Once Upon a Christmas, Covent Garden

Are you up for an unusual Christmas experience in Covent Garden? 

Having an 'experience' rather than sitting and watching a show in a theatre is all the rage these days, with interactive theatre companies such as Punch Drunk and Dream Think Speak relentlessly challenging the relationship between audiences and performers. In immersive theatre, you are no longer just a spectator but instead are led into a real adventure in an unconventional venue. Be it in a cemetery, a disused hotel, a post office, or the underbelly of Somerset House, audience members are invited to wander freely so that they can come across scenes which they can piece together in their mind to create their own version of the story.

What makes  Look Left Look Right different is that they are offering a one-on-one 'promenade' experience: you are part of a personalised adventure and your unique contributions affect the ending of the show. The award-winning site-specific and interactive theatre company formed in 2005. Its breakthrough show You Once Said Yes came two years ago in Edinburgh and went on to win a Total Theatre Award. Last year, as part of their artist-in-residence programme, they took over the five-star Corinthia Hotel, in London, for their Above and Beyond performance. They invited audiences to open the doors and play their part in a suspenseful journey through the hotel. In both shows, the punters had to play a part and engage in a conversation with the performers they encountered.

This time around, Once Upon a Christmas is being held in Covent Garden: audience members will be invited to take part in 'a journey inspired by pantomimes and fairy tale' around St Paul’s, known as the Actor’s church. Please note that part of the show takes place outside and there's walking involved, so wrap up warm and wear suitable footwear. 

Let’s leave it at that. After all, the experience is all about surprise. A word of advice, though: book as soon as you’ve read this. One-on-one theatre is reserved for the lucky few – those who are quickest off the mark. This adult-only show is for just two audience members at a time, so find someone adventurous to go along with and book fast.

Tickets: £35 plus