 Right, I am here with Jess and Simon. Hello. So, um, wow, this is weird to be here. You're my first interview. We are in. I don't know, where are we? We're in the main control room of units. It's something I would probably say on a semi-daily basis, yeah. Is that just part of it now? You just can't help brag. No, exactly, yeah. You're going nowhere. I get to work at a top secret location, but I can't tell you anything about it. Of course. Well, before we get into specifics about Time Fracture itself, I have a question sort of about immersive theatre as sort of a genre, because it is very different, obviously, to theatre. I mean, we're sat as we would in a normal theatre, but usually you're all running about like mad. So before you came here, was there any sort of prior knowledge or experience with immersive theatre? Oh, you first. Yes. Yes, I've done various things with different immersive theatre companies. I've worked with Secret Cinema quite a few times. So I did Secret Cinema, Stranger Things, which was really fun. Again, very chaotic and sci-fi, because I'm a big sci-fi fan. So yeah, I've done bits and pieces with that, and I used to work with a circus company, and we do immersive stuff with the circus as well. They're called Chivalry Circus, and they're very cool. Well, check them out. Who did you play in Stranger Things? I was Joyce Byers. Oh, that's a good role. She's great. She's bonkers, but I love it. Well, all the best roles are. And over to you, Simon, as well. Much less experience in immersive theatre. I came on late to Secret Cinema's Shawshank Redemption, did a bit on that. But otherwise, this is my first kind of real shindig in immersive theatre. What a first go it is. I know, I feel very lucky. It's an amazing experience. And I mean, for me, a huge challenge to kind of just jump in and at times just kind of just improvise content that we haven't even necessarily agreed on yet. Is it even in world? Is it the right, you know, the fear of getting things wrong? But obviously that is also the joy of it in the process. And you'll probably think the same, Jess, is that there's a lot of failing, but it's kind of failing and enjoying it. Because if you find out what doesn't work, then you soon find out what does work. And then you're like, you're on to a winner. So, I mean, that's one of the other questions I've meant to put in here is how much do you think is scripted versus you're making it up on the spot slash sort of you've got it stored up in the old brain? I mean, for me, a lot of it, both my characters that I play are quite scripted. Within that, I then found moments, you know, and a lot of the times you'll have interactions that come back again and again, you know, certain comments and people's opinions of your characters come back again and again. You sort of you arm yourself with a few different weapons to fire back, if that makes sense. But at the beginning, I mean, we knew what the scene is supposed to do, but what we're specifically saying was all created by the actors and then honed by the writer and that collaboration was very strong. How about with your characters? Is there a lot of sort of bouncing back and forth? Or is it quite heavily scripted? It was a bit of both, really. The nice thing about having such a long run of a show is also you can find the space where you can create more content and you can create banter with the audience because you're here to have fun and you're here to be entertained. Yes, OK, you know, you're saving the universe and it's a big deal, but, you know, that's what becomes interesting for me personally as a performer is to find the little nuggets in between all the scripted pieces. So one of, well, both of my characters actually is the same. Again, like Simon, we've got certain scripted bits which allow structure for the plot to make sure that everyone's on the same page and everyone has the same information. But then, apart from that, you've got the freedom to create whatever you like and that's really fun. Well, would you say that's sort of the main draw of it, just sort of the freedom of it? I think so. And I think that's probably what a lot of people would suggest immersive theatre is and when immersive theatre really works, you know, when you enter into a world that you've maybe only ever seen on television or heard about and suddenly someone's saying, right, go off and touch that computer, see if anything happens, you know, talk to that scientist. What do they say? Right, they sent you on a mission. Great, I need you to go and talk to the Prime Minister on the phone or whatever it is. And yeah, I think that's definitely the freedom of it. And totally, when you find a moment that is new, is banter, is improvisation, and you see that sort of shine in the other person's eyes, that's when it's really rewarding because you've given them a sort of individual show