Review of ‘Storehouse Immersive’: “Intricately staged walkthrough leaves storytelling skills behind the door”

Deptford’s Storehouse hosts this new walkthrough experience — taking audiences on an adventurous quest for truth. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show — to let us know if its dystopian narrative stocks enough value.

If you’re a regular to immersive experiences, you’re probably aware of how this type of production is either a wondrous triumph or a catastrophic disappointment — there’s no middle point. Drive up to Glasgow, and things can get even more wonkidoodle — you know where I’m going with this. That’s why I try to be cautious every time I try out any new attempt within this genre. They have hurt me in the past — so much that even the most scathing review couldn’t return even half of the favour.

But life is full of surprises — it just so happens that most of mine are traumatizing. Yet, there’s always room for exceptions. And so, here comes a show that doesn’t abide by the rule of extreme, for it shows the same level of magnificence as it does of dullness. Last week, Storehouse Immersive opened in Deptford — taking audiences on a journey of exploration, discovery, and resistance against systematic oppression.

Set in a dystopian universe, where a group of clandestine data collectors are determined to find and preserve the truth as their sole means of freedom, this reenacted ride invites viewers to join the squadron in their quest for cultural liberty. A hooking premise that gets the viewer on board almost immediately, the production gleams through the complexity of its staging and generally well-executed cast performances.

Taking its visitors through different ambiences ranging from 1960s-themed offices to cavernously whimsical rooms drawn from fantasy, the experience manages to build a robust universe — effortlessly dragging its visitors into its magic through its persistent attention to detail and dynamic evolution.

The company does an adequate job at bringing both piece and place to life. Most of their members play their parts with refreshing commitment and rapport. The timing in their portrayals is overall excellent — with just a couple of exceptions. And in general, they exude deftness in both their interactive and improvisational skills.

The problem, however, relies on the script’s lack of resourcefulness and polish. Poorly handled from a structural perspective, the narrative creates an enticing basis to build the rest of its jaunt on. Sadly, that circumstance never happens — moving abruptly from a properly concocted first act to a rushed conflict and insipid conclusion.

Consequently, its striking visuals can enthral us. And though none of them features technical innovations of any kind, they display impeccable prowess, nonetheless. But when it comes to plot engagement, we’re constantly lost and very rarely won back. It may never come off as dull, despite toeing the line on more than one occasion, but there’s still no opportunity for us to be marvelled or captivated by what they’re telling us.

There’s moral and philosophical strength in its message, but that’s admittedly the least necessary aspect for an immersive show to be effective. It’s laudable but not relevant. And even if it were, the viewer is never offered enough participation for that notion to land. There are several activities they’ll ask you to undertake. Yet, their influence in the recount is so minimal that you’ll be questioning your purpose in this parallel life more than once.

Spectacular. Intricate. And I’ve forgotten which other word I used to describe the piece during the press night’s reactions video. All flattering words, though — it’s promotional. But all of them are fair. Yet, these only apply to its eye-catching presentation. In terms of storytelling, Storehouse Immersive lands short of stock — struggling to convey a product that’s not fully prepared to seduce audiences, let alone enrapture them.

Brusquely paced and relying too much on looks rather than content, the show erects a towering container for an exhilarating adventure to unfold. But so far, those goods are yet to be carried into the premises.

All pictures credit to Helen Murray.

This immersive experience plays at London’s Storehouse Deptford. Tickets are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara