Hammer Chillers: Don't Go There - AudioReview

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Article author: Alwyn Ash

Something to chill the very air...

For the sixth and final tale from the first anthology of spooky treats, writer Stephen Volk explores Greek legend. In one of the most adult of all, we visit a Greek island for partying and wild sex. Sadly for Andrew, however, his encounter with a mysterious woman leads to tragic consequences, causing a father to investigate the reason for his son's coma. While mother Laura Daulby (played by Lizzie Roper) is more concerned about Andrew's wellbeing, John Daulby (Tony Gardner) develops an obsession with the young Greek woman herself, Stheno (Daphne Alexander). But what at first appears to be a yearning for understanding quickly develops into a dangerous obsession.

Though Andrew's condition is simply believed to have been caused by a misuse of drugs, John isn't so sure, and his journey into the murky side of Greece brings with it its own nightmare. Who would have thought that a sexually-insatiable appetite would be so frightening to witness? Personally, I am not sure what to make of "Don't Go There", it doesn't feel eerie enough to be placed next to other titles in this series and yet... there is something altogether fascinating about this erotic audio affair, perhaps just as mesmerising as Stheno's alluring nature and mystery. I am not very well educated with Greek history and legend, and so reading up on the immortal Gorgon sisters Medusa, Stheno, and Euryale was interesting.

Hammer Films had visited a similar story once before, with the 1964 feature "The Gorgon", starring Christopher Lee as Professor Karl Meister and Peter Cushing as Dr. Namaroff. Set in the German village of Vandorf, in 1910, a father investigates mysterious deaths only to discover that the very last of the Gorgon sisters stalks a local castle. So it is nice, then, that a tale of the Gorgons has been updated with "Don't Go There".

As for casting, the choices are excellent: Gardner delivers a fine performance as a father consumed by intense dangerous obsession, disgusted by what he sees around him and a man whose single-minded goal is to locate the woman known as Stheno and get the answers he seeks; in contrast, Roper's character is far more interested in their son's immediate well-being, and it is she alone who must face organising Andrew's journey home to England - you can sympathise with Laura completely, wishing her husband would just stop his futile crusade and remain by her side. And then there is Stheno herself, Alexander's sensuous performance successfully brings a chill of its own - knowing this to be horror, you are never quite sure exactly who or what this woman is supposed to be: just a mentally-ill out-patient, or something far more sinister?

"Don't Go There" feels somewhat light in depth at times, perhaps there should have been more focus on the legend of the Gorgons? But then, with all honesty, time restraints call for direct storytelling, and it is certainly achieved here. It is chilling to hear how John's state of mind deteriorates rapidly, even to the point where he embraces insanity itself in his quest. This tale, for me, does share something in common with fellow audio outings "Spanish Ladies" and "Sticks and Stones, as much as in the gore factor is raised high when least expected. Something clearly stated in the closing scene is that the Daulby marriage was far from blissful. Perhaps that, in itself, is the message here: no need for a heart to be turned to stone when it had already been such in the first place...

The only negative for me is the overuse of swearing by character Fergus (portrayed by Angus King) - I'm sure I'll get sworn at for saying this - but it was deeply unnecessary and distracting. And, honestly, the atmosphere didn't require it.

Hammer Chillers has come a long way since its debut with Stephen Gallagher's "The Box", released on 7th June 2013. Much praise must be given to writers Gallagher, Mark Morris ("The Fixation"), Paul Magrs ("Spanish Ladies"), Robin Ince ("Sticks and Stones"), Christopher Fowler ("The Devil in Darkness") and Volk. In addition, the superb production of the entire series has lived up to expectations, with audio company Bafflegab delivering the shocks perfectly when required. And then, there is the wonderful cast assembled, such as Lauren Kellegher, Miles Jupp, Jacqueline King, Camille Coduri, and Daphne Alexander - every actor has shone in their role, giving "Hammer Chillers" that extra edge needed to make this kind of audio rewarding and spine-tingling.

It has been an intriguing trip through the layers of mind, myth, and terror. Whatever future lies ahead for Hammer Films, we shall always have the Box, a Spanish doll, or a haunted elevator shaft... Thanks must go to everyone involved, including Simon Barnard, Martin Johnson, and Edwin Sykes (for the brilliant music scores).

Recorded at Moat Studios, London, the Hammer Chillers tales can be downloaded direct from the official website, or purchased as a CD digipack.

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Hammer Chillers: Devil In The Darkness - AudioReview

Article author: Alwyn Ash


Something to chill the very air...

