Immersive – The Cultural Exposé

Invisible Treasure at Ovalhouse puts you (and others) centre stage

Matilda — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 13:00:45 +0000

I’ve made a habit of not reading synopses where films and theatre shows are concerned. This means I have no idea of what I’m getting myself into so I can make an unbiased critique at the end. But in the case of Invisible Treasure, a new interactive production at the Ovalhouse theatre, I wish I read the memo. That way I would have brought a friend along (trust me, bring a buddy) and I’d also have a better understanding of the premise – a digital playroom that involves connecting with others, evoking your inner-child, losing your inhibitions (or in some cases, not).

I’m not gonna drop any spoilers, but as a piece of theatre, it’s definitely one of the more creative concepts I’ve ever engaged with, making amazing use of technology. And with no obvious plot to follow, it’s thought-provoking, a little bit strange, but an experience nonetheless. If you have a spare Saturday afternoon, it deserves the attention before it wraps up on 14th November. You can check out pics from the production below and for more info, visit: http://www.ovalhouse.com/whatson/detail/invisible-treasure-by-fanshen.

Pic: Cat Lee

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Somewhere you should go… Ready, Steady, Colour

The Cultural Exposé — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 10:34:43 +0000

Camden is an area known partially for its bustling market, full of bright lights, loud noises, and happily, the smell of tasty food being made all over. There are street stalls of grilled meats and tasty fried snacks along with rows of restaurants offering tastes from all over the world. One restaurant, though, might catch your eye this season. In Unit 3 at the Camden Lock Market, you’ll find a restaurant that doesn’t serve dinner. Or lunch. Or breakfast. It does offer takeaway, but you’re not likely to settle a rumbling tummy this way.

Pic: Rosalind Butt

This is the home of Ready Steady Colour, a pop-up theatrical event by the artist and theatrical designer, Anna Bruder. Walk inside the restaurant, and you’ll find a decorative scheme of bold, crayon lines and lots of empty white spaces. This isn’t coincidence—the guests are meant to supply the colour! Sitting down to a café table, the staff brings out your meal in a decidedly flatter version than you might be used to at other restaurants. Instead of how you’d like your steak cooked, you can decide what colour you’d like your chicken to be! After you’ve completed (colouring) in your meal, the staff will wrap it all up for you to bring home, maybe more for the wall than the fridge.
Like most friendly restaurants, walk-ins are welcome but bookings are encouraged. The “restaurant” will be open from Wednesday, 18th December through Sunday, 22nd. All mains are £6 per plate and reservations can be made by emailing Anna at annabruder@mac.com.

For more info, visit: www.alineart.co.uk

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Something you should do… Edible Cinema

Matilda — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 10:00:38 +0000

Imagine Heston Blumenthal invaded the snack bar of your local cinema, transforming the experience of movie-watching into something so unforgettable, you can’t help but wonder why no one thought of it sooner. It was only a year ago that Edible Cinema decided night outs should be a little more creative – and where Secret Cinema, Future Cinema and the various spin-offs have gone the theatrical route, the guys behind ED have targeted your snacks instead.

The aim of the game is to use your tastebuds to pull you into the narrative of a film – but you don’t have a clue what you’re eating or drinking as you’re given a tray of numbered parcels which you’re required to open during certain scenes of the film. We recently checked out Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and as a number flashes up at the side of the screen, you can hear the audience scrambling around to eat/drink the mysterious delicacies – some more tasty than others (and some just down right strange). At times, the parcels didn’t work at all – one particular link to a pigeon scene in the film was a little too gross for our liking – and there seemed to be alot more sweet treats than savoury, although the mint/frozen ice reference was one of our favourites. Still, Edible Cinema is alot of fun, and if you’re after something a bit more adventurous than 3D glasses and mixed-flavour popcorn, this is a great bet. (Words: Matilda Egere-Cooper)

For more info, visit: www.ediblecinema.co.uk

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Somewhere you should go… Wilfred Bagshaw’s Time Emporium

Florence Ritter — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 11:00:34 +0000

If you could go back in time to any place in any era, where would you go? This age-old question will stir even the most wearisome, dragging conversations into motion: all of us seem to have strong opinions about our imagined historical hotspots. But for all of the times this question has been raised, I doubt any notable percentage of the responses was: ‘Oh, fourteenth century England … yes, without a doubt, fourteenth century England’. Rats, revolts and ravaging wars, and the Black Death sweeping the country with its horrible scythe? Not altogether appealing. But anyone who collected Horrible Histories scratch’n’sniff stickers in their childhood must surely harbour a secret desire to experience the deep dark Middle Ages. Now you can. Wilfred Bagshaw’s Time Emporium promises to transport participants back to the year 1381 as part of an immersive and interactive adventure. Reserve your tickets now to catch a trip thorough Bagshaw’s time portal which will open only briefly for two nights this month.

The evening’s exploits are to begin at Village Underground in Shoreditch, where Wilfred Bagshaw will welcome you with open arms and details of the evening’s quest to find a mystery artefact. The night will unravel into an adventure to which you decide the outcome, set in the whirlwind of social and political turmoil of fourteenth century England. Following completion of the assignment, Bagshaw will treat his crusaders to a warehouse party with bands and DJs (joining you through the portal from the 21st century) playing until the early hours of the morning. From 11pm, revellers from today’s era can join the medievalites for the party only.

What are you waiting for? Ladies, don your finest imported Italian silks and wrap up in cat and squirrel stoles; guys hike up your breeches and fasten your cloaks tight. Gather together your ha’pannies, farthings and groats for a ticket through time. (Words: Florence Ritter)

Wilfred Bagshaw’s Time Emporium runs 22nd – 23rd March. For more info, visit: www.time-emporium.com

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