Could be a fun night out, but is not an amazing immersive theatre experience

As someone who has an interest in both theatre and music. The promise of an immersive theatre rave adventure piqued my curiosity. Marketed as an enthralling journey that merges compelling theatre with raving and a subsequent night out, Raves R Us aimed high. Unfortunately, while it aspired to deliver an unforgettable evening, it fell short in execution.

That’s not to say there weren’t positives, as the atmosphere, lighting and enthusiasm of the actors/actresses on stage was impressive. Raves R Us was hosted in the Invisible Wind Factory Liverpool- the perfect backdrop for a rave. As expected at a rave, the lighting was a key component of the event- contributing to the atmosphere in cohesion with the music. The lighting consisted of coloured beams cutting through the air, strobe lights mimicking the beat, and a wall of LED lights that move in time to the beats. Thus the atmosphere of the event emulated the experience it intended, this vibrant tapestry of light and colour set the mood, guiding the energy of the crowd, and enhancing the overall sensory experience.

Another positive was the enthusiasm of the acting, as the actors and actresses were undoubtedly committed, diving into their roles with a passion that deserved admiration. They worked hard to give high energy performances and dance scenes. Not too give too much away, highlights for me included the dancing giraffe scene and the *talcum powder” scene. As I enjoyed the incorporation of classical music into the rave music.  A final positive of note is the crowd interaction- actors and actresses often interacted with the crowd, handing out glowsticks, using them in a few scenes and making frequent eye contact. This meant the crowd stayed energetic and active throughout the performance. 

However, despite the above positives, I cannot give this piece more than a 2.5 – due to the lack of depth and coherence, which left much to be desired in terms of narrative engagement. This piece felt very juvenile, with choppy changes, and a lack of plot. As I watched I thought this piece felt under-developed. Furthermore, the audio quality of the microphones over the music left something to be desired- meaning it could be hard to hear what was being said. 

Overall, Raves R Us aimed to weave together immersive theatre and raving into a captivating tapestry. Yet, it ended up as a patchwork of good intentions rather than the masterpiece it aspired to be. For those seeking an evening of seamless integration of performance and music, this experience might disappoint. However, for the more forgiving adventurer in search of a fun night out with a twist, it might suffice.