MediumRare Productions: MIDWYNTAR
“No interval, no escape”
Fresh off their triumph at #GrimFest, MediumRare Production’s newest spook-tacular #Midwyntar arrives soon at the Old Red Lion Theatre. If your idea of Christmas involves a dash of horror alongside the tinsel, then you’re in for a treat. We caught up with co-writer and producer Jack Robertson, who spilled all the festive tea about this unique show…🎄👻
In a nod to Ari Aster’s unforgettable Midsommar, the show follows a couple visiting a remote rural cottage for Christmas. What begins as a jolly winter holiday to meet the in-laws turns into an increasingly bizarre plunge into the family’s mind-boggling traditions & questionable cuisine…
MediumRare Productions is no stranger to blending horror and comedy. Pantomime veterans, they have a knack for creating a cosy yet immersive atmosphere. This time around, however, Jack clarifies, “It’s [not] behind you. No one’s going to come after you. You’ll be sat in the dark.” Whether that’s reassuring or hair-raising, we’re not entirely sure…
The mix of holly and horror is MediumRare’s secret sauce, and this show caters to those who don’t find themselves giddy with festive joy. As Jack puts it, “People don’t always love Christmas.” And for many, the real dread lies in spending the holidays with someone else’s family— “[that’s] a very relatable kind of horror.”
Indeed, the #inspo for Midwyntar sprang from co-writer Jacob Lovick’s observations of the peculiar traditions of British families during Christmas: “…visiting other people's families and being a bit baffled by them.” #BeenThere, #SayLess…
While Jack and Jacob are also known for their podcast “One From The Vaults”, a series delving into lost horror films, they prefer the experience of live theatre. Jack emphasises, “Live horror experiences are so much more visceral. We’re gonna get to see the audience’s instant reaction. And that instant response is so great. You can’t get that through a film or a podcast.”
Looking ahead, MediumRare Productions has a packed schedule for early 2024. Jack notes that ghost sightings are more common in January (#funfact), so to continue the seasonally accurate programming, they plan to kick-off the year with a re-run of ‘Triskaidekaphobia’, the runaway success at #GrimFest23…
Additionally, they’re curating a new festival called (#drumroll) FRESH FEST, taking over the Old Red Lion for five weeks from the 21st of January to the 24th of February, featuring new plays and filling the void left by #VaultFest during the bleak winter months…
“Midwyntar” runs from December 12th to 22nd at the Old Red Lion Theatre. You can find tickets here. Get ready for a holiday experience like no other. But beware— according to Jack: “There's no interval, there's no escape”. You’ve been warned🫵🏼