Avora lets you step through a portal to an alien planet, and enjoy some cocktails there while an immersive story unfolds around you…
Contents
Things to Know Before You Visit Avora
What is Avora?
Avora is an immersive theatre experience which includes several cocktails. You are you friends will join a handful of other groups as you step through a portal to an alien planet, meet the local inhabitants, and watch a dramatic sci-fi story unfold.
Although Avora is unaffiliated with the Avatar movie franchise, it is clearly inspired by it. The alien planet and the plot of the story have a similar vibe.
The cocktails are served throughout the experience, and each one has a connection to the story. You might find yourself drinking an elixir designed to protect you in an alien atmosphere, or a drink made with fruit plucked from an alien tree.
As you enjoy your drinks you interact with live actors, move from space to space and explore an enchanting, jungle-like bioluminescent forest.
Avora: The Good Stuff
Avora is fun and exciting. It takes place in a richly-themed environment, and the story has memorable characters and twists and turns throughout.
There are excellent photo opportunities throughout the show. The lighting and set design is fantastic, and – wearing your themed jumpsuit – you fit right in and look cool and exotic. Avora is an Instagram-friendly night out.
Each of the cocktails you’re served has at least one interesting effect. The drinks change colour, include boba or bubbles, glow or do something else interesting or impressive. Some of them are also quite delicious!
Avora: The Bad Stuff
The set decoration throughout Avora is consistently impressive – there’s plenty of detail, and the lighting and sound provide some brilliant atmosphere. However, the fact remains that it’s always going to be a little tricky to evoke the sweeping grandeur of an alien rainforest inside a set of basement rooms in East London.
While it looks amazing in photographs, you might find the actual environment a little lacking when compared to what it’s trying to evoke. A projection of an awe-inspiring waterfall crashing on the rocks, for example, looks great in pictures… but is always going to be obviously just a projection when you see it up close and in person .
This is a problem not shared by Inventive Productions‘s other shows… all of which take place in settings (a prison, a magical prison, a saloon) that are, by design, limited or confined.
At times, also, it can feel as though there’s not much to do in Avora. There are regular breaks in the action so you can enjoy your drinks and spend time with individual character actors… but at times these breaks can feel long.
There’s nothing you as an audience member can really do to engage further – no mystery to solve or mission to accomplish… and so at certain points the show feels a little slack. You may find yourself lapsing back into normal conversation about other things… which is an odd thing to be doing when you’re supposed to be on an awe-inspiring journey to an alien planet.
Things to Know Before You Visit Avora
You’ll be able to bring small bags with you, or store jackets and bags in a locker at the entrance of the experience. It’s warm inside, and you’ll be wearing a jumpsuit for your journey into alien territory… so definitely leave behind your coat and outer layers when you’re given the option.
If you don’t drink alcohol, you can switch out your drinks for non-alcoholic cocktails. The experience still costs the same. Let staff know at the earliest opportunity if you’re not drinking, or if you have any allergies that might be relevant!
Current Status of Avora
Avora is currently running at 127 Hackney Rd, London E2 8GY, with late afternoon/evening shows available to book most days of the week. You may need to book a day or two in advance at busy times. Tickets cost around £55 – £65 per person.
Avora is one of several similar themed experiences created by Inventive Productions. If you enjoyed Avora, you may also like Moonshine Saloon, Alcotraz and Hexmoor Wizarding Prison.