Bridge Command

Review by Sam

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Parabolic Theatre are blasting off to the late 22nd Century in this interactive space adventure that’s been years in the making.

Fusing gaming with live theatre, this pulse racing immersive experience invites audiences to become crew members of a spaceship as they work together to take on their very own interactive galactic mission. The 2 hour show follows an episodic format, meaning previous missions are remembered and influence the contents of any return visits to the UCN. This narrative structure works well for any sci-fi fanatics who are visiting to live out their dreams of flying a spaceship first hand, however the storyline can be complex for a more casual fan.

With detailed instructions needing to be given to each crew member to understand their role, too much of the experience is spent trying to download heavy information resulting in a limited time to enjoy the adventure itself. Additionally, unlike the terminology used in sci-fi media, Bridge Command opts for its own vocabulary of space wording. By doing so, audiences can be overwhelmed as they are expected to undertake vast amounts of knowledge over a short period of time. I feel a repeat visit would be less intense, as participants would have a base level of understanding to quickly allow themselves to enjoy the adventure.

The show is highly immersive and the most technologically advanced I’ve ever had the privilege to take part in, with sparks flying and systems malfunctioning as the crew are forced to work together to navigate their way through space. The custom-built spaceship is vast and integrated with full bridge simulation software, meaning that without the use of any wearable technology audiences are not only immersed through actors and tablets, but through a physical environment in which the set itself is impacted by actions taken throughout the adventure.

If you’re a fan of Star Trek / Star Wars and have always wanted to fully immerse yourself into a galactic sci-fi world, then head down to Vauxhall to blast off with your crew for your own space adventure which is out of this world.