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Sleep No More Feb 2024 - Goodbye!

Time to say goodbye to the show that made me fall in love with Punchdrunk.

I’d booked my NYC trip before the closing announcement, and had made peace with the fact I wouldn’t get to see it when they announced the third final extension. Having already organised my time in NYC around not seeing the show, I just booked the one visit to say goodbye to the McKittrick.

To start, I’d forgotten just how dark the journey to Manderley is! But it brought back some wicked memories of that same corridor when I first walked through 10 years before. At that time I had no idea how my life was about to change, and nearly 50 punchdrunk shows later, the buzz I get from putting on a mask hasn’t diminished.

My show was a wonderful goodbye to the space. Following McDuff in loop 1 (I hadn’t seen the interrogation before - wow!), making sure I visited every room in loop 2 (& popping into the rave), and trying to keep up with Banquo in loop 3. I’ll never get to the 6th floor, but that’s ok. No 1:1s but I’ve had more than my fair share in my seven SNM shows, and the absinthe cocktail was as delicious as I remember.

So long W27th street…I never liked your location much, but I love what you did with the place…

#sleepnomore #punchdrunk

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Bacchanalia Feb 2024

What a super small-scale immersive show. My first time at the Crypt, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d avoided all spoilers, and knew nothing of the story or format, and going in blind was amazing.

I was early (as always) so was in the first group in, and was busting to get into the space and explore. Surprised at how small it was, I found myself a bit out of sorts - ironically feeling somewhat punchdrunk.

I soon realised that the small size would be one of the shows greatest strengths - being able to see the action in multiple rooms at the same time, and a small audience meant many genuine connections with the fantastic cast.

Following the majestic Dionysus was a pleasure - and genuinely joyous in parts. A really great show from this up and coming immersive company.

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Shows 28 - 30. So long to the city.

Show 28 was to be my final ‘normal’ show. After the last visit lip-sync battle with Fania - I thought I’d give her a follow. She was on as Askalaphos and the loop was gorgeous. We danced into the 1:1, and her eyes twinkled with recognition as she lifted my mask. ‘I thought it was you’ she whispered in character. I’d had this 1:1 previously, but this time was so much more intense, intimate and exhilarating. I’ll miss seeing Fania do her stuff…she’s truly special.

Andrea was on as Kampe and I just had to say goodbye. His sexual torment, flirtatious disinterest and stirring madness made me go back time and time again for purely masochistic reasons, and it seemed a fitting goodbye to Troy.

Show 29 was the party show. I had an amazing show following Sam Hades, everyone’s costumes adding to the atmosphere. Sam was having fun as always playing with the audience, and the performance was once again stunning. The whole audience was shepherded into Mycenae for an extended finale, which was beautiful. The vast audience was treated to dancers in every direction; on the stone table, the Czech hedgehogs and in the normal running circle. Audience and actors dancing out with candles. Remember…

I’d like to say that I remember the whole night…but my memory is pretty fuzzy. What I do know is that I had a fabulous time and spent some wonderful moments with cast and fans. There were some glorious throw backs to TDM and SNM, and some amazing acts as always. Our peep hosts once again spoiled us with manic chaos and it was delightful.

Show 30. The final.

Where better to start my final show than with Kampe. The highlight was a stuffed owl fight between Pin and one of the super fans - I regret nothing.

I did a final peep loop basking in the glory of Mallory & Ali, followed by a highlights loop. Saying goodbye to the space and my journey into Greece and Troy. The finale was once again beautifully extended, and the rapturous applause still continues in my head.

Remember…

I will miss you my burnt city. I will miss the space. I will miss the characters, the actors and the fans. I will miss the extraordinary sense of peace that it gives and the mindfulness support it delivers. I will miss the smells and the sounds. I will miss the excitement of walking into Peep, the cast changes, the new scenes and improvisations.

So long for now…until the B side.

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Show 27 - Remixing and lip-syncing

The night with the ultimate 1–1, the highlight of my Burnt City journey.

Remix was a lot of fun, even though I’d partly spoiled it for myself. After not being able to attend on NYE - I’d read lots, and discussed what happened with many of the fans, and so I already knew what was potentially coming. I spent the evening wandering, and then hanging out in Peep for a loop, and then following Andrea for what would be my final Aegisthus loop.

Post-Remix Peep was truly incredible. The lip-sync battles were on, and I knew this could be my moment to shine! Living out my Burnt City fantasies and fuelled by many margaritas - I battled against Fania. She was the perfect generous professional and played the straight man against my mania. The recording is on YouTube…forever immortalised.

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Shows 25 & 26 - the two loop summer shows.

Remix weekend - would be a shame not to get a couple of shows in before hand. Reports of aggressive 1-1 hunters, declining audience behaviour and packed shows were mildly concerning, but by this show I’d had pretty much all the 1-1s I’d hoped for, and went in with a relaxed attitude hoping to see my favourite loops 1 more time, and follow a couple of characters for the first time.

Show 25 - Omar was on as Kampe, and Mallory as Oracle. Omar has been a favourite of mine since TDM - his William was the first character I bumped into in the space on my first show - and I had his porch dance pretty much to myself. Kampe had fast become my favourite character, and I knew there had been some changes made to the loop. The audience was pretty aggressive, and he had a big following, but he brought a new angle to Kampe. For me, Andrea will always be ‘my’ Kampe, but Omar gave me a sense of calm power I’d not seen from other actors playing the part. Oracle was a new loop for me, I adore Mallory in Peep, and wanted to watch her play a character as far apart as possible from the madness of Nance! Her Oracle was beautiful and moving, but 1 oracle loop was enough for me - I know people love the character as a comfort loop, but for me it’s just a little too slow.

Show 26 - based on the slightly aggressive audience behaviour the day before, I decided to follow some characters who I knew I could find should I get separated, so chose 2 favourite loops - PolyD and Zag. I adore the way Ferghas defies gravity, and he didn’t disappoint. One of the things I’ll miss most from the city is east hint the characters navigate the space without using the floor. “Ferghas for Spiderman!”. Seirian was on as Zag, and I love the naughty charm that he brings to each of his roles. Georges playing Apollo is always incredible, and the gleeful frolicking was gorgeous.

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Shows 23 and 24

In London for Mighty Hoopla, it would be rude not to get a couple of shows in.

Show 23 was Friday night, and I knew it would be one of Carls last Aces appearances. Settled on a peep loop 2, I thought I’d spend 1 and 3 just relaxing in the space. Eric was on as Hades and he zoned in on me in the welcome. I never volunteer to be ‘first’ or ‘next’ as I think it’s a brilliant intro for first timers…but he looked directly at me as he asked who’s first….and waited until I had to put my hand up. He sent me through to Mycenae and as I was fairly late in, I decided to wait a couple of minutes for him to turn up in the crate room. I’ve not seen that scene before so was keen to see his initial movements through the space. I followed him up to the first 1:1 and wondered if he would pick me out again…..and omg that 1:1 is amazing. I felt so bad leaving him to go to peep, but my only intention for the night was to say goodbye to Aces. So I did the dirty…

I spent loop 3 wandering and guiltily watching Hades from afar…but it was a magical show and Carl was as splendid as ever.

Show 24 was a hang-over show. The Hades entrance was hilarious. Sam has a sixth sense for picking out people who don’t want to be chosen…so for the second time this weekend I was sent over to Greece. Feeling a little delicate, I decided on a Fania Luba, and a Omagbitse Clytemnestra. Fania was INSANE! what a performance! She is genuinely terrifying and her scene in the tenements wash room was glorious! Omagbitse is the ultimate Clytemnestra and it was fab to see the whole loop. I’ve seen it in parts, but never the whole tragic episode. Loop 3 I tried to do a Nick Polymestor….but Troy was so hot, my hangover got the better of me so I spent some chill time with Mitch Zag. To top a magic weekend was a walkout with the oh so lovely Serian…who can make me melt with looks like that anytime he wants

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The burnt city shows 20,21 and 22 + party!

Never have I been as excited for a theatre event! I’ve missed all the punchdrunk parties before, so I was buzzing!!!

But before the party…The Saturday double was a 1:1 fest! I’d had my Andrea love, and my Milton love in previous weekends - 20&21 was time for Louis to give me love. In the early I decided to start with Macariah - I’d stumbled into the 1:1 previously, but never seen the (near-full) loop. It was beautifully done, and I’m glad I’ve finally seen one of the Troy-girls stories. I’ve still yet to do a full PolyX or Cassandra or Eury - but may get there one day! The 1:1 was so much better than it had been early on in the run, and Fern is an amazing actor. I spent a bit of loop 2 in peep and then with Apollo, before deciding Louis Polymestor was my destiny for loop 3. I’m never in Troy for the finale, so wanted to follow him all the way through to the final post blinding scene. His loop was incredible! It was quiet and I felt like for much of it, we were alone. He picked me for both 1:1s and I think would have got the walk across had I been a little quicker post-blinding. I love the punchdrunk magic that makes you feel like the most special person in the world for that moment. I saw Louis in the bar briefly and said thanks for the 1:1s, and that I’d see him again later!

In the late, my only plan was a Louis Kronos loop 2. Whilst your winning….

PolyD loop 1 was incredible as ever - I just love the way dead-Ferghas navigates the streets and Louis was amazing as Kronos. Totally on form, totally invested and committed to the character. He picked me for the 1:1 and I tried my best to hide my grin as he unmasked me. I sometimes wonder how ‘stalkery’ we come across…but hey ho, he could have chosen anyone else. I had a chilled loop 3 with the watchman and picked up my 5th 1:1 of the day…although given no one else was following him, I kind of expected it. As the next 1:1 came around it was still just the 2 of us. It could have been super awkward had another WM not turned up at the perfect time.

Show 22 and party!

Wow! Wow! Wow!

The party was just incredible!

I was wearing 6 inch platforms, so the show was a ‘highlights tour’ rather than a loop-based one. It was lovely to spend time on the balcony in Mycenae and in peep - just soaking in the environment and feeling content.

Carl did an insane job choreographing the party and it was out of this world. You can see the pics online but it was so much more in real life. I can’t wait to go back to the next party to see what they do next. Met some amazing people and feel like I have some great new mates through this show.

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The burnt city - shows 18 & 19

The pissed off double…I was just in a bad mood.

Having a shite day and hoping the show would pull me out of it….it didn’t.

Show 1, should have been great - Mitch as Agamemnon and then Lily Persephone -both of who were fantastic. On any other day I would have been in glorious wonderment…but choosing to ‘do Persephone’ when you’re already annoyed was perhaps not the wisest choice. When a pushy arrogant WM tried to push past me for the 4th time I’d had enough and stood my ground. He then had the balls to whisper ‘for gods sake, calm down mate’ before continuing to be awful for the rest of the loop.

Even whilst annoyed, Lily’s 3rd loop stint in peep was hilarious - and I’m glad I got to see her 1:5 - it didn’t quite tug on the heart strings like Stephanie’s, but offered a different energy which was lovely to see. I also thought her storytelling was clearer, although I was watching it for the second time.

By the evening show, I was still annoyed, so decided to do a hot-man show to make myself feel better. Ali Neo, Andreas Kampe, Serian Apollo. Still pissed off, but the eye candy was a welcome distraction.

I love the Burnt City for being able to take me out of the real world… it seems it can immediately make me forget stress but not angst!

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The Burnt City - Shows 16 & 17

The one show weekend (that turned into two).

If my last two shows were the ‘Andrea shows’, then this weekend was the ‘Milton shows’. Working in the area, I’d only planned on attending on Friday, but I caved into temptation and booked a last minute Saturday night ticket too.

