Theatre

So close to Henry V, you can smell him

Aisling Murphy | Wednesday 27 June, 2012 14:28

Henry V
Theatre Delicatessen
Until 30 June 30

Walking along Marylebone High Street you would never suspect that hidden away under the old BBC London building is the new hang out for immersive theatre group Theatre Delicatessen. Upon arrival, the audience is ushered down to a bunker by combat-clad cast members. With no pre-set seating area, we perched on sand bags, bunk beds and workbenches; we were on the stage, part of the set.

The small space was decked out as an army barracks complete with its own chapel. I was apprehensive. I didn’t want someone talking to me like I was a cast member; I couldn’t help but remember bad theme parks rides and I hoped they wouldn’t try and get me up and involved because more often than not it just doesn’t work. But Theatre Deli get it so spot on with their take on the, somewhat oversaturated, immersive theatre movement.

My worries were soon forgotten as I was blown away by the quality of acting. I could smell the actors sweat, hear their rapid breathing- I had never been this close to the action and it was thrilling. The overhead fire was rattling away and as we hid below waiting for it to subside I genuinely felt nervous. The audience was fully immersed in the unique atmosphere created by Theatre Deli; they didn’t force or push people in a certain direction, our role was still very much that of an observer, albeit a much more conscious one.

I felt as if I had been on a journey with these people, not just the actors but the other audience members too; we shared a closeness that is never achieved in conventional theatre, instead of passively watching I was actively seeking meaning in the words of Shakespeare. Amazingly, it caters for both the well hardened Shakespeare buff or the complete novice; both will find themselves immersed in the world that Theatre Deli so successfully create.

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