Film Event: Secret Cinema REBELX

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 Last Sunday, I attended Secret Cinema as they presented Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. It's safe to say my mind was well and truly blown. I couldn't of hoped for a better experience. It's pretty difficult to describe without giving much away but here is a bit of run down of my first Secret Cinema experience. *Please be aware this contains spoilers and images of the event*

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Now it's fair to say that Secret Cinema's popularity has exploded over the last few years. Having created an entire town for last year's Back to the Future event, the enigmatic team are back and this time, they're using the force. This was my first time at Secret Cinema but when I found out that they would be doing Star Wars, I knew I had to be a part of it. Having set such a high standard the previous year and having raised ticket prices substantially, Secret Cinema had some serious boots to fill but I can honestly say I did not feel disappointed for one moment. At £78 a ticket (including booking fee), I was expecting big things...

The basis of it's success relies heavily on the element of surprise (hence it being a secret!). Once you have purchased your ticket, you are provided with access to the Rebel X site - a carefully constructed site designed to look like an intergalactic forum. Once inside, you can fill out a questionnaire which will determine your identity and give you instructions for your costume. You will only find out the rough location of the event, a week or so before your visit. As a mercenary (similar to Han Solo - pictured above with my own little Chewbacca), my attire was to be compiled of holsters, a waistcoat and a white shirt. Now, if you're paying £78 for a ticket, you want to look good - after all, those in attendance are real Star Wars fans and they don't mess about.

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Upon entry, you are given a plastic bag for your phone which is then sealed. The idea of no photographs or phones may seem annoying as, hey, bloggers want content for their blog, right? However, having been, I now totally understand it keeps you engaged in the experience and stops the holding up of the process (no interrupting of the movie, queuing because some idiot is taking a photo in front of you or texting). I was so impressed with the level of detail put in, not only from fellow cinema-goers but on the actors and, of course, the amazing world that is created around you (including an actual Cantina complete with Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes). 

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*Spoiler* The aim of the experience is to find 'spice', an illegal substance which you must gain through trading with merchants and jawas. Once you have your spice, this will buy you a ticket aboard the space ship to Alderon where you will find Princess Leia in the hopes of defeating Darth Vader. Finishing off with an interactive cinema screening of the Star Wars classic*Spoiler*

Though Secret Cinema is all about the interaction and completely submerging yourself within the film's narrative, it can be as action-packed or as chilled as you make it. Filled with shops, boutiques, food and drink stalls, there is plenty to do if you'd rather not play along . However, in my opinion, should you decide to really get in to it with your character, you will truly get the most from the experience.  

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Secret Cinema: The Empires Strikes Back has been running from June and will finish in September and I strongly recommend you go if given the chance. Whilst there is more than enough for everyone, I feel it is constructed for true Star Wars fans and those aren't so in to the franchise may not feel they get the full bang for their buck as this is not an all day event. Star Wars fan or not, though, you can fully appreciate the efforts of Secret Cinema and those around you. 

Have you been to Secret Cinema? What did you think? What films would you like to see Secret Cinema present? I can't wait to see what they come up with next time and I'd also love to visit one of their smaller scale ones with unannounced films. 

Until next time, may the force be with you...