The Manikins: a work in progress

Synopsis:

The Manikins: a work in progress is a 90-minute interactive performance for two actors that pushes the boundaries of theatre by turning its single audience member into the protagonist of a psychedelic thriller. It was selected by The Stage as one of the top 50 shows of 2023.

Deadweight Theatre was formed in 2022 by Jack, Dominika, Hannah and Anna as a vehicle for creating experimental, interactive and immersive theatre. The Manikins: a work in progress is the company’s third original performance and our first commercial run.

Mission:

The Manikins: a work in progress was created to redefine what immersive theatre can be. 

We have been overwhelmed by the support this show has received from the immersive theatre community and beyond, and feel beyond grateful to have started out in such a positive way, with a sold out 6 week run at the Parabolic Crypt in Bethnal Green and the excitement and support of so many of you.

As many of you know, this is an exceptionally challenging time for the arts in the UK. We want to use the momentum the community has gathered to allow more people to experience The Manikins and to continue pushing the boundaries of the form as we develop future shows, without allowing our vision to be compromised by commercial considerations. To do this, we need your help.

Your donations are contributing toward these future developments of the show:

• A further extension in a new London venue this August:
  • Actor & Stage Manager fees
  • Venue hire
  • Marketing
• Performances at Gothenburg Fringe, Sweden (1st - 4th Sept):
  • Flights
  • Accommodation
  • Artist fees

Packages:

We want to recognise the support that our community has given us so far and give you a sense of just how important your role is as we move forward together. With this in mind, we are offering the chance to sign up for ongoing packages of support, which you can choose to renew annually. To thank you for believing in us:

• ⁠All supporters will receive monthly updates and insights, in the form of newsletters, footage from rehearsals, exclusive videos from the Deadweight team. (Opportunity to renew annually)
• All supporters will receive a limited edition printed version of the script, signed by the cast of The Manikins.*
• Manikin Package supporters and above will be invited to an annual drinks reception. (Opportunity to renew annually)
• Spotlight Package supporters and above will receive a Dream Book Zine, handmade by Deadweight co-founder Dominika. Each unique zine will contain a selection of thoughts and dreams from the company, alongside hand drawn illustrations*.
• Director Package supporters will get the opportunity to join us in studio for up to 3 days and see our devising process in action.
• Director Package supporters will get priority access to book for this year’s runs of The Manikins and future shows for the next 3 years (subject to availability/third party arrangements).

*Physical items will be posted by the end of September

Reviews & Articles:

“Genuinely new… it is hard to get more immersive than this.” - Anna James, The Stage

“I am lost for words, and that does not happen. That is one of the best things I’ve ever seen.” - Owen Kingston, Artistic Director, Parabolic Theatre

"This is the best immersive show of 2024, and it may take many more years for anything else to come close to it." ★★★★★ - Immersive Rumours 

“An adventure into the avant garde… It really does leave a surreal, indelible mark like a vivid dream.” ★★★★★ - Caiti Grove, London Theatre Reviews

"(A) dark, mystery-laden masterpiece" ★★★★ - Franco Milazzo, Broadway World

"This is the most exciting thing I've seen for years… Every bit as strange, heart-poundingly surreal and dreamlike as the most magical Punchdrunk show, but within that it gives you genuine agency, all without breaking the spell. I wouldn't have thought it possible if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes." - Katy Naylor, Voidspace, in Broadway World 

“Ingenious… Mind-boggling… Completely bewildering… I didn’t want it to end.” - Sam Booth, Actor, Punchdrunk

“Scary, exciting, wonderful, overwhelming, and thrilling. I’ve never seen anything quite like that before.” - Zoe Flint, Artistic Associate, Parabolic Theatre