NGI

... Head over to Haunted UK for a review of the general history and haunted history of the Darlington Civic Theater. Alternatively, use the table of contents to view the reports for each location.

The Fly-Pit

Up above the stage area was the Fly-Pit - an area of the theatre were the various background displays that were suspended by thick ropes, would be hauled into place when needed.

The area itself consisted of two narrow corridor like rooms - separated by a metal door - with the further of the two being the actual fly-pit which looked out over the stage and was approximately 40 foot above the stage.

This part of the fly pit was were we spent most of our time and contained small work-desks and of course, the ropes holding the background sets tied up against the railings.

Group 1 Report : Jay Claire Various Guests

This was our first location of the night. We all gathered in the second of the two rooms which made up the Fly-Pit and after a little while in letting the location (and the stage below) to settle we began our vigil.

Sadly, emergency lights in the Fly-Pit were bright and in the lighted room (as is usually the case - but it shouldn't make a difference) seemed to effect the atmosphere (it felt perfectly 'normal' being here.

Claire noticed a strange breeze which seemed to be emanating from an area of the fly-pit which shouldn't have a breeze - all the area consisted of was a brick wall with no obvious gaps or windows. There was a window on the side wall but unless the draught was gymnastic it could not produce what was being felt. A couple of people sat in the area and each felt the breeze just tickling the back of their neck. Its entirely possible that another window out of sight existed and was responsible for this breeze.

A photo of the area overlooking the stage was taken on a mobile phone which, upon zooming, seemed to contain a "theatrical mask" of a face. No explanation could be found at the time for this 'face' despite investigation through the night - although comparing it to other photographs in the area it could have just been a co-incidental positioning of the rigging above the stage. Don't quote us on that though!

Group 2 Report : Carol Julie Karl Lisa James Sharon

Sadly, a couple of our group members – Karl and Lisa - had to leave (as it was now getting late) and missed our time in the fly-pit. Fortunately for them, they never missed much.

It felt a bit cooler at the far side of the room as the baseline temperature above indicates. Sharon thought she saw a dark shadow on the end wall area just near the steps leading up to the next level. Sadly the rest of the group didn't witness this as it disappeared from view, and Julie had her video camera pointing the other way at the time. Apart for that, there was no other paranormal (or otherwise activity) present in this particular location.

Group 3 Report : Mark Phil Tracy Sharon Margaret

The groups sits in the flies for a while, before calling out. Nothing is recorded. People try to replicate the 'Ghost Face' picture that everyone has seen in the mid investigation break, but to no avail. All of the group, bar Margaret, ascend into the attic area. There is a slight knocking sound but it is inconclusive.

The rest of the vigil is uneventful.