Review: The Engagement Party at Queen Elizabeth Hall ‘is full of immersive fun’

Walking into Queen Elizabeth Hall for The Engagement Party is like stepping straight into a real wedding.

Before even entering, guests are greeted with a seating chart, setting the tone for an immersive experience.

The venue is filled with tables, and at the head of the stage sits the high table, where the main family takes their place.

Throughout the space, actors move between tables, engaging with the audience and making them feel like genuine guests at this unique theatrical celebration.

The Engagement Party at Queen Elizabeth Hall

The show begins with three elders—played by Andrea Crewe, Jo Gerard, and Samir Arrian—introducing themselves and explaining the joyous occasion.

They also introduce a live wedding band, seamlessly integrating music into the night’s events. However, the celebration takes an unexpected turn when it is revealed that the bride and groom, Zack (Connor Darren James) and Sofia (Marucia Ferreira), are nowhere to be found.

What follows is a whirlwind of mystery, humour, and drama as the elders take it upon themselves to uncover the truth and restore order to the night’s festivities.

An original and engaging production

The concept of the production is undeniably original and engaging. By casting the audience as wedding guests, the show creates an interactive atmosphere that sets it apart from traditional theatre.

The combination of live performance and on-screen elements adds depth to the storytelling, blending cinematic techniques with stagecraft.

The inclusion of a community cast—including Jennifer Edwards, Jules Szuba, June Allingan, Katherine Wyers, Maryam Chishti, Paul Alexander Andrew, Ramila Halai, Rosalynne Birch, Terry Osman, Vanessa Whitehead, and Vincent Dugdale—adds a richness to the world of the play, making the experience feel even more authentic.

One of the standout elements of The Engagement Party is the stunning set design, which transforms the theatre into a beautifully realised wedding reception.

The live band, doubling as the wedding entertainment, enhances the ambiance, while the community cast members add to the immersive quality of the experience.

While the production is visually and conceptually striking, certain elements of the execution could have been tighter.

The pacing at times felt slow, and while the cast—including Evanya Taylor as Daphne, Noor Hadid as Aisha, and Sid Akbar as Bilal—delivered solid performances, some moments lacked the fluidity needed to maintain momentum.

Nevertheless, the show’s strengths in creativity, engagement, and atmosphere make it a worthwhile experience, especially for those who appreciate innovative theatre.

Supporting independent theatre is always a joy, and The Engagement Party is a production that brings something fresh to the stage.

Tickets for The Engagement Party at Queen Elizabeth Hall

You can catch the show at Queen Elizabeth Hall until Saturday, February 22nd. Tickets are available here