Yeah, maybe I’m getting too big for my britches and posting more pics of myself than most folks would care to see. But this time I doing it because, believe it or not, I was the star of the show I’m now reviewing.
The show, Follow the Rabbit, was an immersive and participatory theatre experience co-produced by Theatre Giant and Drunk Tank Productions and based on the works of Lewis Carroll.
As an audience member (if that’s even the best way to describe someone who goes to this show), I ventured “through the looking glass” all by myself to encounter and engage with a variety of actors in different nooks, crannies and rooms throughout the show’s venue, Babel Studios in Southwark. The brainchild of director Rosanna Mallinson, Follow the Rabbit was actually written for and inspired by its location – an old house with oddball twists and turns, rooms that are mirrors of each other and a bizarrely situated spiral staircase suggestive of a rabbit warren.
I loved it. There was a lot of ad libbing – with much of it actually done by me as I navigated my way through this strange and purposely contrary dreamscape. The acting was incredible. Amelia Bennet playing The White Queen was superb in her ability to keep an off-the-wall conversation going with me while staying in character. Sound design by Keri Danielle Chesser was amazing and at (the right) times eerie. All the sets were awesome and evocative. Maybe the room designed by Kemey Lafond made the biggest impression.
There’s so much more I could write about Follow the Rabbit. But I think it’s best to experience it with little more than an inkling of what may await you. Even a smidgen of detail could potentially spoil a bit of the wow factor. And despite the show having plenty of “wow” on offer, every bit of it seemed precious. Just know that if you go (and you definitely should go) you will be treated to some top notch theatre and especially quirky storytelling.
Rather surreal, kind of psychedelic and a teensy bit spooky, I highly recommend checking this show out. But be sure to follow that rabbit soon! You’ve only got until 23 December!
Tix cost £12 (£10 for concessions). Babel Studio is located at 82 Southwark Bridge Road, SE1 0AS. Call 0207 378 7840 to book and visit this link for more information:
http://www.drunktankproductions.com/productions.php?DOC_INST=8
Please note: performances of Follow the Rabbit are not intended for small children.
