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Anna James

Writer
Anna James

About Anna James

Anna James is a children's author and arts journalist living in London

Recent Articles

Is the immersive sector experiencing growing pains?

Is the immersive sector experiencing growing pains?

Immersive experiences have become one of the fastest growing genres in live entertainment. Anna James talks to leading creators about whether the boom can survive
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: why theatre still loves falling down the rabbit hole

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: why theatre still loves falling down the rabbit hole

For the past 160 years, Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland has been delighting readers – and theatregoers. Anna James explores why the classic children’s text continues to capture the industry’s imagination
I love immersive theatre so much I have started investing in it

I love immersive theatre so much I have started investing in it

Investing in theatre is usually considered the preserve of the wealthy, but says Anna James, helping to realise a show you’re passionate about is deeply appealing
The Manikins: behind the scenes of the underground immersive hit

The Manikins: behind the scenes of the underground immersive hit

Theatremaker Jack Aldisert has created an intimate, immersive production that blurs the boundaries of dreams and reality. He talks to Anna James about creating experimental experiences and his hopes for immersive theatre’s future in the UK
Top 50 shows of 2023: Immersive

Top 50 shows of 2023: Immersive

Anna James reveals the immersive productions that made their mark on her in 2023, in another strong year for the growing genre
George Orwell’s 1984 review

George Orwell’s 1984 review

Immersive adaptation of Orwell offers only glimmers of potential
Grease is the world: the evolution of Secret Cinema

Grease is the world: the evolution of Secret Cinema

The immersive outfit is best-known for the clandestine nature of its hybrid stage-and-cinema events. With new owners, and as it moves to Birmingham, Anna James finds out how the company is opening up, and about its interactive Grease-based world
The Invisible Man review

The Invisible Man review

Beckettian devised show for children that is an utter joy from start to finish
Every Leaf a Hallelujah review

Every Leaf a Hallelujah review

Charming and thoughtful children’s show with a superlative
Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding review

Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding review

Bizarre yet charming fever dream of a show with a talented cast
The Burnt City one year on: Punchdrunk’s dystopian take on the Trojan war continues to thrill

The Burnt City one year on: Punchdrunk’s dystopian take on the Trojan war continues to thrill

As the immersive theatre giant’s latest production clocks up its first anniversary, the creative brains behind the show talk to Anna James about the need to defy expectations, why it has several more iterations yet and how it rewards repeat visits
The Locksmith’s Dream – inside the 24-hour immersive treasure-hunt show in Wales

The Locksmith’s Dream – inside the 24-hour immersive treasure-hunt show in Wales

What’s it like to spend 24 hours in an immersive theatre experience? Anna James discovers treasure hunts, trapdoors and a little bit of magic when she stays overnight at The Locksmith’s Dream
Cyanide in the Speakeasy review

Cyanide in the Speakeasy review

Enjoyable immersive 1920s murder mystery infused with camp, self-referential energy
The Three Billy Goats Gruff review

The Three Billy Goats Gruff review

This new musical from powerhouse duo George Stiles and Anthony Drewe is a fitting final bow from Unicorn artistic director Justin Audibert
The Trial of Josie K review

The Trial of Josie K review

Thoughtful and charmingly absurd reimagining of Kafka for young people
Anna James
The Stage

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