Punchdrunk's The Burnt City - Official Site About

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ABOUT US

GODS AND MORTALS RISE FOR A PARTY AT THE END OF THE WORLD

The Burnt City's final performance was on Sunday 24 September 2023.

The Burnt City is the latest production by award-winning company Punchdrunk (Sleep No More), who make genre-defying experiences for audiences around the world. Blending classic texts, contemporary dance, physical performance and award-winning design installations, their work ranges from projects that use new technologies to large-scale site specific performances.

Set across two warehouses, The Burnt City is inspired by the events surrounding the fall of Troy. Inside you’ll discover a complete sensory world that is yours to explore at will, while the action unfolds around you. Move between the haunting palace of Greece to the pulsating neon back streets of downtown Troy. Follow strangers who emerge from the shadows and seek out tales hiding in the deepest parts of the city. Or simply sit and soak up the atmosphere.

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Our Venue

Venue Location

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Bags are not permitted within The Burnt City, including small bags such as bum bags (fanny packs). The cloakroom is available for an extra charge if you need to leave items behind. This is complimentary for VIP and Premium ticket holders. Space is limited so we advise against arriving with luggage. Please note that the only exception is for medical reasons. Anything you need to access in order to safely experience the show can be taken in, for example medical devices or sugary snacks. Cameras and mobile devices are not permitted. If you do not want to leave your mobile in the cloakroom, it will be locked in a small bag that you can carry with you.
This is a promenade production and comfortable footwear is recommended including no heels or open toe shoes. There is no dress code, however there are narrow spaces in the show and – depending on your journey – times where you could be invited to crawl or visit small spaces. We would therefore advise that you do not wear delicate clothes or anything you are concerned may be damaged. In hot weather the buildings can be very warm so we suggest dressing light. You will have to leave coats and bags in the cloakroom for an extra charge (see details below). Please note: Punchdrunk are not liable for any cosmetic damage to clothing. You will wear one of Punchdrunk’s signature theatrical masks. This will give you anonymity throughout the performance to help you feel empowered to explore, and also make you distinguishable from the performers. These masks can be taken off in the bar area. Your Punchdrunk mask will be provided on entry and collected on exit. It will fit over most glasses. If you have the option, wearing contact lenses is recommended.

This production is based on Greek tragedies and deals with themes of war, family tragedy, murder and revenge which some may find triggering. There will be dark spaces, loud noises, strobe, haze, nudity and blood as well as dark areas and spaces that are small and confined.

Please note, you will be on your feet for up to three hours. Due to uneven flooring and potentially crowded spaces, the experience is not recommended if you are pregnant.

The choice of where to go and what to see is yours. If you feel uncomfortable you will be able to move to a new area, talk to one of our stewards in black masks or to take a breather in the bar. The bar itself can be noisy so if you need a quiet space please let a member of staff know. If you have any concerns about the content of this experience, email [email protected] or leave a message at 0208 191 1431 and a member of the Punchdrunk team will get back to you.
This production is suitable for ages 16+. There will be no admittance to anyone who, if asked, cannot provide photographic ID proving that they are over 16. Guests aged 16 and 17 must be accompanied by a responsible guardian. The Box Office will issue a lanyard which they must wear during their visit to be identified to performers and staff. There is a bar that features as part of the performance, which under 18s can only visit in the company of their parent or guardian. Please note this production contains blood, nudity and scenes that some may find distressing.
Bags are not permitted within The Burnt City, including small bags such as bum bags (fanny packs). The cloakroom is available for an extra charge if you need to leave items behind. This is complimentary for VIP and Premium ticket holders. Space is limited so we advise against arriving with luggage. Please note that the only exception is for medical reasons. Anything you need to access in order to safely experience the show can be taken in, for example medical devices or sugary snacks. Cameras and mobile devices are not permitted. If you do not want to leave your mobile in the cloakroom, it will be locked in a small bag that you can carry with you.
The bar and VIP Lounge (Peep) can be found in the backstreets of Troy. The Peep bar and VIP area open at 6:30pm for you to enjoy a drink before your allocated time slot. Peep remains open after the performance except for matinees. Standard ticket holders should arrive at least 15 minutes before their chosen performance slot, VIP tickets are welcome anytime from 6:30pm. We operate a Challenge 25 policy and a contactless payment system. No cash is accepted on site and you are advised to bring a physical payment card. A small selection of bar snacks will be available but there is no kitchen on site and we recommend visitors eat before they attend.
This is a promenade production and comfortable footwear is recommended including no heels or open toe shoes. There is no dress code, however there are narrow spaces in the show and – depending on your journey – times where you could be invited to crawl or visit small spaces. We would therefore advise that you do not wear delicate clothes or anything you are concerned may be damaged. In hot weather the buildings can be very warm so we suggest dressing light. You will have to leave coats and bags in the cloakroom for an extra charge (see details below). Please note: Punchdrunk are not liable for any cosmetic damage to clothing. You will wear one of Punchdrunk’s signature theatrical masks. This will give you anonymity throughout the performance to help you feel empowered to explore, and also make you distinguishable from the performers. These masks can be taken off in the bar area. Your Punchdrunk mask will be provided on entry and collected on exit. It will fit over most glasses. If you have the option, wearing contact lenses is recommended.
This production is suitable for ages 16+. There will be no admittance to anyone who, if asked, cannot provide photographic ID proving that they are over 16. Guests aged 16 and 17 must be accompanied by a responsible guardian. The Box Office will issue a lanyard which they must wear during their visit to be identified to performers and staff. There is a bar that features as part of the performance, which under 18s can only visit in the company of their parent or guardian. Please note this production contains blood, nudity and scenes that some may find distressing.

