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: Tuesday 28th November
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: Friday 8th December
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.

Performance Workshop - Book Now!
Date: Thursday 14th December
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.

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

Production Management Workshop - Book Now!
Date: Wednesday 29th November
Learn how to transform 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.

Design Workshop - Book Now!
Date: Wednesday 6th December 
Step behind the scenes in this interactive design workshop where the team will demonstrate how they bring this multi-sensory world to life. Led by a member of The Burnt City’s design team, you’ll experience the evolution process involved in prop-making through building your own keepsake, inspired by the world of The Burnt City.

* Suitable for ages 16+ with an interest in immersive design and prop-making. No experience necessary.

Inside The City Tours - Book Now!
Tours: Various Dates & Times, 27th November to 15th December
Duration: 90 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.

* 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.