Able to tell the difference between Michelangelo and Leonardo, or Donatello and Raphael (their eye masks are a giveaway)? Or maybe you’re new to the heroes in a half-shell? Either way, you should drop what you’re doing and skate your way down to the new – and free – movie pop-up Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, on Leake Street (a short walk from Waterloo Station) between July 28-30.
Inspired by the ninjitsu-trained radioactive reptiles’ iconic lair, the sewer-themed space celebrates the foursome’s return to the big screen on July 31. Produced by Seth Rogan, featuring the voices of Jackie Chan and Ice Cube, and music by Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor, this new look feature-length outing for the turtles is guaranteed to be a winner for old and new fans alike. The story is this. After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. Their new friend April O’Neil helps them take on a notorious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.
But what’s going on in the underground tunnels beneath Waterloo Station? Well, there’s a free, summertime experience that’s perfect for families and big kids. All you have to do is find a time and date that suits you, sign up (either for the daytime sessions or the Lair Lates) and get yourself over there for the fun times to ensue.
From a decked-out arcade area to limited edition prizes, here’s what else is in store…
An OG fan of Splinter’s disciples? You’ll love the nostalgia fest on offer at the pop-up. After grabbing yourself an Oozarita (a green slushy-based frozen Margarita) from the bar, be sure to swing by Arcade Alley and get your fix of joystick-based fun on the retro machines. There are free pizza slices going around in the evening too, and the chance to take shell-fies galore with the brothers, making this something of a sensei-ry overload.
The Mutant Mayhem pop-up isn’t just for big kids. In fact, there are loads of cool things for younger fans too. In the daytime, instructors from Skates & Ladders will be on hand to give free skate lessons and show you how to shred in the space’s own skatepark, while there’s also a colouring wall where little ones can practise their tagging if they’ve been inspired by the on-site artists and their spray-painted murals. No visit is complete without a visit to the parkour park either – with obstacles for all ages and abilities, you’ll be channelling your inner ninja in no time.
Each evening, the space will transform into an old-skool 90s NYC disco with DJs blaring out hip-hop bangers and underground classics from a dedicated stage complete with half pipe backdrop. Whether it’s witnessing the legendary mixing maestro DJ Yoda as he brings his live Mutant Mayhem two-hour vinyl mashup to the lair or, an inspired KISSTORY party with KISS’ very own AJ King dropping nothing but old skool anthems inspired by the film. It’s sure to be the hottest spot in town.
Ariana Grande, Marcus Rashford, Ed Sheeran, you. While there’s a clear odd one out in that list, it’s not solely for the most obvious reason (in that they’re famous and you’re, well, not). Another difference is that the first three all own custom shoes created by Matt B Customs, the legendary custom sneaker creator. In celebration of street culture and fashion in 1990s New York where the film is set, watch Matt B design bespoke creps live at the lair with some of his finest work on display. You never know there might be a way for you to leave with your own pair, head down to find out more. Cowabunga!
Find out more about the ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’ Lair Experience July 28 - 30 here and watch the new film in cinemas July 31.
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