I started the Friday show with a plan to follow Milton’s Kronos. I know he likes to start in the tenement square early, so a fellow WM was kind enough to swap their red ace with my black one. Sam has a 6th sense for these things, so naturally, he picked me out in the museum opening scene to stay behind and send me on my merry way to Mycenae! I sprinted through the museum, and arrived at tenement square, just as Milton emerged from room VIII, and followed him for a magical loop. I’ve seen Kronos a few times now, and in my opinion, no one else plays Kronos as well - the bits of his loop I’ve seen before were elevated and it was utterly fabulous. I was fortunate to get into both closed door interactions with my loop finishing with his incredibly intense 1:1 just after reset.

After a decompress and a stiff drink, I decided to have a wander around to fill in some of the gaps that I’ve previously missed. I’ve seen most of Iphigenia’s loop but never the start. So I picked her up after the invasion and followed her through the reset to the party. I’ve seen the party plenty - so went back over to Troy to pick up Louis’ PolyM. A couple of novel castings meant that everyone in the world was following Clytemnestra- and PolyM was almost deserted. Only two of us followed him leaving the club, and I was lucky to be picked for my second 1:1 of the night. As the blinding got underway, I headed over to Mycenae for the finale, leaving PolyM to the other white mask, who I was happy to see got the walk down(over).

Show 17 was an impulse buy, and when I arrived at Woolwich, I’d not looked at the cast list, nor really considered what I may do. I found out Ali had played Hades for the first time in forever in the matinee, and was, as such, swamped. Given he was so busy early on, I wondered whether this may be the night to get the first Hades 1:1, so I hung out in Mycenae with the boys for a while, before heading over to the greenhouse in time for Hades to arrive. When he got there, he already had a follower, but I joined them anyway…alas it was not meant to be!

So I just enjoyed the space, wandered about and waited for something to capture my attention…and what captured my attention was Jordan’s PolyD. His PolyD was my first Burnt City 1:1, way back near the start of the run, and I haven’t really done a PolyD loop since. I picked him up near the end of the 1st loop and then spent the 2nd loop with him. It’s amazing to see how this loop has developed, and his parkour elements are beautifully choreographed and delivered. No 1:1 this time, but you can’t win them all!

For my final loop, I decided to finish the way I started with a Milton masterclass, and oh, what a loop it was. For me Zagreus and Eury bring light to the City, and his loop was incredible. I’ve never felt quite so fortunate; by the end of the loop I had such a strong connection with the character, I felt a sense of grief to let him go. He gifted me with interaction after interaction and for just a small amount of time his world was my world.

I’m not due back again for a couple of months - but I don’t think I can last that long……

#burnt city #the burnt city #punchdrunk

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The burnt city, shows 13-15

After Friday’s triumphant Persephone loop, Hades was the logical choice for the Saturday early. I was possibly a little late finding him - coming down the stairs from the greenhouse, and wasn’t selected for the 1st 1:1. I hung around the square for a bit and was lucky to be plucked out for the second. A fellow WM tried to sneak in front of me to get it - but Sam gently pushed her back and beckoned me forth.

I’ve felt a connection with Sam’s characterisations since TDM - and his (extended) loop was just brilliant. He’s got a way of being both terrifying and captivating and finally after 13 shows - I felt like I’ve got a grip on the story of the city. Sure the fall of Troy is the basis of the show - but I don’t think it was until after this visit that I really got the punchdrunk re-telling.

After the near perfection of shows 12 & 13, I was concerned Saturday night was going to be a disappointment, so I decided for 14 to go without too much of a plan. I fancied seeing Nicks Polymestor, but wasn’t committed. So started with a familiar face, following Emily’s Hecuba for loop 1. I’ve seen most of the loop previously but haven’t followed her before. The flower shop solo was raw and beautiful and the boudoir anger that followed was so intense.

The kinky PolyM scene also sealed by my decision to follow Nick for loop 2. And boy was it worth it. We became friends on the balcony - and I firmly switched my allegiance from the distraught mother to the bad boy.

Loop 3 was decided for me. I walked through the boudoir to find Andrea’s Aegisthus almost alone - how could I leave him??? By the time we left for the flower shop it was just me and him, and the flower shop strop dance was purely for me. It was gorgeous and it felt like I had the Mona Lisa to myself. We had company by the time we reached the party, but I was fortunate to get the 1:1 and completed the loop feeling very special.

I knew the Sunday show (show 15) was going to be busy, so again didn’t want to set expectations. Jonathan was playing Kronos, and given he’s new, I thought it may be quiet. It was indeed a quiet loop - just 3 WMs, but I wasn’t the lucky one at reset time. I wandered upstairs to klub and then to Mycenae but there were so many people about, I decided it was time for a Peep loop (not a poop leap). I’m so unbelievably glad I made that choice! Nick and Carl were hosting - and it was AMAZING! Kampe’s (Andrea) performances made my mind up that I’d do a Kampe loop for loop 3, and once again he was the incredible performer we expect. I danced with him in the square, praying that a restraining order isn’t going to be landing on my doorstep next week.

My love for TBC continues to blossom - back next month for show 16!

#the burnt city #punchdrunk

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The burnt city - Show 12

I visited the city again last night, for the first show of a 4 show weekend. My intention was to check out some of the new cast, but fate had other ideas for me.

When I emerged in Troy, Robs Laocoon was alone, and I hate passing up on the opportunity of having a character to myself. So I started to follow, and he captured me. Such a fab loop, and so many moments I haven’t seen before. His scene in the sake bar was the highlight. And I was fortunate that his loop remained so quiet it felt like an extended 1:1. Some other WMs joined towards the end of the loop, but for the first 30 minutes or so, I was pretty much alone….

The show felt pretty quiet overall, so at reset I decided to take the plunge and follow Persephone (Lily) for the first time. Her huge crowd has put me off before, but there wasn’t a big crowd around her. And wow what a phenomenal loop. I was placed/picked to enjoy all the scenes for her double loop, and it blew my mind! I think her story is possibly the best punchdrunk character loop I’ve seen across all the shows and I can see why she’s so key to the story of the burnt city. I won’t spoil anything here, but if you haven’t seen her loop yet…just bite the bullet and do it.

#the burnt city #punchdrunk

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Show 11 (back sooner than expected!)

The second time entering via peep, and my concerns on not being able to connect with other visitors who attend alone was unfounded. I had a lovely chat in the queue and in peep with some fellow fans before entering.

Eric was on as Hades, and he has a very different energy to Sam and Ali. I was considering a Hades show for the first time - but I really want Sam to be my first, so I changed my plans.

I forgot to look who was on so checked out the Greeks before wandering over to Troy. In Troy Luke was playing Zag, and was all alone…so despite having spent time with Milton’s Zag last visit, I decided to stick around and follow the loop. I was lucky to get the first 1-1, and it was terrifyingly brilliant. I missed out on the second 1-1, but hung around to follow him back to Troy for the end of the loop - the fates didn’t give me the shot this time! I’ve seen Luke in many Punchdrunk roles. And his commitment to the character never fails to deliver a stellar performance. Every time I see him fling himself around I wonder how he’s not permanently injured.

At the reset I wandered into the main square in Troy to see Persephone emerge, and hung around to see who was playing the main Troy crew. Jude was on as PolyM, and I’ve not seen him in the role before. Adam is definitely ‘my’ Polymestor, but having not had either 1-1, I thought I’d give him a try. I got passed over for both 1-1s, and rather than hanging around for him to emerge from the 2nd I headed back over to Mycenae to catch the 2nd part of Iphigenia’s loop. I’d seen most of the scenes following other characters, but it was nice to see it joined up!

At the reset I headed back over to Troy - and decided to do a Kronos loop. I’ve not seen Mitch in the role before and his stature definitely adds a new dimension to the role. Another WM and I did the full loop and it was the best ‘buddy loop’ I’ve done. She was the lucky one at 1-1 time, but I was happy for her having already had one earlier in the show. At the end of the loop I bypassed the Troy finale and followed Mitch over to Mycenae for the Greek finale. I planted myself in my favourite spot and was gifted a Yilin walkout - a great end to a fab night.

The audience clapped for the first time I’ve seen and it was fab!!!

#the burnt city #punchdrunk

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The Burnt City shows (9 & 10)

Back in Woolwich yesterday for show number 10, and had the pleasure of taking a first timer. I’ll never forget my first experience of arriving in The Manderley, and being thrown into a punchdrunk world, and it’s great to experience that through other people’s eyes. The new bar definitely helps with the immersion - it’s a much better introduction, and getting to meet Hades right off the bat is stellar.

Anyway, I’m getting ahead of myself. Show 9 was actually back in August, and was a 2 loop show due to the heat. I was prepared for it (thanks to the fandom) and was super excited to have a no-pressure 30 mins to explore the set. Sadly the gods had other ideas, and the fire alarm put a stop to that idea…although I did take the opportunity to take a sneaky look around the Porsche workshop on my way out - thinking i may not have the chance again!

As I left the city, some of the cast were also evacuated outside and I locked eyes with Fred - Kampe…my first loop was decided, and as soon as I got back in, I set about trying to find him. It was a great loop! I’ve always had a soft spot for Fred - his doctor was my first ever 1-1 in the studios and his depth of characterisation blows me away. The 1-1 was super intense and he sang to me in the bar…before I lost him for the very end of the loop when he left the bar out of a door I wasn’t expecting!

I spent the second loop primarily with Macariah, and ironically ended up in the workshop for the second time that night. The 1-1 was intense, but I’ve never really felt a good connection with the women of Troy. I left Troy to watch the finale from my favourite spot in Mycenae.

Show 10 yesterday was back to 3 loops, and started perfectly when my card was picked first, and then Hades gave me the public 1-1, sending me on to Troy. I soon found Kronos, and had him to myself for about 15 mins which was amazing. I followed Kronos until he closed the door on me at 1-1 time, and decided to move on. I bumped into Askalaphos and followed the second half of his loop. I’ve followed him before, but his loop felt completely different than when I saw it previously. Perhaps it’s just Jude vs Andrea, or they have creative freedom, or it’s been re-choreographed? But I wasn’t expecting the 1-1 to happen when it did, and I was fortunate to be in the right place.

I watched the overdose and then hurried over to watch Persephone enter the space for the first time. I’ve not seen it before and wasn’t expecting her to be quite so….damp. There was a crowd waiting for Mallory, and then I spotted Milton playing Zag. I loved his Kronos, so latched on, and noticed significant changes to his loop too. Definitely for the better - he was more in love and more raw than I could handle. I followed him until the crate 1-1, when I spotted the friend I came with. A quick debrief in the bar, and he’d seen most of the key scenes across Troy and Mycenae - I was happy that I didn’t need to drag him around to see any big scenes.

Loop 3 I had a lovely time just feeling the space. I spent a while wandering the desert and just being calm. Watched the wedding party, and the sacrifice and Iphy’s rebirth.

Wanted to make sure my friend saw the Mycenae finale so wandered over to Troy to check he wasn’t in the crowd. I have never heard such a blood curdling scream as the one which came from Andrea’s Kampe. Truly chilling.

The Greek finale was of course as beautiful as ever and I’m once again dreaming of my return. Shows 11-14 booked in for January.

#the burnt city #punchdrunk

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The Burnt City (shows 5-8)

My second weekend in Woolwich last weekend, and my love of this show grows. 1:1s are well and truly back, and I was fortunate to experience 4 of them and 2 walk outs.

It was great to see more of Troy this trip, and some genuine moments of joy between Eurydice and Zagreus. They share some moments which are beautiful and bring levity to the surrounding tragedy.

The character loops have been polished, and it’s becoming more masterful with time. I’m getting more familiar with the soundtrack and found myself returning to my favourite moments to watch from afar, or from a different angle.

I stayed in Troy for the finale for the first time, and although good, it’s not a patch on the Mycenae ending.

