New immersive theatre space to be launched in London

The Buzz, thought to be the UK’s first purpose-built immersive theatre space is set to launch in Southwark in London in November.

Emma Brunjes Building has begun on The Buzz as part of the popular Mercato Metropolitano, a market-style complex of bars and restaurants in Newington Causeway, opposite the current site of Southwark Playhouse and close to Elephant & Castle tube station.

The project is a collaboration between immersive theatre and production professionals ebp, who were behind the Olivier-nominated immersive show Alice’s Adventures Underground, and Limelight Productions which specialises in stage adaptations of TV and literary brands such as Peppa Pig.

They want this fully flexible performing arts space to "provide leading theatre creatives with a space to grow ideas on a blank canvas". The Buzz aims to be a community hub for theatre makers, local students and the community alike.

Alongside The Buzz, there will be a new bar, The Buzz Bar, inspired by Charlie Chaplin who was born in the Southwark area, famously frequented Elephant & Castle and even performed in one of its now defunct theatre venues. The bar aims to be a hub that will be a meeting point for the community as well as The Buzz audiences and visitors to Mercato Metropolitano.

Producer Emma Brunjes, who heads ebp with her brother Ralph, said: “It’s thrilling to realise a long-held ambition to build our own space. We have produced immersive shows in tunnels, warehouses, abandoned buildings, bookshops and a visitor attraction. To create a dynamic performance space to unleash creativity is truly exciting.

“We want The Buzz to be at the forefront of the immersive theatre movement. The Buzz is a home to develop and realise ground-breaking ideas and the Buzz Bar a hub for our audience, creatives and local community. We are delighted to be expanding and complementing the vibrant offering at Mercato Metropolitano.”

The Buzz team will soon be announcing an array of shows, community programmes and opportunities for the next generation of creative artists.

The Young Buzz, a collection of immersive and interactive theatre-based programmes, will offer bespoke training and learning opportunities for people aged 14 to 30. The Young Buzz includes The Buzz Ambassadors, which will encourage students from across London to spread the word of the space’s opening and programmes, The Buzz Young Professionals and The Buzz Young Theatre Company for those looking to develop their skills and embark on a career in immersive theatre.

Andrea Rasca, founder of Mercato Metropolitano, said: “I am proud of the partnership we've struck with The Buzz. We're a sustainable community market that believes in fun and giving people a chance to develop innovative and creative ideas that promote social cohesion, education, and healthy living. The Buzz embodies all of this and much more.

“At Mercato Metropolitano we dedicate 20% of our space annually to incubating businesses that reflect our values. This year we helped launch 48 new businesses, including a new cinema concept, a hydroponics farm and a gardening project in a double decker London bus. We like to have fun in partnership with creative and innovative minds like The Buzz.”

To be first in the know, sign up to the mailing list at www.thebuzz.london