Kabeiroi Punchdrunk London 2017

Twenty years ago immersive theatre wasn't really A Thing. Now it's the biggest buzzword in performing arts and a whole new way to experience culture. This is thanks, in large part, to Punchdrunk. The pioneering theatre company creates dramatic worlds and invites us in to explore. Instead of passively watching, audiences negotiate the space.

Since the sheer spectacle that was The Drowned Man, set over three storeys in Paddington's former Royal Mail sorting office from 2013-14, London has been waiting, patiently, for a new full-scale Punchdrunk adventure.

Punchdrunk have been busy with world domination – their show Sleep No More is the fastest selling show in Shanghai and has been sold-out solidly in New York since 2011 – but now they are back with a 'new theatrical adventure'. And it's bolder than ever.

Kabeiroi combines epic Greek drama with a trailblazing take on narrative. It's a six-hour journey across London, inspired by Aeschylus's lost play and masterminded by Punchdrunk artistic director Felix Barrett.

In a break away from characteristically vast productions, with crowds of up to 600 people wandering around in masks, this experience is all about intimacy. The six-hour production is made for audience groups of two. Yes, that's right: only two people can experience each show. And with such great intimacy comes great difficulty getting your hands on tickets. Booking is accessible by ballot only to ensure fair access to the 'extremely limited' tickets.

Inspired by three enigmatic fragments of a play written by Aeschylus around 499 BC, Kabeiroi tells the ancient tragedy of Persephone, Demeter and Hekate, the women of Lemnos. The titular Kabeiroi refers to the group of mystic divinities they worshipped. It's an obscure corner of Greek mythology, ripe for speculation.

As ever, Punchdrunk's interpretation is shrouded in mystery. Instead of an ancient Aegean island, audiences will explore contemporary London. Expect to cover plenty of ground over the six hours: a contactless card or topped up Oyster, comfortable shoes, and weather appropriate clothing are pre-requisites.

Kabeiroi ticket ballot:
Ballot registration is open from noon on 5 September to 6pm on 10 September. Click here to register.

Successful applicants will be selected at random, notified via email on 13 September and given a 48-hour window in which to book tickets.Tickets will be allocated in pairs, priced at £55 each. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

With a short six-week run and only two tickets for each show, the odds may not be in your favour, but at least access is fair and there's no chance for extortionate resales.

.