From the all-encompassing, transportive powers of Punchdrunk theatre to the allegedly life-changing You Me Bum Bum Train, immersive shows grip the imagination like few other forms of entertainment. Here are five of the best immersive shows in London lined up for 2025.
J.M.W Turner’s Fisherman at Sea. Step into various masterpieces as part of Frameless in London’s Marble Arch
1.You Me Bum Bum Train
The idea behind You Me Me Bum Bum Train – the godfather of all immersive shows in London – is straightforward. It’s a theatrical performancefor one audience member at a time, in which each so-called ‘passenger’ goes through a series of different rooms, and are cast as the lead character of a different scenario. The exact nature of these scenarios, however, is shrouded in secrecy. Tickets for this much-in-demand event are very expensive, and almost impossible to come by (you need to enter a ballot.) But the good news is that there is another way of experiencing it: as part of the cast and crew. That’s because the whole show is only made possible by an enormous, rotating, army of volunteers, who, together have created the spectacularly-detailed, immersive sets, and taken on the parts of all the characters. And for this, the show’s first return to the capital in eight years, you could join them! No previous experience is necessary and it’s up to you how involved you want to be . Head to www.bumbumtrain.co.uk for more details on how to sign up.
- Watch: Interview about The Grand Expedition | Gingerline’s immersive dining experience involving circus
- Read: Review of The Grand Expedition | An immersive dining experience
2.Rhythm and Ruse
Next up on our list of immersive shows in London, step into a fully realised jazz age speakeasy at the Vaults in Waterloo. Here you will encounter the members of a secret society – with a shadowy history to discover – in an evening of close-up illusions and cabaret. A live jazz band will accompany the magicians, and cabaret performers will host the evening with singing, comedy and stage magic. Directed by Fania Grigoriou, with musical direction by Naomi Bank, the production showcases a range of immersive theatre creative talents, some of them recently seen in Punchdrunk’s ‘The Burnt City’. Runs till January 4th. www.rhythmandruse.com
- Read: Jazz inspired by classical music | 5 of the best pieces
- Listen: Interview with jazz musician Julian Costello
3. Elvis Evolution
Get closer to the King of Rock n’ Roll than you ever thought possible. The resurrection will take place in a central London venue from March 2025, courtesy of the Layered Reality, which will bring Elvis back through the power of AI and holographic projection, augmented reality, live theatre and multi-sensory effects, in a celebration of his life and musical legacy, with audiences apparently stepping into detailed sets that will make them feel like they’ve time-travelled. elvis.layeredreality.com
- Read: Review of Navigate the Blood | a new opera by indie folk-rock band Admiral Fallow and Gareth Williams
- Read: 5 pieces of pop music inspired by classical music
4. Frameless
Located in Marble Arch, this multi-sensory experience allows you to step inside some of the world’s most famous works of art by Klimt, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Kandinsky and many others. Over 42 masterpieces are on display, spread over four galleries and, thanks to the power of technology, you can experience them as you never have done before. Parents might also be interested in trying out the multi-sensory classes for pre-schoolers and toddlers. www.frameless.com
- Read: 5 pieces of classical music inspired by paintings
- Listen: the concert pianist Stephen Hough describes his passion for painting
5. Dreamachine
Concluding our list of immersive shows in London: Inspired by an extraordinary but little-known 1959 invention by artist–inventor Brion Gysin, this is designed to be the ‘first artwork to be experienced with your eyes closed’. Like a contemporary campfire, the experience is held in the round, within a monolithic timber structure designed by the Turner Prize winning interdisciplinary collective Assemble. As you take a seat within the circle and close your eyes, flickering white light and 360-degree spatial sound combine to generate a technicolour internal world – all created by the power of your own brain and completely unique to you. After its sellout success in 2022, this show will tour internationally in 2025. www.dreamachine.world
- Read: Music inspired by dreams | 5 of the best works
- Watch: Interview about the impact of art on the human brain