Synopsis

In an alternate London, the city’s Theatre District is a walled area south of the river where an immersive production – the Show – has been running for centuries, growing ever bigger, more sprawling and lavish. The Show is open to anyone who can afford a ticket but the District itself is a closed world; even the police have no jurisdiction within its walls.

Juliet’s mother died when she was a baby. Brought up by her emotionally distant father and even more distant stepmother, she has never felt wanted. It’s only when her father passes away that Juliet – now nineteen – learns her birth was registered in the District. Desperate to belong somewhere at last, she travels to London where she hopes to unearth the truth about her identity, her mother’s death and her father’s years of silence – and claim her birthright.

But in the District, there is only one central truth: the Show must go on. And in a world where illusions abound, and powerful men control the narrative, Juliet has no idea of just how far some will go to ensure certain stories are never told…

Review

They say that the world’s a stage and when it comes to immersive theatre, that statement’s pretty true.

I first experienced participative performance in New York when I saw Sleep No More and it was such a fantastic – albeit surreal – feeling that I just couldn’t wait to do it again! I even got mistaken for a performer at secret cinema (I know – you’re shocked)!

Anne Corlett has taken this bizarre theatrical experience and juxtaposed it with the gothic streets of an alternate London’s Theatre District; alleyways and secret passages amongst cobbled streets and mysteries.

It’s almost lyrical in its prose and wonderfully engaging, especially if you’re a fan of theatre and love to get involved. In the wings lies a murder mystery, featuring rival factions and clashing jurisdiction, but the main stage reveals a truly spectacular performance. Orphan Juliet takes us with her on her journey of self-discovery trying to find out what really happened to her mother, and participating in the show to get closer to her past.

Elements of London’s history are warped and changed to really expose and confuse us; just as we are vulnerable when wearing a mask and wondering deserted streets searching for performer and secrets, these choices help to isolate the reader. Nothing is what it seems…

It is quite a niche story, but if you close your eyes and open your mind, this is a magical story that asks us to make sure we really are sure we want the truth before we go in search of the answers.

Thanks to Black & White Publishing and Bonnier Books for my proof copy. Opinions my own.