Space 18 is set to arrive in April.
Despite already having The Globe, the National Theatre, and the Old Vic, we aren’t exactly going to say no to another new theatre space. Especially when it’s a ginormous, 25,000 square foot spot devoted entirely to immersive and experimental theatre. It’s called Space 18, although there’s probably room for a hell of a lot more than 18 shows here… (See also: 45 unmissable London theatre shows in 2019.)
Spanning seven buildings and 35 storeys, Space 18 will be taking up residence on New Oxford Street from April 13th. This kind of mammoth theatrical complex is a pretty unprecedented undertaking, but since Space 18 already have their first show lined up, it seems like they’ve got it all in hand.
The show in question is Variant 31, which is part immersive theatre, part live-action game. On the surface, it sounds like your basic science experiment gone wrong, which just happens to bring a horde of zombies down upon you. However, when you throw in a cast of 120 actors who’ll bring parkour, acrobatics, and pyrotechnics into the show, you’ll quickly realise this isn’t your average production – in fact, it will be Europe’s biggest immersive gaming experience.
Space 18 will also boast Club Z, taking over the space which used to be famed nightclub The End. Part cocktail bar, part theatre space, Club Z will welcome immersive performers (one wonders if there is anything that isn’t immersive here) to a space with moving walls, a floating bar, and an intriguing cocktail menu. It all sounds a bit mad, to be honest, so we’ll be interested to see how it all pans out.
You can find Space 18 at 39-41 New Oxford Street, WC1A 1BN, from April 13th.
Featured image: @theatre_weekly