The Upcoming
  • Cinema & Tv
    • Movie reviews
    • Film festivals
      • Berlin
      • Tribeca
      • Sundance London
      • Cannes
      • Locarno
      • Venice
      • London
      • Toronto
    • Show reviews
  • Music
    • Live music
  • Food & Drinks
    • News & Features
    • Restaurant & bar reviews
    • Interviews & Recipes
  • Theatre
  • Art
  • Travel & Lifestyle
  • Literature
  • Fashion & Beauty
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • News & Features
    • Shopping & Trends
    • Tips & How-tos
    • Fashion weeks
      • London Fashion Week
      • London Fashion Week Men’s
      • New York Fashion Week
      • Milan Fashion Week
      • Paris Fashion Week
      • Haute Couture
  • Join us
    • Editorial unit
    • Our writers
    • Join the team
    • Join the mailing list
    • Support us
    • Contact us
  • Competitions
  • Facebook

  • Twitter

  • Instagram

  • YouTube

  • RSS

CultureTheatre

Lockdown Town at One Night Records

Lockdown Town at One Night Records | Theatre review
9 October 2020
Emma-Jane Betts
Avatar
Emma-Jane Betts
9 October 2020

Immersive theatre is back, Covid-compliant and better than ever in One Night Records’ new music-centred show Lockdown Town. Brought to us by the producers of some of London’s most successful and recognised immersive experiences, this new project takes participants through key moments in American musical history as we follow a young woman making her way to Tulsa. The live production, characterised by stellar performances, immaculate sets and a continual emphasis on safety-conscious measures, brilliantly adapts to the pandemic to deliver something both classic and fun.

Following the typical immersive theatre formula, the story is split into five distinct parts (or rooms), all linked by the protagonist’s journey, which the audience witness first-hand. The performance begins with participants at Ellis Island being introduced to our guide, a young black woman full of excitement and chasing the American dream as she begins her pilgrimage to Tulsa. We follow her through history, from the 1950’s rock ‘n’ roll era all the way to upbeat 1918 ragtime. Throughout the production, spectators are captivated by high-calibre performances and detailed set design. However, amongst the excitement and loud music, the plot and harrowing history of Tulsa are occasionally overshadowed.   

Lockdown Town is above all focused on creating a good time, with its charismatic musicians and performers, a series of themed cocktails and a general air of musical celebration. The show’s intention as pure entertainment is evident and it proves impossible not to get swept away by the well-designed scenery and catchy beats. However, despite an almost impeccable atmosphere, our guide’s story is often forgotten. Occasionally, radio messages appear to remind us of Tulsa, but in many ways, the young woman’s journey becomes secondary to the fun experiences in each room. Subsequently, the plot feels stagnant at points, developing only when the show reaches its penultimate historical depiction.

However, despite the occasional faults in framing and narrative, there is no denying that the performance succeeds in engaging audiences and making us want to dance during every musical number, proving that in spite of the current times, fun can still be had. Lockdown Town is a night out no theatregoer will want to miss.

★★★★★

Emma-Jane Betts

Lockdown Town is at One Night Records’ Covid-secure venue from 2nd October until 30th December 2020. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.

Related Itemsfeaturedreview

More in Theatre

Rita at Charing Cross Theatre

★★★★★
Mae Trumata
Read More

Ed Fringe 2022: Hungry

★★★★★
Ella Satin
Read More

Royal Ballet School students return to the stage for post-Covid performances

The editorial unit
Read More

“Theatre is totally unique… there’s simply nothing else quite like it”: An interview with Sir Howard Panter as the new cast of Jersey Boys opens at Trafalgar Theatre

Natallia Pearmain
Read More

Jersey Boys bring on a new cast at Trafalgar Theatre

Natallia Pearmain
Read More

All of Us at the National Theatre

★★★★★
Mersa Auda
Read More

Midsummer Mechanicals at Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

★★★★★
Alexandra Fletcher
Read More

Camden Fringe 2022: The Importance of Being Anxious at Museum of Comedy

★★★★★
James Humphrey
Read More

Camden Fringe 2022: Rome 3000 (Julius Caesar) at Canal Cafe Theatre

★★★★★
Cristiana Ferrauti
Read More
Scroll for more
Tap

Theatre review

Emma-Jane Betts

Lockdown Town

★★★★★

Dates

2nd October - 30th December 2020

Price

£50

Links & directions

TwitterInstagramFacebookWebsiteMap

  • Popular

  • Latest

  • TOP PICKS

  • Nope
    ★★★★★
    Movie review
  • “Theatre is totally unique… there’s simply nothing else quite like it”: An interview with Sir Howard Panter as the new cast of Jersey Boys opens at Trafalgar Theatre
    Theatre
  • Ed Fringe 2022: Hungry
    ★★★★★
    Theatre
  • Eiffel
    ★★★★★
    Movie review
  • South Facing Festival: Richard Ashcroft and his band were on impressive form from start to finish
    ★★★★★
    Live music
  • Kasabian – The Alchemist’s Euphoria
    ★★★★★
    Album review
  • Rita at Charing Cross Theatre
    ★★★★★
    Theatre
  • Ed Fringe 2022: Hungry
    ★★★★★
    Theatre
  • “Even people who’ve been through adversity might say ‘Well, I wouldn’t change anything because I wouldn’t be who I am'”: Eva Noblezada and Flula Borg on Luck
    Cinema & Tv
  • “Film offers a way of looking at the past, the present and the future simultaneously. That’s its wonder”: Sarah Beddington on Fadia’s Tree
    Cinema & Tv
  • Kasabian – The Alchemist’s Euphoria
    ★★★★★
    Album review
  • Rita at Charing Cross Theatre
    ★★★★★
    Theatre
  • “Even people who’ve been through adversity might say ‘Well, I wouldn’t change anything because I wouldn’t be who I am'”: Eva Noblezada and Flula Borg on Luck
    Cinema & Tv
  • Nope
    ★★★★★
    Movie review
  • Five Days at Memorial
    ★★★★★
    apple
The Upcoming
Pages
  • Contact us
  • Join mailing list
  • Join us
  • Our London food map
  • Our writers
  • Support us
  • What, when, why
With the support from:
International driving license

Copyright © 2011-2020 FL Media

Darlingside – Fish Pond Fish | Album review
Being a Human Person | Movie review