Your Glimmer of Light: A Sensory Guide to Oscar at the Crown
The wilde-st party has descended in London - here's everything you need to know ahead of your visit!
One of history’s most iconic playwrights. An alternative reality where those deemed outcasts are forced to party all night.
Imagine these converging in an underground bunker, where a wild(e) party awaits beneath the hustle and bustle of London. It’s part musical theatre, part rave and a party above all – it’s Oscar at the Crown.
What is the show about?
Transferring to a custom-built venue on Tottenham Court Road direct from acclaimed runs in New York and at the Edinburgh Fringe, the show recontextualises Oscar Wilde’s acclaimed works and sophisticated words into a dystopian world, where those deemed as social outcasts are encouraged to party, let loose and be themselves.
With a head-bopping electropop soundtrack by Andrew Barrett Cox and original concept by Mark Mauriello (who also leads the cast in the titular role), the show enjoyed acclaimed runs at Assembly George Square Gardens in Edinburgh and at 3 Dollar Bill in Brooklyn, New York, but this production marks the first time the show has been performed at a custom-built venue!
Who is the show for?
Anyone... and everyone! With an age recommendation of 14 and up, the show centers queer characters (including Oscar Wilde himself, obviously) but the space offers an appeal to everyone who enjoys an immersive experience fusing musical theatre with the rave genre, spoken word and a lot of dancing.
This guide is specifically aimed at those with sensory sensitivities who would benefit from a hand before their visit, with more details on what to expect. We believe that theatre – including immersive performances – should be for everyone, so we’re here to help make that happen.
In what ways is it immersive?
Shira Milikowsky's staging does not follow conventions – it is performed in an underground space, accessible via 19 steps down from a street level entrance. Step-free access is available on request via an alternative entrance.
Most tickets are general admission standing tickets, where audiences are free to move around with guidance from performers and stage management (think Guys and Dolls and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Bridge, but on a much more intimate scale). There is limited seating available with the purchase of premium table tickets (seating located to the right of the main stage).
The performance itself is also immersive, meaning that the cast moves around the space and between the audience, breaking the conventional boundaries of a stage. Some audience interaction takes place, though no one is forced to participate or respond if they don’t want to.
What is the sensory experience like?
Apart from a handful of quieter songs, the show has a consistent, extremely loud soundscape from loud music and bass.
Dan Samson’s sound design, combined with Andrew Exeter’s LED screen-filled set (video design by Nina Dunn for PixelLux) and flash-heavy lighting (co-designed and programmed by Matt Davies) evokes successfully the auditory environment of a typical nightclub but reduces intensity at the appropriate moments to highlight the cast’s vocal prowess. This environment may not suit those sensitive to continuous loud sounds, flashing lights and strobe (often from a short distance due to the low ceiling) – hearing protection is recommended.
Dependent on the filled capacity at each performance, the mostly standing room can get busy and crowded, and movement is not always completely free due to the cast also occupying the space during the performance. Handheld confetti cannons are also fired once towards the audience by the cast, near the sound desk at the end of a musical number.
There is no designated chill-out zone, but the right side of the space near the bar offers a less congested experience, with a live feed of the performances on the wall of CCTV-style screens. For those who would like some time away, the toilets (featuring cool, neon décor) offer a calmer soundscape with softer music playing in the background.
A dedicated access inbox is monitored for any enquiries ahead of your visit. Ear defenders may be available on request.
What is there to enjoy about the show?
Plenty! Although Maruriello’s book at times feature references to American TV series that can be lost on those unfamiliar with The Real Housewives and The O.C. (the latter’s character Julie Cooper lending her name to a catchy, anthemic number), there is a creditable attempt at following the ‘dystopian dance party’ storyline – though its connection with Oscar Wilde’s words remain ambiguous.
The brightest aspect of this production, however, is certainly the devoted performances from a company of dynamic, up-and-coming individuals. The cast demonstrates a strong sense of rhythm as an ensemble to Andrew Barrett Cox’s choreography (in addition to fabulous looks in leather-inspired costuming and smoky WHAM designs), but the standout performance went to Elizabeth Chalmers in the role of Oscar’s wife Constance, who delivers a stunning ballad titled ‘Glimmer of Light’; though stylistically detached from other numbers in the show, Chalmer’s confident, assured vocal work makes her performance a joy to witness.
Is Oscar at the Crown for you?
If you enjoy a rave-inspired experience coupled up with pop musical numbers and a cast that will lift your spirits, then yes! In some ways, this interdisciplinary project can be an introduction to clubbing – without the guaranteed overwhelming factor large scale raves often present.
The experience can still be overstimulating, but we hope this guide is helpful in preparing for your next visit to The Crown, and hopefully, have a joyful, exciting night out.
Oscar at the Crown is booking at The Crown, Tottenham Court Road until 31 August. For more information and to book tickets, visit the show website.
Tickets and Accessibility
🎟️ Tickets were kindly gifted by the press representatives for the production, with expectation of honest, non-biased coverage. All opinions remain those of the writer, without any input or approval from the venue or producers. Standard tickets are priced from £25.
♾️ All accessibility notes are detailed in the guide above. The production has content notes for strong language, strobe lighting, loud sound effects, and simulated explosions.