Doctor Who: Time Fracture at Immersive LDN
Emerging from the uncertainty of the theatre blackout brought on by Covid-19, Doctor Who: Time Fracture is the innovative, inquisitive and witty interactive experience needed to revitalise and rejuvenate theatre, whilst also giving the audience the chance to live as “The Doctor” for a day.
Directed by internationally acclaimed Tom Maller – a specialist in immersive theatre – the writing of Daniel Dingsdale comes to life from the very moment the audience walks through the door. All the actors are engaging, even when no one is looking at them, but special mention needs to be made of Sam Blythe as Unit Dr Shaw, Tom Telford as Time Lord Guide and Charlie Burt as Time Lord Guide. Their enthusiasm and commitment to their characters undeniably furthers the feeling of being transported to a different time and place.
Immersive theatre can often feel slightly like pantomime, but with Doctor Who: Time Fracture it succeeds in being more akin to an escape room with live actors, which only adds to the excitement of the whole experience. Being able to solve problems, and become part of the show without it feeling forced or patronising is something that writer Daniel Dingsdale facilitates for the audience without error. Though, at times, the different scenes one is walked through can seem random and disjointed, the actors do well to recall the main story with well-placed tropes or disruptions within the different time periods.
A rare and most special delight is the interval, where it is usually easy to be pulled out of the universe created in the theatre. However, here (aided by the expertise of production designer, Rebecca Brower) it is impossible to be drawn out of the production’s world, with space-themed cocktails on offer and alien singers entertaining throughout the break.
The play is a perfect homage to all things Doctor Who – a phenomenon recreated and loved by many – where one can find solace in the ability to save the day alongside the Doctor, knowing that good will always triumph. Though fictional in many ways, Doctor Who: Time Fracture upholds the spirit of togetherness and hope that the Doctor Who universe embodies, and the camaraderie exhibited by all involved, audience and cast, is something to be admired.
Natallia Pearmain
Photos: Mark Senior and Helen Maybanks
Doctor Who: Time Fracture is on at Immersive LDN until 17th April 2022. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.
Watch a trailer for the production here:
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