This production is based on Greek tragedies and deals with themes of war, family tragedy, murder and revenge which some may find triggering. There will be dark spaces, loud noises, strobe, haze, nudity and blood as well as dark areas and spaces that are small and confined.

Please note, you will be on your feet for up to three hours. Due to uneven flooring and potentially crowded spaces, the experience is not recommended if you are pregnant.

The choice of where to go and what to see is yours. If you feel uncomfortable you will be able to move to a new area, talk to one of our stewards in black masks or to take a breather in the bar. The bar itself can be noisy so if you need a quiet space please let a member of staff know. If you have any concerns about the content of this experience, email [email protected] or leave a message at 0208 191 1431 and a member of the Punchdrunk team will get back to you.
During the summer months, the heat in the building may require modifications to the performance to safeguard the wellbeing of all audience and staff. The most likely modification is a slightly shortened show - with the maximum run time reducing from three hours to two and half hours. The narrative of the show will still unfurl in full and your enjoyment of The Burnt City should remain unaffected. You will still have ample time to explore the worlds of Greece and Troy, although we strongly recommend arriving on time for your entry slot. A notice will be placed in the entrance and cloakroom notifying audiences of any modifications before entry into the show.  Please be aware that such adaptations to the show do not qualify for refunds or exchanges.
This production is suitable for ages 16+. There will be no admittance to anyone who, if asked, cannot provide photographic ID proving that they are over 16. Guests aged 16 and 17 must be accompanied by a responsible guardian. The Box Office will issue a lanyard which they must wear during their visit to be identified to performers and staff. There is a bar that features as part of the performance, which under 18s can only visit in the company of their parent or guardian. Please note this production contains blood, nudity and scenes that some may find distressing.

This production is based on Greek tragedies and deals with themes of war, family tragedy, murder and revenge which some may find triggering. There will be dark spaces, loud noises, strobe, haze, nudity and blood as well as dark areas and spaces that are small and confined.

Please note, you will be on your feet for up to three hours. Due to uneven flooring and potentially crowded spaces, the experience is not recommended if you are pregnant.

The choice of where to go and what to see is yours. If you feel uncomfortable you will be able to move to a new area, talk to one of our stewards in black masks or to take a breather in the bar. The bar itself can be noisy so if you need a quiet space please let a member of staff know. If you have any concerns about the content of this experience, email [email protected] or leave a message at 0208 191 1431 and a member of the Punchdrunk team will get back to you.
All school groups should be booked by calling 0208 191 1431 or by emailing [email protected]   SCHOOLS GUARDIAN TICKETS As it can be difficult to stay with your students for the duration of the experience, we require one responsible adult to remain in the bar at all times. This allows for students to easily access the bar and ensures our staff can contact a responsible person should there be a safeguarding issue. A complimentary Schools Guardian Ticket is available per school group to facilitate this which must be claimed in advance as part of the main order. Please note this ticket does not give the bearer access to the main experience.   AGE RESTRICTIONS Please note, this production is suitable for ages 16+. There will be no admittance to anyone who, if asked, cannot provide photographic ID proving that they are over 16. The Box Office will issue a lanyard which they must wear during their visit to be identified to performers and staff. There is a bar that features as part of the performance, which under 18s can visit only in the company of the responsible adult.
Download FAQs in large print   If you have access requirements, including using a wheelchair, you will need to book an Access Ticket via Punchdrunk directly. You will also be able to book a complimentary Essential Companion ticket. Access Stewards are available to those with an Access Ticket. Please note they are unable to help with personal care needs. If you have any questions about the content and facilities or would like to book, please email [email protected] or leave a message at 0208 191 1431 and a member of the Punchdrunk team will get back to you. Please note;
  • You will be required to wear a mask and be on your feet for up to three hours.
  • The experience is wheelchair accessible. It takes place across two levels with some areas only accessible to wheelchair users by lift (total maximum weight limit is 400kg). If you use a larger wheelchair some areas of the show will be restricted. Due to the existing architecture there is a minimum door width of 800mm. There are different types of lifts used in the different buildings (dimensions are 1m deep x 1.2m wide and 1.45m deep x 1m wide).
  • There are four accessible toilets in different locations across the site; one at the show entrance and three within the show world. Please note that there are no toilet facilities available in certain sections of the upper level.
  • There is no Changing Places facility on site.
  • There will be dark spaces, loud noises, strobe, haze and areas that some may find triggering.
  • The air quality inside may not be suitable for asthma, multiple chemical sensitivity, or other respiratory conditions.
  • For safety reasons, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart conditions, back or neck conditions, epilepsy, or any type of medical condition affecting the senses of smell, vision, or hearing. We would be very happy to discuss this with you, if you have any concerns.

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