The best way to embark on the mystical realm of Arthur Machen’s masterpiece is through The Thin Veil of London, if you allow yourself to be whisked away into The Queen's Larder by the production of Minimum Labyrinth, expertly curated by Robert Kingham and Rich Cochrane. Lose yourself in the magic!
-Photo from Minimum Labyrinth
Robert and Rich are like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're going to get, but whatever it is, it's bound to be a deliciously creative experience. Robert was able to lead the tour. From his days at Cardiff University, he has been spinning webs of historical, literary, philosophical, musical, and mathematical intrigue, all while indulging their love for beer and collecting curious musical instruments. His South-East London abodes are a never-ending fountain of inspiration. Whether he is writing, teaching, storytelling, or leading pub crawls, he and his partner, Rich Cochrane, are the epitome of the phrase "jack of all trades, master of awesome."
The fiery adventure that will light up your world is The Thin Veil London walking tour which takes you off the beaten path to explore the hidden corners of Holborn and Bloomsbury. But this isn't just any history tour - it's interwoven with the stories of Arthur Machen, a pioneer of 'folk horror', whose tales of ancient horrors lurking beneath the surface of modern life will send shivers down your spine. With the talents of Will Henry and Howard Horner, you get to unravel the mysteries of the marginal corners, which feels like stepping into a magical portal.
As clearly well-versed people, Henry and Horner made every moment of our journey come alive with vivid descriptions and engaging anecdotes. It was like being a part of a walking play rather than just a simple tour. From the moment the tour began, it became evident that this experience was designed to engage all our senses and spark our imagination.
As we weaved through, taking us deeply into the amazing theatrical elements in spots like Coram Field, Conway Hall, and Great Ormond Street, our guides transformed into masterful storytellers, presenting the book in a captivating manner and creating a journey into the world of madness. Every site we hit up felt like a blockbuster stage. Whether it was stepping into a quaint corner or standing on the street, the surroundings perfectly mirrored the scenes we had grown to love in the book.
Machen believed that the negative aspects of folklore, such as evil spirits and monsters, were connected to a positive theology that encouraged individuals with a visionary perspective to enter a magical world beyond the veil of illusion. Well, what do you think about this?
What truly set this walking tour apart was the incorporation of actors who were strategically placed along our route. These talented performers effortlessly slipped into character, bringing the book's protagonists and even some supporting figures to life. Their energy, passion, and commitment to their roles transported us deeper into the story, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
a Museum that was passed by during the tour-Photo from Stacy Briscoe’s Article in Houzz
The tour was a real page-turner! Not only was the tour informative, but it also sparked a genuine connection and emotional attachment to the literary piece. It was like stepping straight into the author's world, truly getting to know the characters and empathizing with their battles. Overall, this walking tour transcended the boundaries of a traditional tour and transported us into a living, breathing play to be swept away into a realm, leaving you with lasting memories and an enhanced love for the author that inspired it all.
The anticipation is already building within me to discover what masterful story will be brought to life again on their next tour on December 29 at Rendlesham Forest indicated on their website. In a world where experiences that ignite the imagination are increasingly rare, this walking tour reignited my passion for storytelling and left me with a sense of wonder that will stay with me for years to come.
I felt like I had truly entered a portal and place and was eager to dive back into the book to relive the adventure all over again. The Thin Veil of London tour provides a unique and unforgettable way to look beyond the crust of commonplace things, revealing the eternal beauty that lies within if you dare to look with purged eyes. So, grab your scepter of power and join the ranks of Machen's visionaries—it's one tour you won't want to miss!
