License To Thrill Theatre Company's productions are contemporary versions of the traditional French theatrical practice Grand Guignol. Using an old format of stimulus (Fait Divers - see pictures above) with original stories found in today's media, we write and devise our own plays, whilst being true to the integral model of incorporating comedy and horror. Some productions however might include both classic and contemporary plays.
There is much pleasure undertaken in the devising process in creating modern day Grand Guignol plays for each production. The new plays work well in creating a la douche ecossaise – ‘hot and cold shower’ effect - in contrasting styles of both comedy and horror; which is a traditional and deliberate outcome for any Grand Guignol production. This serves to take the spectator on a 'roller-coaster' ride of emotions, whereby you may laugh one minute and cry the next. The four short plays you are hopefully privy to, offer intense viewing on different levels of morality and humanity.
License To Thrill Theatre Company's productions are contemporary versions of the traditional French theatrical practice Grand Guignol. Using an old format of stimulus (Fait Divers - see pictures above) with original stories found in today's media, we write and devise our own plays, whilst being true to the integral model of incorporating comedy and horror. Some productions however might include both classic and contemporary plays.
There is much pleasure undertaken in the devising process in creating modern day Grand Guignol plays for each production. The new plays work well in creating a la douche ecossaise – ‘hot and cold shower’ effect - in contrasting styles of both comedy and horror; which is a traditional and deliberate outcome for any Grand Guignol production. This serves to take the spectator on a 'roller-coaster' ride of emotions, whereby you may laugh one minute and cry the next. The four short plays you are hopefully privy to, offer intense viewing on different levels of morality and humanity.
Our Aim
To provide an alternative type of theatre entertainment, which touches on presenting 'taboos' most people prefer not to speak about (or see!). We strive to produce high quality entertainment that is thought provoking and enjoyable for our viewers.
If we can make you sick, leave the venue or even pass out, then we would consider that particular production a success! (ONLY JOKING - if this did happen, rest assured, there will always be a St John Ambulance Member to resuscitate, revive or even calm you down (this is not a joke!).
Interestingly, in the early part of the twentieth century, management judged the success of a Grand Guignol production in Paris, by how many people fainted (not how many were sick, there must have been plenty). The record for how many fainted is fifteen - in one evening! Legend has it, that when the house doctor was called upon, he was unavailable to attend, due to passing out himself.
We have some way to achieve that type of record. Although one person did walk out of our very first production of F E A R (2013). He insisted afterwards that he still really enjoyed the show and would watch another LTT production in future (see Past Productions - F E A R Feedback 1). Then in Tis the Season - 2016 four people walked out on the opening night - after the third play.
In Tis the Season - 2018 however, twelve people walked out during both performances. Unfortunately they vacated the premises before getting feedback as to why they left. One audience member who felt nauseous at the sight of blood in play 4 staggered out into the foyer and fainted - wiping out a Christmas tree! He did tell the St John's Ambulance crew that he was really enjoying the production but the blood and horror in play 4 was too much for him to handle.
If we can make you sick, leave the venue or even pass out, then we would consider that particular production a success! (ONLY JOKING - if this did happen, rest assured, there will always be a St John Ambulance Member to resuscitate, revive or even calm you down (this is not a joke!).
Interestingly, in the early part of the twentieth century, management judged the success of a Grand Guignol production in Paris, by how many people fainted (not how many were sick, there must have been plenty). The record for how many fainted is fifteen - in one evening! Legend has it, that when the house doctor was called upon, he was unavailable to attend, due to passing out himself.
We have some way to achieve that type of record. Although one person did walk out of our very first production of F E A R (2013). He insisted afterwards that he still really enjoyed the show and would watch another LTT production in future (see Past Productions - F E A R Feedback 1). Then in Tis the Season - 2016 four people walked out on the opening night - after the third play.
In Tis the Season - 2018 however, twelve people walked out during both performances. Unfortunately they vacated the premises before getting feedback as to why they left. One audience member who felt nauseous at the sight of blood in play 4 staggered out into the foyer and fainted - wiping out a Christmas tree! He did tell the St John's Ambulance crew that he was really enjoying the production but the blood and horror in play 4 was too much for him to handle.