Latest news with #SecretCinema
Irish Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Post
Tea, trauma and the Troubles at the Edinburgh Fringe
TROUBLED is the bold new solo show by Northern Irish theatre-maker Suzy Crothers. Set in 1993 Belfast, it combines dark humour, heartfelt storytelling and the comfort of tea and biscuits to examine trauma, family and healing. Alice, a 'Troubles kid' now grown up, navigates the chaos of a city divided, longing for normalcy as she forges her way toward love and adulthood — all while the past looms large. The piece blends warmth, wit, and raw honesty, exploring how intergenerational conflict can shape identity—and how storytelling can offer redemption. Directed by Amie Burns Walker (The Great Gatsby, Secret Cinema) and produced by Rachael Halliwell, Troubled incorporates projection, audience interaction, and live monologue. Crothers invites the audience into her world with signature Northern Irish hospitality—tea, biscuits, and a blanket available on request. Now featured within Summerhall's debut festival line-up, the show has drawn early praise from notable voices including Roisin Gallagher and Fringe First winner Haley McGee. A semi-autobiographical one-woman performance, Troubled confronts themes of personal loss, mental health crises, and intergenerational trauma—yet it remains grounded in joy, connection and hope. The result is a deeply moving and often hilarious portrait of survival, memory and the courage to move forward. Troubled by Suzy Crothers. Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025. Summerhall, Anatomy Lecture Theatre until August 25 (not 11, 18) See More: Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Suzy Crothers
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I went to the new immersive experience that feels like being in Grease – with 50s themed funfair and huge live show
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) I HAD walked straight into 1959, surrounded by red and white Rydell High memorabilia and dazzling lights of carnival rides. Secret Cinema's, Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical had immediately transported me out of London in 2025 and landed me in the world of Sandy and Danny in the 1950s. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 Secret Cinema's, Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical has landed in London Credit: Cyann Fielding 10 Guests get to dress up from the 50s and explore the world of Rydell High Credit: Cyann Fielding Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here It was the latest edition of the immersive cinema company's productions that transport guests into the worlds we see on the screen, following the success of Casino Royal and Stranger Thing. "Welcome to your first day of school," a women dressed in Rydell colours chimed. Hundreds of guests - or should I say 'students' - had fully embraced the experience for the next few hours, dressing themselves in ankle-length skits, Pink Ladies Jackets and T-Birds leather. The production staff even wore Greased Lightnin' mechanics outfits, splattered with oil. It felt like a time machine had dropped me into the world of Sandy and Danny, more than 65 years in the past. Guests can purchase carnival tokens, just like at a real fair, to enjoy the attractions at the experience. There was a Ferris wheel, flying chairs, hook-a-duck and even the iconic fun house from Sandy's unforgettable transformation scene. Food vendors line the edge of the carnival, where I opted for a £13 vegan hot dog, complete with beer-infused onions. Pricey, for sure, but in line with what you would expect at a London event. As for a tipple, the £12.50 Lillet Hugo Spritz was a nice nod to The Pink Ladies - made with elderflower, rose and fresh mint. 'I visited the new Traitors live experience' Eventually, it was time to leave the carnival behind and step through the doors of Rydell High. Inside, the school's gymnasium dominated the room, serving as the central stage for the night's performance. Around the edges, themed bars and seating areas were scattered - each also playing a role in the experience. My table was at Frosty's Palace, which was decked out with blue and white booths and classic diner tables. The table was then complete with a bottle of rose in an ice bucket - another subtle wink to The Pink Ladies. Rows of vintage cars had been converted into tables, the auto shop was slick with oil and the bleachers were ready for Patty Simcox to screech about school spirit. 10 Inside, there are several areas including the auto shop Credit: Luke Dyson 10 Characters also immersive themselves in the audience Credit: Every area had been well thought out with the creators not just producing a stage for a show, but a world to transport yourself into. The experience kicks off with the film itself, but as key scenes played out, actors took to the stage to bring them to life, all before cutting back to the movie. My only criticism would be that at times it felt a little overwhelming to the senses. I found myself on occasions unsure where to look or what to listen to as the sound from the film, orchestra and actors sometimes battle against each other. Yet, the entire time my feet tapped and I couldn't help but sing along. 