A bit off the top

I wasn’t supposed to take this photo, and it’s the only shot I took, but it gives a tiny glimpse on what to expect if you attend a performance of The Masque of the Red Death based around Edgar Allen Poe’s short stories at the Battersea Arts Centre.

The audience enter not through the main doors, but through a side door, and are given white masks and capes to wear. Entering the inner recesses of the building through a series of curtains gives you a feel for what’s to come: dark passages filled with side doors leading into candlelit rooms where tableaux are played out, sometimes involving audience members. It’s intricately detailed, absolutely enthralling, and completely sold out now (though I have a few extra dates booked). You might be lucky enough to get a ticket on eBay, or if you’re a Wandsworth resident you could enquire about the ‘pay what you like’ tickets for Tuesday night performances. Look out for more Punchdrunk productions in the future.

Amazing light sculptures. Go soon - it’s only until February 3rd. Don’t get caught taking photos though…