The Great Gatsby Immersive

Did you know that Viage is more than a famous casino in the heart of Brussels? It also houses a large venue used for theatre plays, such as the Great Gatsby Immersive. Last weekend, we attended this adaptation of Fitzgerald’s novel and time-travelled back to the twenties where we met the extravagant Mister Gatsby and his charming friends.

If you haven’t experienced an immersive play before, the Great Gatsby Immersive is a great opportunity to discover the concept. You won’t be simply watching a play from your lazy folding chair; instead you’ll actually take part in it yourself. First of all, the jazz music and vintage setting will catapult you back to the roaring twenties. You won’t be able to tell the actors and the audience apart, as all visitors are encouraged to dress up in a twenties-outfit. Be prepared for lots of plumes, boas, glitter, hats and bow-ties.

Also the play is built up in a very interesting way. There is no stage but rather a ballroom, a study, a meeting room, a bedroom, a jazz bar and a hidden boudoir. This set-up allows for multiple scenes happening simultaneously where the audience can eavesdrop on secret conversations, witness intimate moments and share the characters’ joy while partying along. Depending on the scenes he or she witnesses, every audience experience will be different.

Of course, all of this helps to plunge deep into a world that revolves around red hot jazz, bootleg liquor and excess. These the key elements of Mr Gatsby’s famous parties, but as you can guess, the glitter and glamor never lasts forever. Mixed up with lust, love and treachery, these elements lead up to a dramatic course of action…

Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, Tom Buchanan, Jordan Baker, Nick Carraway, and Myrtle Wilson, George Wilson and Meyer Wolfsheim are impersonated by an excellent cast that enact their characters to the fullest, even during the break. The Great Gatsby Immersive is presented in French, Dutch and English (depending on the night) and takes place until December 21.

After the show, everybody is invited for the afterparty at the casino. A ticket for the show includes a free drink and 10 EUR of gaming credits. If you’ve never been, it’s a cool opportunity to check it out. We also had a go at it and scored big time: we won 17,50 EUR, which paid back our parking ticket for the night.

All in all, the Great Gatsby Immersive is a fun night out and a very unique experience, so try to get hold of your tickets now that they’re still available!

Practical information

• A ticket for the show costs 59 EUR.
• A VIP ticket including dinner costs 99 EUR.
• More information on the Gatsby Belgium website and Viage website.

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