Punchdrunk – The Drowned Man Trailer from The Difference Engine on Vimeo.
If there is one thing you do this year, you must make the time to visit London and watch The Drowned Man by Punchdrunk. This is the most incredible theatre experience that I have ever come across. Rather the the viewer sitting watching a ‘show’ as soon as you step in Punchdrunk’s theatre space you are transported into their world. By transported, I literately mean you are thrown into a world somewhat like stepping into and onto a movie set. As you enter you are given a mask to wear, to differentiate you as a viewer from the actors (who dont wear masks).
The viewer doesn’t just watch the show, they are immersed into the Hollywood world, and can walk the 4 floors of sets and pick up parts of the stories wherever they want. You can follow your favourite actor around and find out about their part, or simply spend time wondering around the detailed set. The ‘show’ lasts for 3hrs, and coming out of it was disappointing as you never want to leave it. I have to admit, I have been back already, as each time you go a different part of the story can be revealed to you.
This post could go on and on about how great this experience, and it is an experience however the only way to understand what Punchdrunk is all about is to do it. So get a ticket now, pop down to Paddington and the old Temple Film Studios and be prepared for the best show of your life.