that no one else is going to ever have and that's really nice. I think that's something that's really important about immersive theatre for me is that you're putting the audience member in the centre of their story and you're making it real for them because that's why we create these worlds is so that you can have your own individual experience and you're in charge of it, like an open world game or Dungeons and Dragons, but real. That's sick, that's so cool. That's what I really like about it, I think for me, trying to put the audience first and then the centre and in control as well will make them feel like they're in control. Sometimes you have to like, you're like, no, we're going to go this way. But yeah, that's something that I really enjoy about it. I think. No, terrific, thank you very much. I got one question in and I knew my curiosity would get the better of me and I keep asking questions. I've got a tight schedule, I need to stay put on this loud chair on the loudest floor I've ever heard in my life. It's so loud. It's a loud one, yeah. Yeah, I do get to shout over that loudness every day. Come on everybody, we need to get through the fracture! I'll annoy someone out there behind the stage. So getting back onto Time Fracture itself, how did you get involved with Time Fracture? Audition came through from the agent, came along, had an audition. I auditioned originally for the Leonardo da Vinci track. I'll say again, the spoilers. It's in the advertising, it's fine. It's in the poster, right? If you're wondering who that weird guy is on the poster. And then obviously it didn't have a great audition personally, I didn't think. Really? Yeah, no, no. And so then we actually ran in here and they were like, right, you're in charge of this facility, go, improvise. Oh, did you have the audition here? Yeah, so the auditions were in that area there, which begins with G that we can't say. And they were like, no one's seen this, come in here quickly. And I was like, okay, just you're in charge, go. And I just had to sort of improvise that this was my workplace and I was in charge. And two days later they were like, all right, we'll have him. And then I think about four days later we started. And I was one of a few who joined the cast. Jess had been in from the beginning. And so a lot of it was kind of catching up, or at least it felt like that. Because these guys are putting so much work already for the show and we're already smashing it out the park. So it was a lot of like, my God, sort of imposter theory. It's giving you like a bar to sort of rise to. Totally, which is also great as well. You see someone stepping up and you think, right, I need to work on this. So a lot of homework, a lot of stuff like that. But yeah, how about you, Jess? I did an audition before it started. So I feel like Simon says I've been here since the beginning. Not to brag. And not to brag. But yes, and the audition that I did again was terrible. Only because I did my place of work at the time, which was during lockdown. And it was in a rum company's like storage area. It was very strange. And it was over Zoom. And just running around like this packing area with just bottles of booze everywhere. It was like something out of an episode to be fair because it was just so strange. And the decor. Doctor Who in the Rum. And the Rum, yeah. It was just very bizarre. And it used to be an old club. So yes, so the decor was also quite sci-fi-esque and lots of neon tape on the walls and things like that. So it really did look like an episode of Doctor Who. But I actually auditioned for an alien. And I'm not going to say which one, yeah. And a time-lod guide. And I didn't get that. I got something completely different. Group proviso, they don't only employ terrible actors. Are you sure? I don't want you to think that two out of two bad auditions, it's very much an actor thing to think we've had a terrible audition. Right. Well, I look forward to the four next year. Also saying the exact same thing, like, oh, all the good actors were busy. Yeah. No, it's very much, it helps us deal. I thought I'd do about you, but it helped me deal with an audition. If I think it's gone terribly, just it gets it out of my head quicker. And I don't have to overthink for the next week. So that's why we say that. We know what we're doing. We do an all right job. You can tell it. You can say it. Well, it's fine. But it's fine, the show is fine. It was, you know, it's all right. It's all right. I have notes. No. I'm just playing a game with myself. How fast can I get kicked out? But so we've mentioned a few different character names and sort of trying not to say other character names. But without spoiling much, so what characters do you play? Because I did learn after researching that people can play multiple characters, which for some reason just flew over my head. Yeah. So because