Audience participation is not something new in the theatre world. Pantomimes are all about breaking the fourth wall, and even musical shows like the Blue Man Group brings audience members up onto the stage and take great humour in (occasionally) embarrassing latecomers. Even circus acts like the Cirque du Soleil has invited lucky members to join the regular cast on stage.
Blue Man Group heralding late arrivals
Immersive theatre on the other hand is a whole new other experience. It takes 4D to another level – the entire show is basically breaking the fourth wall to make you a part of the show. An air of mystery, from a secret location to an undisclosed plot, will draw those with who hunger for the unknown. To the guests, it’s like being part of a secret society and an escape from the humdrum of real life.
Locally, we also have our own theatre group who has jumped onto the immersive theatre bandwagon – Andsoforth brings to life their own concepts and stories that uses source material from legends and fairytales. Their shows, which have been around since 2014, tend to mix a dining experience like one of those themed restaurants similar to that of Ninja Akasaka in Japan or Peace Prison Cafe Inn in Taiwan with a theatre experience. The inclusion of the dining aspect could be to entice show go-ers from Singapore where we are all obsessed with eating, and it seems to be working. Andsoforth’s previous show, The Imaginarium Of Disco David, extended its run by a good four months due to its popularity.
So what exactly is it about these immersive theatre that makes it so much more exciting that the normal theatre experience?
It’s the anticipation and magical experience of being actually part of the show. Sure, there’s VR for those who might want to experience another reality, but it’s immersive theatre where the characters bring fantasies to life through your interactions. Even the venue can be anything – from abandoned warehouses to underground basements. Theatre doesn’t only belong on the stage.
There’s also the possibility that anything could happen – the actors have to respond to the audiences in real time whilst keeping in character. While the source material from these shows are often familiar with the everyday person, these theatre groups take the characters and give them a quirky and edgy twist.
Secret Theatre Project, which hails from the UK, has recently staged a production, SE7EN Deadly Sins, on a speedboat and haunted mansion on LAMMA island and Project Mayhem which has travelled the world. With previous stops in New York City, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong, Secret Theatre Project will finally be bringing their thrilling and edgy shows to Singapore. Just like every other show, we don’t know anything except the ticket prices and that the show will be a ‘sexy, dangerous thrill ride’, but that’s just the whole fun of it!
It’s interesting to note that Richard Crawford, the creative brains behind Secret Theatre Project, estimates that half the attendees at his shows aren’t regular theatre go-ers. It’s probably safe to say the same of the audiences here, as these shows aren’t what you would usually expect. You need to be adventurous, and be willing to interact with the actors (because that’s the whole point of immersive theatre). It’ll definitely be interesting to see how this plays out here, where audience members tend to be more reserved.
We would love to tell you more, but the first rule of Secret Theatre is still that you do not talk about Secret Theatre. Guess you’ll have to cop a ticket to really experience the hype for yourself – we already have got ours in anticipation!
The Secret Theatre Project by Secret Studio Lab will run from 3 May to 10 June 2018, tickets available now. All patrons must be above 21 years old.
Adventures in Grimmsneyland by Andsoforth will be running till 17 March 2018, tickets available now.
Header image from Andsoforth, all other images from Andsoforth, Secret Theatre Project.
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