‘Atlantic’ at The Vaults London Theatre

Last week I was invited to watch ‘Atlantic’ at The Vaults London. I am quite the Theatre geek so of course I jumped at the chance to watch a new play, but before I go into that we have to talk about the venue itself.  

The Vaults for those who haven’t been before (or have just never heard of it), is home for immersive theatre and alternative arts. It’s a short walk from Waterloo and is located under the stations’ railway arches. The exact location is The Leake Street graffiti tunnel, which was founded none other than Banksy himself. Walking through, its full of colourful lights, incredible street art, and a pretty decent busker singing her heart out. It is in these moments that make me remember why I love living in London.

I had heard of this place but had never been, and had I not been frozen by the wonderful February night temperature, I would have taken some pictures in front of the artwork, some of which was being created right there and then. This place is ideal for someone wanting that Instagram worthy picture or perhaps you want to get swept up in something a little cooler than walking along the Kings Road in Chelsea.

Inside The Vaults London

What I loved about The Vaults is that you’re walking through a maze of disused railway arches, you’re underground, it’s dark, with paths leading you to different bars and the performance studios.

I feel in some areas/venues in London you can get swept up in trying to fit in to a certain crowd that those areas/venues try to portray, but here there is such a great mix of people; older and younger, couples, friends, singles, the very artsy and people like myself who enjoys doing something a little different. Throughout, the lights at the bars are low and you have bath tubs you can sit in, little corner hideaways, booths, cushions, and of course just your average table and chairs- a little something for everyone if you will.

We went to the Rose bar which has a feel of Moulin rouge meets Aladdin. All the cocktails are rose inspired and it’s located upstairs so it’s out of the main hustle.

The Play

Coming here I knew this wouldn’t be the average play that I would usually go to see as The Vaults “encourage those that have a natural affinity to the unusual, the daring and the unknown’.

‘Atlantic’ at its heart is a love story, but also focuses on the way we relate and communicate to each other. It takes inspiration from a variety of art forms, including Silent Films, Romantic Comedies and Video Art. It is a two person play between an American and Brit who keep being drawn back to each other with an Ocean between them. Throughout, there are nods to those romance film cliches in which we have become so familiar with, but the actors are soft enough in their approach that it feels sincere and humorous in places. Although, there is a point in the play were it went into complete darkness (I couldn’t even see my hands) and sitting in a large underground studio, with strangers, in the pitch black, in silence is something I have realised I do not enjoy.

Verdict

All in all, do I feel that ‘Atlantic’ was a little too obscure for my taste? Absolutely. Did I understand what was going on? Some of the time. Was there something endearing and thought provoking portrayed by the actors? Definitely.

This not your mainstream type of Theatre, but then this is not what The Vaults London is about. It will leave some audience members slightly perplexed at why two people randomly start singing ‘Beyond the Sea’. If you are used to going to these type of shows, I feel you will fully submerge yourself into it and be really drawn into Emma and PJ’s performance, whether you realise it or not.

Looking for more things to do in the big smoke? Visit our London Guide.