The thought of interactive theatre conjures images of comedians targeting their audience, or hapless victims getting dragged up on stage to participate in embarrassing shenanigans. Neither compares to the horror of Dark Lake, which is the most fun you’ll have being scared.
Staged outdoors and after dark in a secret location disclosed only to ticket holders, Dark Lake is a walk-through horror adventure where small audience groups step tentatively along darkened paths to a child’s party, facing danger and mystery along the way.
Over the course of half an hour, the groups are led, 10 minutes apart, on this creepy journey, jumping from fright almost as much as they laugh from the entertaining array of characters they meet (or flee from) along the way. Wear sensible shoes, because you will run for your life.
Not all is right with this well-timed production. Some of the running forced upon the audience is done off the garden path, which is a twisted ankle just waiting to happen. While the audience groups wind their way effectively through the story, the shouts or raised voices from other groups can be overheard. This latter issue can’t be helped but does distract from the sense of isolation that would enhance the adventure.
Story-wise, this is an experience rather than a tale. You’ve been invited to a birthday party and your challenge is to both arrive and escape. Deeper character & story development would build the excitement and tension and provide the final ‘wow’ factor that’s currently missing to tie it all together. Without that depth, it’s still a fun journey but ultimately leaves the adventure as little more than a momentary distraction.
The cast are all in fine form and appear to be having an equal amount of fun. Despite having to repeat themselves many times each night as the numerous audience groups pass through, their energy levels are high and their delivery seems fresh. The audience is encouraged to interact with the actors if they choose, but (super)naturally, only within a firm set of guidelines that ensure the action flows smoothly and quickly.
The audience is sometimes left unsure about which direction to walk but this deliberate set-up adds to the uncertainty of the adventure and the cast are always on the ready to leap out upon the group unexpectedly to guide them if needed.
The concept of Dark Lake is not new but it’s rare to see such an event outside of a festival or fringe here in Adelaide. There should be more of it and shame on this Perth-based company for not bringing their shows here more often.
Reviewed by Rod Lewis
Twitter: @StrtegicRetweet
Venue: Secret city venue to be advised to ticket holders only
Season: 28 January – 6 February 2016
Duration: 30 mins
Tickets: Adult $39, Conc $35, Child $25, Group (6+) $34
Bookings: Interactive Horror Experience website
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