Nottingham's Historic People's Hall to Stage Immersive Trojan War Production
A legendary tale from Ancient Greek mythology is set to be vividly brought to life in an unconventional Nottingham venue next month. The critically acclaimed theatre company Chronic Insanity, based in the city, will present its latest immersive production, 'Apple of Discord', at the Grade II listed People's Hall in Nottingham City Centre.
Bringing Myth to Life in a Historic Setting
Artistic director Joe Strickland aims to deliver an experience that rivals the production values of renowned London-based immersive shows, such as those by Punchdrunk, while prioritising affordability and featuring local performers at its core. Chronic Insanity boasts an impressive seven-year history of creating innovative immersive experiences on various scales, having previously collaborated with industry leaders including The BBC, BFI, and Nottingham Playhouse.
The People's Hall, a stunningly preserved 18th-century townhouse managed by the Nottingham Historic Building Trust, provides a richly atmospheric backdrop. This National Lottery-funded charity is dedicated to preserving at-risk heritage assets across Nottingham. The building features three floors, an ornate central staircase, cellars, and subterranean caves, with a past that includes serving as a working men's club, a textile training school, and a meeting place for the fraternal lodge 'The Antediluvian Order of the Buffalo'.
An Interactive Journey Through the Trojan War
'Apple of Discord' will unfold across multiple rooms within the building, offering a dynamic blend of entertainment. Audiences can expect a cabaret in the main hall, static exhibitions in other rooms, and live, immersive, interactive performances that transport them into the world of the Trojan War. Visitors will have the freedom to grab a drink, enjoy the cabaret, watch scenes and stories develop, tackle quests, solve puzzles, and even engage in conversations with Ancient Greek characters.
Joe Strickland explains the philosophy behind the production: "For the audience, it's not about seeing all of it necessarily. The point is to immerse yourself in a new world, and know that around every corner there's going to be something interesting to do, to see, and take part in if you'd like to." This approach allows attendees to move between different levels of engagement at their own pace, tailoring their experience of the legendary story of Troy.
Making Immersive Theatre Accessible and Affordable
Strickland has deliberately positioned 'Apple of Discord' as an accessible and affordable alternative within the often expensive realm of immersive theatre. The industry is notorious for high ticket prices, compounded by additional costs for travel, food, and accommodation, particularly for those outside London. In contrast, this production offers three-hour tickets for £30 and two-hour tickets for £20. With lower travel expenses for local residents and abundant dining options in Nottingham city centre, the experience is designed to be significantly more economical than similar events in the capital.
Strickland emphasises: "We are trying to create something that is often inaccessible financially and geographically to people in the East Midlands. Our mission is to widen participation in this exciting form of theatre. The people of this area deserve to experience this wonderful art form." Josh Packham, development officer at Nottingham Historic Building Trust, expresses enthusiasm for the collaboration: "What I particularly liked about Chronic Insanity's pitch is how the story will be flexible to the spaces we have. This is an excellent opportunity to invite residents and tourists of Nottingham to experience The People's Hall like never before."
With its unique blend of history, interactivity, and affordability, 'Apple of Discord' is poised to become a must-see cultural highlight in Nottingham this spring, offering a fresh and engaging way to explore ancient myths in a modern context.
