The Gunpowder Plot is a new immersive experience in London, with Tom Felton as Guy Fawkes. Yep I do mean, the Draco Malfoy. The show promises to be a thrilling immersive adventure that takes place with you as part of the story! I love anything immersive so naturally I had to make my way down to see if it was worth it.
Created by the team known as Layered Reality Experience, (creators of Jeff Wayne’s War of the World Immersive Experience), The Gunpowder Plot takes you on a multi sensory journey using a combination of actors, themed rooms and of course, the latest technology, to fully immerse you into a world where London is at peril and you’ve got a very important decision to make.
How was the experience?
The experience lasts around 2 hours (with an interval included) and let me tell you it has surprises around every turn. Honestly, I had no idea what to expect but turning up at the vaults (right opposite The Tower of London) just felt magical in itself. On arrival you’re directed to lockers where you can safely store your belongings and can head to a bar/restaurant to get a quick drink before the experience.
Before you’re taken into the vault for the experience, you can peruse some artefacts, including Guy Fawkes’ original lamp that he used. I loved this and even though there wasn’t too much to see, it really gets you into the experience. You’re then taken into a very futuristic room with a massive map of London on it. Here, you’re given a brief on what to expect and how VR is going to be used. I will say that if you have problems with VR, this experience may not be for you as it is used more than once.
From here onwards, the doors into the next scenes and worlds are guided by the doors lighting up like they have been lit by gunpowder. I definitely say “wowwww” more than once!
The scenes and sets are incredible. We were all touching the walls wondering if it was a set or if the vaults were actually real. Some spaces are dark and small so again, if you’re highly claustrophobic it might not be for you. There is no photography/videography allowed at all during the experience so I couldn’t vlog but you’ll just have to take my word for it.
How was Tom Felton?
For all the Tom Felton fans, sadly he is not in the actual flesh but the fun of the experience makes up for it. I must admit, it is a little cheesy at times and you might be asked to participate but you’ll never be forced to if you’d rather not.
Overall, I thought there was a great balance between immersive theatre and VR. Personally I’m not big on VR but this experience definitely changed my view. Virtual Reality is provided by award winning VR studio Figment Productions and I get it, because the immersive-ness (no spoilers!) which accompanied the VR threw me off (in a good way!) and took away the cheesiness for me. When you’re wearing the headset, have a look around in all directions – it’s amazing! In our group we had reluctantly participating adults grinning as the headsets were removed. There are a few jump scares so have your wits about you but nothing that will have you fainting on the floor.
Would I recommend it?
The Gunpowder Plot is a top theatrical escapade that takes you back through history in a thrilling adventure! We enjoyed every minute and could only wish it was longer. London has such rich history and it’s great that we’re able to find out a little bit more in such a fun way. It really is a perfect blend between VR and reality, keeping you engrossed along the way with realistic characters, factual moments and getting to relive British history.
Would I go again? Definitely! I’d recommend you do too.
When: Until 31st March 2023
Where: Tower Hill Vaults
More info & tickets: www.gunpowderimmersive.com
Hello You
I’m Rosie!