10 For the final scenes, the audience head back outside Credit: Cyann Fielding 10 In the carnival area, there are a number of rides to enjoy and food stalls Credit: Cyann Fielding And the entire performance really was full of unforgettable moment after unforgettable moment. One guest, in a silver dress with curlers in her hair, was plucked from her seat to perform in the 'Beauty School Dropout' scene. In another scene, Danny performed in his car whilst dancers flipped and spun around him. Both the dancing and singing throughout the experience was breathtakingly flawless. The energy to sing and dance simultaneously as they did, really deserves recognition. Liam Buckland - who played Danny - nailed John Travolta's swagger, complete with slicked-back hair and a cheeky-yet-charming attitude. 10 The dancing and singing is brilliant to see Credit: Cyann Fielding 10 And you can sing along and dance as well Credit: Luke Dyson Unlike traditional West End shows, most ticketholders stand and move freely about the room. The actors even join in, chatting to guests whilst fully in character. One student dropped by our table to rant about being 'left out of Frenchy's sleepover' - dragging us directly into the drama. For the finale, the audience was led back outside to the carnival. Sandy's final transformation scene with song 'You're the One That I Want' really did bring the house down. Yes, there were leather trousers and red lippy. Yes, they shimmied on the Shake Shack. Yes, it did send the audience wild. 10 Iconic moments play out before your eyes including Sandy and Danny in the Shake Shack Credit: Cyann Fielding By the end of the night, one thing was clear: the experience really did 'have me a blast'. In a city with so many stage shows and immersive experiences, Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical stood out like a Pink Lady's jacket in a sea of beige. The experience runs until September 7 in Battersea Park, London and tickets cost from £49 per person. I also headed to the new Traitors live experience - it was a heart-pounding world of lies and best friend-betrayal. And I have also seen the new Titanic immersive exhibition - I gasped as the iceberg hit but there was another 'wow' moment.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I went to the new immersive experience that feels like being in Grease – with 50s themed funfair and huge live show
I HAD walked straight into 1959, surrounded by red and white Rydell High memorabilia and dazzling lights of carnival rides. Secret Cinema's, Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical had immediately transported me out of London in 2025 and landed me in the world of Sandy and Danny in the 1950s. 10 Secret Cinema's, Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical has landed in London Credit: Cyann Fielding 10 Guests get to dress up from the 50s and explore the world of Rydell High Credit: Cyann Fielding Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here It was the latest edition of the immersive cinema company's productions that transport guests into the worlds we see on the screen, following the success of Casino Royal and Stranger Thing. "Welcome to your first day of school," a women dressed in Rydell colours chimed. Hundreds of guests - or should I say 'students' - had fully embraced the experience for the next few hours, dressing themselves in ankle-length skits, Pink Ladies Jackets and T-Birds leather. Read more on travel inspo SHOW BOAT I tried new Omaze-style draw for superyacht holidays & lived like a billionaire The production staff even wore Greased Lightnin' mechanics outfits, splattered with oil. It felt like a time machine had dropped me into the world of Sandy and Danny, more than 65 years in the past. Guests can purchase carnival tokens, just like at a real fair, to enjoy the attractions at the experience. There was a Ferris wheel, flying chairs, hook-a-duck and even the iconic fun house from Sandy's unforgettable transformation scene. Food vendors line the edge of the carnival, where I opted for a £13 vegan hot dog, complete with beer-infused onions. Pricey, for sure, but in line with what you would expect at a London event. As for a tipple, the £12.50 Lillet Hugo Spritz was a nice nod to The Pink Ladies - made with elderflower, rose and fresh mint. 'I visited the new Traitors live experience' Eventually, it was time to leave the carnival behind and step through the doors of Rydell High. Inside, the school's gymnasium dominated the room, serving as the central stage for the night's performance. Around the edges, themed bars and seating areas were scattered - each also playing a role in the experience. My table was at Frosty's Palace, which was decked out with blue and white booths and classic diner tables. The table was then complete with a bottle of rose in an ice bucket - another subtle wink to The Pink Ladies. Rows of vintage cars had been converted into tables, the auto shop was slick with oil and the bleachers were ready for Patty Simcox to screech about school spirit. 