I went along on Saturday morning to join the very first public performance.
Here are a few thoughts about what I think will prove to be a ‘must see’ addition to one of London’s top attractions.
The less you know about Project X the more enjoyment and satisfaction you’ll get from it so there are no spoilers lurking below.
What I can reveal is that it’s a mystery themed adventure where visitors take part in a search around the museum and its surrounding streets. Along the way the adventurers need to interact with characters and solve clues in a manner reminiscent of Channel 4‘s Treasure Hunt.
Anyone thinking of going along should be mindful that this is a two-way performance, the actors playing the characters do a great job but for the show to really work you’ll need to do your bit.
That means immersing yourself in the task, adopting a character and being prepared to play along as you get drawn into the world of Project X while an army of tourists wander by.
Quiet types and wallflowers should probably just stick to a safe, standard trip around the museum. Extroverts however will have a great time. Needless to say, I was in my element.
The whole show lasts around two hours and, while there are chances to sit down, you will be on your feet for much of this time. The show is able to accommodate wheelchair users but it’s best to pre-alert the team before your visit.
At the end of the two hours our team, most of us complete strangers, had really bonded and ‘bought into’ the world being created around us. We’d had great fun playing ‘let’s pretend’ and working together to solve the challenges we encountered.
Tickets cost £30 and also include a trip to the museum (normal price £13.50) and everyone on my group seemed happy with the experience their money had bought.
One reader has already described the show as an “absplutely incredible and unique experience”.
The show is not suitable for under 18’s and the museum will not accept bookings for parties which include minors.
To create the show the museum has worked with live theatre specialists tradesecrets.
Between them they’ve built a fresh and fun experience which places the museum at its heart while going beyond the usual (though always enjoyable) tour of London’s transport past.
The museum’s depot tours, talks and exhibitions are always worth a visit but Project X is a brave – and successful – attempt to do something more daring. It deserves to be a huge success.
You can find out more and book tickets at projectx-london.co.uk
