★★★★ "Gripping, immersive VR viewing... hallucinogenic hi-tech dystopia." The Guardian
★★★★ "A dazzling array of effects and artwork...it never fails to fascinate and terrify...mind-blowingly vivid." The Scotsman
"A captivating piece of escapism. For a company to come out of such an artistically stifling period with such striking ambition is remarkable." A Younger Theatre
"Deftly delivered... Proof that you don’t have to be in a theatre to be in a theatre." The Stage
We are thrilled to invite audiences to a 360° immersive virtual reality experience, set in a dystopian society where happiness has been traded for a world without pain. Combining live-action theatre and animation, PETRICHOR explores the hopes and fears of our current and future existence.
You can enjoy PETRICHOR in person at Stratford East in our socially-distanced space or online from the comfort of your own home (click here for information about the in-theatre experience).
Once you have purchased a ticket, you'll be able to watch the online experience of PETRICHOR at any time until Sun 13 Dec at 11.55pm. You will receive a separate email with a link to watch the show. Please check your junk folder. You do not need a VR headset to enjoy the show and you’ll be able to move the screen on your smart phone giving you a full 360-degree experience.
A MATCHBOX production by ThickSkin
Created by Jonnie Riordan, Jess Williams & Ben Walden
Welcome to Petrichor. Thousands applied and you have been selected. This is a new beginning, a clean slate, a second chance. You are an important part of this machine. And that’s all you need to think about.
Step into a new world. A world where every single day is exactly the same. Petrichor is a dystopian reality, where every moment is muted, managed and monochrome. Nothing bad ever happens. Nothing good does either. Excitement and happiness have been traded for a world without pain and suffering.
A chance meeting brings two unlikely individuals together and offers a small glimpse of what life could be. Their newfound connection sends ripples through this ordered world. They begin to question every decision, every step and every thought they’ve ever had. Could there be something more than this?
PETRICHOR is a MATCHBOX production for ThickSkin. Supported by Arts Council England, Backstage Trust, November Productions, Oculus from Facebook and Waterside Arts & Creative Industries Trafford. Developed with support from Lawrence Batley Theatre, Tron Theatre and Glasgow Life.
If you would like to receive information about ThickSkin, sign up to their mailing list here.
Rehearsal photos: Ray Chan
Runtime: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Age Guidance: There is no age restriction for the online experience.
Content Advisory Note: This production contains flashing images, moments of darkness, loud music.
Booking Enquiries – FOR ONLINE EXPERIENCE
You can experience PETRICHOR from the comfort of your own home through any smartphone or computer without the need of a VR headset. To book an online experience, click the 'Book' button below.
Once you have purchased a ticket, you'll be able to watch the online experience of PETRICHOR at any time until Sun 13 Dec at 11.55pm. You will receive a separate email with a link to watch the show. Please check your junk folder. You do not need a VR headset to enjoy the show and you’ll be able to move the screen on your smart phone giving you a full 360-degree experience.
Booking Enquiries – FOR IN-THEATRE EXPERIENCE
The PETRICHOR in-theatre experience will be at Stratford East from Tue 08 – Sat 12 Dec 2020. For more information and to book your tickets, click here.
FOR SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION GROUPS
If you are school or education group then take a look at ThickSkin’s DISCOVER PACKAGE, where you can access the online experience for your students along with behind-the-scenes films and education resources. Click here for more information.
HOW TO - SET UP YOUR MOBILE & TABLET FOR IMMERSIVE 360 VIDEOS
Created by Jonnie Riordan, Jess Williams and Ben Walden
Ayesha Fazal
Ayesha trained at Falmouth University. Performance credits include Passage for Par choreographed by Rosemary Lee (Groundwork Festival), Boomtown Springs (Boomtown Festival) and Ladylyke (Fledge Festival). Ayesha also founded undergraduate contemporary dance company, Company Nexus, for which she choreographed and performed 7 feet below.
Dominic Coffey
Dominic trained at Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Leeds. Upon graduating Dominic gained a place on the Jasmin Vardimon Professional Development Course where he had the opportunity to tour as a part of JV2. Dominic has worked professionally with Gary Clarke, Hawk Dance Theatre, Carlos Pons Guerra, Cahoots NI, Joe Garbett, Urban Conceptz, Fallen Angels Dance Theatre, Joss Arnott and more. He has performed nationally and internationally including throughout China, India and USA. Dominic is also an Educational Facilitator for Jasmin Vardimon and has taught at Salford University and Chorlton High School.
Direction & Choreography: Jonnie Riordan & Jess Williams
Animation: Ben Walden
Music and Sound Design: Neil Bettles
Editor/Visual Effects: Jim Dawson for TripleDotMakers
VR Photography: Keith Myers
Photography: Ray Chan
Executive Producer: Laura Mallows
Producer: Steph Connell
Production Manager: Hannah Blamire
Assistant Producer: Lauren Townsend
Marketing Consultant: Rhea Mehmet
Press Consultant: Simon Thompson
PETRICHOR incorporates creative captioning and is suitable for deaf audiences. The show contains flashing images, loud music and moments of darkness. It may not be suitable for audiences with sensory disorders or people with an autism spectrum disorder. If you have any access-related questions or queries, then please contact tickets@stratfordeast.com.
MEET THE PETRICHOR CREATIVE TEAM
SETTING UP YOUR DEVICE FOR IMMERSIVE VIDEOS
TUE 29 APR - SAT 10 MAY 2025
Drama, On StageTambo and Bones are stuck in a minstrel show. It's hard to know what's real when you're stuck in a minstrel show. Their escape plan: get out, get ri...
Various Times
WED 14 MAY 2025
Drama, On StageCharles Ignatius Sancho was born on a slave ship on the Atlantic Ocean in 1729, yet he became a writer, composer, shopke...
7:30 PM
THU 15 MAY 2025
Comedy, On StageA handful of comedy’s biggest names are on their way to Stratford East for one night only, and it promises to be an incr...
7:30 PM
