London’s latest immersive sensation in Waterloo
People who know me, know that I absolutely love an immersive show, as long as, of course, such show blows the mind, entertains the eyes and ears and overall leaves one feeling having experienced something truly special. Think Drowned Man by Punchdrunk, Then She Fell by Third Rail Projects and do not think mediocre affairs such as The love lost speakesy
One of the most recent productions to grace the London limelight is Rhythm & Ruse in what used to be part of the Vaults venues under the railway arches off Lower Marsh.
I had been aware of the soon to be launched Rhythm & Ruse for a while and simply couldn’t wait to visit. I really wanted to make the most of the promised athmosphere and started looking around Vinted for flapper dresses, t bar shoes and similar outfits, as the site suggests to “Dress in your finest jazz age attire”.
Kid off to a sleepover, dog walked, and husband and I went out on a very rare date night.
London’s ultimate night of magic, music and mystery.
Bang in the middle of Lower Marsh is Lancelot Street, and just there is the grand entrance to Rhythm & Ruse, with a big red and gold painted wall which is perfect for those insta shots but certainly sets the scene. Welcomed by the very friendly staff we left our coats in the free (free! In London!) cloakroom and were ushered through a corridors of deflecting glittering mirrors towards “The Starling” night club by cast members (remind me of a certain Dolores – if you know, you know).
Magic and music
As soon as you arrive the first of five (five!) cocktails (or beer, wine or mocktails) is available and then you’re escorted to your table. All tables are card gaming ovals and placed on each side of the semi circular stage. Two people – cast of course – were already mysteryously on stage when we entered the room. These are the wonderfully elusive Sam Booth (Mr Stanford and Hades of Punchdrunk fame) and the gorgeous Mallory Gracenin.
I won’t spoil the show, but basically they are part of the acting cast who – for the 2 hours duration of the show – intersperse scenes with the incredibly talented Naomi Banks singing jazz ages tunes and table side magics tricks. These are performed by a number of very talented magicians who rotate on each show so that visiting again will mean you’ll see different tricks and / or different artists.
There is some involvement from the crowd but nothing intimidating or too long, infact the rhythm of the show – pardon the pun – is really well paced, with a good mix between music, magic, acting and .. ruse.
Cocktails
The cocktails (mocktails) also change, so that you might not have the same sequence nor variety from one visit to the next; they are pre-mixed but by a very reputable brand (Tom Savano) and actually I really enjoyed them, especially the passion fruit martini (although I must admit the final drink was a Campari from the bottle and it was a bit of a miss, especially because Campari is an aperitif, not a closing drink),
Magicians
Well what can I say? They seem to appear at your table out of nowhere and in such close proximity they perform some mind boggling tricks. I loved all of them, especially the final one Puck who did some trully bewildering stuff, and also the lovely Ava.
Conclusion
Go! What are you waiting for. Ticket prices start from £37 – where else do you get five (did I mention five!) cocktails and a show that will entertain you, amuse you, and leave you filled with joy and awe?
