Immersive theatre is a certainly a strange world, but it is one that I’ve found increasingly enjoyable the more I encounter. My latest experience of it was CoLab’s Fifth Column, a spy thriller that takes place on the very streets of London.

Shows like this are so many miles away from traditional theatre, it often seems unsuitable that they even share a name. You really do have to approach them with an open mind and utterly different expectations. I don’t want to ruin anything, so here are my six spoiler-free tips for enjoying Fifth Column to the maximum.

  1. Come up with an awesome code name

In order to avoid standing on the Southbank, staring widely around for inspiration and coming out with…

“I am Agent…Thames?”

Like an idiot.

  1. Make sure to pay attention to all the information you receive, before as well as during.

Ultimately, if you don’t really know what is going on you will still have fun, but if you pay attention to the backstory you are sent beforehand, you will get the most out of it. 

  1. Don’t take a bag

A fair amount of walking is involved and you will appreciate being light on your feet. Also, go to the toilet beforehand.

  1. Just go with it

Take everything at face value and don’t assume that it is all set up and predetermined.

  1. Don’t be a fool

One particularly enthusiastic gentleman decided to jazz things up a little by throwing himself into a less interactive set piece of the show. It was basically the equivalent of deciding to get up on stage and ‘chip in’ to the final act of King Lear. The performers recovered amazingly well, but something like that can really ruin things for everyone.

  1. Enjoy being a spy

How many evenings do you get to spend running around, playing a big adult game of make believe? The more you put in, the more you get out of this show, so basically, leave your inhibitions behind you.

Fifth Column seems such a logistical nightmare that it is unsurprising there are hiccups along the way. In particular, the use of technology, although a promising idea, meant that some aspects simply did not work. Relying on anything that requires phone signal is always going to cause problems, and while nothing went detrimentally wrong, things like this certainly detract from your suspension of disbelief. The second half of the show in general is a little anti-climactic as your personal involvement in the action fizzles out somewhat.

However, Fifth Column is a hell of a lot of fun – a spy thriller that is actually thrilling. Above all, it’s a great and completely unique night out. With tickets starting at just £10, I would recommend giving it a go.

Fifth Column is taking place at a secret location in SE1 until 15 November. For more information and tickets, see the CoLab Theatre website.