For Halloween, the Museum of Oxford and the immersive theatre company, Hidden Track, ran Damifino!, which included a tour of the more macabre aspects of their collection. This is no easy feat, not for a dearth of macabre artefacts, but rather the opposite. British history is so entwined with the morbid that it must be difficult to find examples that are particularly so, and that would genuinely frighten the average adult.

A skeleton, a hangman’s noose, Oliver Cromwell’s death mask, a footpath made of human bones, are all creepy but not necessarily scary to a desensitised public. It seems that the museum has recognised this, and has thus injected the element of comedy. Apparently human bones make for a path with excellent drainage.

Our tour guide, The Collector, was acted in-character. A man with pale makeup and a throaty laugh guided us around the museum with vague threats of beheading. The effect was rather self-aware, even naff, but in a way that encourages fond feelings and fun. His performance was not wholly convincing, but this seemed to be the point. And in the spirit of laughing at oneself, and at the museum items which are essentially about death, the enthusiasm of The Collector (and other actors and staff for that matter) was infectious.

The highlight of the tour was near the end when the Collector began muttering to himself about how he shouldn’t maim us all. ‘Not tonight,’ he told his reflection in a mirror. ‘Halloween is too obvious.’

The tour was only one aspect of the lively Damifino! event. Drinks and snacks were available to purchase, including a very pleasant Putrid Punch. Apple bobbing, tarot readings, and costume photography were also available on the night, with performances and stories performed throughout. One such story had the moral lesson ‘Don’t let anyone steal your face,’ which is surely a sensible word of advice for all.

Halloween in general is a hammy occasion filled with over-the-top costumes and acting. It’s immensely fun to get taken away in the theatrics, which is precisely what the Museum of Oxford and Hidden Track has allowed visitors to do. And for free!