Those of us who suffer with claustrophobia, and a fear of elevators, will feel some sympathy in this fifth story as part of the Hammer Chillers audio anthology, a collaboration between Hammer Films and Bafflegab.

Mia (played by Lauren Kellegher), who works in the records department, takes the lift one Friday night while leaving the decommissioned St Petersburg International Archive. This, as it turns out, is a mistake and the young lady's nightmare scenario is played out, accompanied by Russian electrician Andrei (Dylan Charles). They are both trapped in the elevator between the third and fourth floors when there is a power cut. Minus a phone signal and emergency button, what should have been a short stay becomes something more - and darker...

The young woman's emotional, physical and mental wellbeing are tested as it becomes clear that there may not be any rescue at all. Even Mia's flatmate cannot be relied upon to notice that she is missing, and most of the staff have been transferred to the new archive. Shouts for help are unheard, and there is little in the way of food or drink.

This psychological drama plays out well, with Kellegher and Charles' characters facing the reality that this "bad building" has memories in the walls, as we learn that a thousand people died at the hands of the Cheka Security service 100 years ago in the basement - the lift shaft had been built where the stairwell once stood, which led to the interrogation room in the basement where those atrocities were committed.

Christopher Fowler's description of how those people died at the hands of Cheka officers a century ago never fails to haunt the imagination, adding to the sense of claustrophobia - ghosts of the dead as your only other companions in a nightmarish twist, superbly echoed by the sound design.

Devil In The Darkness sits perfectly with Hammer Chiller's debut tale The Box, which has a similar haunting theme. However, Fowler's play takes a positive step up, with a casting that couldn't have been better - Charles delivers a fine performance as the mysterious and intriguing Andrei, who develops a close relationship with his female companion. Kellegher, as the young English woman, delivers an equally fine performance as Mia's condition worsens over the following days, including a fever.

And still, the supernatural essence embraces further, two lost souls biding their time until that moment when the dead will claim them. Mia believes that the victims of the Cheka want revenge, and with this level of writing, it is easy to believe. Devil In The Darkness is indeed a powerful drama that upturns every emotion by exploring the depths of desperation and paranoia, all cooked up in the most perfect enclosed environment. The story also focuses on regret, the dreams that we desired in life but never quite reached.

Mention must always go to Simon Barnard, who has produced and directed this fascinating series, alongside Martin Johnson as Post-producer. Edwin Sykes' approach to sound is quite remarkable, a man who knows how to foil every scene with his own balance of apprehension and terror. Throughout every Hammer Chiller there has been nothing less than spine-tingling high quality drama, atmospheric and creepy, episodes that are reminiscent of those produced for the Hammer House of Horror television series! The bar has been raised from the very start and it is clear that each production can only add to an already glorious debut for this inspired collaboration. As far as firsts are concerned, this anthology of six can only be applauded for a job well done!

With Devil In The Darkness less is most definitely more: two talented actors, a great script, generously creepy sound design, all housed in the best production piece possible! Recorded at Moat Studios, London, the Hammer Chillers tales can be downloaded direct from the official website, or purchased as a CD digipack.

Whatever your choice, you are certain never to experience an elevator in the same way again. I mean, who knows what lies beneath...

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Hammer Chillers: Sticks and Stones - AudioReview

Article author: Alwyn Ash


Something to chill the very air...

Many of us have experienced trolling at one time or another, the disturbing online abuse that can mark you, victimisation from an unknown who makes it his/ or her mission to post cruel remarks or threats for all to see, and otherwise make the whole online experience a deeply unpleasant one. Perhaps internet trolls are just as repulsive inwardly as their grotesque supernatural counterparts are outwardly? They are certainly the most foul of Earthly beings, a real-life horror experience...

Hammer Chillers latest offering, the fourth installment in this new and exciting audio anthology of spooky tales, touches upon this subject with the tale of Sam Pinker (played by Zoe Lister), a talent-show contestant, who starts to receive online threats from such a troll. Strange, seeing as the man in question, Neil Stanley (Alex Lowe), seems to have the perfect life - and a supportive wife in Val (Frog Stone). However, events take a rather sinister turn and before long there are deaths, and a greater mystery. Neil's obsession doesn't appear altogether... Human. Is there something else at work, or is Neil merely suffering from a psychological illness?

The opening five minutes of Sticks and Stones firmly focuses on a scene in the medieval period, as a woman is burned alive for being a witch. "The smell of consorting with the devil", as the stench of her flesh drifts among the cheering crowd. There are flies, a recurring theme. And in another scene, a mysterious attack by something from the dark - "What are you?!"

