We got a sneak preview of Absurd City, Wake the Tiger’s vast new immersive experience at Westfield London - here’s what schools can expect from a visit that brings sustainability, media literacy and critical thinking vividly to life.
Said to be the largest immersive art experience in Europe, Wake the Tiger’s second location in London offers exciting educational opportunities for schools.
A year in the making, Absurd City is the sister venue to Bristol’s Dream Factory, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, while promoting a powerful message to students: protect the planet.
Shaped by climate change and corporate control, featuring various theatrical performers who assure visitors that “everything is fine”, the scale of the metropolis is apparent as soon as you step into the 80,000 sq.ft space, previously occupied by KidZania.
During my visit, I found out that the experience can accommodate up to 200 people per hour and is inspired by the director’s passion for the planet, placing sustainability at the heart of the project. With such a variety of themes, games and attention to detail, the experience is something schools could enjoy again and again. Artists were given the freedom to make this space as magical as possible, and they certainly delivered.
Chief commercial officer, Lucy Jarjoura, said: “We want children of all ages to be able to approach difficult topics like the consumer economy and media literacy with curiosity rather than fear. Our aim is to help them better understand the world they live in by comparing it to a parallel world many years in the future.”
Storytelling, puzzles and performers
The fallen city: A major city in Meridia has been devastated by climate collapse. Rather than confront the crisis when they had the chance, the leaders decided to seal it beneath a glass dome. Decades later, the city faces another potential collapse, but don’t worry – EVERYTHING IS FINE.
There are five extraordinary districts, each offering a unique blend of theatrical storytelling, immersive performances and escape-room-style challenges. The highlight for me was definitely Imaginopolis - very colourful and captivating.
I can see how the interactive experience is going to engage students in topics, with a particular focus on English, science and art. Absurd City encourages pupils to think about contemporary issues, including media literacy, sustainability and the economy, bringing classroom learning to life.
The adventure begins in the interdimensional department lounge before visitors pass through security gates onto Bloom Street, based loosely on London’s Oxford Street. Here, you explore the darker side of capitalism through advertising that parody real-world ads, exploring the ways in which they influence our decisions.
Throughout the experience, students can solve puzzles and crack codes. From working out ATM codes and problem solving to discovering the importance of energy, pupils will have access to a variety of interactive games. Another key highlight is the Mock Market, Absurd City’s take on the stock market where you can put your maths skills to the test as you challenge the financial world.
With plenty of memorable photo opportunities throughout the experience, there’s also the chance to buy photos from the gift shop at the end of your visit. You’ll be inclined to take photo after photo as not to miss something throughout.
A sustainable sensation
The powerful theme of the tour is the fragility of our planet. Students will head into Reclaimia, a district built entirely from recyclable waste, showing the importance of repurposing everyday items and upcycling them. Almost everything in Wake the Tiger and the gift shop is made from recycled materials to endorse their own message.
“Don’t just ask what happens next, ask what you want to make possible,” is the ending message to the experience. The Genny is full of vibrant surprises and is the perfect end to a colourful day.
School trips to Absurd City
The self-paced experience allows teachers to tailor each visit to their own needs and objectives. Schools can also access a dedicated Learning Hub, a private space with secure lockers and a screen used for workshops, with visits customised around specific subjects or themes.
To support learning, Absurd City offers free lesson plans, ready-to-use resources, dedicated hosts and complimentary pre-visits.
For information about school trips, visit london.wakethetiger.com/school-trips.
