We think we’ve just found the quirkiest way to relive your favourite fairytales... and we've got the scoop!
Once upon a time will never be the same again with ANDSOFORTH’s latest immersive theatrical shindig. Brought to you by the team behind the groovy Imaginarium of Disco David, ANDSOFORTH returns with another secret dinner — this time bringing you deep into a place far, far away with your favourite fairytale characters, but not as what you remember them to be. Just like our obsession with hidden bars and the upcoming Secret Theatre Project, we’re dying for a bite of the Grimsneyland apple!
Known for its series of theatrical feasts based on stories, dramas and mysteries, the team is back with a brand new multi-room dining experience that takes you on a gastronomic journey through a world of the princesses you grew up with — but with a dingy twist (think Banksy’s Dismaland). But there’s a happy ending! You’ll be served four dishes inspired by the stories behind each world. Oh, and did we mention the magical boozy drink that kicks off the start of your immersive experience?
Big on staying low-key, the location of Grimsneyland remains a secret. It’ll only be revealed to participating diners on the day of the feast. But if it’s anything like it’s previous soiree, it won’t be as straightforward as you’d like it to be. So, flex your brain for the subtle clues and hints given will be guiding you to the location.
Sounds like your cup of tea? Put on your best country costume (you can’t go wrong with a flannel shirt and a pair of cowboy boots), and jump down the rabbit hole. Whether you interact with the unexpected characters or simply observe the fictional world around you, you are in for a surprise — for when one story ends, another begins!
Here’s what we think:
Intrigued by the mysteries surrounding Grimsneyland, we strapped on our hiking gear and forwarded deep into the forest of Far, Far Away. Upon arriving in our pimped-out pumpkin ride at the given destination, we were baffled. No spoilers, but it’s not as you’d expected. It took us a couple of rounds to finally find the right spot. So be sure to arrive early!
Enter a corridor a la Buzz Lightyear’s ‘infinity and beyond’ (aka black curtained corridor, filled with round fairy lights), for the Galaxy Bar where you can select your pricey cocktails. Conveniently, these drinks are served in the rooms where you’ll be having your meals — saving you all the hassle of carrying them room to room. As it is an immersive experience, characters like the Daft Punk-ified Mirror Mirror and the all-white Smoke will drag you into easy dance routines that define your so-called job in the fairytale world (who needs an extensive CV and five-years worth of experience when you can just nae-nae your way as a cook?). The actual fun begins when you down the magic drink served in mini glass milk bottles.
Positioning myself on the slide, the kid in me got a little too excited. It’s been years since I last drowned myself in a ball pit. A word of advice: zip up your bags and be mindful; like quicksand, you’ll get sucked into it. Also wobble your way to the other side as fast as you can; you don’t want to be kicked by the next slider. But hold your horses, the rest of the rooms aren’t all interactive. They’re basically decked with tables and stools in colours and decor to fit the theme of each princess — think blue balls and green seaweed ceilings for Mariah (aka The Little Mermaid), pink, rosy aesthetics for Light (aka Sleeping Beauty), and foresty vibes for White (aka Snow White). Big up to Fabrizia The Fairy Drag Mother’s room which was well-decorated to mirror the interior of a quaint little cottage.
Let’s talk food. Don’t expect a 4-course meal served on fine china — our salmon salads doused in sesame dressing were served in plastic bowls and forks — ‘cause ya know, it’s a satirical play on the relationship between the ocean and well, plastics. The tasty meals were all bite-sized which is great for saving space for dessert. We’ll save the menu — it’s meant to be a surprise!
So what do we think? The food was enough to keep us busy, but spoiler alert: the performance could’ve been better (we won’t go in-detail as it might differ due to audience interactivity). Hey ho, Singaporeans aren’t known for their sense of humour, but did we have to be soberly aware of this fact at an immersive theatre dinner spanning five rooms, in the middle of an industrial area on a Friday night? A fish out of water, unfunny Tinder couples (just our luck) and bad vagina jokes aside (you didn’t expect this to be PG, did you?), the show ran a little dry, like our cups.
Grimsneyland, from now until 21 April 2018, slots available from 6.30pm-9pm (experience lasts 1h 50mins per session). Tickets are available at $88 (Thursdays), $98 (Fridays) and $108 (Saturdays), and are available online at ANDSOFORTH.
Like this story? Check these out:
Have you booked your tix to these theatre shows?
Get your tix! The Secret Project is coming to Singapore
Local theatre groups you should know
We let these secret bars out of the bag