the show is broken into what we call waves, so waves of audience in order, each space can hold up to around about 150 people in order to have multiple audiences over a night. We have three waves in a show. So if you're doing two shows in a day, like a matinee in an evening show, that would mean six waves of audience. So you're doing the same character six times, which can slightly turn you a bit mad. So each person has two characters, and we swap each show, so it keeps it really fresh. It's also really useful if anyone is off sick or unwell or an injury happens or whatever, that the cover system is already in place for someone to know that track inside out. It's very useful. So what characters do you play? Just think about what who's on the poster first. Think about who's on the poster first. Do you get away with saying... Yeah, very good. So on the poster you'll see a unit scientist wearing a lab coat. I play Dr. Courtney, who is the chief scientific officer of this unit facility. My other character I think I'm allowed to say... I play a Time Lord cardinal. The Time Lords are in this? No, I knew that. On a certain planet, and... Yes, Gaara or something. Their name is Tepeche. Or Tepeche, depending on who's playing the role. But my one is Tepeche. The Time Lords have different accents. Like if you're from Arcadia, you sound like you're from the north. Yes, yeah. And how about you? What characters do you play? So I also play a Time Lord. She's... or a Time Lady. She is... She's evil. It's great. It's really fun. She's a little snake. Is it better to play evil than to play good? Yes, I think so. That's a quick yes. Well, I don't know about you, but I play... So my one, we're sort of in cohorts together. We're in league together. And it's nice to play the bad guy as if everything you're doing is right. Yes. So you're not playing villainy. It's not just, oh, I'm in a pantomime and I'm the bad person, boomie. It's, hang on. Maybe I'm right. I'm probably wrong. But actually maybe. And to bring an audience with you and the same with you, when we get together and we work together and at the end of that scene, at the end of the show, there is like a vote. Be very careful. And very, very careful. But there are these moments where the audience get to choose almost, aside. And if we've brought enough people with us, it's so enjoyable to have that moment. No, terrific. So aside from the time lady, the evil time lady, is there anyone else you play that you can say? I don't think I can because she's not on the poster. Oh. Interesting. She is one of the, oh God. How do I discover? It's a character that you may not see if you see the show. That's what's so beautiful about what we call the second act or the second section. There are 12 tracks downstairs. You could, 12 journeys you could go on. Good Lord. And you may not come across or you may spend the whole time with. And that's why it's, that's why I think a lot of people like to come back. Yeah. Because you're like, I didn't see that. I have to see that this time. Yeah. I'm the same. I mean, I didn't know Davros was in it until the very end and I was not pleased that I didn't get to meet him. Are you allowed to say that? You're not allowed to say that. Bleed that out. I'll be very careful not to say that. I know Davros is in the, is in the poster somewhere. Well, not in the poster, but he's been advertised. Are they maybe in the, the monsters' poster? On Instagram. Yeah. You've had, the aliens' poster. I'm safe. But the beautiful thing about Davros in the show is that if, say, 150 people come to see it, 30 people might see him. That's it. That's a maximum. Wow. And you have to do something specific. You have to be in the right place, the right time. And that, I mean, that's just, that's really fun. That's like an actual like treasure hunt adventure. Yeah. Um, which is, which then becomes the real reward. Yeah. I mean, moving on from that, what would you say out of your two are the favorite to play? I go between them. I really do go between them. It's, they're both great. It sometimes just depends what mood you're in. It sounds really strange, but you could go in and have an audience member that is just so ready to have fun and listen to you, but then argue or agree or whatever it is. And they're, and whatever, you know, I love that. I really love it when you see an audience, just understand what you're giving them and enjoy it. And that can come from either character. No, it's fantastic. How about you? I am the same assignment to be fair and fit, but it really depends, because I get different things from playing my different roles. Like my one that she shall not be named. Her name, I can say it, I can give a name. Her name is S. Hilda. Oh, I wouldn't be able to repeat that. And she, as Hilda, she has the power of foresight. She is the reason or what part of the reason why the Time