The link between this and the present-day setting with Neil's obsession could have been better realised, however. That said, even from the start, it is clear that the "something" must be old, angry and hungry. A rage?

As with all the other tales in this anthology of audio greats, Sticks and Stones is most definitely not for the young, with both language and content of these stories adult in nature. Fans of Hammer, Bafflegab, horror, drama, or audiobooks in general will no doubt relish in the various scenarios that are created via the mind of writer and comedian Robin Ince (Infinite Monkey Cage - BBC Radio 4 comedy series). While Val believes her husband to be busy "working" in the attic, Neil is, in fact, devoting every available minute of his life to trolling. Though his motives are not absolutely clear, the threats in his vile campaign do start to come true. And still the flies... Sam is encouraged to ignore the horrid online abuse but the whole affair is clearly getting to her emotionally. Even her work is being affected. "It's like the troll has got right in to my head," she says.

The climax to this tale is both fascinating (just me?) and sickening, and not something to hear without a strong stomach, as Neil's depravity reaches even darker limits. Fans of this drama will notice that the stars of Hammer Chiller's debut story The Box have returned for this outing, joined by Cicely Giddings.

So how to sum up Sticks and Stones? Words are indeed the most powerful of weapons, and what is said can encourage or destroy lives - even the burning of the witch resulted from gossip and social stigma. They are simply words but, in the case of trolling, without a face their impact can be hard to understand. Even with a face they are just as destructive. The anonymity of the troll encourages things to be said that may have never been repeated face to face, the computer a perfect camouflage. Of course, take this subject matter and sprinkle it with some Hammer and Bafflegab magic, and you are given a delicious example of both sanity and insanity, obsession and intimidation.

The world is the computer - nothing else outside of our screen is real! And in a society where social networking is common place, it is easy to be drawn in.

Fine performances from everyone. Lowe, in particular, as the unnerving Neil, whose single-mindedness could have led in almost any direction. With production values as high as this and with every tale to date, a second series of Hammer Chillers must be on the cards? Audio at its finest! The best horror is that which takes the familiar and exposes it in a different light. Or perhaps, to switch the light off entirely and expose each and every one of us to the down-right unfamiliar and terrifying.

The audio series can be downloaded or purchased as a CD digipack, direct from the official website. Just be aware of the flies, the Spanish ladies, any trash bags in the community, or a helicopter escape simulator that you might come across...

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Hammer Chillers: Spanish Ladies - AudioReview

Article author: Alwyn Ash


Something to chill the very air...

Third in the fabulous Hammer Chillers audio anthology, a collaboration between Hammer Films and Bafflegab, the tensions are raised to a higher bar with a story that will almost definitely chill the air. In "Spanish Ladies", 36-year-old Phil (played by Ewan Bailey) lives with his Mummy (Jacqueline King) and, on the surface, life is pretty unremarkable. The former usually spends his days either sat in front of the television or out at the local pub; the latter enjoys a game at the Bingo hall with her friend Renee (Camille Coduri).

One day, having had suspicions that her son is seeing a "lady friend", Mummy questions Renee whether she has been aware of Phil's recent activities. From the off it is pretty clear that the son and mother relationship is a close one, perhaps too close, and the dominance that Mummy has over Phil is shocking though not unremarkable. His mother also enjoys making toilet roll covers out of dolls, calling them her Spanish Ladies. She also spends time prying into her son's life, reading his letters and looking under his bed in the search for mucky magazines; even the discovery of lingerie catalogues labels him a "dirty boy".

The knowledge that this installment was written by Paul Magrs (Doctor Who, Vince Cosmos) had this reviewer waiting impatiently to hear how this tale would be handled. The title alone was mystifying - I had imagined a twist on British sitcom "Duty Free" about a holiday from hell. However, delightfully, the author of "Brenda and Effie" had plenty of surprises up his sleeve and this allows for a step up in the gruesome stakes...

Jacqueline King (Doctor Who) is Mummy, a manipulative
parent who won't win any award for parenting

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Many years ago, far too many years sadly to remember the title, I watched an American drama set in a prison. The conclusion to that programme gave me nightmares for a very long time. It had connected with my fear of claustrophobia. Thank you Paul for reminding me of that episode in my life! "Spanish Ladies" does its job extremely well in putting the chill back in to "chiller" with a horror that, at first, touches upon control and jealousy, before reaching a terrifying shiver half way with its turn from soap opera to "Psycho".

