Spooky Storytelling
On October 30th 2025, Benjamin Franklin House hosted an evening of spooky storytelling. Inviting audiences to experience the House in a new and haunting light as we explored a combination of creative storytelling and historical atmosphere to enchant and inspire. Hosted within the preserved Georgian rooms of this Grade 1 listed house, the event celebrated the art of spoken word and the timeless appeal of a good ol’ scare.
Writers and performers shared original works inspired by the eerie, the mysterious, and the macabre. From ghostly encounters to unsettling reflections. Each piece brought a distinct mood that resonated beautifully with the character of the House. The low-lit rooms, illuminated by flickering candles, created an intimate setting that drew listeners deep into the stories being told.
We were delighted to feature performances from, in order of appearance:
Felicity, Cay Bluestocking, Stephanie, Ada Guida, Lady Sabrina Angelina, Haaris Miskin, Georgia Grace Nolan, Jiayi Chen, San Vito, Grace-Marie, Catrin, PJ, and Clara Ada Mantegazza.
Their words filled the House with imagination and intrigue, and we are grateful for the artistry they brought to the evening.
Thank you to Grace-Marie for giving us special permission to share her piece. You can find it here. Grace, in her reflection shared that “the historical venue has an interesting and macabre history- the basement housed an illegal anatomy school during the Georgian era, which gripped and inspired me to write this tale. Read with caution and enjoy venturing down the rabbit hole of Gothic horror.
A claustrophobic, gothic-horror monologue, inspired by William Hewson’s anatomy school. It delves into mortality, the terror of a conscious dissection, guilt and the final irony of being sold to an anatomist while still alive, ending in a dark hysterical humour.
Now as winter settles in and Christmas approaches, we remember the evening not only for its chills and ghostly charm, but for the creativity and community it fostered within our historic walls. Here’s to many more nights of storytelling, wonder, and shared experience in the year ahead!