Lords exist and they have regeneration powers. I'll say that. There you go. And she's just quite banter. There's a lot banter. And I like that. She's got a really little secret, little area that you can only be, you have to be invited into. Try and find it. If you're next, when you're next here, and you will be, go find it. Every time we get close to the spoiler thing, there's, I'm not going to say what it is, but there's something on the left side of me, not Jess. There's something on the far left that I'm so worried it's just going to inch closer to me. And yeah, I'm not going to say if you two know. You can't well and can't say. Exactly. It's usually one of these or a dog, isn't it? Will you get attacked, Mark? I've only been here once. Thanks for the spoiler. No, it's something to look forward to. Because I mean, either way, I'm coming back. So this is so in-depth within the Hooniverse. This whole show, there's hundreds of Easter eggs, whether it be props or character names. How much did you know about the Doctor Who averse going in? Jess, I'll go to you. Not a lot, in all honesty, when I started. I was a fan of the show because I watched it when I was a kid. So that was great. Terrified of Daleks. Terrified of Weeping Angels. You know, all these characters coming up. I loved anyway, again, the sci-fi fans. So great. But in terms of the Hooniverse, I didn't know that much. So the two characters that I play, looking into their backstories of how they came into being. So you had to do a bit of research. Yes, it's so, so interesting. And there's so much. There's so, so much. So we had to cross-reference all the time. Cross-referencing between the podcasts and the books, the TV show, everything has to come. So we've got quite a few experts in the show that help us with all this kind of stuff where you go, can my character do this, this, then this? And they're like, oh, I don't know. Well, if you tweak it to that, that, that, then yes, technically you can. But there's, it was very, yeah, starting the show was very complicated. See, it's funny you mentioned that because before now, I actually interviewed one of the prop makers, James Sutton. Yes, yes, yes, last night actually. Was he actually? Yeah. Oh, he didn't tell me. But yeah, it was hilarious when I was talking to him because he was saying like, whenever he'd come in, they just, the different cast or crew would be like, what's that? It's just like, I shouldn't know what that is. But yeah, I know what that is. So that's hilarious to know that that actually does happen a lot. But how about you? The other night someone referenced the Valiard, which I did not know anything about. And where your response was? My response was like, oh, I think my regeneration is still a little new and my mind is still a little hazy from the Matrix. And then, you know, and it's nice because there are moments when you can ask an audience member to just, and they enjoy telling you about it, and you go, oh, thank you. And there's a great moment. They go, cool, that's all right. For me, a similar hit behind the sofa whenever the Daleks came out as a kid always kept an interest in it because of how, just as an actor, how well actors seem to do. And I was in a play at the time with Pearl Mackey when she got the role of Bill Poppins. And Peter came to see the show and had a photo with the cast. On the night that I wasn't there. No. But it was up, but then we were literally there the night that it was announced and just watching her Twitter followers go all the way up. And it was, so there's always been a real interest. And I think the interest probably, I don't know about you, comes from how would I play, how would I play it if I played the doctor? Or if I played a companion or whatever. But no, a lot of research because, I mean, as I said before, I was already, I was kind of already from a position behind everyone else, they already knew. And not wanting to drop the ball, wanting to try and do the Hoovians proud, I guess. You don't want someone to give the outlook of like, oh, he doesn't know what he's talking about. You don't want that. You don't want them to go, he knows what he's talking about. Yeah. Oh my God, yes, this is about to happen clearly. And when you see that, it's worth it. Yeah. No, that's excellent. I mean, the amount of like references to get thrown out by actors even through me on my one and only current visit. I mean, when I came the first time, I was a bit unsure. You know, it's in the first segment, I won't spoil too much, but, you know, you're in unit shock. I don't know why I'm telling to you. It's painted on big letters outside this building. It sure is. It's the one thing I know I can say. It makes too much sense. But I was sort of dottering around, like I didn't want to talk to anyone. I was just like, I don't know what I'm doing. But then as soon as I start hearing