Secret Cinema ups its dance game

Tom from Groove Armada is looking down on a vast split level, industrial dancefloor. In the crowd are pilots, aliens, and rebels – hundreds of 'em! At the top of the club's huge stair case someone dressed at Jabba The Hut is necking a gin cocktail while a girl in full Death Star uniform is caressing the carbon encased torso of Han Solo.

Secret Cinema used to be all about watching a film in bespoke immersive setting. But whilst we're a nation of cinema goers, we're also, deep down, a nation of ravers, which is why this summer's Secret Cinema has added several clubbing elements to the experience.

Last month Mixmag reported on Secret Nightclub, an offshoot venue away from the main Secret Cinema site that works as a cocktails and cabaret type affair.

Last night we experienced a whole other level, Secret Cinema's main hub for this summer's Empire Strikes Back activity. We're not allowed to say where it is except it's in London and within its vast set (nearly twice the size of the Tate Modern) Mixmag discovered four separate clubbing areas.

To tell you more about them or even how to find them would defeat the point of the Secret Cinema experience but by interacting with the actors among you, trading and bartering you can find yourself ushered onto a range of alien dance-floors playing thankfully Earth friendly tunage.

The main club event that takes place post-screening has already featured the likes of Goldie (pictured), Simian Mobile Disco and Jamie Jones and there's many more acts likely to join them over the shows four month run.

Whilst the show is not cheap (tickets start at £65) this is the best Secret Cinema and immersive theatre experience we've been part of and with the extra side order of credible DJ talent this is one for the clubbers. Engage the rebels.

SECRET CINEMA presents STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK takes place from June 4 – September 27. Tickets are available here. Arrival times are from 5.30pm to 6.30pm Tuesday to Sunday.

[Photo Credit: Mike Massaro]