The Wasteland Experience - New for 2018
We have been visiting Zombie Shopping Mall by Zed Events for several years and have watched the show grow from a glorified zombie themed Airsoft event through to something far more polished and professional with new weapons, better storylines and acting. Through all the different variations, the main buzz has been the same – the feeling of running around an actual desolate shopping mall with a gun!
Therefore, we were gutted when it was announced that the show was going to close. We sort of understand the popularity of zombies has really waned, but what could Zed Events replace them with, that would be as equally scary? Turns out we didn’t need to worry.
The Wasteland Experience has just opened at the shopping mall and tells the story of a post-apocalyptic future long after nuclear weapons have wiped out the cities in an attempt to eradicate the zombie virus. Small bands of rebels have survived, and we play the parts of one particular faction, checking into the mall to potentially trade with the inhabitants. What then plays out is a terrifying story, that is far darker than Zombie Shopping Mall – but we really don’t want to give too much away.
The highlights of this new show are the stunning costumes and sets that we encountered along the way. The costumes have been designed Mark Cordory Creations, (a veteran of Dr Who), Dust Monkey and Coulier Creatures FX, and you can see some of the detail in the pictures below. Of course – these are only the costumes we can show you. There truly are some bat shit crazy characters in this show, and many times we wanted to stand and take in the attention to detail but ended up running for our lives away from these assailants.
There are also some amazingly well designed new sets along the way. As we stated at the beginning – part of the fun is running around an empty shopping mall, but the attention to detail in some of the new scenes is stunning. With use of extra sound and smell effects – these scenes are as disgusting as they are impressive, and helped elevate the attraction to another level.
Of course - what is an apocalyptic future about warring factions without some weapons and firepower? We were all kitted out with brand new assault rifles which this time even included semi-automatic multiple shots. As ever – it was very easy to fire indeterminately, but we soon learned to keep as much ammo as we could for the big set piece finale. There are also the explosions and bangs that emanate through the empty mall. They are as loud as they are surprising – and really add realism to the show.
One final thing we must mention are the actors. They have gone from shambling growling zombies to delivering long lines of dialogue and performing full scenes of exposition in front of us. They are clearly enjoying the new challenge and are completely believable throughout. This is a very complex world that the team have created, and it is a testament to everyone involved that the story comes across so well, as all the secrets are finally revealed.
There are so many things we could say about the Wasteland Experience, but we would really hate to spoil the surprises that delighted us so much on our visit. We went in completely cold and left with a complete sense of awe at the show we had just experienced. So, if you want to recreate that feeling, then grab a ticket now. It’s almost like someone mixed up Mad Max with The Hills Have Eyes and made a live experience out of it!
Therefore, we were gutted when it was announced that the show was going to close. We sort of understand the popularity of zombies has really waned, but what could Zed Events replace them with, that would be as equally scary? Turns out we didn’t need to worry.
The Wasteland Experience has just opened at the shopping mall and tells the story of a post-apocalyptic future long after nuclear weapons have wiped out the cities in an attempt to eradicate the zombie virus. Small bands of rebels have survived, and we play the parts of one particular faction, checking into the mall to potentially trade with the inhabitants. What then plays out is a terrifying story, that is far darker than Zombie Shopping Mall – but we really don’t want to give too much away.
The highlights of this new show are the stunning costumes and sets that we encountered along the way. The costumes have been designed Mark Cordory Creations, (a veteran of Dr Who), Dust Monkey and Coulier Creatures FX, and you can see some of the detail in the pictures below. Of course – these are only the costumes we can show you. There truly are some bat shit crazy characters in this show, and many times we wanted to stand and take in the attention to detail but ended up running for our lives away from these assailants.
There are also some amazingly well designed new sets along the way. As we stated at the beginning – part of the fun is running around an empty shopping mall, but the attention to detail in some of the new scenes is stunning. With use of extra sound and smell effects – these scenes are as disgusting as they are impressive, and helped elevate the attraction to another level.