these references and seeing, you know, things on tables and whatnot, I'm like, oh no, yeah, I can go full Jack here. But that's the beauty of immersive theater. You have the people that just literally stand right in front of you, like, give me everything. And there are the people that are going, okay, I just want to make sure I'm safe. And, you know, because obviously we're coming back into theater after a crazy period where, you know, we weren't allowed more than three people in a news agency or something like that, you know, so people are a bit like, there's a lot of people here, anxiety is a big thing. And it's the same for us, you know, we want to make sure that everyone feels safe. So yeah, it's amazing when there are a number of people that have come a lot of times, and it's really lovely when you are able to remember them and interact with them. And then, they don't just say what you're about to say. They really enjoy watching the story again and being a part of it. And I think that's what's great about this show, that just come again and just live out, like you said, live out your fantasy. Yeah, it's also amazing seeing adults playing. You forget, the older you get. Like, it's amazing when you see, like, you know, mid-30s, 40-year-old people getting their sonic screwdrivers out when they see... Cybermen. Cybermen. Yes, yes, yes. You can say that. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. You know, it's like, yeah, that's amazing. That's so cool. I can't be serious. Um, and yeah, what can't we say? There's not a lot to say. We've said everything. I think I am going to have to run this through PR. This interview will be this long after we finish, yeah. Um, yeah, that's amazing. And like you say, seeing returning people who... Some of the, you know, some of the returning people, they don't necessarily speak all that much to us, even though we've seen them. And we just, you know, we're like, hello. Hello, nice to see you. Yeah, a knowing glance. Yeah, a knowing glance. And they're just, you know, they just want to see everything because they love being in the world. So that's great to see that. And you're just like, yes, mate, back again. Let's go ahead. And they click on the badges. Oh yeah. Which is really cool. I want to get my hand on some of those badges. You don't have them? You've been back more than most people. Well, exactly. How many times have I said, I have never said, you know, or have I? Well, it depends on your point of view. Exactly, exactly. Well, second to last question. You've been fantastic so far. Must be said, keep sort of having to do this. So with the amount of shows you do and the amount of people that you see come and go, there have got to be some weird and funny interactions with either behind the scenes with the cast and crew or with just guests. So I can see there might be a couple bubbling in your head. So Simon, I'll go with you first. Is there a funny behind the scenes or with a guest story? There are many. So I'll try and do maybe a couple very quickly. Something happens in Act 4 in the finale of the show that I won't say because it's a spoiler. But my character has to complete something. And that something, you know, is very integral to the story and the audience have sort of learned about it the whole way through and it's key. And you've got a lovely, I've got a lovely moment there with a bit of content to really tell everyone what, just to reaffirm what has happened, why this is here, what everything means and what we're doing. And that can take sort of five, 10 minutes. It's a really lovely moment. And sometimes individually you activate the person. Can you please complete it for me? Can you add a bit? Can you? That's really nice. Sometimes they go bum, bum, bum, bum, bum. And you're like, oh, I've got nothing to say now for five, 10 minutes. Let's make something up and look at the lovely sky. So that can be very funny when people are ahead of you. That can be very funny. But my favorite story is we were doing a show and I will try not to spoil it. But I was in Act 1. I was in Unit. And because of what happened, just how the show was going, the scientists went into Act 2 and went into Act 3 and followed a lot of the audience through the show. And it was lovely. It was a moment where we were sort of, we were a bit understaffed, but it meant that we had more people and more fun and more people to talk to. And I mean, we had a way a lot of time. Yeah. We felt a bit like naughty school children. But it was, yeah, that was really good fun. That was terrific. God, there must be millions of little stories here and there that gets lost throughout the time. How about you, Jess? Is there any fun stories? Well, okay. So right at the very beginning, when we first opened in Act 2, there used to be a real-life stream of London with water, a real-life stream going through the whole