A spine-tingling ‘Horrors of Hillhouse’ experience is coming to Manchester
Forced to face the entity of evil that haunts Hill House head-on, the experience will be brought to life with real-life actors - and be warned, there will be blood.
An escape room inspired by the supernatural horror movie The Haunting of Hill House is launching in Manchester ready for Halloween.
If you’re the sort who likes to get proper spooky with it around this time of year, this immersive experience is definitely going to be up your street.
You’ll be locked in a creepy room inspired by the Hill House itself for 90 minutes, whilst you attempt to escape an increasingly terrifying situation.
Forced to face the entity of evil that haunts Hill House head-on, the experience will be brought to life with real-life actors – and be warned, there will be blood.
Not suitable for anyone under thirteen, it sounds truly frightful.
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A description of the Hillhouse escape room experience reads: “Hillhouse is a place of evil, a structure that has stood for over 200 years.
“Legends and whispers tell of a sinister secret at the heart of the house… You and your team have been sent to investigate the phenomenon under the guise of a buyer.
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“Upon your arrival, you feel an icy chill down your spine… Almost like you’re being watched. The Door slams shut and a blood curdling scream echoes down the hall. The estate agent has vanished.
“Can you survive the horrors of Hillhouse and find a way out? Or will you fall victim to the evil that dwells within?”
Coming to Manchester for a short period only, the spine-chilling Horrors of Hillhouse experience will land in the city from 15 October, with bookings available on 15 – 17, the 22 – 24, and 29 – 31.
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Tickets will set you back £30 per head, and if you’re really keen you can also buy a ‘Fear Pass’ for an additional £15 to get access to Cryptic Escape Rooms’ other games.
Speaking on the eerie Halloween roleplay game, owner and game designer at Cryptic Escape Rooms Manchester Lloyd said: “We can’t wait to show people what horrors we’ve been cooking up for this ambitious new experience at Cryptic Escape Rooms Manchester.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the reactions of our guests.”
Tributes pour in after RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne dies aged 32
Daisy Jackson
Tributes are flooding in for The Vivienne, drag artist and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star, after their sudden death at the age of just 32.
The Vivienne, real name James Lee Williams, died at the weekend, their public relations representative shared with an emotional tribute.
As well as winning the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, The Vivienne also finished in third place in Dancing On Ice in 2023.
They’d also recently added West End star to their impressive CV, with a role as The Child Catcher in the touring theatre production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which comes to Manchester in March.
Tributes are now flooding in for the star, who is being described as ‘a beacon’ with an ‘immense talent’.
Announcing the new of their death, Simon Jones PR wrote: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.
“James was an incredibly loved, warmhearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career.
“We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
In a later tribute to The Vivienne, Simon added: “These are words I never ever wanted to write. Viv was a close friend, a client and someone I loved very much.
“From the moment I met them in 2019 I knew we could create magic together and I became their manager. Their talent was immense and the light they brought to every room was astonishing.
“No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.
“I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last 5 years. It’s tragic that their career was only just beginning.
“In musical theatre Viv had found a space and career they loved, excelled and thrived in. I am heartbroken and devastated at this news.
“RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge and producer Michelle Visage said: “Heartbreaking. I don’t know how to say how I feel. My darling @thevivienne_ we go back to when I started coming over here to the UK. You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point.
“Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all. You were a beacon to so many.
“Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes, I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times.
“I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high.”
Fellow RuPaul star Danny Beard wrote: “We’ve lost a friend, all of us. Viv was a proper entertainer, she made people she didn’t know feel like they were seen. I’ve always admired that in her. She connected with people and that’s something you can’t buy.
“She was one of the most passionate, talented, geeky, girls I’ve ever known. When you worked with her you knew she was gonna show up and do the job like a pro and while you’re both there you’d be laughing your tits off!
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“Her love for creating characters wasn’t just what we all saw on TV or on stage! When you’re with Viv she’s creating them all the time! Always doing a bit, or a voice, and it made for the best fucking time. HOWLING!
“There’s a piece missing now. See ya girl!!”
The BBC said in a statement: “We are currently processing the deeply sad news of the passing of James Lee Williams, known to many as The Vivienne. We are fiercely proud of The Vivienne’s achievements, including winning the first ever series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. Right now our thoughts are with their family and friends, the Drag Race sisterhood and their many fans.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race official account shared: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Vivienne. Her talent, humor, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration.
“She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will live on as a beacon of creativity and authenticity – she embodied what it means to be a true champion. Our hearts go out to her family and fans during this difficult time.”
Tribute paid to man who died after being found in Piccadilly Gardens
Daisy Jackson
The family of a man who passed away just over a week after being found unresponsive in Piccadilly Gardens have paid tribute to him.
The man, who has been identified as David Thomas Gidman, known to many as ‘Giddy’, has been described as a ‘really nice lad’.
David was found unresponsive in Piccadilly Gardens on 23 December, and taken to hospital.
Sadly, he died just over a week later, on 1 January 2025.
David’s family said: “David had a strong presence whenever he walked into any room, he had a great sense of humour and was a funny lad.
“He was always joking and never took himself too seriously, just a really nice lad.
“David was into watching movies and loved being outdoors, walking about. He was always mooching somewhere and never rested.
“His mum Pam and sister Lyndsey tried their best and were always ready to welcome him home. His family love and miss him dearly but know that he is now at peace and back with his dad.”
His family have now asked for privacy as they grieve his loss.