Michael Cox reviews that latest immersive audio-experience from Darkfield.
Anyone who has experienced a Darkfield production will know the drill: a shipping container has been kitted out to create an ‘immersive audio-experience’. You are literally in the dark—every one of these shows takes place in complete darkness, with the entire show being done through headphones and pitch blackness.
Of all the Darkfield experiences I’ve had, Arcade seems to be the most ambitious. It is based on 1980s arcade games—you stand before an upright arcade cabinet complete with screen and coin slot. This one is also interactive, so each experience is bespoke based on choices.
To say anymore would—literally—give the game away. I myself was a bit frustrated by the journey my character went on—how varied the experiences really are is in the air. But it is still more than worth the time and money. Arcade might not have the best story, but it is still a thrilling experience that shocks and engrosses.
Darkfield continue to demonstrate how great they are at making immersive experiences. If they could just nail the dramaturgical…
Arcade is at Summerhall until August 26, 2024. Check the theatre’s website or box office as there are multiple performance times each day.
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