Once it becomes clear that Mummy is unhinged, you find that anything is possible. It is even probable that the dolls themselves could be demonic in nature, influencing her into committing unforgivable terrors. And so you listen, drawn and captivated, in this eerie chapter, waiting, breathing heavily (just me?)... I was also reminded a little of 1994 American thriller "Mother's Boys", as Phil's part in all of this becomes clear. He is clearly a man with secrets and a compromising past. Mummy, on the other hand, is manipulative, sharp and far too dangerous to be allowed. Phil is her darling boy, and she will do anything to keep him with her for the rest of her days. No one shall ever keep them apart!

Interestingly, all three cast members also starred in previous Hammer Chiller The Fixation, though their roles couldn't be any more different this time around - especially Bailey and King, who in Paul's well-fashioned and skillfully written piece are simply oozing with eye-opening creepiness while being intriguing at the same time. No subtlety here, as you will discover at the end. No spoilers, either, but you will find your heart racing, as I did! The marvel of this series to take something ordinary and twist it into a distorted horrific shape of evil and suspense really should be applauded. The writing, direction and acting is simply first-class, and the sound design never fails to amaze me.

This, and other stories in the series, are available from the official website. If you are to discover something new today then let it be this: Hammer Chillers. You will be entertained, surprised, and will surely wish to hurriedly turn the lights back on if you listen to any of these tales at night, in the dark - go on, that's the best way! Just don't be surprised if you find some Spanish Ladies staring at you from the end of your bed, or table...

As mentioned previously, the series can be downloaded or purchased as a CD digipack, and is produced by Bafflegab Productions. Thank you to everyone involved for their hard work in creeping me out!

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Hammer Chillers: The Fixation - AudioReview

Article author: Alwyn Ash


Something to chill the very air...

Written by Mark Morris (author of "Vampire Circus"), the second of Hammer Chiller's audio plays focuses on Ian Hibbert (played by comedian Miles Jupp), a rather stubborn and fussy resident of Darwell who decides to clean up the town, persuading both his wife and a couple of like-minded neighbours to join him in clearing the trash that has become so ghastly in recent years. It is very easy to relate to Hibbert's cause, and the social issues that plague him. And it is equally easy to feel sympathy for both him and his wife Beth (Camille Coduri) as their attempts to improve the community come under constant attack and threats.

Of course, in the early days life was different, when their daughter Sam was a baby. Society seemed kinder, and far more tolerant. What followed was a decline in social well-being, a fall into degradation. Hibbert had noticed this and, until recently, had simply observed with frustration. However, after a hoodie dumps rubbish outside his house, enough is enough, forcing Hibbert to establish the Clean Up Darwell group - "CUD" as fellow resident Malcolm Beglin (Ewan Bailey) suggests, much to Hibbert's dislike. But the group's plans don't run smoothly...

"Darwell was a nice place to live back then. Look at it now: burglaries, muggings, vandalism, rubbish everywhere. People don't care about anything these days, they expect something for nothing and don't give a monkeys about anyone else." - Hibbert

Residents of Darwell

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Open hostility from the Darwell residents forces the group to abandon their first attempt at a clean-up operation, and it doesn't get any easier. It is clear that someone doesn't welcome their good-intentions. The over-zealous Hibbert refuses to back down, even after Malcolm's van is set alight and their other neighbour and "CUD" member Barbara Whitlow (Jacqueline King) vanishes in mysterious circumstances. Even Hibbert's own daughter Sam (played by the talented and lovely Lauren Kellegher) is attacked by a gang of hoodies while on her way home. Astonishingly, the local police - especially DS Bob Sharpe (Bailey's second role in this story) - fails to show any genuine concern for the aggression aimed at this small band of residents.

There is a little of "The Wicker Man" here, a society that in general seems to know more than the minority and keeps many secrets. As with Hammer Chiller's first tale, The Box, production is high once more, with perfect sound design and music. The casting is simply superb with Jupp, Coduri, Bailey, King and Kellegher working well together. Danny Horn, too, delivers his part well as the Hoodie; Doctor Who fans will of course remember Horn as a young Kazran from 2010's "A Christmas Carol". Another cast member who is no stranger to BBC One's flagship sci-fi show is Coduri, who portrayed the role of Jackie Tyler, mother to Billie Piper's Rose.

And, if you are not familiar with actress Lauren Kellegher then how about familiarising yourself with Bafflegab's Vince Cosmos, the story of young girl Poppy Munday whose life is changed forever after meeting glam rocker Cosmos. In addition, Kellegher stars in "The Devil In Darkness" (the fifth installment of Hammer Chillers), and various film and theatre work.

