Immersive theatre in London

What is it? Even if you have literally never wanted to be part of the crew of a spaceship you’ll probably have a fun time at Parabolic Theatre’s Bridge Command, an immersive theatre show slash team-bonding exercise slash LARPer paradise that sees you and your fellow contestants take command of the, uh, bridge of a spaceship and undertake a variety of missions that run the gamut from diplomacy to warfare. The show has entered its second ‘season’, which adds an alien threat to the interconnected stories.

Where is it? Arches 63 and 64 Albert Embankment (Vauxhall).

What is it? As you would imagine from the title, Elvis Evolution is a show about Elvis Presley, and promises to offer a whirlwind, VR-enhanced two-hour tour through his life, building up to his classic ’68 comeback special. Please note that the start date of the show has now been delayed three times, though fingers crossed it’ll appear in July 2025.

Where is it? ExCel London.

What is it? Think the past few years have been rough? Try surviving a Martian invasion only to be captured by an enormous fighting machine and having your blood harvested, ‘The Matrix’-style, in a stifling capsule. This VR-enhanced immersive take on the prog rock adaptation of the classic sci-fi novella is good, silly, occasionally scary fun. 

Where is it? 56 Leadenhall St.

What is it? Despite being an unofficial tribute to John Cleese’s legendary ’70s sitcom, this long-running interactive dinner show captures the show’s spirit surprisingly well.

Where is it? President Hotel.

What is it? If we’re getting our heads around it right, this unusual new work from ‘multi-media performance company’ The American Vicarious is basically a massive wargame based on the storming of the Capitol on January 6 2021. The show will revolve around a gigantic 50’ by 50’ board with over 10,000 hand painted miniatures and a 14’ model of the Capitol at its heart. Up to 20 participants per game are invited to shape how the two sides play out the battle this time, while the rest of the audience watches matters unfurl in a more passive sense. 

Where is it? Stone Nest.

What is it? This lavish new central London immersive experience makes no bones about fact it’s a live extension of the world of the two (soon to be three) StudioCanal movies, but the gentle globe-hopping adventure you experience in it is purely delightful.

Where it it? County Hall.

What is it? Secret Cinema are back! It’s been three years since the immersive London legends had a show on in the capital – with 2022’s Guardians of the Galaxy – but we’re promised we’ll get a production a year for the next three summers as they set up shop in their new temporary home of Battersea Park.

Where is it? Evolution London. 

What is it? Taking in five games in 60 minutes – so rather breezier than the show – Squid Game: The Experience will feature non-lethal recreations of iconic challenges from the Netflix TV show, including the glass bridge, marbles, and – of course – Red Light, Green Light (featuring that horrifying doll thing). Hopefully it’ll all be a good laugh and the lack of actual danger won’t leave you feeling like you’re just playing some random children’s games. 

Where is it? ImmerseLDN.

What is it? It’s difficult to know exactly what to make of this new immersive show without having seen it, but it certainly sounds intriguing. Made by new company Sage & Jester, Storehouse is set inside a warehouse that stores every British paper ever and would seem to an immersive adventure that’s a riposte to misinformation and fake news. Toby Jones, Meera Syal, Billy Howle and Kathryn Hunter are certainly an impressive voice cast.

Where is it? Deptford Storehouse.

What is it? The Traitors is, of course, the betrayal based reality TV show-slash-gameshow that has gripped the nation via its two Claudia Winkleman-presented series. And now London will be the first city in the world to get an actual live version.

Where is it? 60 Short’s Garden, Covent Garden.