If you were waiting for the Punchdrunk magic to kick in - I think now is the time to visit. The PD veterans are out in force, it’s still fresh enough that the actors are playing with their creative freedom, and the whole experience is wonderful (except for some usual shitty audience behaviour).

I’ve now seen the full loops (except all 1:1s) of:

Hesperides, Aegisthus, Agamemnon, Achilles, Apollo (mostly), Kronos, Eurydice, Odysseus, Polydorus, Polymestor, Zagreus, Luba, Oracle

Half loops of:

Artemis, Iphigenia

And yet to follow:

Laocoon, Patroclus, Hades, Persephone, Polyxena, Pen, Hecuba, Clytemnestra, Cassandra, Kampe

I’ll be back to complete the set later in the year. I hope they manage to retain the beauty and spirit as the run continues.

#the burnt city

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The Burnt City (no spoilers!)

Last weekend I had my first foray into The Burnt City. I managed four shows (Friday - Sunday) and it’s safe to say, I’m excited for my future bookings in July!

In summary, I frickin’ loved it! It’s so fabulous to have a punchdrunk world in the UK again, and like their other recent (masked) productions, it’s one which will benefit from many multiple visits.

So is it as good as Sleep No More or The Drowned Man?

Well it depends on your perspective. Sleep No More will always be my ‘first’. There’s something magical about that first journey into the masked unknown, and I’m not sure any other performance will ever top the first boy witch loop I experienced, a masterpiece of immersion by David Botana. But Vinicius Salles comes pretty close with his portrayal of Agamemnon, and the big scale scenes in The Burnt City blow Sleep No More out of the water. For me The Burnt City is a better production, but it hasn’t quite found the soul that Sleep No More has developed over the past decade. I hope by the time I return in a couple of months, it will have really developed a unique character.

Compared to The Drowned Man, which I believe was a superior production to Sleep No More the question of superiority is less clear. I loved the juxtaposition of the different floors at TDM, and that clash of defined space doesn’t feel quite as well realised in TBC - moving from Mycenae to Troy is a definite change of atmosphere, but somehow being on one level as you traverse the space, doesn’t have the same effect as entering a new world on a new floor. For me, punchdrunk need to do something much more dramatic between the spaces to throw you from one world to another. I think the big scenes in The Burnt City are even better (on the whole) than The Drowned Man, and the finale is utterly brilliant - raw, emotional and captivating. The sound track was better at TDM, (whenever I hear the Shangri-Las I’m transported back to Temple Studios) and after 12 hours in TBC, I can’t recollect any of the music.

So should you go? Yes absolutely! Book to go a few times whilst you’re at it, and immerse yourself in the joy of a production which is growing and evolving.

#the burnt city #punchdrunk

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Secret Cinema - Casino Royale

First trip to a secret cinema event and had an absolutely great evening - although from an immersive theatre perspective it was slightly lacking.

I think I’d describe it as an ‘immersive-lite’ event, a handful of actors only for an audience which must have been around 1000 people. Perhaps the brand has just become too big, I think an immersive newbie would struggle to understand what to do and where to go in the limited free-roaming time. The screening itself had some nice touches with live action sequences, but it was so bloody hot we only warched for the first 45 mins or so, before heading to the bar.

So would I recommend? Yes for a fun night out with friends in a well set environment, but don’t go expecting true immersive theatre - you’ll be disappointed.

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Equus - Stratford East 1st March 2019

I have just had the pleasure of watching an astonishing piece of theatre.

Peter Shaffer’s play is most well known because Harry Potter got his cock out on stage in 2007, and I’m so glad he did. Without the ridiculous press his member caused, it is unlikely that this touring production would have been made.

Ethan Kai in the role of Alan Strang was a true tour de force. His portrayal of the disturbed teenager was beautifully dark and wonderfully twisted. When combined with physicality and movement of Ira Mandela Siobhan’s horse, the scenes they created together blurred the boundaries between theatre and performance art - truly stunning to behold.

If you’re in London over the next few weeks, I urge you to visit this beautiful little theatre in Stratford and witness this creative spectacle, I utterly loved it!