We run for the PUBLIC, and for PRIVATE groups.
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 a full buffet breakfast to die for.
Our dinner show
production
takes place in "The Attic"... of course. The production only runs twice a year, for a limit of only 50 people.
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 : "The Spirit Curtain Show" (held in "The Attic"). This is the highlight of the evening, where Mark performs a 'Spirit Curtain Act', just like the ones which magicians like "The Davenport Brothers" performed as stage shows (using 'Spirit Curtains' or 'Spirit Cabinets') during the olde Victorian era. The act winds up with a surprise climax which you will talk about for years. Dessert is then served.
[Photograph: The Davenport Brothers performing their Spirit Cabinet on stage during the Victorian era circa 1854 to circa 1870]
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). 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). If you are a group of people, we shall seat you all together in the best way possible.
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
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 you can exit.
BOOKINGS:
For the Public ghost dinner shows see Dates and Ticket Bookings here
For Private 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. This production can be booked on any night except for Saturdays & Sundays. Private Groups must book directly via us here
