About

Inside the City is a series of masterclasses, workshops and tours focusing on all aspects of Punchdrunk’s site-sympathetic approach to making work.

These experiences are open to anyone who wants a deeper insight into the process and approach the creative team takes to unlock the possibilities of a space, create intricate design, build different environments with lighting and sound, and translate source texts into a language of physical performance.

For those eager to visit and learn more about the world of Troy, the extensive set tours with knowledgeable guides are also available.

You could be an artist looking to develop your own practice or are just eager to explore the world we created within The Burnt City.

Programme: 

Felix Barrett Masterclass - Book Now 
Date: Friday 23rd February
An Immersive Storytelling Masterclass with Felix Barrett MBE.

Punchdrunk is the spark that ignited the immersive genre, introducing mainstream audiences to this now hugely successful form. In this masterclass, the company’s BAFTA-nominated founder, Felix Barrett, offers an introduction into the techniques behind his creative process.

From learning how to analyse a text, translating it into the physical space and breaking from traditional models of storytelling, this is an opportunity to understand the foundations to creating immersive shows – giving you the tools to push the boundaries in your own creative work.

* Suitable for creatives and mid-career professionals who wish to apply the insight gained through this masterclass to their own professional career.

Stephen Dobbie Masterclass - Book Now
Date: Saturday 24th February
An Immersive World-Building Masterclass with Stephen Dobbie.

The Burnt City’s Sound Designer Stephen Dobbie shares his creative process, and explores the highly collaborative role sound plays within building the world and evoking feeling in Punchdrunk’s work.

In this masterclass, you will learn to appreciate the particular details and textures of sound design, and how it is used as a mode of storytelling through a unique exploration of The Burnt City. This is an opportunity to both deepen your understanding of collaborative process and sound design, and unlock how the key tool of listening can elevate your own creative practice.

* Suitable for creatives and mid-career professionals who wish to apply the insight gained through this masterclass to their own professional career.

Two Day Performance Workshop - Book Now
Date: Thursday 15th - Friday 16th February 
Date: Monday 26th - Tuesday 27th February 
Delve into the work and performance practice of Punchdrunk, the ‘world’s leading immersive theatre company’ (GQ Magazine).

Join a member of The Burnt City’s company as they explore the unique process for performers, developed by Felix Barrett and Maxine Doyle, which has inspired and crafted Punchdrunk’s immersive work. Learn how to create genre-defying experiences through the blending of classical texts, contemporary dance and physical performance.

NOTE: Each performance workshop ticket covers two consecutive days of classes. Tickets can only be purchased as a two day package.

* Suitable for ages 16+ with an interest in performance. No experience necessary.

Production Management Workshop - Book Now
Date: Tuesday 20th February
An insight into the collaborative project management process of transforming abandoned spaces into the fantastic worlds Punchdrunk plunges its audience into.

This Production Management workshop provides you with insight into the Production department’s role in building an immersive, site-specific experience at Punchdrunk. Through dynamic activities and exercises on the set of The Burnt City, the team will give you the tools to think and problem solve creatively, as well as give an overview of how to deliver a project that breaks the mould of theatrical experience.

* Suitable for ages 16+ with an interest in production management, lighting and sound. No experience necessary.

Inside The City Tours - Book Now  

Standard Tour 
Tours: Various Dates & Times, 14th February - 2nd March
Duration: 120 minutes
Explore the world of Troy with these intimate walking tours. The knowledgeable guides will lead you through the space, including 1:1 spaces, and reveal stories behind how this unique world was brought to life.

Here you can ask questions about the building process and, if you wish, share your own experiences of The Burnt City.

Peep will remain open after the conclusion of your tour to allow you to catch up with your fellow tour participants over a drink.

* Suitable for ages 11+ (under 16s accompanied by an adult). Anyone with an interest in The Burnt City, Punchdrunk, Greek mythology or immersive world-building.

Group 1:1 Room Tour 
Tours: Various Dates & Times, 21st February - 2nd March
Duration: 120 minutes
Explore the secret spaces of Troy in this 1:1 Room Tour. Led by The Burnt City Associate Director and long-time Punchdrunk performer, Sarah Dowling, this exclusive tour will give you access to the stories behind each 1:1 space, and the ability to unlock missing pieces of The Burnt City puzzle.

Access patron tickets includes a complimentary companion ticket.

* Suitable for ages 11+ (under 16s accompanied by an adult). Anyone with an interest in The Burnt City, Punchdrunk, Greek mythology or immersive world-building.