The Burnt City Immersive Event

The Burnt City

A mythical world of Gods and mortals rises from the ashes

England

Experience hosted by Punchdrunk

Logo of Punchdrunk

“AS THE SMOKE SOARS ON WINGS TO HEAVEN, SO SINKS OUR CITY” In the smouldering promise of the fall of Troy, a mythical world of Gods and mortals rises from the ashes. As Greece teeters on the brink of victory, the neon backstreets of Downtown Troy give way to a sprawling labyrinth hiding secrets even the prophecies could not foretell. In this colossal playground, the furies watch on as mortals play out their fate. And as night falls, the city comes alive. One last time. Running Time: The performance lasts up to three hours and there are six entry times. Early slots are recommended for those who want the maximum amount of time to explore. Age Restrictions: This production is suitable for ages 16+. There will be no admittance to anyone who, if asked, cannot provide photographic ID proving that they are over 16. Guests aged 16 and 17 must be accompanied by a responsible guardian. The Box Office will issue a lanyard which they must wear during their visit to be identified to performers and staff. There is a bar that features as part of the performance, which under 18s can visit only in the company of their parent or guardian. Please note this production contains nudity and scenes that some may find distressing. The safety of our audience and staff is of paramount importance. As the production opens in March 2022, we are closely monitoring the situation and the most up-to-date information will be sent to all ticket holders ahead of their arrival.... Show More

Shelley Snyder Immersive Event

Staff Pick

-Shelley Snyder

The host with the most, the absolute toast of the realm: Punchdrunk welcomes the world into The Burnt City, a sprawling labyrinth built on the banks of the Thames, offering a monumental adventure through a mythic war. Close to a hundred luxuriously detailed rooms and spaces to explore while the narrative plays out. Donning Punchdrunk’s signature white domino mask, guests are turned loose in the middle of the Trojan War and left to find their own path. A sharp visitor might pre-study the Wikipedia summaries of Euripedes’ Hecuba and Aeschylus’ Agamemnon before arriving just to have an idea of the narrative, but even without the research there’s nothing inaccessible about the enthralling visuals of the choreography once wandering the main set. The performance movements are vertical as well as horizontal — aerial and rope work, ladders, stacks of props all serve as ways to lift the cast up out of the crowd in dozens upon dozens of scenes both intimate and expansive, and yes the famous one-to-one scenes remain present. The scale and scope is dizzying: town squares, shops, war-torn plain and encampment, dilapidated hotel, tenements. Masterful work between light, scent, props, and razor-sharp sound design draws audiences down into the murky depths of the space and sends them either on mad chases after the narrative action or rifling through drawers to read private letters, prayers, and graffiti scrawled in Linear B. While it remains an enforced requirement to wear a face covering under the domino mask, this isn’t a show for the Covid-concerned given the close quarters, engaged crowds, and the tactile nature of the production. Visits are recommended only for those with an adventurous spirit, the keen desire to go looking for the action, and a brazen willingness to abandon their companions at the first hint of excitement.... Show More

Audience Role

You will explore a complete sensory world at your own pace, experiencing scenes in a non-linear way as the story unfolds around you. The performance lasts up to three hours and there are six entry times. Early slots are recommended for those who want the maximum amount of time to explore. It can be difficult to remain with your companions and you may be invited to take a path exclusively open to you. To get the most out of the performance we recommend you go it alone, although it will always be your choice.... Show More

Content Advisories

  • Flashing lights

  • Fog/haze

  • Discussions of sex/intimacy

  • Moments of darkness

  • Depictions of sex

  • Depictions of sexual violence

  • Nudity

  • Blood/gore

  • Simulated gun shots/violence

  • Depictions of physical abuse

  • Depictions of emotional abuse

  • Simulated murder/homicide

  • Death of a friend/family member

  • 16 +

Interaction Advisories

  • Moderate (familial) contact

Mobility Advisories

  • Extended standing

  • Walking

  • Stairs

  • Mandatory bag check

  • Event is wheelchair accessible.

Sexual Advisories

  • This production deals with themes of war and family tragedy. You may encounter stories that feature sexual, physical or emotional abuse, death or dying, blood, animal cruelty or animal death, kidnapping and nudity.

£55.00 - £75.00

Show ticket details

Location

Punchdrunk

Hosting immersive events on EI since October, 2021

Widely recognised as the explosive spark which ignited the immersive entertainment industry, Punchdrunk creates work that disrupts the theatrical norm and places audiences at the very heart of the action. Widely recognised as the explosive spark which ignited the immersive entertainment industry, Punchdrunk creates work that disrupts the theatrical norm and places audiences at the very heart of the action.