Chills In The Chapel horror season returns for Halloween

Following last years hugely enjoyable and successful Horror film season, Chills In The Chapel returns once more to Islington’s famous Union Chapel.

For four nights in the run up to Halloween, the spooky gothic Union Chapel will be transformed into a site specific cinema, screening four of the best classic horror films ever made - F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu, David Lynch’s Elephant Man, Dead Of Night and Terence Fisher’s Dracula.

Atmospheric lighting and candles will be used to create an amazing atmosphere in which to present the films. The Union Chapel built in 1806 and rebuilt in 1877 is one of London’s finest Victorian Gothic buildings, a rambling, confusing building with spooky corridors.

The famous Father Willis organ has been heard playing late at night on numerous occasions and when investigated there has been no one there! This is thought to be the ghost of Ebenezer Prout, organist at the Chapel between 1861 and 1873. Who knows, he may make an appearance on the night!


Nosferatu (1922) (PG)
28th October 2008

F. W. Murnau’s cinema classic based on the story of “Dracula”. Considered nothing less than a classic of the silent film era. A timeless sinister and unsettling film which is in awe of its own material, itself believing in vampires. It brings images to the screen, the likes of which at the time, had never before been seen. Newly re- mastered (2007) featuring the original score - previously unheard for 85 years.


The Elephant Man (1980) (Cert 15)
29th October 2008

I am not an animal! I am a human being! I...am...a man! This is probably one of the most perfect films ever made. It succeeds on every level. Visually it transports one into a dark, grey, industrial nightmare of a world. It's within this world that we come to discover true beauty. It lies within one hideously deformed, abused and unfortunate soul who is being kicked around in this hellish existence. The screenplay, acting, direction all come together to create this extraordinary viewing experience.


Dead Of Night (1945) (PG)
30th October 2008

A dead scary horror movie that skimps on the blood but not the goose bumps, Dead Of Night's a contender for Best of British. A collection of five stories, the film revolves around Mervyn Johns' architect who's struck by a bad case of déjà vu while visiting a country house. Forced to listen to his fellow guests' stories about their own paranormal experiences, he slowly loses his marbles as dreams become reality and reality becomes a nightmare. It’s a venerable little chiller that hasn't lost a scrap of its hair-raising power over the last 60 years. Be afraid, be very afraid.


Dracula (1958) (12A)
31st October 2008

Dracula's power lies in its bubbling sexual frisson. Christopher Lee's towering performance turns the Count into a seductive monster, who sinks his fangs into the porcelain necks of his pretty co-stars as their bosoms pant with excited abandon. Director Terence Fisher definitely knew what his young audience wanted and mixes the salacious undercurrents with shocking bursts of violence (crucifixes burnt into foreheads, stakes plunged into undead hearts) and lashings of vampire lore. Meanwhile, Jack Asher's lush cinematography transcends the production's plywood sets. His colour film stock hammers home the horror: bright red blood dripping from Dracula's white fangs; eyes flashing crimson with bloodshot menace. Now gorgeously restored to its former glory, this is a British horror movie to die for.


All tickets are £8.00 (may be subject to a booking fee).

Tickets are available at face value directly from the venue (Compton Avenue) Islington N1 2XD (Monday-Friday 10.30am-5.00pm) or on the door on the night. Box office info line is 020 7226 1686. For more info and to buy tickets go to unionchapel.org.uk.

Doors open: 7pm
Films start: 8pm
Licensed bar before and after the films with special spooky cocktails.

Chills in the Chapel is a fundraising event in aid of the Union Chapel Tower restoration appeal fund.