In a 30 minute segment, BBC Radio 4 looked into the world of immersive theatre and came out alive. In It’s Fun, But Is It Theatre?, they explore what the world of immersive theatre holds and why it’s worth looking into.
If you’re new to the idea of immersive theatre it’s worth listening to, as well as checking out the links they have assembled to some of the more popular troupes creating immersive events. One of the theatre companies making immersive theatre has a great name: You Me Bum Bum Train.
Sarah Hemming, theatre critic for the Financial Times screws her courage to the sticking point and embarks on a series of theatrical experiences, to help you decide whether you too might enjoy this type of theatre trip: the sort that doesn’t involve a stage, a programme, an ice cream at the interval – oh, or a seat. Experiences can range from Lucien Bourjeily’s re- enactment of imprisonment in a Syrian detention centre – “we promise you will be released at the end” ,to a magical storytelling moment by a cosy library fireplace – but is it theatre?
Just think of the future when augmented reality and immersive theatre collide!
The CBC radio show Spark covered immersive theatre back in January. They have a firsthand account of what it’s like to go through Punchdrunk by Sleep No More.
It would’ve been great if they mentioned ZED.TO.
