Film Event: Secret Cinema REBELX

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 Last Sunday, I attended Secret Cinema as they presented Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. It's safe to say my mind was well and truly blown. I couldn't of hoped for a better experience. It's pretty difficult to describe without giving much away but here is a bit of run down of my first Secret Cinema experience. *Please be aware this contains spoilers and images of the event*

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Now it's fair to say that Secret Cinema's popularity has exploded over the last few years. Having created an entire town for last year's Back to the Future event, the enigmatic team are back and this time, they're using the force. This was my first time at Secret Cinema but when I found out that they would be doing Star Wars, I knew I had to be a part of it. Having set such a high standard the previous year and having raised ticket prices substantially, Secret Cinema had some serious boots to fill but I can honestly say I did not feel disappointed for one moment. At £78 a ticket (including booking fee), I was expecting big things...

The basis of it's success relies heavily on the element of surprise (hence it being a secret!). Once you have purchased your ticket, you are provided with access to the Rebel X site - a carefully constructed site designed to look like an intergalactic forum. Once inside, you can fill out a questionnaire which will determine your identity and give you instructions for your costume. You will only find out the rough location of the event, a week or so before your visit. As a mercenary (similar to Han Solo - pictured above with my own little Chewbacca), my attire was to be compiled of holsters, a waistcoat and a white shirt. Now, if you're paying £78 for a ticket, you want to look good - after all, those in attendance are real Star Wars fans and they don't mess about.

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Upon entry, you are given a plastic bag for your phone which is then sealed. The idea of no photographs or phones may seem annoying as, hey, bloggers want content for their blog, right? However, having been, I now totally understand it keeps you engaged in the experience and stops the holding up of the process (no interrupting of the movie, queuing because some idiot is taking a photo in front of you or texting). I was so impressed with the level of detail put in, not only from fellow cinema-goers but on the actors and, of course, the amazing world that is created around you (including an actual Cantina complete with Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes). 

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*Spoiler* The aim of the experience is to find 'spice', an illegal substance which you must gain through trading with merchants and jawas. Once you have your spice, this will buy you a ticket aboard the space ship to Alderon where you will find Princess Leia in the hopes of defeating Darth Vader. Finishing off with an interactive cinema screening of the Star Wars classic*Spoiler*

Though Secret Cinema is all about the interaction and completely submerging yourself within the film's narrative, it can be as action-packed or as chilled as you make it. Filled with shops, boutiques, food and drink stalls, there is plenty to do if you'd rather not play along . However, in my opinion, should you decide to really get in to it with your character, you will truly get the most from the experience.  

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Secret Cinema: The Empires Strikes Back has been running from June and will finish in September and I strongly recommend you go if given the chance. Whilst there is more than enough for everyone, I feel it is constructed for true Star Wars fans and those aren't so in to the franchise may not feel they get the full bang for their buck as this is not an all day event. Star Wars fan or not, though, you can fully appreciate the efforts of Secret Cinema and those around you. 

Have you been to Secret Cinema? What did you think? What films would you like to see Secret Cinema present? I can't wait to see what they come up with next time and I'd also love to visit one of their smaller scale ones with unannounced films. 

Until next time, may the force be with you...




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14 comments

  1. My bf and I are super excited for this movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Think it only released nearer to end of the year

    Candice | Beauty Candy Loves

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    1. The new Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens comes out in December yes :) This was just a screening of Empire Strikes Back though :)

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  2. Your costume looks spot on! And your boyfriend's one too. I've heard amazing things from online. I really wish there was something similar to me here in the states as it looks incredible. Hope you had a wonderful time! Thanks for sharing!

    Ashley x
    www.imamovienerd.wordpress.com

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    1. Thank you! It was really amazing! I think they do Secret Cinema is a few locations around the world (Berlin, maybe NY I think?) so hopefully you get to go one time! x

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  3. I'm toying with the idea of buying my boyfriend tickets to this for his birthday, as he's a far bigger Star Wars fan than me - although I'm still itching to go to a Secret Cinema. It's definitely pricey, but it sounds like a really unforgettable experience!

    Milly // Mini Adventures

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    1. Honestly, even if you're not a huge fan I still think you can appreciate how amazing it is. It's so impressive! Major girlfriend points haha xx

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  4. It looks like a lot of fun! So they give you instructions for your costume? Is that why you and Jack are both dressed up as Han Solo (because you bought your tickets together)? How many hours did the event last (since it wasn't all day)? The Empire Strikes Back is my favorite film of the Star Wars series :)

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    1. Yes they assigned an ID and then give tell you what that is and there's guides etc. They also have a boutique where you can buy stuff before if you want to but it is random. Jack was actually supposed to be creative council but he decided not to be haha! They don't actually care but it's just their way of keeping it varied so everyone doesn't turn up as the same thing. We were told to arrive at 5.30pm and the film finished at 10pm although there's a party after which runs until 12pm I think. They ask people to arrive at different times so to stagger it out a bit. Mine too :)

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  5. Oh wow, that sounds like such an amazing experience -
    I have never heard of it. But it was probably a lot of fun -
    and your costume is very cool :)

    la-ailurophile.blogspot.de

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    1. They do different films each year but they don't always tell you what it is. They used to not tell you what it was and just give you a dress code. It's really awesome if you ever get a chance to go :) Thanks hun! x

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  6. This sounds so cool, such an amazing thing to be part of! Your costume is awesome too :) x

    girl in albion | uk fashion blog

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    1. Thank you! It was so amazing, honestly I can't even describe it! x

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  7. I went in July and it was amazing, I thought it was expensive before I went for screening of one film (being star wars though they could've charged anything and i'd have gone!). But afterwards I thought it was worth every penny!

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    1. I couldn't agree more. I was so skeptical about the money at first and was hoping to God it would be worth it but it really was and I'm so glad I went. They totally knew that Star Wars fans will pay that kinda money (and probably more) haha

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