When a supposed trip to the theatre begins with a phone call from a number you don’t recognise telling you to look for a clue in a telephone box, you know you’re in for a different kind of night. With the streets of Waterloo as the stage set and a plot line that pits you against the actors, expect high tension levels and lots of hiding behind corners. And certainly no ice creams at the interval.
Introducing, “Hostage”, the latest production from London-based immersive theatre company, CoLab Theatre. Intent on creating unique experiences that bridge the gap between imagination and reality, CoLab build alternative worlds around their audiences, inviting you in as far as you can bear to go… And with “Hostage”, things go pretty far.
Armed with a walkie talkie and headphones, you and a group of friends are sent on a spy mission to rescue Astra, who has been taken hostage by the ETF – a dangerous government organisation that is watching your every move. You’ll track enemies around backstreets, outsmart security systems, receive secret locations to your mobile and break into abandoned buildings. You’ll also have to run. And you’ll probably scream.
Technology plays a key role in the progress of the story: CoLab relies on its audience having a smart phone…and no flat battery. It’s theatre for the digital age and it certainly makes you think. We wouldn’t want to give too much away but let’s just say we had a serious check of our Facebook privacy settings when we got home. Turns out they really were watching us…
“Hostage” runs from 20th October to 21st November. Show times are every half hour, from 6.30pm to 10.30pm. Tickets can be purchased by downloading the Fever app or for more information, visit www.colabtheatre.co.uk
And be warned: people may give you funny looks on the street.