The London Dungeon Review (2017)

The cast at the London Dungeon stay on point and in character from your entry into the admissions area to your exit through the bar. Actors portray characters that span the gamut from named historical figures to amalgamations of people taking over one role. Most dialogue is scripted but interactions with guests happened frequently and felt natural and witty. All of the actors in the Sweeney Todd section were particularly chilling and passionate as they caused our group to flinch and jump while telling their story. The interactions between Guy Fawkes and Sir Thomas Knyvett were delightful and dark, and the trial was a free-flowing, impressive bit of improvisation.

Special effects at the London Dungeon are varied and unique, each underlining the scene they are in without overshadowing the story or the actors. Many of the effects were unique to the London Dungeon and caught me by surprise, especially in the operating theater where I was expecting one effect and was shocked by something brand new. Sounds were often combined with larger special effects to help create scenes or instill horror. The combination was particularly effective on the doomed Tyrant Boat Trip we took, and I felt genuine fear as we approached the end. Also impressive was the Sweeney Todd scene, and I found myself falling behind the group a bit to study the set up and figure out exactly what had just been done. If you’re a fan of practical effects the London Dungeon has a variety of offerings to impress and delight you.

For fans of the macabre, true crime, and dark history, the theme of the London Dungeon is right on target. From start to finish the attraction is dedicated to a clear thematic purpose as it tells the story of London’s dark history. Unfortunately the attraction itself is not allowed to be placed in the actual dungeons, but the location is lovingly recreated in sets and props. Also, the Dungeon is placed on the Thames to keep with the authenticity of the theme and many of the stories contained within the halls. From Jack the Ripper to the bloody days of Henry the Eighth, every scene feeds the ultimate purpose of the Dungeon and fits within the narrative structure of the attraction. The London Dungeon’s story is unique among haunted attractions and true to the setting and area. Nowhere else would this haunt be so effective or genuine.

When it comes to scares the London Dungeon is more focused on story-telling and dark humor than it is on screams. That being said, several of the members of my group found themselves shrieking in surprise and horror at a number of special effects assisted jump scares. The boat ride was also particularly effective at instilling fear as it used a combination of practical and sound effects to build tension and fear. The Death Express made a very large impression as it employed all of the incredible effects available in the Dungeon, the on point acting, and one very notable surprise to cause several of my group members to flee and shriek in terror. The Drop Dead ride was out of order when I visited, but several return visitors told me that it is a terrifying and well worth returning to try.

With about 110 minutes of entertainment for roughly $25 USD entry fee the London Dungeon is a great value. Tickets are only ������������������21 on the website if you pre-order them, and combo packages are available both online and on site to combine entry to the London Dungeon and any of the other Merlin attractions close by. Discounts are available for groups and school parties and ‘Dungeon Lates’ are only ������������������29 and offer a scarier, adult-only show. Upon entry I was given a token for a free drink in the Pub/Gift Shop at the end of the attraction, and there are a lot of souvenirs available. If you find yourself traveling through London, especially in October, the London Dungeon is a great way to spend your time and money. It offers a bevy of humor, wit, some scares, and a lesson on London’s macabre history.