Of course - what is an apocalyptic future about warring factions without some weapons and firepower? We were all kitted out with brand new assault rifles which this time even included semi-automatic multiple shots. As ever – it was very easy to fire indeterminately, but we soon learned to keep as much ammo as we could for the big set piece finale. There are also the explosions and bangs that emanate through the empty mall. They are as loud as they are surprising – and really add realism to the show.
One final thing we must mention are the actors. They have gone from shambling growling zombies to delivering long lines of dialogue and performing full scenes of exposition in front of us. They are clearly enjoying the new challenge and are completely believable throughout. This is a very complex world that the team have created, and it is a testament to everyone involved that the story comes across so well, as all the secrets are finally revealed.
There are so many things we could say about the Wasteland Experience, but we would really hate to spoil the surprises that delighted us so much on our visit. We went in completely cold and left with a complete sense of awe at the show we had just experienced. So, if you want to recreate that feeling, then grab a ticket now. It’s almost like someone mixed up Mad Max with The Hills Have Eyes and made a live experience out of it!
Review Zed Events 2018 - Christmas Story
Towards the end of 2017, Zed Zombie Events made two big announcements. The first one was pretty exciting - for the first time they were going to host a Christmas themed event. But while talking to the management about coming down to experience it, they then dropped the massive bombshell, that the event would close down at the end of February 2018!
We couldn't believe it - we have visited the abandoned shopping mall three times already in the past, and had a blast every time we went. Over 5 years or so, the event has changed so dramatically, and the current version of the show is definitely the tightest, with more structure and story to the experience. So we had to go for one last shot, and Christmas seemed an ideal time.
Continuing on from the main show, we were invited on a tour of a secret laboratory, with the promise of a kick ass party and dancing at the end. As it was, the only asses we ended up kicking were dead zombie ones, and the nearest we got to dancing, was dodging and ducking to avoid multiple zombie attacks! The show basically followed the main story, and very soon we found ourselves in an armoury, getting tooled up and ready to take on the hordes.
As before, what then followed, was a chaotic mix of promenade theatre, puzzle solving, detailed storytelling, zombie target practice and a LOT of running away. Especially when the indestructible zombie in Kevlar armour was on the loose!
Watching the whole of the group we were with engage fully with the action, take on solo missions, and protect each other as team, was great fun, especially as in the past we have experienced it with a few rowdy stag do's who just wanted to mess about. Like any event of this type, we can only stress that the key to enjoying yourself is dive in head first. Of course the zombies aren't going to kill you, but if you suspend your disbelief and dive in - it becomes all so believable.
Especially by the end, when the zombies wouldn't stay dead and we were chased to the exit by a swarm of them. The final scene was like something out of a movie, as we pumped shot after shot into the undead and watched them tumble to the floor, as the good guys struggled to close the shutters and contain the infection.
It's hard to believe that this was our last chance to experience zombies at the mall but this is NOT the end of Zed Events. We were concerned that the closure was due to the upcoming redevelopment of this part of Reading but we have been assured that a new event is being worked on, and a completely new threat will be launched later this Spring. In the mean time there are just a few places left before the last mission in 6 weeks time, so if you want to experience this unique show then don't hurry - the final tickets will sell out fast.
We couldn't believe it - we have visited the abandoned shopping mall three times already in the past, and had a blast every time we went. Over 5 years or so, the event has changed so dramatically, and the current version of the show is definitely the tightest, with more structure and story to the experience. So we had to go for one last shot, and Christmas seemed an ideal time.
Continuing on from the main show, we were invited on a tour of a secret laboratory, with the promise of a kick ass party and dancing at the end. As it was, the only asses we ended up kicking were dead zombie ones, and the nearest we got to dancing, was dodging and ducking to avoid multiple zombie attacks! The show basically followed the main story, and very soon we found ourselves in an armoury, getting tooled up and ready to take on the hordes.
As before, what then followed, was a chaotic mix of promenade theatre, puzzle solving, detailed storytelling, zombie target practice and a LOT of running away. Especially when the indestructible zombie in Kevlar armour was on the loose!
