Punchdrunk: The Burnt City London Reviews and Tickets
About the Show
Production Covid-19 Safety ProtocolsMember Reviews (145)
See it if you have any interest at all.
Don't see it if you don’t like the Punchdrunk white mask format. Read more
See it if you like punchdrunk/fully immersive productions, truly one of the most miraculous set designs you will ever see, committed acting,incredible
Don't see it if you want a clear story- this one is a bit confusing, you prefer plot, you hate immersive, you prefer a seated show with no energy required
See it if you love non traditional, immersive, site specific works. You love Greek myths/history. You want to see some truly epic staging and dancing
Don't see it if you are expecting a proscenium play, and don’t like moving to follow characters, you don’t like crowds, and you don’t like non spoken pieces
See it if you want to be immersed in a world and stories of your choosing. you enjoy greek mythology or immersive theater in general
Don't see it if you want a linear storyline that is easy to follow or don’t want to be on your feet for three hours.
See it if You like to explore and get lost in a truly immersive experience
Don't see it if you dont want to be on your feet for several hours or what a clear storyline
See it if you like a journey and discovering spaces all around
Don't see it if you wanna go running around a warehouse for 3 hours
See it if You know the Greek history around which this is based off and ok walking a lot as it's an interactive experience
Don't see it if You don't like non linear storylines, not saying I have to be spoonfed but trying to make sense of what I watched is not a good experience!
See it if An immersive wonderland with plenty of secrets to uncover
Don't see it if Not as detailed as previous shows, expensive and pretentious and clumsy production on a unsuitable site, many staff make exploring burden
Critic Reviews (8)
The show is rich and strange and drenched in Easter egg references to Greek mythology. I think it’s an extraordinarily beautifully wrought tribute to the savage, doomy mysticism of Greek mythology.
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I slightly resent the way immersive theatre relies on FOMO ... [but] I was overawed by the rich, vivid, momentous achievement of Barratt, Doyle and their cast and cohorts here. Simply astonishing.
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[It] has some good ideas, but lacks the surprise of their greatest work. For every ‘through the wardrobe’ moment of wonder I experienced there were times when I felt as if I was banging my head against a brick wall. The huge redeeming feature lay in the closing sections.
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The set ... has an intimate filmic beauty. The Burnt City is an epic set-up without enough epic storytelling. So it is frustrating that they do not build more of it into the production. That said, those who are satisfied with spectacle above story will enjoy this meticulously crafted show.
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The narrative is so flimsy and opaque that you could just as easily convince yourself that you’ve wandered into an avant-garde version of Cabaret. In the gloom, it’s hard to make out much detail. Thereafter you fumble your way through.
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[It] is magnificently staged. Co-director Maxine Doyle's choreography is, throughout, utterly transporting. It was beautiful and memorable, but I longed for more to help me make sense of it.
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It’s ... a constantly unsettling and enthralling experience that constantly challenges you to push the limits of your curiosity ... where Punchdrunk excels is in demanding as much of the audience members as of the performers.
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The cast is outstanding, executing Doyle’s innovative, visceral choreography with precision and style. The Burnt City stands apart in terms of its ambition and beauty. Its intoxicating, clever storytelling.
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