'If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be, and what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?'
I had my first immersive theatre experience about a year and a half ago when the Iris Theatre put on a production of Alice in Wonderland at St Paul's Church in Covent Garden. With the grounds transformed into magical rose gardens and opportunities to play croquet with the Queen of Hearts, my introduction to immersive theatre was one that has stayed with me ever since.
Since then, immersive theatre has become a new creative trend, with a variety of theatre companies encouraging people to experience theatre in a new way; a way that actually immerses you in the production as the plot unfolds around you. The brilliant thing about this new form of theatre is the creative possibilities are endless. The fourth wall is well and truly knocked down.
As some of you may already be aware, I'm obsessed with Alice in Wonderland, and even though I'd seen an immersive theatre production of the tale before, I was intrigued to see how this production differed in its interpretation and presentation.
This particular production was called Alice's Adventures Underground and was put together by theatre group Les Enfants Terribles . Set in the underground vaults of Waterloo, this particular production had a macabre, Tim Burton vibe to it which I adored.
In the lead up to the event, everything is kept very hush hush. It's hard to know what to expect, but the secrecy ensures that every minute of the experience is a wonderful surprise.
Groups enter the vaults at timed intervals, and what looks like an old theatre hall with vintage shabby red theatre seats has been turned into a bar serving Wonderland themed cocktails for those waiting to enter. It is here that you hand over your bags to the cloakroom - another step to ensure the secrecy of the event is maintained. Pictures are only allowed to be taken in this room and the Wonderland Bar at the end (hence the small amount of pictures).
Even if I was allowed to take pictures throughout the event, I wouldn't have, and if I did, I most certainly wouldn't share them online. Why? Because this an event that has to be seen personally to be believed. Even describing it wouldn't do it justice. The attention to detail in each of the sets and costumes as well as the new, refreshing way in which this classic tale has been presented completely exceeded my expectations.
It is a perfect example of the capabilities of the imagination. Once immersed in the performance, you completely forget your reality (in an underground vault with a bunch of actors on a Wednesday night in Waterloo) and your only concerns are who painted the roses red? Will it be off with your head?
There is never a lull in wow moments. You can't possibly predict where the story will take you and who you'll meet along the way; will you play flamingo croquet with the Queen of Hearts, or hear the Mock Turtle sing? Every time you go through another door into another part of the story, you'll struggle not to be distracted and in awe of how real Wonderland feels.
This is an event suitable for such a wide variety of people, whether you want to go as a family, a group of friends or a couple, so if you're a theatre lover or you're just looking for something new, refreshing, and mind-blowing, I implore you to get tickets before they sell out, as it's only open for a limited time only. I guarantee by the end of it you'll be an immersive theatre convert!
In the lead up to the event, everything is kept very hush hush. It's hard to know what to expect, but the secrecy ensures that every minute of the experience is a wonderful surprise.
Groups enter the vaults at timed intervals, and what looks like an old theatre hall with vintage shabby red theatre seats has been turned into a bar serving Wonderland themed cocktails for those waiting to enter. It is here that you hand over your bags to the cloakroom - another step to ensure the secrecy of the event is maintained. Pictures are only allowed to be taken in this room and the Wonderland Bar at the end (hence the small amount of pictures).
Even if I was allowed to take pictures throughout the event, I wouldn't have, and if I did, I most certainly wouldn't share them online. Why? Because this an event that has to be seen personally to be believed. Even describing it wouldn't do it justice. The attention to detail in each of the sets and costumes as well as the new, refreshing way in which this classic tale has been presented completely exceeded my expectations.
It is a perfect example of the capabilities of the imagination. Once immersed in the performance, you completely forget your reality (in an underground vault with a bunch of actors on a Wednesday night in Waterloo) and your only concerns are who painted the roses red? Will it be off with your head?
There is never a lull in wow moments. You can't possibly predict where the story will take you and who you'll meet along the way; will you play flamingo croquet with the Queen of Hearts, or hear the Mock Turtle sing? Every time you go through another door into another part of the story, you'll struggle not to be distracted and in awe of how real Wonderland feels.
This is an event suitable for such a wide variety of people, whether you want to go as a family, a group of friends or a couple, so if you're a theatre lover or you're just looking for something new, refreshing, and mind-blowing, I implore you to get tickets before they sell out, as it's only open for a limited time only. I guarantee by the end of it you'll be an immersive theatre convert!
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