Every month has likely been given the “best time of the year” treatment by Secret London by now, so I won’t go that far this October. But Halloween is definitely up there with the big hitters, and now that the August bank holiday is behind us the only logical step forward is to twiddle our thumbs and look forward to spooky season.
Thankfully, we won’t have to sit idly by while our skeleton costumes gather dust, wondering what the big plan is for Halloween this year, as Adventure Cinema have a pretty appealing time lined up. Their UK touring, open-air season is back to put on our favourite classics to kick back and ring in All Hallow’s Eve.
Taking to London’s radiant Osterley Park between October 29-31, three belters are being projected onto the big screen. Wrap up, pick up one of the many food and drink options on site, and take in the action.
First up we have The Lost Boys (1987). A vampire picture with Kiefer Sutherland, Corey Feldman and a belting Echo and the Bunnymen rendition of The Doors’ People Are Strange leading the soundtrack — even more 80s than – and no doubt an inspiration for – Stranger Things (probably on account of the fact it actually came out in the 80s!). Catch it on October 29 from 8pm.
Next up we move over to the formidable 1990s with an all time family favourite, Hocus Pocus (1993), playing from 6:30pm on October 30. Let Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and the witches of Salem accompany you through the eve-of-All-Hallow’s-Eve in this classic that’s perfect for younger audiences.
Back to the 1980s? Go on then. In true actual-day-of-Halloween style we have a terrifying blueprint of creepy, the movie that no Halloween movie night is complete without: The Shining (1980). Stephen King’s tale meeting Kubrick’s masterful lens, topped off with performances of a lifetime by Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall make this one… a pretty good (the best) horror outing. October 31. 7:30pm. Here’s Johnny.
Oh, and the setting couldn’t be better for Halloween. A house dating back to the 1570s means its seeped in the past and ready to put on a show. Don’t worry, though. We can’t say it bears any resemblance to The Stanley Hotel.
Not a bad set of spooky options by any stretch, so book your space and get yourself down there next month!