We got a sneak preview of Absurd City, Wake The Tiger’s vast new immersive experience at Westfield London – from theatrical performers to interactive games, the new universe will make a memorable day out for groups.
Described as Europe’s largest immersive art experience, Wake The Tiger’s second venue has opened in London. After a year of construction, Wake The Tiger’s Absurd City builds on the success of its Bristol venue, Dream Factory, which has welcomed more than half a million visitors since opening in 2022.
This interactive experience blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, while promoting a powerful message: protect the planet.
Absurd City follows a story-like structure where the world as we know it has warped into something strange. The parallel city is shaped by climate change and corporate control, with theatrical performers assuring visitors that “everything is fine”. The scale of the metropolis is apparent when you step inside the 80,000 sq. ft space, previously occupied by KidZania.
During my visit, I found out that the experience can accommodate up to 200 people per hour and is inspired by the director’s passion for the planet, placing sustainability at the heart of the project. With such a variety of themes, games and attention to detail, the experience is something groups could enjoy again and again. Artists were given the freedom to make this space as magical as possible, and they have certainly delivered.
CEO and co-founder of Wake The Tiger, Graham MacVoy, said: “Absurd City was built to meet curiosity head-on, using culture and storytelling to explore complex ideas and imagine what a better world could look like.”
Puzzles, performers and more
The fallen city: A major city in Meridia has been devastated by climate collapse. Rather than confront the crisis when they had the chance, the leaders decided to seal it beneath a glass dome. Decades later, the city faces another potential collapse, but don’t worry – EVERYTHING IS FINE.
There are five extraordinary districts, each offering a unique blend of theatrical storytelling, immersive performances and escape-room-style challenges. The highlight for me was definitely Imaginopolis, a place where vibrancy knows no bounds.
The adventure begins in the interdimensional departure lounge before visitors pass through security gates onto Bloom Street, based loosely on London’s Oxford Street. Here, you explore the darker side of capitalism through advertising that parody real-world ads, an unusual take on the real world.
Throughout the experience, groups can solve puzzles and crack codes. From working out ATM codes and conquering the Mock Market, a parody of the stock market, you will have access to a variety of interactive games.
With plenty of memorable photo opportunities throughout the experience, there’s also the chance to buy photos from the gift shop at the end of your visit. Heads up, you’ll be inclined to take lots of photos of your group throughout.
A sustainable sensation
The powerful theme of the tour is the fragility of our planet. Visitors will head into Reclaimia, a district built entirely from recyclable waste, showing the importance of repurposing everyday items and upcycling them.
Almost everything at Wake The Tiger, including items in the gift shop, is made from recycled materials, reinforcing its sustainability message. I was also told that Wake the Tiger partners with Oxfam to repurpose T-shirts, which are cleaned, dyed and stencil-printed, later to be sold in the shop.
“Don’t just ask what happens next, ask what you want to make possible,” is the apt message to end the experience.
Group trips to Absurd City
The tour is entirely self-paced, with the option to add a guide or explore at your own leisure. With so much attention to detail, I’d recommend exploring slowly to take everything in.
Groups wanting to book are encouraged to enquire. There is also an ‘after hours’ booking page which allows visitors to book evening slots and enjoy a quieter experience.
For more information, click here.
