Folkestone

Staff at the Leas Pavilion Theatre in Folkestone have experienced some strange manifestations. Ms Manktelow, a manager, and Mr Hendry, a former set designer, both report having 'felt' someone standing behind them, or near them, but on turning around, find that no one is there.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, an elderly caretaker was struggling with loneliness and serious debt brought about by an addiction to gambling. Feeling like he had nothing left to live for and seeing no way out of his problems, he committed suicide by hanging himself. Today, the dressing room close to where the tragedy occurred is cited by staff as having a strange and disturbing presence about it.

Further signs of the haunting are sensations of the old man's proximity during changes of set or preparation for a forthcoming performance. Doors open and close and equipment is moved without human intervention. 'It's always moved to the right place though. It seems the old man is really trying to help us out,' says one member of staff. Sometimes the old man's presence is off-putting, for staff claim to have bumped into someone, turn to apologise only to find they are alone. Still, an old man cannot be expected to move out of the way very quickly, so everyone tries to be patient with him.

Related Links for Haunted and Theatre: Albert | Oxfordshire | Aberdeen | Aberdeen | Barnsley | Birmingham | Edinburgh | Festival Theatre | London | The Adeiphi Theatre | The Royal Lyceum | Woman | York |