Greeted at the door by pursed lips hanging from a string, the evening opened like the movie and hopes were high for all the weird and the wonderful from everyone’s favourite 1975 musical-horror cult classic. For those who had actually seen the film, which judging by the only vaguely transvestite and often pink costumes, many clearly hadn’t, attention to detail was one of the evening’s wins. The long white banner welcoming us to the annual ‘Transylvanain Convention’ was much appreciated, and the Union really did make a perfect ‘Frankenstein’s Place’. 

Another highlight was those fans who did take their Rocky Horror seriously. While Magenta the maid was overwhelmingly the most popular choice, much respect must go to whoever thought it would be a good idea to wear only a pair of gold thigh-high hot-pants. In October. A scantily-clad Janet in nothing but skirt and bra amongst a sea of cross-dressing men was also particularly atmospheric. 

These details, in part brought forward by the guests, prevented the theme from being a generic or tangential aspect of the party, a trap Halloween so often falls into. However, no Rocky Horror songs were heard on many trips to the dance floor; actual music from this musical themed party would have gone a long way.

And while Rocky Horror fanatics might have been most concerned about the lack of Time Warp, there were some other more generic issues. Into the night, the second dance room began to smell suspicious, the toilet queues were intolerable and the crowds noticeably thinned out around 1am. An uncomfortable observation of what seemed to be a bouncer trying to confiscate someone’s phone for filming them push another person over also put a damper on the evening. 

Central in its location, above ground and far bigger than its competitors, the Union offers a unique venue in Cambridge night life and a welcome change to the monotony of the Holy Trinity of Cindies, Life and Fez. However, considering you could go to Cindies, Life and Fez for the price of one ArcSoc ticket, the event needed more than a different venue to make it worth your money.

Nevertheless, ArcSoc was probably the best night in Cambridge this Halloween. Whether this is a comment on a well-pulled off, popular event, or the dire lack of alternatives, is hard to tell.

But, in the end, the clever and original choice of theme was executed well. ArcSoc and Fever was a successful collaboration, and we should hope for more than just an annual occurrence.