BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Horror enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies can test their mettle this September at Singapore’s largest immersive horror experience, Underground: The Summoning. Set in the historic Battlebox World War II bunker spanning 12,000 sq. ft. beneath Fort Canning, it is also the first and only experiential horror event to be hosted fully underground.

Built in 1938 and recently reopened after careful refurbishment, the historic bunker now serves as the stage for this unprecedented event. A limited-time event running from 25 September to 3 November 2024, the adventure promises a gripping narrative of soldiers beset by demonic rituals, brought to life through live theatrical performances and special effects.

The story is set in January 1942 with the impending invasion of Japanese forces. The British army officers, in desperation, turn to an ancient book of summoning for help. However, they unleash chaos instead as Bellum, the demon lord of war, and his minions overrun the bunker. Not for the faint of heart, the interactive experience takes guests in small groups of 8 to 9 people through a labyrinth of terror, where every decision will decide their fate.

In this intense horror-fantasy adventure that lasts up to 45 minutes, audience members will be challenged to defeat Bellum and the mayhem that has befallen the bunker by collecting hidden magical cards. The story unfolds as they make their way through a cavernous maze of multiple rooms and zones and must face their fears in order to survive.

“Underground transcends the fleeting jumpscares of conventional horror attractions to deliver a particularly scary and thrilling adventure over a longer duration. Part of what makes it different is our focus on immersion — we want to create an environment where the audience is also able to participate in shaping that adventure for themselves along the way,” says Marc Khoo, Executive Producer at Super Productions.

Jonathan Lim, writer and director of Underground: The Summoning, adds: “The location of the experience was of paramount importance to us, because we wanted a venue that could live up to the realism that we wanted to convey. BattleBox is the perfect stage for us to weave a narrative that leverages the bunker’s historical qualities, while evoking pure terror for everyone who walks through our doors looking for a thrill.”

The Summoning is a collaboration between the creative minds behind Super Productions, event partner Battlebox Singapore, and theatrical  stagecraft specialists, Theatre of Wonder.

“The setting of Underground was a lot of fun for us to work with, especially as the bunker itself gave us the space and natural environment to elevate the show’s special effects. The audience can look forward to dramatic sequences  and quite a few surprises! ,” notes Kai Kuah, Director of Theatre of Wonder.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from Canglo