Robyn Doughty condemns Newsham Scream Park adult experience
Stepping inside a derelict Victorian-era building in Liverpool for an optional, adults-only Halloween Park experience, 33-year-old tattoo artist Robyn Doughty encountered what she condemned as a “depraved” simulation of sexual degradation, The Independent reported.
The attraction, operating as Newsham Scream Park, features the optional Hellfire Club for visitors aged 18 and over. Participants are required to sign a waiver before entering the section. Ms Doughty visited the site on Thursday with a group of friends, but later took to social media via TikTok to criticize the experience, stating that staff called attendees names and made graphic noises without adequate prior warning.
The BBC reported that Ms Doughty attended in a group of seven, which included two 15-year-olds. Those teenagers were able to buy tickets for the optional Hellfire Club but were barred from entry due to their age, prompting Ms Doughty and her friend to use the tickets instead. She told the BBC that she felt it was “irresponsible and unjustifiable to make a mockery of sexual assault” and described herself as “angry” and “in disbelief”.
Newsham Scream Park Defends Hellfire Club Attraction Terms
Newsham Scream Park defended the attraction in statements to the BBC and other outlets, noting that the Hellfire Club was designed to deliver an intense, optional experience. The park requires ID for anyone under the age of 21 entering that specific section. Guest welfare is a priority, according to management, and the terms and conditions agreed to before entry explicitly outline the nature of the experience, including its adult and horror themes, physical interaction, and sensory effects.
The venue’s terms highlight that certain elements may cause distress, identify circumstances where the attraction may not be suitable, and explain that participants can end their participation immediately at any time using a provided safe word without giving an explanation. Management added that guests who change their mind after reading the terms can receive a refund.
Despite these safeguards, Ms Doughty told the Liverpool Echo that she received countless direct messages from other attendees, both men and women, sharing similar negative experiences. She argued that the psychological nature of the scare, presented within a light-hearted setting, leaves visitors unprepared.
Newsham Scream Park offers experiences featuring scare actors bringing nightmares to life as guests walk through haunted wards, deranged experiments, and horror themes.
For individuals experiencing distress or struggling to cope following difficult events, confidential support is available through the Samaritans by calling 116 123 in the UK and Republic of Ireland, emailing jo@samaritans.org, or visiting their website to locate a nearest branch.
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