Secret Cinema Blade Runner: The Final Cut review ★★★★★

We can’t tell you much, other than the fact we all know Blade Runner is one of the best sci-fi films of all time. But we can happily say that the Secret Cinema Blade Runner universe absolutely lived up to our expectations, and we can give a few hints to help you get the most out of your visit to the future.

A Culture Whisper Guide to Secret Cinema – Blade Runner: The Final Cut

Secret Cinema is always a whirlwind of an experience, with so much going on and so little warning of what to expect. Here are our top tips for making sure you have an out-of-this-world experience at Blade Runner.

Arrive on time. There's almost too much to do before the film starts, with numerous immersive experiences and performances interconnected across the venue, so make sure you get to your checkpoint as early as possible so you can get inside and start exploring.

Check your inbox. You need to register online before the event and will be assigned a character from the Blade Runner universe. Make sure to read all the information they send you, as new messages appear in your inbox the nearer your performance date gets. You’ll need some of the information they provide to work out how to access certain areas, and other hints will simply enrich the experience. The actors certainly won’t break character to help you if you’re unprepared. Our number one tip: note down the name of your contact.

Join in. The joy of Secret Cinema is how seriously the guests take the role play and dressing up. Blade Runner is a true cult classic and people went to town with neo-noir detective outfits, punk goggles and futuristic neons, depending on their assigned role of course. If you’re feeling lazy you can buy appropriate attire and props directly from Secret Cinema online.

Overdress. There are some pretty prescriptive guidelines on what to bring along for your part, but the most eye-catching attendees were the people who really invested in their look. Our favourite was a lady with LED flashing fake eyelashes.

Do try the food and drink: thankfully it’s not an afterthought. As always it is rather overpriced but it’s nicely tied in to the Blade Runner world, so we can just about forgive them for it. It’s far from high dining but it’s much better than past Secret Cinema fare. Portions aren’t huge though so try to snack beforehand, especially given that the cocktails are incredibly moreish.

You’ll need access to a printer. There are some documents you’ll need to have on hand to get in.

Re-watch the film before you go (or at the very least remind yourself of the plot). This might sound silly given you’re about to have a repeat viewing, but quite honestly the better you know it the more you will get out of the evening. It will help you delve further into the mysterious immersive challenges, and also leave you in awe of the level of geekery that went into creating the sets.

Don’t be shy. You need to approach many of the performers yourself. If you don’t ask questions or try your luck with guarded doors you will end up missing out on the next part of the story. Everyone will have a different experience and not everyone can see everything. We spent a little too long cautiously hovering in the background while others chatted to the actors and definitely could have covered more ground. Be brave and explore.

Stick around after the screening. There is plenty of drinking and dancing and a nice party atmosphere. It would be a shame to run away early.

And lastly, pay attention to their weather forecasts.