5 stars
Alcotraz: 13 Kings Road, Brighton BN1 1NE
Alcotraz in Brighton offers a unique blend of immersive theatre and a cocktail bar with a twist. Set in a US-style prison, this interactive experience pulls you into a world of quirky guards, strict wardens and misbehaving inmates.
Upon arrival, visitors are handed orange jumpsuits, transforming them into prisoners for the night. After suiting up, the real fun begins when one of the guards discreetly helps smuggle in a bottle of alcohol, hidden in various objects like books or teddy bears. Once inside the basement turned prison, the scene is set with metal bars, small cells and props like books, posters and even a toilet, adding to the atmosphere.
The warden, played with a commanding presence, lays down the law right from the start, demanding obedience with her strict southern US drawl. Throughout the night, she checks in with each cell, making sure that no one breaks character. Alongside the warden, the guards and a fellow inmate named Cassidy keep the energy high, offering cheeky banter, inventive missions and a good dose of humour.
The cocktails are delicious, crafted with the smuggled spirits and served in metal mugs to keep up the prison theme. The drinks come with playful names like “chicken soup,” and the bartenders, staying in character, add a theatrical flair to the mixology process. The whole event feels like an interactive game, creating aliases, choosing crimes and even drawing mugshots adds an extra layer of fun.
The small space and intimate setting allow for plenty of one on one interaction with the actors who remain impressively in character throughout. Whether it’s the warden’s stern orders or the guards’ sneaky tactics, the cast knows how to keep things engaging and dynamic. Despite being a smaller group, the actors made sure everyone was involved, making the experience feel personal and full of spontaneous humour.
Alcotraz in Brighton delivers a clever, immersive experience that mixes theatrical storytelling with creative cocktails, set against the backdrop of a prison. Without a doubt, it’s a unique night out.