VENUE: Ye
olde Sunnyside Park Hotel (built in 1895), is often referred to as 'The
Grand Old Lady' of one of Johannesburg's oldest suburbs: Victorian
"Parktown". It began as a massive eloquent manor
house, which was built for the famous mining engineer, Hennen Jennings.
After Jennings left, the manor house became the official residence of
none other than Lord Milner around the time of the Second Anglo-Boer
War. One of the royal personages who lingered at the manor house, was
the legendary Princess Louise Margaret of Prussia (see photograph
above).
In
later years the manor house was extended and became an hotel, which is
today one of Johannesburg's oldest hotels luckily enough to
still be in existence. For those who don't want to go home after the
dinner show, our guests can further enjoy a discount stay over option
in the hotel, with or without a full buffet breakfast.
Our
dinner show
production
takes place in "The Attic" (of course), and runs from 6pm to 10.30pm. The production only runs twice
a year, with a limit of only 50 people for the 'public', and sells out
quickly. Many people book in groups (usually 6 - 12 people or more). Other dates can be chosen (more than twice a year) for
corporate & private functions.
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION:
Due to this unique & popular production people travel from afar, especially since it is only held twice a year, with limited tickets.
You will be
served a 5-star, 3-course meal in "The Attic". The dinner is interspersed with the 3 Acts below, where you
will be entertained by the inimitable & dramatic creator of the
famous long-running SA's Mystery Ghost Tours, Mark Rose-Christie, in person.
(1).
Act 1: "Tour" (inside & outside hotel) - Our production begins with an historic tour of the olde hotel, including the Tower,
the Tudor corridor that reminds one of the movie "The Shining" (see
photograph below), the grand staircase, the old ball room, a legendary
private garden, and of course "The Attic". The tour is followed by
Starters.
(2). Act 2: "Countryside Ghost Stories" (held in "The Attic").
Mark will treat you to classic
countryside (veld)
ghost stories from around South Africa, told by candle-light, with some chilling visual and other effects. The
talk ends off
with a specially made radio studio recording, with eerie music and
special sound effects
to chill one to the bone regarding SA's most famous ghost. The Main course is then served.
(3). Act 3 : Mark performs a spectacular 'Spook Stage Show', just like the ones which magicians & illusionists like "Carter The Great" performed as stage shows during the olde Vaudeville era (circa 1920s to 1930s). The spirits get up to all manner of effects which will mystify & entrance you. The act winds up with a surprise climax which you will talk about for years to come. Dessert is then served.
[Photograph: Carter The Great performing his Spook Stage Show on stage during the olde Vaudeville era circa 1920s to 1930s]
AGES: This is more of an adult production, but ages 6 & up are welcome:
STRICT FORMAL DRESS CODE: Men
- Jackets & Ties (or Bow Ties) / Ladies - Long Dresses. (Or rent an
historical costume viz: Victorian to 1920s). Ages 6 & up to dress smartly.
MENU: Starters:
Vampire's BBQ Chicken Wings, with Corn Salad and a Sweet Chilli Sauce.
Mains: Slithery Sliced Beef served with Mashed Potato, Creamed Spinach, Butternut and Gravy. Dessert: Murderous Milk Tart with fresh Fruits and Chantilly Cream
SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: If
you have any special dietary requirements where you need alternative
courses, then send an email with your requirements here
DRINKS: Drinks are for your own account.
SEATING: The suggested minimum booking is 2 people, unless you want to be on your own. Many people book in groups (usually 6 - 12 people or more).
Important: If you are a group of people, contact Michael on 0741270982 so that you can all sit together.
ACCOMMODATION: If you wish to stay over at the hotel for discount B&B
rates including a full buffet breakfast to die for, then click
here and tell the hotel you are attending the ghost dinner show in order to obtain your discount.
THE NEXT DAY (IF YOU WANT A TOTAL GET-AWAY) or IF YOU ARRIVE EARLY: If you arrive early or you are going to stay over, you can wonder around the hotel, and also its beautiful gardens with waterfalls and ponds, and also enjoy the outside deck and/or lounge and/or bar. TV in all rooms. Room service (including drinks) available 24 hours.
SAFE & SECURE PARKING: Hotel
is fenced-in and fully protected by security guards. You will be given
a code to exit the boom, so that only your vehicle can exit.
BOOKINGS:
For the PUBLIC ghost dinner shows see Dates and Ticket Bookings here
For PRIVATE, CORPORATE or YEAR END Groups the minimum booking is 20 persons or the equivalent payment thereof if you don't have 20 persons, or you can join one of our ghost dinner shows for the Public as seen here. Maximum 50 persons. The price is the same as the price per person for our Public ghost dinner shows as seen here. Private / Corporate / Year End groups can only book for Friday or Week nights (and very rarely on Saturday nights, because we usually run 1 of our 3 types of Public productions on Saturday nights). Private / Corporate / Year End groups must call us directly on 0741270982 (Hold number down to Call of Copy).
