Forget the X Factor, the search is on for people with the F(reak) Factor. Thorpe Park is looking for an array of outlandish, strange, uniquely unusual or downright disgusting talents for open auditions at the top theme park on 14th October. All shapes, sizes and levels of freaky behaviour and weird abilities are invited to attend and absolutely no performance experience is required. The successful candidate will become the newest member of the cult, Circus of Horrors, a 21st century rock & roll circus with a strong concentration of freaky acts and performers. Ringmaster, Doktor Haze, is on the look out for fresh blood to join his line up of dwarves, contortionists, vampires and record breaking acts and oddities to make a debut appearance at the new Carnival of the Bizarre show launching at Thorpe Park�s Fright Nites event 2004.

�We have a fantastic cast of extremely talented performers blending together the weird, wonderful and down-right barmy but are always on the look out for new and unique abilities � and that doesn�t mean having previous entertainment experience,� says Haze. �Whether somebody is born with a different gift or if they have taught their bodies to do �freaky� things, we want to hear from them. They don�t need to have publicly performed before but their ability must be something that could be featured as part of an entertaining and intriguing performance. Could they for instance fit themselves into an 18 inch wide bottle, or beat the World Record for fixing clothes pegs onto the face?�

Hopefuls will be judged by Doktor Haze alongside one of the Circus of Horrors top performers, Gary Stretch. One of only ten people in the world with a rare skin condition that literally enables him to stretch it, Gary holds the world record for stretchiest skin and affixing the most number of clothes pegs to his face � a staggering 153!

�The Carnival of the Bizarre line-up for Fright Nites 2004 is already awesome and adds to our terrifying Fright Nites offering,� says Thorpe Park�s Emma Hart. �But we want to see if there�s any undiscovered freakishness out there that might add another, different dimension. Amongst others the new performer will join Gary Stretch, Dan the Demon Dwarf who catches a bullet in his teeth, Satanica with her Scorpions and Snakes and the human pin cushion known as the Mongolian Laughing Boy � so they will be making their debut with some incredible acts�.

Auditions will be held at Thorpe Park on Thursday 14th October at 11.00am. Candidates must be over 18, should register in advance and report any special equipment or props with Annalisa Hoadley on 020 7402 9966.

For further information please contact: Louise White/Karen Murphy on 020 7402 9966

Note to editors: The Circus of Horrors was formed in 1995 and performs to audiences around the world in theatre, festival and arena settings.

The Carnival of the Bizarre will be at Thorpe Park during its Fright Nites event from 22nd-31st October. Advance booking strongly recommended on 0870 444 4466 or @ www.thorpepark.com.