Review: Eternal, Darkfield Radio

Photo credit: Alex Purcell

Darkfield Radio turn your home into a landscape composed of the strange and the curious in their latest immersive audio experience, Eternal. Their previous productions were designed to be consumed by two people sharing a living space, Double in the kitchen and Visitors in the living-room. In their hands, these safe, familiar spaces were transformed into the setting for a totally immersive and unsettling experience… but at least you had company. Eternal, designed to be experienced alone … and in your bed … takes things to the next level.  You ‘know’ that your bed is a safe place and that you are alone.  But are you?

How it works: download the Darkfield app to your smart phone, enter your code and turn notifications on. An hour before the show the notifications begin, building anticipation and giving you time to get prepared. At the allotted hour, climb into the right side of the bed, pop on your headphones, turn off the lights and close your eyes. Settle in, get comfy. You are in for a ride.

Eternal dangles before you the opportunity of eternal life, but inevitably it comes at a price. I won’t be the one to provide spoilers. The story itself is, in any case, almost incidental, as David Rosenburg’s incredible biaural soundscape overwhelms your other senses. At one point I was convinced Lloyd Hutchinson had climbed into my bed, the illusion being so real that I sensed movement at my side. You will want to open your eyes and check. But not want to ruin the magic.

At a time when creators are being forced online, Eternal is the closest I have come to the ‘real’ theatre experience. The bedroom the theatre, the bed the stage; blurring the line between participant and spectator.

Eternal is the third offering from Darkfield Radio, whose intention is to “immerse audiences in strange and curious worlds in their own home”. With Eternal, I can assure you that they have achieved their objective. Tickets are available here for all three radio plays, which can be purchased separately or as a package.  Sessions run on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Alanna Boden