In the last couple of years, the list of immersive theatre options in many forms in London grew and grew. On one end of the spectrum, you have shows where actors simply dance between audience seats (which, if you ask me, hardly qualifies as immersive). On the other end, you’ll find productions that push the boundaries of audience involvement – like a certain show in East London that asks audience members to volunteer for shockingly intense execution scene. You would have thought the boundries of what’s possible in this type of theatre are already defined.
And yet, then “Bridge Command” enters the scene and reshuffles it all over again. Is it still theatre or more of a immersive experience similar to an escape room? To be honest, I’m still not 100% sure if this experience – which I really enjoyed – can be scored like a theatre show. But more on this below.
In “Bridge Command”, you get to pick from an array of missions in space, varying from ones focused on exploration, military ones or “intrigue” ones. You step into the story as one of the mission’s crew members, and actors play alongside you, either introducing you to the story or interacting through the show.
The creators of “Bridge Command” have truly gone above and beyond the typical expectations for a theatre production. Imagine that overachieving colleague who always takes on extra work – that’s the level of dedication evident in this show’s conception and execution. It’s clear that years of planning must have gone into crafting this immersive gaming experience.
The set is truly impressive in its scale and complexity. It features multiple interconnected rooms, including hidden areas, a shuttle bay, and a medical facility. The attention to detail is impressive. Every object you find has a purpose and comes with instructions on how to use it. You might need to turn on one device to fix the ship, or recharge another at a special station. All these interactive elements make the experience feel real and complex, pulling you deep into this space world.
The richly detailed world of “Bridge Command” is impressive, but it does come with a learning curve. The initial briefing is quite thorough, as participants need to get up to speed on their roles, the equipment they’ll use, and their responsibilities.
This introduction might feel lengthy, but it’s essential for fully immersing you in the adventure ahead. If you don’t do your tasks well, you might damage the ship – and real smoke shows up when it happens!
The actors really bring the whole thing to life from start to finish. As soon as you walk in and suit up, you’re greeted by crew members who make you feel part of the team. Then at the bar, don’t be surprised if a friendly face sidles up to chat about their last space mission.
I’ve got to say, even though I knew these were actors, the conversations felt surprisingly real and engaging. I mean, who wouldn’t rather hear about a crazy space adventure than someone’s boring night out? It definitely made for better bar talk in my book!
Here’s a hot tip: pay attention to these chats. Some of these characters might pop up during your mission later on.
The experience you have at “Bridge Command” really depends on who you end up playing with. Unless you book the whole thing for your group, you’ll be teaming up with strangers. That’s what makes each game unique – your team’s choices and actions shape how things unfold.
Sure, the actors are there to guide you and get you started, but it’s your fellow crew members who really make or break the experience. It’s not like a regular theatre show where the actors are front and center. Here, it’s all about how well you work with your team.
That’s what makes reviewing this so tricky. It’s hard to judge it like a normal show because so much depends on who you end up playing with. I assume no 2 games are the same.
Saying that, if you’re looking for a night out that’s truly out of this world, “Bridge Command” is your ticket to the stars. It’s hands down the most unique immersive experience in London right now. Whether you’re a theatre buff or just someone seeking an adventure, this cosmic journey will keep you on the edge of your seat from launch to landing. So why not blast off to Bridge Command? It’s one small step for you, but one giant leap for your entertainment options!
Here are some of the questions I had before participating in “Bridge Command” – to help you assess if it’s for you:
Not really. I tried the “Intrigue” scenario and while it was unpredictable at times, it wasn’t scary. There are no horror elements.
Yes, quite a lot of them, even during the initial “onboarding”. You are asked about your light sensitivity before you start though. If it’s an issue, I assume it’s possible to adjust the experience. Just let the crew know.
It might be challenging, but you can do it (saying this as a fellow introvert)! You’ll need to communicate a lot with your team. There’s no sitting back and watching – everyone has an active role. It feels awkward at first, but by the end, you might find yourself hanging out with your new crew mates. But if you prefer solo gaming, this might not be your thing.
Nope! They provide spaceship uniforms. You can choose between overalls or a bomber jacket. Don’t worry, they’re clean – stored in zip-lock bags and washed after each use.
Bridge Command
Vauxhall, London
Tickets start at £40 per person
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