Ghostly goings on as spook fest gets scary

THERE'S spooky goings on at the theatre this month. Dead doormen spotted wandering through the corridors, dogs too fearful of spiritual activity to set foot inside and a group of investigators arriving to see what they can do about it all.

No, this isn't the plot to an opera version of Scooby Doo and it's not Ghostbusters: The Musical, either. Ghost Finders are the ones you've got to call. They're coming to the Capital in search of the supernatural, and they're serious about their work.

And for the first time ever, the Playhouse is opening its doors to the team and the public as part of Ghost Fest 2008.

Using scientific methods and with exclusive access backstage, the team hope to uncover concrete evidence of paranormal activity.

"We're incredibly excited," says the Playhouse's Pam Blyth. "This is the first time we have participated in this type of thing and who knows what they'll throw up?

"With the theatre nearly 80 years old, we just thought, 'Why not?' I know there have been a few strange experiences with this place in the past."

There certainly have. The spirit of a former doorman called Albert has been sighted various times in the auditorium. He first came to attention in the 1950s when police came to check an alleged break in. One constable told later of meeting an old man on level six who said he was Albert, the doorman. It was only when he met the real doorman the next day that he discovered Albert was long gone.

Other strange occurrences have involved sniffer and security dogs too scared to enter and other strange experiences with people sensing somebody was there with them.

It is hoped the team can perhaps shed some light on all of this, but one thing that is certain is that none of the events on the night will be faked.

Blyth says, "Nothing is hoaxed here. They are measuring temperature and noise and its very much a scientific investigation. I don't know what to expect myself but I think people can take from it what they will and everyone will have a great time. You never know, Albert might put in an appearance."

The opening up of the Playhouse is just one of the major attractions at this year's Ghost Fest, with more than a week's worth of festivities celebrating all things supernatural, scary or just plain strange.

Lisa Helsby, Mary King's Close marketing executive, says that the popularity of TV shows on the subject, not to mention the unique locations offered by the Capital, are reflected in the popularity of the events on offer.

"It's really taken off since we started. Programmes on the paranormal like Ghost World and Most Haunted are putting the subject into the mainstream. It's not an unusual topic for people anymore," explains Helsby.

"We couldn't do something like this and make it as popular anywhere else, though. There's such a rich history in Edinburgh, with grizzly and well-known stories like Burke and Hare.

"Most people who come here already know about the tourist stuff you can do, the Castle, the Royal Mile etc, but there's so much else here."

With a selection of tours, shows and films to attend, Helsby feels the week will provide something for everyone, regardless of age or whether you believe in the supernatural or not.

"We have things like the Horrible Histories Tour, which has an almost pantomime feel to it. Then on the other hand we have psychological studies on the paranormal that people can participate in, as well as initiations into the investigative work that is done in ghost finding and paranormal activity.

"There'll be serious and stressful stuff, but we also have a screening of Beetlejuice, so everyone can chill out with some popcorn."

Other events in the programme include an evening with Most Haunted's resident historian, Richard Felix, a Celtic Clairvoyant Gathering and the first screening of The Last Witch – The Amazing Story of Helen Duncan. But Helsby feels that it's the likes of the Ghost Finders event at the Playhouse that will turn more people on to the supernatural and Ghost Fest.

"Before the more cynical among us right off ghost sightings and the paranormal, they should look at the experiments and investigative work that is done. It's easy not to believe what you see on TV, but when you're right there and seeing the work being done, you'll be more open to changing your mind about what is happening.

"Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it's fascinating what some of these people are able to find out. It's not about chairs and tables flying around the room, it's so much more. It'll certainly challenge if not change your beliefs anyway."

• Ghost Fest, until May 18, for full details call 08702-430 2008 or visit www.marykingsghostfest.com