We made our way into London and over to the Shoreditch High Street area. From here, it was a short walk until we found the location, which is also the entrance for Alcotraz. Once inside, we were placed into a brief holding cell. There, we met with one of the witches, who provided us with a rundown of the basic rules and guidance to ensure the experience ran smoothly. The rules were standard—don’t touch the actors or be rude—and we were asked to return to our allocated cells when the lights flickered so as not to interrupt the show.

Next, we proceeded into a dark passageway and met one of the fortress guards. Their character was quirky and funny, setting the perfect tone before they opened the doorway to allow us into the underworld. We were quickly given our jumpsuits and directed into the cells where we would spend most of our time. The cells comfortably fit six people, meaning smaller groups may share, and larger groups will need to split. Moments after entering, we received our first cocktail, which was instantly delicious. Once everyone was settled, the lights flickered, and the show began in the middle aisle, setting the scene with a storyline centered on the Cardinal wand and the looming threat of murder.

Despite the relatively small cast, the actors made excellent use of the space, floating around the room to ensure they spoke to every guest. It was also incredibly fun when we got to explore different private rooms with the characters, such as Willbott’s Wand Shop, which is accessed through a secret, hidden entrance! These intimate scenes truly drive the narrative and provide invaluable one-on-one time with the cast. As with all immersive experiences, the more you give, the more you get back, making it enjoyable for various types of personalities.