Social media users are divided after a Liverpool woman described her experience at Newsham Scream Park's adults-only Hellfire Club attraction as "degrading, humiliating and quite disturbing". Robyn Clove, 33, said she was left distressed by the sexualised themes and physical interactions she encountered during the experience, questioning whether the attraction's warnings gave visitors a clear enough understanding of what they were signing up for.
Her experience, shared online and with the ECHO, sparked a debate over consent, personal responsibility and whether visitors are adequately warned about what lies inside. While her account has prompted concerns from people who believe the experience may go too far, others have taken a different view, arguing that an adults-only horror attraction should be expected to push boundaries.
Newsham Scream Park has defended the attraction, saying it is clearly identified as an adults-only experience, with terms and conditions outlining its themes and the physical interactions guests may encounter.
Defenders Question Complaints
Among those defending the attraction, several commenters questioned why anyone would be surprised by an intense experience at a horror event. Ryan Parry summed up that sentiment, writing: "Imagine going to a horror attraction and complaining about being horrified… society has fallen."
Mike Dodd echoed the view, saying: "The words 'what did you expect' spring to mind." Samantha Smedley was similarly blunt, commenting: "Errmm you can just not go if you think its not for you." Stacey Drewett also pointed to the option of leaving, writing: "They gave you a safe word if you wanted to leave the experience."
However, others see the issue as more complicated than simply deciding whether someone should expect to be frightened at a horror attraction.
Critics Question Warnings and Themes
Robyn has argued that she understood the experience would contain sexual themes but did not anticipate the extent of the simulated physical contact and psychological intensity she described.
Stacia Joel questioned the assumption that everyone would understand the reference behind the attraction, asking: "Why are people assuming that we all should know what hellfire club is?"
Caroline Cassin added: "I think a lot of people are not reading the full article - why would a horror attraction include themes of incest and sexual harassment? This is the issue", whereas Ste Butler said: "I'd like to know how the men were treated during this Hellfire part if anyone experienced it? I'm wondering if they happened to get the same treatment to the same extent as the women."
Robyn's Account of the Experience
Robyn attended the park with a group of seven people, including two 15-year-olds. She said the group had enjoyed other areas of the event before deciding to visit Hellfire Club, an optional attraction restricted to adults. While queuing, Robyn said the group looked for signs explaining the attraction's age restriction and asked a member of staff why it was for over-18s.
The tattoo artist said: "She said, 'oh yeah, you know, it's a bit sexual and stuff.' I thought it was going to be a bit cheeky, but there was no seriousness about it."
Robyn claimed she did not see clear signage explaining the nature of the experience while queuing. Once inside, she described a series of scenes involving sexualised language, reference to incest, blindfolds and simulated physical contact.
She said one performer attempted to squirt liquid from a bottle into her mouth, which she declined, before another scene involved performers shouting sexually explicit insults at her and her friend. Describing one particularly distressing moment, Robyn said she was blindfolded when a performer began simulating sexual contact with her.
Robyn also described a later scene in which she said her hand was guided over a hairy leg before her finger was placed into a simulated body-part prop. She said the combination of darkness, physical sensations and the performers' sounds made the experience particularly unsettling.
Park's Response
A spokesperson for Newsham Scream Park told the ECHO: "The Hellfire Club is an optional, adults-only immersive horror attraction designed to deliver an intense experience. It is clearly identified as an 18+ attraction, with ID required for anyone under the age of 21.
"All guests must complete a digital waiver before entering and there is CCTV in place covering the entirety of this attraction and the full event to protect all participating guests and actors.
"Guest welfare is a priority throughout the attraction and our terms and conditions, which must be agreed to before entering the attraction, outline the nature of the experience, including its adult and horror themes, physical interaction and sensory effects.
"They also highlight that some elements may cause distress, identify circumstances in which the attraction may not be suitable, and explain that guests can end their participation immediately, at any time, using the safe word provided without explanation.
"The extensive CCTV coverage is constantly monitored and the entire team is always in contact via radio, with production in all attractions and immediately halting any of the attractions if there are any issues.
"The Hellfire Club is designed to be immersive and for an adult-only audience. We encourage all guests to read the information provided and carefully consider whether the experience is right for them before choosing to enter.
"Importantly, guests who decide that the experience is not suitable for them after reading the T&Cs can decline entry and receive a refund."
