DARKFIELD’s Flight takes place in absolute darkness in an Airbus 320 economy cabin, inside a shipping container. It explores the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics, taking audience members through two worlds, two realities and two possible outcomes to their journey. There are many worlds in which this plane lands safely. DARKFIELD produces innovative immersive experiences utilising striking sets, shipping containers, binaural 360 degree sound, complete darkness and a variety of sensory effects, where each participant is situated at the centre of intense, evolving narratives. DARKFIELD tours globally, reaching over 500,000 audiences worldwide.

When going to Fringe, Darkfield are known for having some of the best immersive pieces of theatre there. Flight is one I first experienced back in 2021 when I first attended the Fringe and it was just as amazing back then as it is now. Darkfield really knows how to put on an immersive experience and get you thinking and that is really the point of what it is that they do. I know experiences like this can be taken differently and that’s because it’s all very much open to your interpretation, something you really need to put your mind into. You have to want to try a new experience and be open to maybe thinking in a way that you haven’t before and honestly that isn’t always for everyone.

Photo by: Mihaela Bodlovic

The Dark Side of the Fringe

Before you book it’s definitely important to know that this experience isn’t one that will suit everyone. First important factor is that you will be sat in pitch black darkness, if that isn’t for you then the Darkfield experiences are probably ones you’re best missing out on. Second thing is, in Flight you don’t always get to sit next to the people you booked with, it is all assigned seating when you get there – most people are quite happy to swap if you really want to be next to the people you booked with. Thirdly once you’re in there isn’t much of a way to get out – for your safety it’s actually better to just take the headphones off and sit there until the lights come back on.

The £12 Terror: A Fringe Must-See

At £12 a ticket, it is one of the more averagely priced theatre trips of the festival but it is also half the time so I guess could be seen as a little more expensive than it’s worth. However, for me this is definitely one of the experiences you want to have at Fringe given the immersive element to the show – you won’t find many other experiences like this. It also allows you to think for yourself and take away a different experience to the person next to you or the person you’ve come along with and for me that gives me quite a meaningful experience. In short – if you’re open to trying something new and aren’t scared of the dark this one’s for you!