Surreal: A Roaming Theatre Experience in Vancouver’s Gastown

During Surreal, I felt like I was deliciously eavesdropping on a conversation as it unfolded. This new play explores romance and twenty-something dilemmas, all in the winding streets and alleys of Gastown. The interactive theatre experience would make for a great date, perhaps preceded or followed by a meal or drink in the area.

The inspiration for Surreal comes from when playwright Nick Steeves visited his sister Darby Steeves in New York City where she was studying at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.

Together, they went to see Sleep No More, a roaming play that takes place across five floors of a fictional hotel. Nick was captivated by the concept and wanted to create something similar in Vancouver. He and Darby, currently a film actor in the city, collaborated to write and produce Surreal, a play with Gastown as its backdrop. The play is based on their own experiences and offers a snapshot of twenty-something life in Vancouver.

Audience members meet at a secret location (disclosed to you once you buy a ticket) and then follow the actors as they go on in an impromptu walk/date through Gastown.

The premise of the story involves two characters, Tom and Charlie (played by a rotating cast of five actors), who were once childhood sweethearts, meeting again serendipitously years later. Tom has been in Toronto pursuing his dreams, while Charlie has found love (or so she thinks) through a Tinder swipe.

During their leisurely walk, the two chat about their career aspirations, the complexities of romance, and the possibilities of following their true passions. Basically, they’re twenty-year-olds still trying to make sense of their youthful lives, while reminiscing about their past. Will they succumb to pragmatic choices? And, most importantly, will they rekindle the flame between them?

A third character in the play is Gastown itself. You’ll wind your way through the cobbled streets and alleys of the neighbourhood, passing iconic landmarks like the steam clock. The ambient noise and bustle in the area also become part of the play. Interestingly, even passersby, not realizing that it’s live theatre, get involved in what’s going on.

Actors interact with audience members, asking questions and soliciting advice, and at one point, the play becomes a choose-your-own-adventure when the two characters’ paths separate.

All in all, Surreal is an enjoyable and original theatre experience that runs from June 28 to September 30, 2016 on Tuesday and Friday nights (starting at 8pm). Tickets are $25 and are available on-line. The playwrights are planning a sequel for next summer.

And while you’re in Gastown, stop off before or after the play at one of the area’s fabulous eateries or bars. L’Abattoir serves up refined French-influenced west coast cuisine (eg ling cod roasted in brown butter with clams, fregola, and spicy pork sausage) in gorgeous surroundings that meld the contemporary with the historical. Located between Gaoler’s Mews and Blood Alley, the restaurant is one of the best in the city.

For a more casual option, Chill Winston is a neighbourhood favourite, known for its massive patio overlooking Maple Tree Square, as well as gastrolounge eats that showcase local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. Nosh on handpicked organic veggies from Earthwise Farm while discussing the events and conversation of the play.