Calling all theatre enthusiasts: Secret Theatre is back in Singapore with a new production titled The New York Secret. Established by Richard Crawford in 2008, Secret Theatre challenges our perception of theatre and motivates us to change the course of the play by interacting with the sets, props, and performers. Although forum theatre – a type of theatre where spectators are encouraged to engage with the performance and become “spect-actors” – has been around since the early 1970s, Secret Theatre is the world’s first and only immersive theatre. The troupe has done a myriad of productions, including Reservoir Dogs in London, The Great Gatsby in Madrid, and Hell Hath No Fury in London, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Remaining faithful to its clandestine nature, the full plot will not be revealed until you reach the performance venue. However, what we do know is that patrons will be transported back to New York City in the 80s, where they will get to interact with famous celebrities such as David Bowie, John Travolta, and Diana Ross.
The show begins the moment you purchase your tickets. You will be given a phone number belonging to none other than David Bowie, who will promptly add you to a Whatsapp group where you will be privy to important information such as the password to the secret location, a brief synopsis of the story, and a dress code. These messages also hint at important plot points that will unfold during the performance. Feel free to piece the clues together or surrender yourself to the element of surprise. After all, the show is all about spontaneous interactions between the ‘spect-actors’ and performers!
We enjoyed a night of glitz and glamour when we went for The New York Secret, where disco balls can be found hanging from the ceiling, lying on the floor, and even cocktails are served in mini disco balls. Everyone, including guests, are dressed to the nines with disco-themed outfits – appropriate for an event set in 1980s New York City. It is worth noting that The New York Secret features more live performances and dancing as opposed to a story-heavy plot, meaning that guests are more likely to have an enjoyable time when they are fully immersed in the production by interacting with the actors and other guests as opposed to standing at the side and watching the events unfold. So gulp down a delicious cocktail from a mini disco ball and dance up a storm with the likes of John Travolta and Michael Jackson at The New York Secret.
Audiences can purchase tickets for just the show or tickets that include Manhattan-inspired food and drinks for you to enjoy during the performance. You can also get VIP tickets, which give you access to an exclusive secret experience after the show. Early bird tickets are currently on sale and start from $166.50, so be sure to grab your tickets at their website before they sell out.