Philip Pullman's Grimm Tales
I love immersive theatre, and I love fairytales. I got a bit excited over the announcement that the two would be combined in Philip Pullman's Grimm Tales at The Oxo Tower Bargehouse. I've been to some pretty exciting promenade performances in London, and I love becoming physically immersed in a story. Of course the twisted tales of the brothers Grimm are perfect for exploring - their inherent creepiness works well in a stripped bare warehouse space over five floors.
On arrival you're hit with just how cold this place is, it's even colder than outdoors - which for January right by the Thames is saying something. Wrap up warm in layers, you'll need them. You'll also be put into one of two groups who start the tales at different ends of the bargehouse. We were sent to the top and worked our way down.
I can only apologise for the dimly lit photos - the whole place is so dark! Chintzy lamps protrude from walls and intricate filament bulbs hang from ceilings. They are constantly fading and glowing to eerie effect, but annoying when you're trying to get a photo and the light suddenly changes. Theatre waits for no man to take snaps.
We start out in a holding bay which is set up with a row of beds as the creepiest dormitory ever. You're about to hear some bedtime stories, get it? Ushers lead you to each room where there's a semi-awkward struggle to get a place on rows of benches. If you don't get lucky you stand for the tale, each one lasting about twenty minutes before you go to the next room. The stories are staged in traverse style, and with wood chip under foot and a chill in the air you almost feel as you've ventured into magical woods... There are five tales in all, and a twenty minute interval, plus time at the end to wander round at your leisure. The fairytale symbols are everywhere you look.
Between each floor is a flight of stairs with dozens of portraits and paintings hung on bare brick walls. These are really worth a look, each one is uniquely morbid and creepy.
The show is aimed at both adults (who'll love the nostalgia) and children who might be hearing some of the more obscure tales for the first time. With the use of physical theatre, puppetry, live music, and compelling storytelling, the small cast entrance you so that you (almost) forget the cold and the lack of seating. You'll be mesmerised by tales of witches, princesses, magic spells and sparkly dresses that glitter in the moonlight. I particularly liked Hansel & Gretel, though the set for the witch's house was ever so sinister.
Philip Pullman's Grimm Tales is on until the 11th April, and would make the perfect half-term activity for children aged eight and over. Adults are £45 and children £20, booking is essential. My ticket was given to me in return for this review.
Do you like immersive or promenade theatre? What's the best one you've seen? Let me know in the comments below x