FEATURE: Join us on an intergalactic mission as we explore the stages of Bridge Command

Following their first anniversary of its landing in London scene, we’ve ventured into the space-themed attraction to get a taste of its skyrocketing success. Come aboard as Guillermo Nazara navigates through  his own experience – while discovering more about the creation of a show that’s certainly reaching for the stars.

Up, up, up, passed the Russell Hotel. Up, up, up, up to the Heavyside Layer… Got you, there are no felines in this show – only a catty critic with a major disdain for humanity. That’s why, last week, I embarked on a tour planning to leave planet Earth for good – only to find out that it was all make-believe and I still have to deal with people on a daily basis (thanks for breaking my wholesome dreams of eradicating mankind).

At least, I can take solace in the fact that I got to orchestrate a few casualties myself – to the point that I was awarded the highest acknowledgement in a fictional rank. Those who laughed at me, saying I’d never win anything in my life… I salute you…

I’m just joking, of course – not about my medal, though, that’s an achievement I’ll take with pride for the rest of my life; especially, every time I see my award-less plus one. I know he’s reading me, so I’d like to ask him not to be sad and remind him that you can’t always win – it’s more like “ever” rather than “always” in your case, but that’s alright… for me, mainly.

Relax! This is all in good fun, like the one I’m making of him – but also, the exhilarating adventure that this gripping immersive experience promises to take us through. If there’s something that London offers in terms of entertainment (apart from theatre and occasional stabbing), those are themed attractions. From exploring the guts of the dungeons (interpret as you please…) to taking selfies with the waxy doppelgangers of your favourite celebrities, there’s something for everyone and everything in all parts of town.

Yet, nothing tops the opportunity of shooting a few spaceships and hacking computer systems (kudos to me!) to preserve the peace of our cosmos – I swear I had no ulterior intentions… It’s time to trust your instincts, close your eyes, and leap, as you defy gravity… Well, probably not in that manner, but you surely will be taking a lift all the way up through the stratosphere – as you’re welcome by the Bridge Command brigade and join their team for their next interstellar mission.

The level of intricacy put into its staging is quite remarkable – an even more impressive achievement if we take into account the limitations of the space (no pun intended). There’s a consistent attention to detail all through its layout – which, added to its staggering number of games (ranging from a short one–hour jaunt to day-long travels unfolding the marvels and dangers of the universe) makes of it a most excellent alternative to alienate yourself from reality.

That may explain the popularity it has reached in its roughly one year of existence – rapidly gathering a faithful cult following, with some attendees having made more than 100 visits already – and unlikely to stop from coming over and over again any time soon.

It’s not an easy task for the actors to undertake – with approximately 17 different scripts to memorize and improvise from. Their preparation takes approximately one week – an intense feat considering each cast member must play several characters and handle their specific features with absolute dominion. Their span is as staggering as it’s challenging – going from engineering fun facts to nuclear physics, all of which some guests will be delighted to challenge at the slightest chance they get.

It’s time to test your own limits; to raise yourself up across the sky – and jump. But if you survive, put on your best space suit and get yourself ready for an evening of thrills, peril, and astronomical fun – as Bridge Command awaits its next unit of fearless cadets. Either alone or with friends, this is definitely a plan to have in your orbit if you’re looking for a constellation of unrepeatable stories – where every turn happening aboard this ship depends solely on your own performance. Regardless of what your feelings about sci-fi and immersive theatre are, one thing is guaranteed: all that you’ll see will be out of this world.

All pictures credit to Scott Finneran.

Bridge Command is open every week from Tuesday to Sunday. Tickets are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara