Secret Cinema: Lawrence of Arabia

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Despite it feeling more than a little un-PC to get dressed up in Arabian garb and travel on the train via Finsbury Park for Secret Cinema's screening of Lawrence of Arabia, once there it proved itself to be the most incredible experience in many ways. Walking from the station to Alexandra Palace (where the film was being shown in a vast exhibition hall, with 4,000 people sitting on the floor snuggled in blankets and cushions) everyone was in Bedouin inspired garb, walking in a line like some kind of mass exodus or sacred pilgrimage. We passed donkeys, camels and men and women on horseback who charged about with swords and herded us about or tried to barter with us for goods. Inside, there was a giant souk set up, with cushion and rug filled Bedouin tents, falafel and lamb kofte stands, market sellers hawking rugs and jangly trinkets and the sounds and smells and bustle of a colourful, frenetic, energetic Arabian market. Sort of a weird thing to do on a Friday night, but rather fun.
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I'd definitely recommend signing up to Secret Cinema. Shrouded in secrecy (their mantra is 'Tell No One', clearly something i'm ignoring) they'll email you when their next event is happening and send through clues as to where the final location will be, and what the film being shown is. Everything I've seen so far, The Warriors outdoors on London Fields, and Alien in an east end warehouse has been an utterly immersive and eye-opening experience. More than anything it's kind of wonderful to be a part of such an explosion of creative thinking and production. Yes, sure there are hitches and everything isn't quite perfect, but if you're game and up for it, it's pretty ace.

Next up, my vote goes to Fiddler on the Roof - not only because i basically grew up wanting to be in it (singing Matchmaker matchmaker...) but seems like it might balance the weirdness of this event out. or not.