CAESAR: Sleepwalk Immersive brings 1940s Chinatown to Hoxton Hall in early 2027

Sleepwalk Immersive is taking Shakespeare's tale of conspiracy and betrayal into the criminal underworld of 1940s Chinatown. CAESAR, a reimagining of the assassination of Julius Caesar that draws on historical events as well as Shakespeare's play, comes to Hoxton Hall in East London for a four week run in early 2027, beginning in February.

The show is produced jointly by Sleepwalk Immersive and Hoxton Hall, and it will spread across four floors of the Victorian venue, with audiences free to roam, follow the characters and choose their own path through the story.

What is the story?

Caesar has returned to Rome victorious, but his greatest threat may come from those closest to him. As a lavish celebration unfolds, whispers of treachery grow louder, loyalties begin to fracture and a chilling prophecy sets a deadly conspiracy in motion. In a world where power is everything, the question is simple: who can you trust?

Moving the story to 1940s Chinatown, the new staging promises atmosphere, intrigue and the thrill of getting close to the action, offering a fresh perspective on a story of ambition and betrayal that still resonates today.

How will the immersive format work?

Guests can roam freely through a richly imagined underworld spread over four floors, meet characters up close and see the story from several perspectives. You might follow the conspirators, stay close to Caesar himself or slip between worlds to uncover secrets that others would rather keep to themselves. There is no single path through the evening, and no guarantee that everyone will make it out on top.

There will be chances for interaction for anyone who wants to get involved, while those who would rather watch can follow the drama just as closely from the sidelines.

Who is behind the new show?

Sleepwalk Immersive was founded in 2022 by Sebastian Huang and creates original theatrical worlds that put the experience of those watching at the heart of the storytelling. Its earlier show Bacchanalia, also presented at Hoxton Hall, was selected by The Stage as one of its Top 50 UK Shows of 2023, earned five star reviews and drew repeat visits.

Huang said: "Sleepwalk Immersive has always been about creating worlds that audiences can step into and make their own. Bacchanalia began as a one man show, so returning to the venue with an entirely new production feels particularly exciting. With CAESAR, we're taking that spirit of exploration into 1940s Chinatown, bringing Shakespeare's story of ambition, loyalty and betrayal to life in a way that feels immediate, atmospheric and deeply personal. We want audiences to feel as though they've stumbled into a world that exists beyond the stage, where every choice leads somewhere different."

What is the venue like?

Hoxton Hall is a Grade II* listed theatre in East London, built in 1863, with a capacity of 346. Today it is a multi arts venue at the heart of its community, presenting theatre, music, dance, comedy and visual arts alongside community and creative health projects, and its recent highlights include the Festive Follies season.

When will tickets go on sale?

Exact performance dates and ticket details have not yet been announced. We will update this story when they are confirmed.

More from British Theatre

For more ways to step inside a story, read our guide to the best immersive theatre in London, or browse immersive theatre experiences across the capital.

Header image: official artwork.