Secret Cinema: 020

Secret Cinema has been shrouded in mystery since its inception in 2007. “Tell no one” is its powerful motto and you would be hard-pressed to find anyone willing to divulge their secrets prematurely. The organisers have garnered a cult following that means they are able to sell tickets to screenings around London without ever revealing the name of the film they will be showing. The success of this venture is due to the sheer scale and individual planning that goes into each immersive event. The founder, Fabien Riggall, has stated that his aim is to create an experience that allows the audience to connect with one another.

The current show is epic and the dedication that has been put into the experience is astounding – a commendable effort by the performers, production team, caterers and anyone with a creative input. The secret location is sprawling in size and no detail has been left untouched, leaving visitors to roam free within the recreated setting of the film. Drama school students pour their heart and souls into convincing you that they are characters from the film. Indeed, one gets the feeling that perhaps they are having more fun than the ticket holders themselves!

Tickets are not cheap to Secret Cinema, neither are the prices on site. The place is awash with couples on quirky anniversary dates out. Rightly so, as this is probably one of the wackiest experiences available in London: ordering alcohol is made possible via humans that are locked inside vending machines, there are rooms where telephones mysteriously ring and you have no idea who is on the other end, and others where you can bottle your secrets and unravel other people’s wishes in exchange.

In fact, there is so much activity going on and so many hidden gems around every corner (including interpretive dancers) that you hardly have the time to sit still until you watch the actual film. Secret Cinema has filled 13 floors of abandoned space for your wildest dreams and nightmares to come true! But the real triumph is its mammoth size. We should feel extremely glad that, in today’s economic climate, Secret Cinema has created such a vast form of escapism for so many people to enjoy.

Anne Higgins

Secret Cinema 020 is on until 9^th June 2013. For further information visit the Secret Cinema website here.

Watch the trailer for Secret Cinema here: