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CK: What was the audition like? Did you have any expectations at all?

AB: “No expectations as I’ve never done anything like it in my life. I had no previous experience at all, and was surprised that I got the part, as it wasn’t something I ever prepared for seriously.

“It was an exciting experience. You have to show lots of disciplines, portray different characters and creatures. It was a lot of fun.” 

CK: What do you do when you’re not doing Fright Nights?

AB: “I’m in entertainment full time. I play drums for the industrial band INERTIA and will be lead singer in the Circus of Horrors band once Fright Nights finishes, playing Mistress Severina. The advert said something like ‘sexy rock witch’ which is me all over, but I was apparently up against something like 300 other applicants, so I’m so happy that I got the role.

“I’ll be working with Dr. Haze, which is beyond my wildest dreams. He’s like the nicest person in the world, it’s such a privilege”

[The Asylum] is intense and physically draining

CK: How does Fright Nights compare to other jobs that you’ve done?

AB: “It’s unlike anything I’ve ever done. It’s intense and physically draining. It’s mentally draining too I suppose, especially dealing with some of the people that come through the maze”

CK: So, you’re team captain?

AB: “Yeah, I was really flattered when they asked me. I’m the first team captain they’ve had and I’m responsible for everyone in the maze. There’s about three regular actors in the maze, and 15 who have returned from previous years, so yeah, there was some tough competition, but I’m glad I got the job.”

CK: What’s the best thing about working at Fright Nights?

AB: “Getting dressed up, getting the chance to play someone who’s mad and dead, creating magic and fear at the same time. It’s a great feeling when you can do that.”

CK: And the worst thing?

AB: “Chavs. Without a doubt.”

CK: It’s funny that they queue up 45 minutes when they just don’t want to understand what it’s all about, isn’t it?

I get a kick out of making people vomit and wet  themselves

AB: “Yeah, I can’t understand it. They ruin it for everyone, and they ruin it for their friends. 99% of people are fine, they’re there just to have a good time, but it’s a shame the minority can ruin it.”

CK: What changes have you noticed as Fright Nights evolves from year to year?

AB: “The mazes have improved structurally, and the actors just get better and better every year.”

CK: Do you ever feel guilty when you genuinely make someone jump to the point of tears?

AB: “No, no guilt at all. I get a kick out of making people vomit and wet themselves, it means you’re doing a good job.”

CK: So have you made anyone wet themselves out of fear?

AB: “Oh yes, on Freakshow 3D last summer”

CK: On Asylum in particular, you have to work in very anti-social conditions with continual strobe lighting and smoke. How do you cope?

AB: “It’s something you get used to. We have ear protectors, and sure, for the first ten minutes on the first time you get a headache but it’s something that you get used to.

“It's all worth it though”