Writer: Daisy Johnson
Directors: Felix Barrett and Hector Harkness
For anyone who loved falling asleep to audiobooks as a child, this immersive experience feels like stepping inside a story. After a brief induction -putting on noise-cancelling headphones and removing your shoes and socks – small groups are ready to embark on the adventure waiting beyond the door.
Entering a room that blends the eras, with teenage posters plastered over Victorian wallpaper, you’re immediately drawn into the tale being whispered into your ears. Settling down on a bed, Helena Bonham Carter’s enchanting voice introduces us to the protagonist, Princess Viola. This isn’t your typical fairytale as Daisy Johnson’s writing descriptively invites us into the world with deeply poetic imagery.
Simon Wilkinson’s lighting guides us through a labyrinth of rooms with candy-floss-like clouds of light. The lighting fades to pitch darkness at crucial moments, enhancing the eerie feeling of the unknown. There are no jump-scares, but the darkness evokes sensations part of the emotive journey, encouraging us to put ourselves in the protagonist’s shoes. Subtle lighting changes make you question whether you’re seeing an oasis of light or if your eyes are deceiving you.
Punchdrunk excels at creating cinematic, chilling, and magnificent moments that leave you in awe. The sensory experience goes beyond sound and lighting; the textures underfoot, from carpets to soil and sand, add layers to the Alice in Wonderland-like adventure. Punchdrunk’s ability to shift perspective both visually and audibly throughout the story enhances the dynamism of the experience and emotions evoked.
The attention to detail is staggering, drawing you into intimate moments while contrasting them with the vastness of the world. Though the narrative may lack resolution, it leaves you with a strong desire to return to this dark, bewitching tale. This magical journey is unforgettable and not to be missed if you’re seeking an unparalleled sensory adventure.
Runs until 18 August 2024
