Lanarkshire magician could call up ghosts of haunted theatre's past for Halloween

-Credit: (Image: Lorenzo Novani)
-Credit: (Image: Lorenzo Novani)


There could be a haunting experience in store at the oldest surviving musical theatre in the world this Halloween.

The incredible magician Lorenzo "Renz" Novani will be unlocking all sorts of frights at the Britannia Panopticon in Glasgow with his adults-only show Darker Material.

The 41-year-old performer from Toryglen will be offering up his paranormal tales, psychological games and interactive tricks of the mind in the old theatre that is said to be haunted.

“The show is best described as psychological illusion,” said Lorenzo. “It’s taking place in a haunted building on a night when the veil between the living and dead is at its thinnest.

“I’ve never performed in the Panopticon. It’s a really interesting place and some of the staff and volunteers there have recounted various experiences that they’ve had.

“Apparently there’s the ghost of a soldier who watches from the gallery and people have sworn they can see him, especially when there are pretty girls on stage he seems to appear. It’s a bit strange.

"There’s also been claims that objects have gone missing. Supposedly there was a pickpocketing chimpanzee who was part of some of the performance, and would go round and pickpocket people in the audience while they were watching the shows.

Darker Material is described as psychological illusion -Credit:Lorenzo Novani
Darker Material is described as psychological illusion -Credit:Lorenzo Novani

“I’ve no idea if the place is truly haunted, maybe we will find out.”

The Britannia Panopticon, situated in Trongate, opened in 1857 and is now operated by a registered charity.

Back then the Glasgow audience was unforgiving and acts could find themselves pelted with rivets, nails, turnips or horse manure.

READ MORE: Lorenzo's one-man theatre show will crack you up and then leave you in tears

And while there are not expected to be any projectiles, Lorenzo, who grew up in East Kilbride, has placed a warning that the captivating show is not suitable for anyone who is pregnant or has a heart condition.

It's been claimed the old theatre is haunted -Credit:Lorenzo Novani
It's been claimed the old theatre is haunted -Credit:Lorenzo Novani

“It will be a little bit of an adventure and we’ll be doing something that’s very similar to a Ouija board, and we’ll be playing a bit with suggestion and what it can conjure up in the imagination,” he continued.

“The truth is I don’t know how, shocking, surprising or scary this will be. It will be a night of entertainment, and I’ll also be reading minds – there will be a lot of fun and interaction.

Lorenzo expects there to be a few twists and turns during the evening -Credit:Stuart Vance/ReachPlc
Lorenzo expects there to be a few twists and turns during the evening -Credit:Stuart Vance/ReachPlc

“There are so many overgrown kids like myself who are always looking for something to do on the night of Halloween.

“There will be an element of exploration and I don’t know where that will lead.”

If you’re looking for a memorable Halloween night then a limited number of tickets, priced £12 to £15.50, are available for Darker Material are available from eventbrite.com

More information is available at www.lorenzo.live or @lorenzo.live

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