Viola's Room by Punchdrunk
Off the back of the hugely successful Burnt City, Punchdrunk have resurrected one of their earliest creations, to create a fever dream experience that has had critics wanting more. Narrated by Helena Bonham Carter, the show is described as an experience where audiences feel their way through a labyrinthine installation as an unseen narrator reveals a story of innocence lost and obsession unleashed.
Although it does not follow the same structure as previous Punchdrunk shows, we were intrigued on the concept as we entered. Equipped with a set of headphones, the audience was guided through the story by the narrator and led through the incredible show space by following the light in each room.
We really do not want to give too much away, as we went in completely blind and are very grateful for it. We felt completely entranced, stepping into someone else’s dream and leaving all of our thoughts and worries at the door (along with our shoes!)
Whilst this isn’t a scare attraction, the nature of the experience is particularly creepy, playing on feelings of foreboding and dread. One scene in particular gave us a shock where a beautiful reveal, suddenly turned sinister. This led on to one of our favourite elements of the attraction, the lighting design. Our eyes were never allowed to adjust to the darkness, which allowed for reveals that made us feel as if we were in a movie. Sometimes we were eased into pitch darkness, making it feel almost comforting, whereas at other times we were suddenly plunged into total darkness, making us feel exposed and vulnerable. This all complimented the stunning sets and intricate set dressing beautifully. We wish we had more time to take in the detail in each room, which sometimes even had us side-tracked from listening to the story!
In a unique concept, the audience enters the show barefoot. This added another layer of vulnerability as well as complete immersion. At one point we felt we were actually outside, and the changes in textures were also used to create unease at unnerving moments.
All in all, Viola’s Room was a puzzling but captivating show, completely enchanting and mystical, yet creating undertones of malevolency. Was this a fairy-tale or a nightmare? Who knows?
Although it does not follow the same structure as previous Punchdrunk shows, we were intrigued on the concept as we entered. Equipped with a set of headphones, the audience was guided through the story by the narrator and led through the incredible show space by following the light in each room.
We really do not want to give too much away, as we went in completely blind and are very grateful for it. We felt completely entranced, stepping into someone else’s dream and leaving all of our thoughts and worries at the door (along with our shoes!)
Whilst this isn’t a scare attraction, the nature of the experience is particularly creepy, playing on feelings of foreboding and dread. One scene in particular gave us a shock where a beautiful reveal, suddenly turned sinister. This led on to one of our favourite elements of the attraction, the lighting design. Our eyes were never allowed to adjust to the darkness, which allowed for reveals that made us feel as if we were in a movie. Sometimes we were eased into pitch darkness, making it feel almost comforting, whereas at other times we were suddenly plunged into total darkness, making us feel exposed and vulnerable. This all complimented the stunning sets and intricate set dressing beautifully. We wish we had more time to take in the detail in each room, which sometimes even had us side-tracked from listening to the story!
In a unique concept, the audience enters the show barefoot. This added another layer of vulnerability as well as complete immersion. At one point we felt we were actually outside, and the changes in textures were also used to create unease at unnerving moments.
All in all, Viola’s Room was a puzzling but captivating show, completely enchanting and mystical, yet creating undertones of malevolency. Was this a fairy-tale or a nightmare? Who knows?
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