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‘An immersive, darkly humorous experience that leaves you guessing’ 

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Whether you’re the ultimate foodie, a cinema buff or just someone who loves an unforgettable experience, Sweet Dreams is set to be the surreal snack you can’t get enough of this summer.

Sweet Dreams is a brand-new immersive adventure that invites you to step into the world of the Real Good Chicken Company. Brought to you by award-winning artist collective Marshmallow Laser Feast, it mixes animation, cinema and interaction.

Some spoilers below

Walking into the Real Good Chicken Company’s HQ (The Warehouse at Aviva Studios, which has been carefully turned into a series of rooms with different interactive bits), you meet the company mascot Chicky Ricky. Voiced by TikTok and Taskmaster star Munya Chawawa, Chicky Ricky guides you through an immersive journey that delves into the history of the business, the rise and fall of fried chicken, and the dark secrets of RGC.

Each room has its own theme, providing a unique experience as you move through the narrative. One room simulates working at the RGC factory, where you join in the mass production of the famous fried chicken. The interactive element here is intriguing but a bit confusing, as it wasn’t always clear which part of the factory you were operating. Despite this, the set design is impressive, immersing you in the bustling atmosphere of a fast food production line.

Another room takes a more somber tone with the funeral service of Mr. Chicky Ricky himself. This stark contrast highlights the show’s ability to balance humor and serious commentary, touching on topics such as consumerism and capitalist greed. The sets are meticulously crafted, each detail contributing to the overall narrative and atmosphere.

While the visual and interactive elements are strong, at times it feels like the story doesn’t quite match up to the elaborate sets. The experience leaves you without a clear take-home message, making it difficult to discern the ultimate point of the narrative.

The dark humor of the production was really the highlight for me. One memorable moment involved throwing salt packets on Chicky Ricky’s grave during his somber funeral service, a sardonic twist that elicited both laughter and reflection on the absurdity of fast food culture. Another standout was the inclusion of mindfulness techniques aimed at workers, which were comically juxtaposed with the harsh reality of a hostile work environment. This stark contrast underscored the superficial attempts at workplace wellness often seen in corporate settings, adding a layer of biting satire to the experience.

Overall, Sweet Dreams at Aviva Studios is an interesting concept that effectively touches on important topics related to our food consumption habits. Despite some minor shortcomings in narrative clarity, the creativity and thoughtfulness put into the set design make it a compelling experience. It’s certainly unlike anything I’ve ever seen before and made me truly wonder who could have come up with all of this.