A star‑studded celebration marked the opening of David Bowie: You’re Not Alone, a new immersive production honouring the influence of the iconic artist. 

People sat on benches in a room with projections on the walls

Source: Justin Sutcliffe

Sketches, notes and lyrics from Bowie’s archive are also used in the show.

Making its debut at Lightroom, King’s Cross, the 360° show surrounds visitors with large‑scale projections, archive interviews and performance footage, including rarely seen material.

You’re Not Alone showcases a selection of Bowie’s landmark performances and interviews that span five decades, chosen from thousands of hours of footage from the David Bowie Archive in New York. 

All Saints Natalie Appleton (pictured with her son Ace Howlett) described Bowie as "one of a kind."

Source: Dave Benett

Damian Lewis and Alison Mosshart at the premiere.

Source: Dave Benett

Singer Nxdia (pictured with comedian Roisin Conaty) is a huge Bowie fan and said she felt "completely eclipsed" in the room.

Source: Dave Benett

Musician David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) and novelist/lyricist Polly Samson were among the guests at the star-studded launch party.

Source: Dave Benett

Gary Kemp, Damian Lewis and Boy George joined the party to preview the immersive show.

Source: Dave Benett

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The show premiered on 21st April and among the celebrity attendees were Noel Gallagher, David Gilmour, Anna Calvi, Alison Mosshart, Bobby Gillespie and Natalie Appleton.

Singer and songwriter Anna Calvi said of the experience: “There is something happening on every wall so you feel completely immersed in the story and in his particular world. I never got to see him play live so this for me is the closest I’ll ever get.”

“There were some shots when he was playing Heroes, for example, where you really felt like you were in the crowd.”

People sat in front of a screen depicting David Bowie's face

Source: Justin Sutcliffe

Photos and videos of Bowie are projected onto the venue’s huge walls.

An innovative experience

Unlike more traditional event spaces, Lightroom is purpose-built for storytelling. During You’re Not Alone, footage is projected onto the venue’s 11-metre tall walls and open floor, and the audio has been configured by Olivier and Tony Award-winning sound designer Gareth Fry (Harry Potter & The Cursed Child, David Bowie Is) to work in the unique spacial audio system. The result is an innovative visual and sonic experience that fully envelops the audience. 

“Bowie was an absolute enigma, a legend, a magnetic artist - one of a kind”

Natalie Appleton

As well as clips from landmark performances, the show combines drawings, personal notes and lyrics to pull together a vivid and detailed account of Bowie’s life and career, exploring his ideas on song-writing, spirituality and the power of creativity. 

Audience watches David Bowie performance on large screens around room

Source: Justin Sutcliffe

The experience features iconic performances and rare footage from the artist’s career.

“It feels like you’re at a Bowie gig when the live footage is playing” according to Will Irvine, lead guitarist and singer of Daytime TV. “The noise hits you in the chest. I was never lucky enough to go to a show but it felt like I was there and felt like we kind of went back in time.” 

Comedian Roisin Conaty, who also attended the premiere, said: “It’s such an amazing experience because it’s really immersive… it feels really hypnotic.” 

Group visits

The show is currently booking until 10th October and discounted rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Organisers can also enquire about hiring the Lightroom space for private events. 

Groups can book tickets using this form or by emailing groups@lightroom.co.uk. For more information about the event, go to lightroom.uk

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