If you are looking for something a bit different to do this Halloween season in North Norfolk, you should check out Deepdale Haunted: The Wild Ride. It’s an outdoor theatre experience where you can learn more about some of the spooky stories from Norfolk.
We were invited to a press preview so that we could share our Deepdale Haunted: The Wild Ride review.
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What is Deepdale Haunted: The Wild Ride?
The Wild Ride is not your typical Halloween show. Each small group will have an actor that plays host and takes them to different tents to see other actors tell Norfolk ghost stories. While the stories are eerie, it’s not like a haunted house where they try to make you scream.
The show is put on by the Slow Theatre Company and takes place at the Dalegate Market in Burnham Deepdale. The cast includes Olivia Bourne, Eloise Hare, Vanessa McAuley, Diane Webb, and Anja Kick. It is written by Stephen Keyworth, who is a core writer for BBC1’s Doctors. The producer and director is Danny O’Hara, who is also the founder of the Slow Theatre Company.
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About the Slow Theatre Company
The Slow Theatre Company put on Deepdale Haunted: The Wild Ride. They are a not-for-profit theatre company that works to provide opportunities for local communities and people to use theatre artistically and therapeutically. In addition to putting on shows like The Wild Ride, the Slow Theatre Company also conducts affordable acting and stage technique classes for children, young people, and adults.
About the Dalegate Market
The Dalegate Market is an independent retail site with shops and the Deepdale Cafe. They have Pop Up Shops that change weekly throughout the summer and certain other times of the year. It is also home to two special annual events – the Deepdale Christmas Market and the Deepdale Spring Market.
The Wild Ride performances take place in a field called the Orchard by the Pop Up Shops.
2022 Deepdale Haunted Event
For 2022 Deepdale Haunted is back with an all new show called the Ghost Hunters Mark. It’s an 90 minute outdoor performance that uses storytelling, music and movement to share the tales of myths and ghosts of Norfolk similiar to the 2021 event.
They also have a special theatre party for under 11s. Tickets for adults are £13 and children (16 and under) are £9.50. There is also the option to get a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) for £40. There is a small booking fee as well. Get tickets here
Deepdale Haunted: The Wild Ride Review
We enjoyed The Wild Ride. It’s an engaging show as you move around about every 15 minutes and get to hear a new tale from a different actor. The experience is intimate as only a small group goes to each performance. This allows you to be close to the actors who know three parts each.
The use of ghost stories from Norfolk as the subject for each of the dramatic monologues was interesting. Even if you’re familiar with all of these myths, the way they are presented and interpreted will provide you with a new take on an old story. The show was well-written and the host made the transitions between the acts smooth.
Our performance was in the evening when it was dark, so that made it feel a bit spooky. The sets and props are limited but the actors were passionate (especially with facial expressions) about telling their stories you don’t mind.
This was the first year for this event and we hope it returns for many more.
Deepdale Haunted: The Wild Ride FAQs
There are 15 performances each day (22 October to 31 October 2021) between 11:30 to 19:15.
Adult tickets are £13, and children (16 and under), low Income, NHS, and Key Workers are 9.50. There is also the option to get a family ticket which includes 2 adults and 2 children for £40. Note that there is also a small booking fee and children must be accompanied by a responsible adult, with an adult ticket. Purchase tickets online here.
The whole experience will last about 90 minutes.
Yes, it is suitable for children six and older depending on the performance time. Performances earlier in the day are tailored more for children. After 15:00, the shows are designed for children 11 and up. Note that there are specific adult only shows as well. If you are looking for more family-friendly activities, check out our list of things to do in Norfolk with kids.
No. Most of the time you will be able to sit on bales of hay.
Yes. This is an outdoor event. While most of the performance is inside tents, they are not enclosed (at least one side is open) so there is plenty of airflow. Face masks are not required.
The Deepdale Market is located on the A149 coast road, approximately halfway between Hunstanton and Wells-next-the-Sea, use the postcode PE31 8DD for your sat nav. It’s about an hour and 20 minute drive from Norwich. If you are already in North Norfolk and want to come by public transport, the Coastliner Bus Service 36 (used to be called Coasthopper) stops at Deepdale Camping & Rooms, which is right next door to the market.
Deepdale Market has a small car park which is free.
