Rating: ★★★★
Venue: Old Bauble Factory, London
Ever wondered where all your wishes go Step into the magical world of Wishmas, an enchanted realm where all your wishes take flight. Wishmas is a 60-minute walkthrough experience for the whole family.
Meet Wishkeepers, Robins and Father Christmas himself as you explore magical rooms and play your part to ensure no wish is ever forgotten. London’s ultimate family festive adventure. For children of all ages and everyone who believes in the magic of Christmas.
"Festive fun for all the family".
Wishmas is an immersive 60-minute Christmas experience by Secret Cinema, who are known for taking iconic worlds from the screen to life. As soon as you enter the Bauble Factory at Waterloo, you're offered a photo opportunity with a Christmas backdrop. While we awaited our experience to begin, we were offered small samples of mulled wine and hot chocolate.
Once you enter the experience through the sorting office, the waiting area is adorned with Christmas lights and Wishmas posters. From here, your immersive adventure begins. You'll venture through several different rooms, as well as taking a ride on Sky Tours, a flying train that takes you over Wishmas. There are interactive opportunities within each room and while involvement is encouraged, you're more than welcome to spectate.
The story itself can be a bit confusing at times, and while the experience is heavily tailored to children, the dialogue uses vocabulary that's too advanced for most children under ten. For this reason, the children did sometimes seem distracted; even when it was the man himself, Father Christmas, taking centre stage.
The rooms ranged from interactive puzzles, such as fixing cogs to ensure Wishmas is running smoothly, and entering a winter wonderland to see Santa on his sleigh. The rooms are spacious and there's plenty to explore. It's heavily led by the team of elves, who interact with the audience well; particularly the children.
I had tickets to the "Full Wishmas Experience" which meant that post-tour, we were taken into an elf-like workshop where we had the chance to make our very own Wishmas baubles. You could fill your bauble with an array of arts and crafts materials, and elves (staff) were on hand to help seal your bauble with your very own wish.
With baubles in hand we're led to the Christmas market which you're free to explore on your own. There's a selection of sweet and savoury snacks on offer, as well as soft and hot drinks. There are also a few shops to browse, and while it is small, it does offer a great place for photo opportunities.
While this experience advertises itself for all ages, I'd strongly disagree. Unless you have a child with you, the magic would likely feel lost. The real joy of this production is seeing the excitement and wonder on the children's faces.
With prices ranging between £29-£99, depending when you go and which package you choose, it is an expensive day out. Especially considering it only lasts around 75 minutes in total. However, if you're looking for an experience to spread Christmas joy with your little ones, Wishmas is festive fun for all the family. It's enchanting, fantastical and above all, hopeful.
You can book tickets to Wishmas at the Old Bauble Factory, here.
**photography by Matt Crockett**
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