evening of thrills.
At the bar, I treated myself to an exclusive Potion of the Dead cocktail, a blood-red rum and cranberry concoction adorned with a jelly eyeball on the glass - it was delicious!
The show opened with the short film La Fee Carabosse, a beautiful and psychedelic silent film made by Georges Méliès in 1906.
The film was accompanied by a soundtrack performed by Jason himself.
He stood on stage and played the piano, xylophone and synths to add to the experience, creating a spooky atmosphere where you could feel the music and its vibrations in your chest.
We then had a short break and braced ourselves for the main event, Witches Of The Dead, a very clever mix-up of City Of The Dead (1964), The Last Man On Earth (1964) and Haxan (1922).
The films were sewn together seamlessly by Jason and it served as a true lovesong to the classic horrors of days gone by.
He also created his own music for this film which matched the mood of each scene perfectly.
I really enjoyed the night - especially as a fan of horror - but I think anyone would have a great time at the show.
Jason also hosts monthly classic horror nights at the Arts Centre, with the next one taking place on September 17.
I will definitely be there - especially as Halloween is fast approaching!
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