Somnai
Somnai was launched with great fanfare 6 weeks ago, and with the dreamlike images and tagline of “Sleep With Us”, we were not sure whether this would something to cover on ScareTOUR. After a pre-opening preview - we knew that this definitely had a place on the site, but being effectively a dress rehearsal, a few key scenes were not fully functional. We were obviously thrilled when we were invited back during its full run. And wow! – what a difference a few weeks makes!
Obviously, part of the show is the mystery of what will happen, and we don’t want to spoil it, but we can say that it a wildly ambitious piece of immersive theatre that mixes live action, detailed set pieces and some impressive VR segments that utilise the concept of Layered Reality.
Where we really noticed a difference was when we were instructed to put on our sleep masks (VR headsets to you)- the immediate view was the same as the room we were in. It really helped the scenes feel more immersive and a continuation of the action, as opposed to just another reason to put on a VR headset. The tactile elements within each scene also help, and we can’t say why, but several times, members of our group yelled out at something “non VR” that was happening to them.
Perhaps the weakest of the VR scenes was probably the most technologically complicated. With a backpack strapped on, we were encouraged to walk out into the world unaided. We could explore, reach out and touch items as well as seeing a “ghost version” of our colleagues. Again – the use of other physical elements really helped the illusion and despite knowing we were on a flat surface, it was difficult at times to step forwards when your brain is showing an undersea cliff edge or drop. It really is stunningly realised, but being a non “photo real” environment – it’s hard to get totally immersed.
And then of course, after thinking that we knew the format of the show, all bets were off as the producers threw a couple of curveballs at us. We were forced to make some important moral decisions along the way, which channeled us into a series of beautifully themed rooms. Let’s just say that dreams can often lead to nightmares, and the live nature of these scenes wouldn't look out of place in a regular scare attraction!
And then there was that ending. We had no idea what was going to happen, so settled down for our final sleep with some trepidation. Clearly, we had made some wrong moral decisions along the way, but even in virtual reality the ending was intense, and was aided some great physical elements.
Once back to the real world, we spent some time in the incredibly atmospheric bar. The projection mapping changes on a regular basis as does the accompanying cocktail menu. We also took advantage of the app and loaded up our patient stats as well as checking out the augmented reality drinks and the 3D mapping of our heads!
Overall, Somnai is a stunningly original dreamlike experience that has an ethereal quality throughout. The brand of layered reality (using VR with tactical effects) is a great use of technology and despite the obvious physical element of getting in and out of the masks, the extra depth really adds to the experience. The show won’t be in London forever and is planning to move to other major cities worldwide. Therefore, if you want to be a better person than you are now, then all you need to do is sleep with Somnai. We did – and it is an experience we will remember for a long time!
Obviously, part of the show is the mystery of what will happen, and we don’t want to spoil it, but we can say that it a wildly ambitious piece of immersive theatre that mixes live action, detailed set pieces and some impressive VR segments that utilise the concept of Layered Reality.
Where we really noticed a difference was when we were instructed to put on our sleep masks (VR headsets to you)- the immediate view was the same as the room we were in. It really helped the scenes feel more immersive and a continuation of the action, as opposed to just another reason to put on a VR headset. The tactile elements within each scene also help, and we can’t say why, but several times, members of our group yelled out at something “non VR” that was happening to them.
Perhaps the weakest of the VR scenes was probably the most technologically complicated. With a backpack strapped on, we were encouraged to walk out into the world unaided. We could explore, reach out and touch items as well as seeing a “ghost version” of our colleagues. Again – the use of other physical elements really helped the illusion and despite knowing we were on a flat surface, it was difficult at times to step forwards when your brain is showing an undersea cliff edge or drop. It really is stunningly realised, but being a non “photo real” environment – it’s hard to get totally immersed.
And then of course, after thinking that we knew the format of the show, all bets were off as the producers threw a couple of curveballs at us. We were forced to make some important moral decisions along the way, which channeled us into a series of beautifully themed rooms. Let’s just say that dreams can often lead to nightmares, and the live nature of these scenes wouldn't look out of place in a regular scare attraction!
And then there was that ending. We had no idea what was going to happen, so settled down for our final sleep with some trepidation. Clearly, we had made some wrong moral decisions along the way, but even in virtual reality the ending was intense, and was aided some great physical elements.
Once back to the real world, we spent some time in the incredibly atmospheric bar. The projection mapping changes on a regular basis as does the accompanying cocktail menu. We also took advantage of the app and loaded up our patient stats as well as checking out the augmented reality drinks and the 3D mapping of our heads!
Overall, Somnai is a stunningly original dreamlike experience that has an ethereal quality throughout. The brand of layered reality (using VR with tactical effects) is a great use of technology and despite the obvious physical element of getting in and out of the masks, the extra depth really adds to the experience. The show won’t be in London forever and is planning to move to other major cities worldwide. Therefore, if you want to be a better person than you are now, then all you need to do is sleep with Somnai. We did – and it is an experience we will remember for a long time!
Links:
Somnai Website
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