The spookily gothic surroundings of historic Dunedin Prison will keep thrill-seekers locked in terror during Fear NZ's upcoming event "Dunedin Horror Story: Asylum''.
The charity fundraising event is the brainchild of South Canterbury farmer and Fear NZ director Rory Foley and his team of scare-masters, who are renowned for truly frightening immersive experiences
Mr Foley, who visited the Dunedin Prison site this week to aid in planning "three floors of terror'', told The Star the prison interior would be transformed into a gothic-style asylum.
Up to 40 volunteer actors would take on roles ranging from "scarers to screamers'', in a bid to create maximum fear for about 150 people each night.
"Girls love to be able to make a guy scream with fear, so we have a lot of young women actors,'' Mr Foley said.
Describing himself as "a natural at scaring people'', Mr Foley has been creating Fear NZ events for charities around New Zealand for the past five years.
He was honoured for his efforts with a Queen's Service Medal in the New Year's honours list.
Fear NZ's Dunedin Horror Story: Asylum event will be held at the old Dunedin Prison on May 5 and 6, May 12 and 13, and May 19 and 20.
All proceeds will go to Heart Kids Otago. Tickets are available through iticket.co.nz.
BRENDA.HARWOOD @thestar.co.nz
