BWW Reviews: WYRD, Various places in Southwark, May 2 2013

After a bit of banter at the secret meeting place where we learn something of the backstories of the newly married couple, the three mysterious sisters and olde worlde Southwark, we're soon through a wrought iron gate and huddled in a creepy wine cellar. This dungeon was the scene of two unexplained murders generations ago and, under the direction of the sisters, we're called upon to summon the spirits for their accounts of what happened.

There's plenty of "Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble", lights go on and off quite often and, eventually, we do find out what happened to the unfortunates in that cellar, before emerging to face the more familiar hubbub of London traffic.

Does it work? Not quite and not yet would be my answer. It's early in the run and the actors will be stronger in their roles as they settle into them - especially in how they react to the audience, who are, of course, very much involved. There's also a lot of plot (some of it available online) which leads to a lot of talk in awkward spaces, while everyone is itching to get down into the cellar and get on with it. It's quite tricky to hold the different tales of the individuals in mind with so many distractions - especially as the switch from conversational chat to silent summoning is quite a sharp one.

Immer City's ambition is to be applauded and many, new to immersive theatre, will enjoy the thrill of such a participatory experience. However, if the piece is to make the most of its location, its look and feel and its potential to chill, the excellent actors need to have a tighter script than the one currently on offer from Clancy Flynn and Rosanna Mallinson. Fewer words, less exposition and more mystery, please.

Wyrd continues until 19 May.