SEB SLADE as Thomas in THE GUNPOWDER PLOT. Photo: Mark Dawson Photography
Combining live theatre with the latest digital technology, THE GUNPOWDER PLOT IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE is an enjoyable, memorable and educational show not to be missed.
It’s been over 400 years since Guy Fawkes, and his fellow contributors attempted to blow up the House of Lords on 5 November, but the Gunpowder Plot remains one of Britain’s most well-known historical stories. Surprising then that it’s taken so long for that infamous night to be recreated on stage, with a brand-new immersive theatre attraction running at the iconic Tower Vaults at The Tower of London.
Using a combination of live theatre and the latest digital technology, THE GUNPOWDER PLOT IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE transports you back to the heart of London in 1605 to a story in which you are the protagonist. Thrown into the world in which the plotters inhabited, the audience experiences the deception first-hand – but when you are surrounded by ‘traitors’, who will you trust?
The one-hour, 40-minute experience starts from the moment you enter the venue and are directed down into the vaults. The cast instantly grabs your attention, involving the audience in conversation and drawing them into the story. Throughout, the audience is spoken to, asked questions, given responsibilities and tasks, and directed through the labyrinth of rooms.
Stanley Eldridge as Thomas in THE GUNPOWDER PLOT. Photo: Mark Dawson Photography
This is immersive theatre at its best, as special effects, set design and technology combine to enhance the detail and authenticity of the story. There are props everywhere, in every corner and even hanging from ceilings. Each room is slightly smoky to give an eerie feel, and at times, it’s easy to forget what is real and what is staged.
Intertangled into THE GUNPOWDER PLOT IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE is the use of VR sets, which help bring the story even more to life by allowing the audience to travel through time. Here, the audience feels the physical motion of moving across London through sound and wind effects as the action plays out and actors talk to them from all directions.
After a short interval where you can buy drinks and snacks in a themed bar, excitement builds for the introduction of Tom Felton as Guy Fawkes. Whilst not appearing in person, Felton’s presence adds to the story and experience, keeping the audience focused as the action moves faster in the second half. By this point, however, the audience is truly invested in the plot and how their actions play a part in the outcome on 5 November.
Audiences experience VR at THE GUNPOWDER PLOT. Photo: Mark Dawson Photography
The finale is also cleverly done, explaining what happens in the end and how the experience relates to what happened in London in 1605. The repeated question of whether Guy Fawkes was a villain or hero is perfectly placed to keep conversations going long after the experience has finished.
Fun and educational, THE GUNPOWDER PLOT IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE is an experience not to be missed. Whether you want to enjoy it as a couple, with friends or with the whole family, this immersive theatre show brings to life a piece of British history in a more memorable and enjoyable way than a school or a museum ever has.
THE GUNPOWDER PLOT IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE runs at Tower Vaults at The Tower of London until 31 December 2024.
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