Review: SOUNDS AND SORCERY CELEBRATING DISNEY FANTASIA, The Vaults

When Fantasia first landed on the scene in 1940, it was a game-changing piece for the world of entertainment as it was the first ever commercial film presented in stereophonic sound. Now, The Vaults present a new production of immersive theatre celebrating the animated flick in the shape of Sound and Sorcery Celebrating Disney Fantasia.

Directed by Daisy Evans, the experience has a theme park feel to it. Once the audience collect their headphones, they delve into the belly of the venue stepping into five different universes. Just like the original product was a meant to show off new technology, Evans' project is filled to the brim with fascinating visual tidbits.

From binaural sound to light shows, it certainly is a feast for the eyes, but generally lacks substance, with its pantomime-like performances and themed rooms where all you do is explore. Kitty Callister transforms The Vaults with her detailed set that, with Jake Wiltshire's lighting design, is the highlight.

However, tiny mushrooms that light up in time with the music, rickety bridges (a piece of advice: wear comfortable shoes when you go see it), volcanoes, and lanterns hanging off trees in an enchanted forest aren't enough to have us overlook the video in the final "A Night On Bare Mountain" (which might have been inspired by some obscure German avant-garde movement for all we know) or the sloppiness of "Dance of the Hours".

All in all, Sound and Sorcery doesn't entirely satisfy the Disney fan nor the music buff, but is a gorgeous idea in need of polishing.

Sounds and Sorcery Celebrating Disney Fantasia runs at The Vaults until 30th September.

Photo Credit: Hanson Leatherby

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