A family can often surprise you with its vast array of ages and interests. Under any one roof, you might find a thrillseeking gamer in one room, and a daydreaming inventor, or film lover, in another. And while there’s likely to be shows that hit each individual niche at the Adelaide Fringe, it’s not always easy to find those experiences that can sweep the whole household away at once. Enter: Immersive Worlds, a cutting-edge strand of adventures that span from the deepest oceans to the furthest reaches of our solar system. Across different venues, Immersive Worlds’ offers ‘full dome’, VR and interactive experiences. We’ve selected a few family friendly highlights down below.
‘Full Dome’ Highlights
Taking its name from the structure that houses it, a ‘full dome’ answers the question: what if a cinema screen wrapped around every inch of the wall? Personally, we can’t wait to re-experience Pink Floyd’s classic album The Dark Side of the Moon accompanied by bespoke space exploration visuals. Also on offer is a close-up look at giant cuttlefish, filmed off South Australia’s coast for Cuttlefish: Colour & Camouflage, as well as an interstellar trip to the red planet in One Step Beyond: Mars.
The Dome at Olympic House, 17 Feb – 22 March, times vary
VR Highlights
Select virtual reality events includes first-of-its-kind Surround Sync sound technology on select events, which calibrates surround side to the adventure’s visuals for full-body immersion (See: Includes Surround Sync.)
Step inside 19th century Europe as rendered by visionary artist Van Gogh in the Australian premiere of Monsieur Vincent.
VR 1 at Olympic House, 18 Feb-22 March, times vary
Marvel at the MEGAfauna of the Great Southern Reef Special, captured by the acclaimed 360° underwater videographer and storyteller Carl Charter.
VR 2 at Olympic House, 18 Feb-22 March, times vary
The vast expanse of our home galaxy is brought within our physical and academic reach by a familiar face in Beyond the Milky Way narrated by Prof. Brian Cox. Includes Surround Sync.
The Mercury, 20 Feb-22 March, times vary
The mysteries of a research base in the snowy expanse of the South Pole are yours to experience in The Antarctica Experience narrated by David Wenham. Includes Surround Sync.
The Mercury, 20 Feb-22 March, times vary
Guided by scientists and traditional owners, The Great Kimberley Wilderness with Luke Hemsworth ventures deep into ancient land.
The Mercury, 20 Feb-22 March, times vary
Interactive Highlights
Don’t miss The Score: The Smartphone Orchestra, which is happening over one weekend only and lets the crowd control a live orchestra through their mobile devices.
Star Theatres, 20 Feb, 6pm; 21-22 Feb, 3 & 6pm
The outdoor installation Celestial Gardens: The Secret Sound of Plants is set to be a chill and eye-opening journey through the hidden sonic life of plants.
Carclew, 19 Feb-1 Mar, 7pm
For families with teens and young adults, Fire Escape – a Hitchcockian, Rear Window inspired, interactive murder mystery game – asks you to do some sleuthing. Which doors you open are up to you. 15+.
The Mercury, 20 Feb-22 March, 7pm (+ 2.15pm on Saturdays)
Visit adelaidefringe.com.au/immersive-worlds to find out more.
The Immersive Worlds program is made possible thanks to Major Partner NRMA Insurance, Novatech, Electric Dreams, and the Government of South Australia.