10 Inside, there are several areas including the auto shop Credit: Luke Dyson 10 Characters also immersive themselves in the audience Credit: Every area had been well thought out with the creators not just producing a stage for a show, but a world to transport yourself into. The experience kicks off with the film itself, but as key scenes played out, actors took to the stage to bring them to life, all before cutting back to the movie. My only criticism would be that at times it felt a little overwhelming to the senses. I found myself on occasions unsure where to look or what to listen to as the sound from the film, orchestra and actors sometimes battle against each other. Yet, the entire time my feet tapped and I couldn't help but sing along. 10 For the final scenes, the audience head back outside Credit: Cyann Fielding 10 In the carnival area, there are a number of rides to enjoy and food stalls Credit: Cyann Fielding And the entire performance really was full of unforgettable moment after unforgettable moment. One guest, in a silver dress with curlers in her hair, was plucked from her seat to perform in the 'Beauty School Dropout' scene. In another scene, Danny performed in his car whilst dancers flipped and spun around him. Both the dancing and singing throughout the experience was breathtakingly flawless. The energy to sing and dance simultaneously as they did, really deserves recognition. Liam Buckland - who played Danny - nailed John Travolta's swagger, complete with slicked-back hair and a cheeky-yet-charming attitude. 10 The dancing and singing is brilliant to see Credit: Cyann Fielding 10 And you can sing along and dance as well Credit: Luke Dyson Unlike traditional West End shows, most ticketholders stand and move freely about the room. The actors even join in, chatting to guests whilst fully in character. One student dropped by our table to rant about being 'left out of Frenchy's sleepover' - dragging us directly into the drama. For the finale, the audience was led back outside to the carnival. Sandy's final transformation scene with song 'You're the One That I Want' really did bring the house down. Yes, there were leather trousers and red lippy. Yes, they shimmied on the Shake Shack. Yes, it did send the audience wild. 10 Iconic moments play out before your eyes including Sandy and Danny in the Shake Shack Credit: Cyann Fielding By the end of the night, one thing was clear: the experience really did 'have me a blast'. In a city with so many stage shows and immersive experiences, Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical stood out like a Pink Lady's jacket in a sea of beige. The experience runs until September 7 in Battersea Park, London and tickets cost from £49 per person. I also headed to the new Traitors live experience - it was a heart-pounding world of lies and best friend-betrayal. And I have also seen the new Titanic immersive exhibition - I gasped as the iceberg hit but there was another 'wow' moment.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I went to the new immersive experience that feels like being in Grease – with 50s themed funfair and huge live show
I HAD walked straight into 1959, surrounded by red and white Rydell High memorabilia and dazzling lights of carnival rides. Secret Cinema's, Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical had immediately transported me out of London in 2025 and landed me in the world of Sandy and Danny in the 1950s. 10 10 It was the latest edition of the immersive cinema company's productions that transport guests into the worlds we see on the screen, following the success of Casino Royal and Stranger Thing. "Welcome to your first day of school," a women dressed in Rydell colours chimed. Hundreds of guests - or should I say 'students' - had fully embraced the experience for the next few hours, dressing themselves in ankle-length skits, Pink Ladies Jackets and T-Birds leather. The production staff even wore Greased Lightnin' mechanics outfits, splattered with oil. It felt like a time machine had dropped me into the world of Sandy and Danny, more than 65 years in the past. Guests can purchase carnival tokens, just like at a real fair, to enjoy the attractions at the experience. There was a Ferris wheel, flying chairs, hook-a-duck and even the iconic fun house from Sandy's unforgettable transformation scene. Food vendors line the edge of the carnival, where I opted for a £13 vegan hot dog, complete with beer-infused onions. Pricey, for sure, but in line with what you would expect at a London event. As for a tipple, the £12.50 Lillet Hugo Spritz was a nice nod to The Pink Ladies - made with elderflower, rose and fresh mint. 'I visited the new Traitors live experience' Eventually, it was time to leave the carnival behind and step through the doors of Rydell High. Inside, the school's gymnasium dominated the room, serving as the central stage for the night's performance. Around the edges, themed bars and seating areas were scattered - each also playing a role in the experience. My table was at Frosty's Palace, which was decked out with blue and white booths and classic diner tables. The table was then complete with a bottle of rose in an ice bucket - another subtle wink to The Pink Ladies. Rows of vintage cars had been converted into tables, the auto shop was slick with oil and the bleachers were ready for Patty Simcox to screech about school spirit. 