IT'S dark, spooky and the kind of place where your imagination might start to play a few scary tricks on you.
So when it comes to putting on a chilling adaptation of a classic horror tale, there is no better place than crumbling Poltimore House near Exeter.
As these spooky pictures show, the imposing former stately home which has fallen on hard times provided the perfect backdrop for a remake of Jekyll & Hyde. It will be performed by Exeter-based Four of Swords Theatre in October.
The scary adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic was highly acclaimed when review performances were staged in May, particularly the innovative use of the dilapidated and creepy location.
Poltimore House is a crumbling but stunning stately home, originally the residence of the Bampfylde family.
In the 20th Century it became a school and then a hospital before falling into a state of chronic disrepair, suffering arson and extensive looting. The interiors are gutted, skeletal echoes of their former magnificence. And it provides the perfect venue for the staging of a Gothic classic.
Simon Tootell, Visitor Services Manager at Poltimore, said: "The production of Jekyll and Hyde brings an opportunity for the derelict fabric of Poltimore House to again play a unique role in what has already been one of the most successful productions staged on site."
Audiences for Jekyll & Hyde are led through various rooms of the house while the story unfolds around them.
Of particular interest is the surgery, preserved since Poltimore's tenure as a hospital, and which now becomes Dr Jekyll's laboratory. As well as the actors' live performance, the vast white walls of the house are used to project short films which complement the action.
Co-producer and director Sarah White says: "We've designed a show which is faithful to the source material but inventive and eclectic.
"We shot short films which help move the action on using the same actors, and the show itself has some bloody special effects and make-up designs inspired by Japanese kabuki theatre."
Philip Kingslan John, Sarah's co-producer who also stars in the twin roles of Jekyll & Hyde, agrees: "The intimate nature of each performance is crucial to its success. For this reason, audience numbers are deliberately kept small."
Poltimore House was saved from destruction in 2000 by English Heritage and East Devon District Council, and was a finalist in the 2003 BBC television series Restoration.
Its renovation is now being coordinated by the Poltimore House Trust. A percentage of the money raised by tickets sales for Jekyll & Hyde will go towards the advancement of this project.
Jekyll & Hyde, performed by Exeter-based Four of Swords Theatre, runs for 12 performances from October 10t to 19. Tickets are available now from 01392 248398 and www.four-of-swords.com
Warm jumpers, coats and sturdy footwear are also strongly advised. The show has been deemed slightly too spooky for those under the age of 11.
