Love, Lust, Lost | Broad Encounters

“We mustn't give the show away. That's why there are esoteric teachings”, Captain Anderson proclaimed as our voyage came to an end. This line struck a chord with me, Love Lust Lost is a show that is esoteric, unimaginable, and wholly unexplainable. But the ethereal nature of this journey was not due to a lack of plot but rather a vortex of clashing plots that swept me away. My journey to the heart of the sea was sexy, provocative, hilarious, terrifying, and honestly amazing.

Broad Encounters have created a nearly unexplainable show in Love Lust Lost. The show reminded me of visiting a theme park or haunted house as a kid, as I was submerged in a world I felt genuinely invested in. Joining the crew of Captain Anderson, the plot unfolded across a plethora of rooms and performances that we were encouraged to explore at our leisure. It was a fantastic moment when I realised that I could explore this submerged vessel at my leisure and discover the secrets that lay in its depths.

Prior to departure, the scene is set at the Ostrich and the Squid bar, a place to enjoy a few Cockle Warmers (shots) and interact with cast members as you immerse yourself in this world. After donning our crew jackets, we were brought into the experience, and almost immediately, we were encouraged to make choices in exploring the maze that is Captain Anderson's vessel.

Image: David Kelly. Cover image: David Kelly

The plot of Love Lust Lost is the type of story that makes me crave answers, and I found myself talking to strangers about what they thought of the mysteries of the deep. But the show is presented in a way in which each audience member will experience something different as multiple stories unfold simultaneously across the vessel. Personally, I followed the story of Salacia of the Seas (Surgeon and Cosmos-tician) as she instigated a Shakespearan tragedy with the character Sandy at the centre of a love triangle. This storyline was an amazing homage to the darker origins of the ‘The Little Mermaid’ story, and at one point, I even found myself genuinely full of sorrow for Sandy and her battle between love and lust.

Given that each audience member gets a unique experience, I have no doubt that on second viewing, I would become intrigued with a different character or story. However, the stand-out performance for me was Chris Braithwaite as Chan, a character described as a ‘mysterious Adonis’. Not only was this character's plot enthralling, but Chris’s physicality was also astonishing. Chris delivered a performance of burlesque, poll-dancing, body horror, fights and more. It was stunning to see a character that could be both terrifying and beautiful in the same scene. The creative team at Broad Encounters did a mesmerising job with his character.

If you are intrigued at all by Love Lust Lost, don't miss out on seeing it yourself. Not often has a show intrigued me in the way this show has. However, I feel it's important to mention that this experience is not for everyone. The experience is incredibly immersive, but this immersion includes moments of claustrophobia, complete darkness, loud noises, and group sing-alongs. For the most adventurous crew members, there are additional optional areas that encourage the audience to crawl through tight spaces, investigate strange rooms, and potentially wade through bubbles. The show is incredible, but it is a very intense experience, so make sure you are willing and able to join the crew of Captain Anderson.

Words cannot give this show justice, as the level of immersion and the depth of character cannot be overstated. Immersive theatre is the way of the future, and Love Lust Lost proves that. No show has ever made me so curious, and I want more people to see the show simply so that I can talk to more people about it. I would say I will see the show again, but I worry that won't be enough. I look forward to my next journey with the crew of Broad Encounters.

Love Lust Lost s debut season plays for a strictly limited season at The Valley Dockyards, 95 Robertson Street, The Valley, until 2 October 2022.