Castle Hill Is Transforming into the ‘Great House of Frankenstein’

Photos provided by the Trustees

Few events are classier or more charming than the “Roaring Twenties Lawn Party” at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich. The event’s retro outfits and vintage vibes make for a much-anticipated summertime affair.

If you’ve packed away your finest flapper attire since then, it’s time to dig it up, because this month, the Trustees will be hosting another old-fashioned celebration. They’ve mixed the lawn party at the grand estate with a Halloween bash to create a spooky soirée that just might be to die for.

Castle Hill’s Great House is set to transform into the “Great House of Frankenstein” for an immersive theatre experience. Guests, who are encouraged to don their best ’20s and ’30s garb, will enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as a tale of horror unfolds around them.

“We wanted to create an event that was different from the typical Halloween costume party,” says Pilar Garro, the engagement site manager at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate. “Our own wonderful cultural site administrator wrote the script based on the 1931 film Frankenstein, as the time period complements the house so well.”

Actors in costume will lead guests around the Stuart-style mansion, where everyone will become a part of the story. The host, Dr. Henry Frankenstein, will bring guests up to speed on his latest experiments, showing partygoers what went right (and wrong). The house’s butler’s pantry will transform into Dr. Frankenstein’s lab—a scene of vintage glassware, beakers, and test tubes galore. Guests will also be able to chat with other characters and guests about the consequences and solutions regarding Dr. Frankenstein’s notorious creation.

Tickets are $44 for members and $55 for nonmembers, Saturday, October 29, 7-9:30 p.m., Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Road, Ipswich, trustees.org.