Whilst we were given free tickets to Outbreak Scarefest Nottingham, we retain full editorial control of the review.
The Slasher Review
We attended Outbreak Scarefest Nottingham on 19th of October at 8 pm, the maze consists of 2 to 3 main maze sections depending on how you count it. The attraction features an array of talented scare actors that really make the maze what it is, if you are looking for the immersive sets of say Xtreme Scream or Fear this might not be for you, but if you are looking for something different and a story lead experience with scares thrown in, check it out. The site also features a fairground, food and drink stalls and a 36 hole golf course, all at an extra price.
Top Tips - Go through the maze first so you can soak in the atmosphere of the grounds after.
Things that Bite - The price for us is a little steep, especially as we mention later on that the rides are pay per ride too as well as the golf.
Value for Money - Yes and No, Yes for the experience, No for the aforementioned price which we think should be about £5 less.
Scare Rating -4/5
Do we Recommend-Yes its something different, especially for the Nottingham area.
The Stalker Review
The boring but useful information you should know attending this event:
Parking can be limited between 5-7pm as it is shared with the gym situated on the same site. 4 hours free parking and it is CCTV operated.
Pricing is £25, which is rather steep for a 2 to 3 part maze. This includes entry to the funfair running in collaboration with the maze however, rides range between £4-£6 and double this for food. I do think this is a downfall to the event, there is nowhere to sit and eat the food purchased. There is an impressive 36-hole crazy golf course with a very reasonable price of £13 per adult that also includes some impressive water features. If the ticket included a ride or food discount, this would've increased the attraction of the fair and income for its operators and vendors.
Due to unforeseen circumstances on opening night, beyond the control of the actors and site team, the maze was prepared for their opening night. Therefore, I felt it appropriate to hold the review for this week once this maze had a full week to introduce itself. I must also make aware that even though there has been comments made in the site's previous uses, this has nothing to do with the new owners or what this maze is trying to present therefore should not be factored into any review of the actors and the experience they give.
I arrived at 8pm and after a short que we were ushered into a shipping container by security (both in act and in real-time job). I thought this was a really good touch as there was no separation and none of the staff seemed reluctant to get involved. We were ordered to stand with our backs against the wall (max 8 people). A brief safety talk about the terrain and the usual scare maze spiel. We were introduced to a character (called Colin) who informed us he was an escapee of Dr Kain's toxic experiments and nobody was to be trusted. The (clearly infected and slightly insane) escapee chose one person (seemingly me) to take the first steps alone into the maze. This was a recurring theme throughout this experience that due to the terrain and lighting worked really well and gave me good interactions with actors. The small group sizes also allowed for everyone to get a scare and interaction. Due to spacing and terrain restrictions (safety within this derelict listed building), Herras fencing wrapped in black plastic coverings was used to create a maze with sharp turns and tight spaces with 2 pitch black tunnels. I was really impressed with their use of space and the artistry on these panels, which really distract you from the actors lurking. Smoke machines and intermittent strobe lighting were also used which meant you could never adjust your eyes to the light, making it hard for me to see where I was going but easy for the actors to make me scream profanities on multiple occasions.
Though I cannot fault the actors, if you want to play tag with me, I'm more than ready for you to come and chase me. Do not be afraid to go out there and terrify people, lighting is a fantastic feature to enhance your performance but would the maze be different if they weren't there? This was a really strong start to the maze and I would love to give a shout-out to 'the infected' in the blacked-out tunnel who really impressed me with his vocal talent. Even where the areas were derelict and full of rubble, the effect of smoke machines and gobo lighting really enhanced the feeling that you shouldn't be there. This is something I enjoyed throughout and I was always looking around the corner wondering what was lurking and who else was watching.
Upon leaving this maze you are led outside for a brief 100m into the next half of the building. From my run-through last week I suggested a few pointers that I believed could've enhanced the experience. Without giving too much away, the actors mastered exactly what I was thinking and still made me jump out of my skin. We were met with more security guards alerting us that we were entering a restricted zone. Hurded again into a small room we were introduced to a fabulously blunt Dr's assistant. If you are easily offended, this isn't for you. This actor was amazing and it was evident he had worked on his craft. At this point, the group of 8 were brought back together again having been split up on the maze before. Each member of the group was 'roasted, just like they would be later'. Harmless insults that were quick-witted and extended the time you spent in the maze, though I didn't mind. I feel this actor needed to be highlighted in this review because he stood out for me as a confident actor who didn't have to be scary he just had to sell his natural craft, which he did by the bucket load.
We were led by Dr Ks assistant into a large roaming space area. There were roaming actors that added to the effect of a derelict Victorian factory. Another assistant lined us up against a herras fence, with a few extra surprises. This area was used to slow down the thoroughfare into the 2nd maze. This area of the maze could do with more actors and more interest as those of us who weren't 'chosen' to go in the maze straight away, stood there twiddling our thumbs. Though the interaction in the beginning was very good and intimidating it began to get a little bit tiresome as it was the same actors. This could be remedied by changing the setting of the second maze slightly to align it with the first maze.
Walking into the second maze this space was a lot bigger but so was the Herras fencing. Brilliant use of strobe lighting and anatomy artistry on the fencing. However sent in one by one, there was no way I could get lost. I believe the lack of actors (a problem throughout this industry) was a factor in this as well as the largely spaced Herras fencing. I was on slight edge waiting to see who was behind me or hiding in a lift shaft but the only actors I came across were interaction actors. This leads me to the next character we warned about from the very beginning, Dr Kane. Whether you're in a group or split on your own Dr Kane will run his script to suit all. Being a reviewer it isn't uncommon for us to get the 'special treatment' and oh did I get it. Before I extend on this it must be stated that the actors will not do anything you don't want them to. Dr Kane loved my eyes, lips and teeth. Even the close contact, a more common feature to scare mazes, made me feel uncomfortable and on edge. The same can be said for Dr Kane's sister Cassandra who would've eaten my face given the chance and permission.
Overall it is crystal clear that this maze has had a complete turnaround and all staff have put in 110% to ensure that this event has been a success. What has impressed me the most is the commitment given to assess what hasn't worked, what needed improving and the effort taken to implement this. For a new maze, I'm really looking forward to seeing what next year will hold.
If you wish to book tickets for Outbreak you can do so on the link below.
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