As said in my last review, good things are quite clearly originating from a partnership between Hammer Films and Bafflegab, and long may this collaboration continue. With the best talent involved, there is nowhere this project cannot go, from haunted helicopter escape simulators to Greek myth - and beyond... One half-hour tale from the first anthology of Hammer Chillers released per week, which began with "The Box" on 7th June 2013 and completes on 12th July 2013 with Stephen Volk's "Don't Go There". They are also available as a CD digipack, all purchasable from the official website.

Mention must be given to Simon Barnard, who produced and directed the collection, with post production by Martin Johnson. The excellently creepy music was composed by Edwin Sykes, and design by Mark Plastow (a web designer who has even worked his magic on several Big Finish products). And let us not forget Sam Smith's fabulous artwork for the series!

Thanks to these people, and the cast, Hammer Chillers is a must-have, an exciting journey into the darkest depths of the mysterious and dangerous, a walk through the eerie corridors of inexplicable horrors...

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Hammer Chillers: The Box - AudioReview

Article author: Alwyn Ash


Something to chill the very air...

Funny the things you remember. Memories can be as haunting as any ghost. For instance, many years ago I recall listening to an audio drama on cassette I borrowed from my local library, a spooky tale of which the title sadly escapes me. But the spine-tingling and keep-the-light-on fear were clearly present, a sign that the production values had the right level of suspense. All this time later, and I have not forgotten its power.

Every media has its place. And legendary masters of horror Hammer Films has taken us on terrifying journeys in cinema with tales of vampires and zombies, cultists and freaks, murderers and ghouls. In print, too, we have enjoyed adaptations of some of these magnificent stories. It is therefore a pleasure when something new comes along to raise a few hairs and force the lights back on. Hammer Chillers is a collaberation between the Hammer studio and audio masters Bafflegab Productions (formerly Cosmic Hobo, founded in 2006 by award-winning radio producer Simon Barnard), the latter known for work including fantasy and science fiction outings "The Scarifyers" and "Vince Cosmos".

Beginning 7th June 2013 there will be a brand new horror anthology available for download, in six parts, with the collection later released on CD (including special bonus material). One of the writers, Stephen Gallagher, commented, "Doesn't matter when you were born, everyone's grown up with Hammer; the company developed a style and a brand that’s become a permanent part of our culture".

Personally I am a huge fan of the Dracula/Peter Cushing movies, "Dracula AD 1972" my all time favourite (starring Cushing, Christopher Lee, Stephanie Beacham, Christopher Neame and Caroline Munro). But the Hammer brand has always been something of interest, crypt-keepers of the terrifying, and makers of the finest cinematic achievements in British history; even the "revival" films are sure to become classics.

Having listened to the first of these six audios, entitled "The Box" and written by Gallagher, I can only say that there is something wonderful here, a tale of the finest drama starring a fine cast: Con O’Neill, Alex Lowe, Zoe Lister, and Scott Brooksbank. A question is asked, "What is the secret of The Box?", and indeed that is something the half hour story aims to uncover, as Kim Lavery (Lister) reports that her brother has begun to act very strangely after dropping out of a sea rescue and safety course at the Wainfleet Maritime College after experiencing something rather pecualiar in The Box, an underwater helicopter escape simulator that all candidates must undergo to pass the course.

As a second candidate falls foul to the terrors inside The Box, trainer Sean Dickens (O'Neill) decides to investigate, aided by colleague George ‘Buster’ Brown (Lowe). But what he discovers will stay with him for the rest of his life...

Other titles in this first anthology are: "The Fixation" (written by Mark Morris), "Spanish Ladies" (Paul Magrs), "Sticks and Stones" (Robin Ince), "The Devil In Darkness" (Christopher Fowler), and "Don't Go There" (Stephen Volk).

What I admire about "The Box" is its step into highlighting the realities of war, how ghosts of the past never truly leave us, no matter how much time has passed: the memories, regrets, guilt, flashbacks, and how the task of readjusting to every day life deserves much respect. As the character Sean says, "When you see your mates die, it takes more than a bit of work experience to get you through it". The drama is played out well, delivering the right amount of mystery and tension when required.

It is great to see both Hammer Films and Bafflegab expand into other areas within the business; for Hammer this is a first into radio-style plays, and the partnership with Bafflegab is indeed a major step in a direction that can only see good things emerge...

As for writer Stephen Gallagher, he is no stranger to horror having adapted 1991 television miniseries "Chimera" (based on his own novel of the same name), contributed to the "Chiller" 1995 television series, and written the film novelisation of classic sci-fi horror "Saturn Three". Gallagher has also written for "Doctor Who", the TV stories "Warriors' Gate" (1982) and Terminus (1983) - he adapted these into novelisations for Target Books under the pseudonym "John Lydecker".

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