Week seventeen

The problem with Secret Cinema is that its probably one of London's worst kept secrets for unusual things to do.  To be fair I haven't known about it that long - maybe only 8 months or so and I'd actually been desperately trying to not go as its so bloody expensive.  30-35 odd quid just to watch a film - and you don't even know which one until you get there?  It might be crap.  These secret cinema peeps had clearly got too big for their boots with such a high price tag.  And yet, deep down I really did want to go just to see what all the fuss was about.  More to the point, over the last few months loads of people I know have been going and have been saying that its sooo amazing and totally worth it. Well that settled it.

However, I now have a problem reviewing Secret Cinema because you're meant to tell no one - that is anyone who might be going to see the same film as you.  Let me explain.  Secret Cinema does not run every day and all year round.  The organisers plan which film is going to be playing and they do a run of it for about a month and then have a break for a several weeks and then start again with a new film.  The run I went to has not yet finished and so I am presented with the task of writing a compelling review and yet not giving anything away.

The thing is with secret cinema is that the film you see is actually the least important and least impressive thing about it.  Its what comes before that makes this alternative night out so incredible.....and worth every penny.  What they do is immerse you in the film by recreating it with actors, amazing set decoration, different locations and ask that their audience dress up.

Without giving too much away for my Secret Cinema experience I was asked to dress in late 50's or early 60's European style clothing which myself and my friend Emma were very pleased about.  Basically very Mad Men with big A-line skirts, cinched waists, scarves and pearls.  We both went all out but Emma embraced it as she always does so well.

A few days before we were then told to meet under Waterloo Bridge and the rest was a complete mystery.  All I can say is that now having been and seen the film that the experience was portraying,  these guys excel at what they do.  The location was perfect - it was dark and dank and cavernous - even somehow the smell was perfect -  I have no idea how it was meant to smell in the film but it just seemed right.  Everyone of the actors played their part with integrity and dedication, mingling with the crowds and inviting them to be part of the film.  Emma and I somehow managed to embroil ourselves into some secret mission for several of the "characters" and it was exhilarating.

Every little detail was thought of down to the lighting, the dirt on the floor, the food we ate, the actor's accents, the props on the tables - absolutely everything and this is why you should be happy to pay £35 for a night out like this and actually, you understand why they charge that fee - there is a lot of hard work that goes into it.

After meandering through all the rooms, dens and tunnels and grabbing some delicious food along the way we were invited to take our seats for the film du jour.  Emma had seen it but I hadn't and to be honest would never ever have watched it otherwise.  I was sort of hoping that it might be a film that I'd seen before and would get more involved with somehow and enjoy it more but actually it really doesn't matter.  The point is you feel like you're part of something that is alien to you and would never normally experience.  That happened for me and seeing an unusual film choice just topped it off as it completed the immersive adventure.  I also learnt some vital history too.

Yes, I too will admit it.  It is sooooo amazing.  Buy a ticket.  Go.

Next time its a cheese and wine course.  Delicious.