Explore the spine-chilling figures and narratives, discovering what they reveal about ourselves. Followed by Q&A.

Why do tales of the uncanny and the supernatural cast such a spell over us? Why do they still resonate with us today? These tales tap into the 200 years of Gothic tradition, epitomised by such works as Frankenstein, Dracula, and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. 

In this talk, Professor Marisa Linton traces the history of ghosts and the occult in fiction and film in the British Isles. She explores recurring characters such as the ghost hunter and the occult detective, and examines the lure of the psychological ghost story. She investigates fictionalised occult magicians, who were often inspired by real life self-proclaimed ‘magicians’ like Aleister Crowley. Many of these tales have since been reimagined in films and TV, from The Devil Rides Out to the BBC Christmas Ghost Stories. 

Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7:30pm - come down early to grab a good seat!