Big Screen on the Green: 'The Shining'

Overview

Eagle Farm Racecourse's giant screen is getting another workout — and this time, it comes with bumps and jumps. 'Tis the part of the year where all things scary, creeping and unnerving come into focus, after all, with Big Screen on the Green showcasing an absolute horror classic for Halloween.

Spiriting viewers away to a haunted hotel, The Shining is getting the huge treatment, with the screen measuring a massive 44 metres long. Head by from 7pm on Thursday, October 31 to revisit the flick that's a macabre delight for all kinds of reasons. It's based on Stephen King's novel, directed by Stanley Kubrick and features a terrifying performance from Jack Nicholson. And, thanks to elevators filled with blood, creepy twins and eye-catching orange carpet, it's filled with eerie imagery that isn't easily forgotten.

If you need a pre-film refresher, The Shining follows the Torrance family, who move to the Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies so that writer Jack (Jack Nicholson) can work as the venue's caretaker during the offseason. Slowly, they discover that things aren't quite right — and the rest is movie history.

Gates open at 5.30pm if you're keen to get cosy as early as possible. Tickets cost $15, which gets you a spot on the public lawn — or you can spend $25 and get a large popcorn as well, plus your choice of wine, sparkling, house beer or a non-boozy beverage. You can't BYO food or drinks, but there'll be more available to purchase. Or if you'd like a picnic, bring a pal and nab a $60 gourmet hamper package for two, which includes charcuterie, a cheese platter and breads.

And, if you need something to sit on — or to keep warm — you can hire picnic blankets for $12, blankets for rugging up for $5 and bean bags for $8.

When it comes to screaming "here's Johnny" and "redrum", the timing really couldn't be better, with The Shining sequel Doctor Sleep hitting cinemas the week after on Thursday, November 7.