10 10 Every area had been well thought out with the creators not just producing a stage for a show, but a world to transport yourself into. The experience kicks off with the film itself, but as key scenes played out, actors took to the stage to bring them to life, all before cutting back to the movie. My only criticism would be that at times it felt a little overwhelming to the senses. I found myself on occasions unsure where to look or what to listen to as the sound from the film, orchestra and actors sometimes battle against each other. Yet, the entire time my feet tapped and I couldn't help but sing along. 10 10 And the entire performance really was full of unforgettable moment after unforgettable moment. One guest, in a silver dress with curlers in her hair, was plucked from her seat to perform in the 'Beauty School Dropout' scene. In another scene, Danny performed in his car whilst dancers flipped and spun around him. Both the dancing and singing throughout the experience was breathtakingly flawless. The energy to sing and dance simultaneously as they did, really deserves recognition. Liam Buckland - who played Danny - nailed John Travolta 's swagger, complete with slicked-back hair and a cheeky-yet-charming attitude. 10 10 Unlike traditional West End shows, most ticketholders stand and move freely about the room. The actors even join in, chatting to guests whilst fully in character. One student dropped by our table to rant about being 'left out of Frenchy's sleepover' - dragging us directly into the drama. For the finale, the audience was led back outside to the carnival. Sandy's final transformation scene with song 'You're the One That I Want' really did bring the house down. Yes, there were leather trousers and red lippy. Yes, they shimmied on the Shake Shack. Yes, it did send the audience wild. 10 By the end of the night, one thing was clear: the experience really did 'have me a blast'. In a city with so many stage shows and immersive experiences, Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical stood out like a Pink Lady's jacket in a sea of beige. The experience runs until September 7 in Battersea Park, London and tickets cost from £49 per person. I also headed to the new Traitors live experience - it was a heart-pounding world of lies and best friend-betrayal. And I have also seen the new Titanic immersive exhibition - I gasped as the iceberg hit but there was another 'wow' moment.
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical review – party like it's 1959
There's no secret about what's happening in Battersea Park: the signs are quite literally there at the entrance, welcoming you to Rydell High School. You can even spot the real-life ferris wheel that hints at the fairground finale to come. Grease isn't the first musical to be given Secret Cinema's signature immersive treatment – there was a Moulin Rouge in 2017 – but it is the most ambitious, with a live cast performing all of its memorable numbers in what is essentially a hybrid show. The original movie plays on overhead screens, with occasional footage intercut from a black-and-white stage feed, and a (fabulous) band provides the live soundtrack. It takes a chaotic quarter-hour to get your head around what you're watching. The actors aren't lip-syncing their lines, so if you're following the screen it looks like clunky dubbing. The dialogue regularly gets lost behind the music: perhaps the sound mix will get better over the course of the run. Perhaps it's not important – this is, ultimately, a full-costume karaoke night, the chance for folk to belt out Hopelessly Devoted to You and Greased Lightnin' without any fear of being removed by an usher. As for the 30-strong cast, none of them would shame the West End. Stephanie Costi is a sweetly voiced Sandy, while Lucy Penrose reconfirms that Rizzo is easily the show's most compelling character. Some of the performances feel impressionistic, and Jennifer Weber's choreography riffs only gently on the original, but you wouldn't expect anything else of a production dedicated to the faithful rendering of the movie's world. Matt Costain's direction does spring a couple of genuine surprises; it also co-opts those who have paid for VIP tickets as willing extras. The charismatic Waylon Jacobs provides a linchpin role, transforming the film version's narcissistic TV presenter Vince Fontaine into an all-purpose MC and entertainment director. He leads the crowd in conga lines around Tom Rogers' meticulous sets, from the Frosty Palace that serves up real ice cream sundaes to the gym floor where the audience can join in the iconic dance contest. And that, after all, is what people have come for: to party like it's 1959. So what if the movie's climax is better on screen than it is in the room? At Evolution London, Battersea Park, until 7 September
