Pasaje has been a staple in the Blackpool lineup for years now. It stands just outside the gates of the pleasure beach and still draws in crowds everyday. Sure, it’s cheesy in parts and relies on cliche horror tropes, but it’s a right good laugh. You can pretty much guarantee that within a few scenes you’ll be smiling from ear to ear. It’s not one of the scariest attractions I have ever visited, but it is great fun!
That’s not to say it’s without flaws. Being a mish-mash of horror films it can be rather jarring at times. Going from a boiler house to a circus just breaks the immersion. It’s a shame, some of the theming inside is stunning, but it lacks the impact as the atmosphere just isn’t there. The sets are so detailed and the costumes are pretty solid, but they just don’t mesh well together. Had they stuck to one very rough theme, it would’ve worked so much better.
But don’t assume there are few scares to be had. There are certainly scares-a-plenty within the Pasaje. Seeing as you’re touring through numerous infamous horror films, you’re bound to bump into some familiar faces. I recognised Saw, Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Exorcist on my journey through. Whilst some of these scenes were lacking, a fair few were amazing.
Standouts included, meeting Michael Myers in a dark, bloodied hospital with flickering lighting and being pounced upon by Freddy Krueger in a rusting boiler house. Whilst the show was highly focussed on impact scares, there was very much a theatrical element to it all. There’s no overarching plot or anything, but certain scenes did attempt to express elements of their respective films plot.
Sadly some of the actors timing was a little off. A few too many scares missed the front. It almost felt like it would’ve been a stronger experience somewhere in the back/middle of the group. In fact, the chainsaw finale was so poorly timed, I was walking through the exit door as he leapt out. With a chainsaw finale you need to have room to chase your victims! Pouncing out as they are literally leaving through the door is just poor timing.
It’s never going to top any ‘best scare attraction’ list, but I don’t think it’s meant to. It’s totally cliche and over the top, yet remains highly enjoyable. It’s spooky, kooky and will appeal instantly to any lover of the horror genre. You’re in there for a good 15 minutes and will get some solid scares along the way. For only £7 it’s hard for me not to recommend it! It’s not terrifying, but it’s a hell of a good time.
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