Reinventing Immersive Theatre

The idea…

The best art makes you think about how you live your own life.
The choices you make and the way you connect with others.

Intermission is designed to do exactly that.

Alexander Palmer, Artistic Director at Riptide.

About the experience

Intermission is your invitation to take some time from your day-to-day life. To reflect and re-connect with yourself.

This is not a typical theatre show, Intermission is a unique immersive experience with care at its core. We welcome the audience into a spa-like environment where you are encouraged to unwind, becoming immersed in a therapeutic performance which centres around you.

Across 80 minutes, each audience member will be guided individually on a unique journey through a series of mindful treatments. The ‘treatments’ will range from massage to VR meditation, into life coaching, somatic practices and sensory rituals amongst others. Inviting you to think about your life, to pause and watch, participate and write, or listen and simply sip tea. Created to be a restorative and therapeutic experience. 

On arrival at the reception you will be welcomed by our hosts and invited to complete your Pre Show Questionnaire if you haven't already done so. This is designed to find out a little bit about you so the experience can be tailored to you. 

The host will ask you to unburden yourself of your phone, bag, coat and any other heavy clothing. This is to ensure you will be most comfortable in moving between treatments and fully engaged with the experience. Your shoes will be exchanged for slippers before starting on your journey. Everything will be safely stored till the end of your session when they will be returned to you. 

At the very end of the experience there will be a dedicated space to rest, you’ll be able to get a drink from the bar and meet others or close your eyes for a while. All the audience will finish at this same point so if you came as a party you are invited to wait here until you can be reunited.

Wellness and Care in Intermission

Riptide have created an eco-system of care
throughout the process whilst making Intermission.

It is as important for us to look after our own performers, crew and partners as it is to look after our audiences.

We have incorporated wellness techniques throughout the piece but also embedded them within our own teams.

We have partnered with The Centre for Loneliness Studies to make sure that we are looking after participants and partners alike.

Technology in Intermission

Intermission is an experience, powered AI. Although most of the treatments within the show are run by humans and rely on human-human connection. Riptide are using AI to create an unique experience which is bespoke to each participant.

The piece also merges wellness techniques with VR technology. our partners at Reflex Arc have designed a 360, mindfulness meditation treatment which will sit alongside others in Intermission. Riptide’s aim is to see if we can create innovative technology which improves our mental wellbeing.

Sophie Watson

Molly Rigg

Alexander Palmer

- Artistic Director

Fernanda Prata

Roz Coleman

- Coaching Consultant

- Executive Producer

- Designer

- Associate Director

- Creative Technologist

Sarah Underwood

Max Palmer

- Digital Designer

Partners & Supporters

- VR Developer

Reflex Arc

Leeds Conservatoire

Charisma.AI

- AI Partner

East Street Arts

Centre for Loneliness Studies

University of Leeds

SAIL

Lord Whitney

Funders

INNOVATE UK

Arts Council England

XR Stories