Watching the whole of the group we were with engage fully with the action, take on solo missions, and protect each other as team, was great fun, especially as in the past we have experienced it with a few rowdy stag do's who just wanted to mess about. Like any event of this type, we can only stress that the key to enjoying yourself is dive in head first. Of course the zombies aren't going to kill you, but if you suspend your disbelief and dive in - it becomes all so believable.
Especially by the end, when the zombies wouldn't stay dead and we were chased to the exit by a swarm of them. The final scene was like something out of a movie, as we pumped shot after shot into the undead and watched them tumble to the floor, as the good guys struggled to close the shutters and contain the infection.
It's hard to believe that this was our last chance to experience zombies at the mall but this is NOT the end of Zed Events. We were concerned that the closure was due to the upcoming redevelopment of this part of Reading but we have been assured that a new event is being worked on, and a completely new threat will be launched later this Spring. In the mean time there are just a few places left before the last mission in 6 weeks time, so if you want to experience this unique show then don't hurry - the final tickets will sell out fast.
Review - Zed Events 2017
When we last visited the abandoned shopping mall in Reading, the whole Zed Zombie Events experience had just undergone a massive overhaul with new stories, new missions and of course - those all important headshots. We loved the new version of the show, so when the team invited us back to look at the current changes, we were quite interested surprised to see what they could do to actually improve the incredible event. The answer is - a lot!
The current version runs even more tighter than before, with more chance for guests to participate in the storyline and become part of the show. This isn't just a passive theater experience - you will be expected run, shoot, explore and more - all in environment so dark and creepy, that most of the time you are terrified as to what will come round the corner!
What helps is that the event is a mix of different styles including scare attraction, puzzle room, murder mystery and hide and seek. The transitions between running around shooting zombies and actor led dialogue expositions work seamlessly and really add to the realism of the whole event. For the two hours we are in the experience you feel completely immersed
in the story they are telling so by the time we are left to wander the mall on our own, we are determined to find the missing components that we needed to escape safely. If only those pesky zombies would stop coming back to life!
The guns are still a masterpiece in design but are just one small element in the whole show. The venue, the story, the actors and the zombies all combine with the guns to make a truly unique experience that is unparalleled in the zombie attraction industry.
With the redevelopment of Reading Town Centre rapidly approaching and engulfing the venue, we cant help but think that this unique experience will soon be searching for a new home. We are sure the team are already looking to the future, and will come up with some exciting ideas, but it will be hard for them to match the "perfect storm" environment that they have found at the mall. Go and check it out while you can.
The current version runs even more tighter than before, with more chance for guests to participate in the storyline and become part of the show. This isn't just a passive theater experience - you will be expected run, shoot, explore and more - all in environment so dark and creepy, that most of the time you are terrified as to what will come round the corner!
What helps is that the event is a mix of different styles including scare attraction, puzzle room, murder mystery and hide and seek. The transitions between running around shooting zombies and actor led dialogue expositions work seamlessly and really add to the realism of the whole event. For the two hours we are in the experience you feel completely immersed
in the story they are telling so by the time we are left to wander the mall on our own, we are determined to find the missing components that we needed to escape safely. If only those pesky zombies would stop coming back to life!
The guns are still a masterpiece in design but are just one small element in the whole show. The venue, the story, the actors and the zombies all combine with the guns to make a truly unique experience that is unparalleled in the zombie attraction industry.
With the redevelopment of Reading Town Centre rapidly approaching and engulfing the venue, we cant help but think that this unique experience will soon be searching for a new home. We are sure the team are already looking to the future, and will come up with some exciting ideas, but it will be hard for them to match the "perfect storm" environment that they have found at the mall. Go and check it out while you can.
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Very scary - I was bought this by my dad for me and my boyfriend. It was the Reading Abandoned Shopping Mall Experience. I was not looking forward to this event as I'm not the type who likes to get scared. It was so frightening at first but once we were given the guns, things seemed to be a bit better. The story line is fantastic and all the actors stay in their role and perform to perfection. The whole experience is so immersive and you really feel like you need to survive this! I would recommend this to anyone, it was such a great and fun experience and definitely worth a try!!
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