Act. And because it wasn't very fast-moving water, when I say not very fast-moving, it was hardly moving, it looked like perspex. So a friend of mine came to see it, and she was, she'd been given a task in Act 2 to sing a song to a member of royalty. And she jumped up onto what she thought was pull-up perspex, but jumped into the stream and then realised that it was water and then was just like, sod it. And we went into singing in the rain. I was like, wow, of course it was you. Of course it was you. Well done. So she owned it anyway. No, that's terrific. I mean, I bet the member of royalty was trying to hold back the tears of laughter. Yes, absolutely, absolutely. But yeah, that was one of my highlights, to be honest. We do have a moment for that show where, you know, no one ever wants to, what we call, corpsing, like, laughing, but things happen. Audience members surprise us, you know. People forget lines. People say the wrong lines, that kind of thing. People say silly things. Exactly. We do have a very fun kind of intercast game called Odds On, or What Are The Odds, which just keeps your brain... Is that like bingo? Kind of. So I would say to you something like, right, we're about to have an audience come in. What are the odds you do it in a different accent? Right. Now, obviously, we're never going to do anything that's going to ruin the show, ruin the enjoyment. That's the rule. That's the rule. It has to just be a bit of fun. So probably a different accent might be a bit too far. But it might be like, what's the odds that you try and pretend that you can't get into your desk drawer or something, and you make a big thing out of it? And I would say something like, okay, the odds are 10, 10 to 1. And we would have to pick a number between 1 and 10. So someone would count you. And if we get the same number, we have to do it. Yeah. Or I have to do it, whoever's been offered the odds. So it's a lot of the time it's more fun just coming up with stuff and seeing people's reaction to what they might have to do, but it just keeps your brain going, keeps your brain active. And yeah, and it just tickles us, I guess. One of the cast members in, when we're time lords, one of the cast members lost odds on the other day, Harry, and he had to say, strawberry trifle somewhere within a very pomp, pomp, pomp, pomp. As a time lord. Yeah, and this pomp goes nowhere near strawberry trifle. But somehow it made it worse. It was very, very well. Yeah. You're talking the universe into a strawberry trifle. If you were in that show, now you understand why that line was really weird. So it's only things I know that's good. Right, well, I'm on to my last question, and it's vanity. I won't lie to you, because funny story, not too long ago, before I actually came here for the first time, I actually put my CV in to try and get an audition for here. Amazing. And I got ghosted. But don't worry about it. It's fine. I'm not bringing an actor. I'm not bitter, but I've literally got the question written as vanity in my book. But I've got a question. You've interacted with me a bit now. I've got my little lab coat just in case. If there was a character in the show that would be open, and I would be best at, who do you think that would be? The Doctor, obviously. Well, I think you would get your knowledge and love of the universe would lend itself very well to a time old guide, which is like our kind of roaming version of the Doctor in the show. I think you'd do very well in unit with the lab coat already. But which scientist, though? Ah, there are some good ones. I think you'd be very good in the Black Archive as Doctor Shaw. Oh, yes. Yeah. I was really thinking that. A little bit crazy, a little bit, you know, scatterbrained, maybe. I can do it in the Scottish accent. Can you? That would be great. That would be really good. I'll just, yeah, no. Because, again, when I was here, Shaw was absolutely botly. It was hilarious. Again, I don't want to ruin anything of what she's up to, but one of the funniest characters just to watch in the background, not even to talk to, just to see it. Just, pfft. Yes. Yes. Trying to get in there. Trying to get. Yeah. It's very, very good. Yeah. I think you'd be a good Doctor Shaw. Time for a guide. What about... I mean, can we talk about court? Court's very fun. I think it'd be great fun in court. Well, I basically was in the court last time. Oh, great. Well, that's right. To put it very bluntly, as you two will know, I was dressed as the 10th Doctor at the time. There we go. That must have been well confusing. It was a time. Yeah. She liked it. Did you get married? Oh, yes. Yes. She loved it. Actually, I think the person I'm interviewing next was that. I think it really is. Yes. So, yeah, that'd be interesting. Well, thank you so much for coming. I mean, you're here to work anyway. I'm just barging in. No, no. Thank you so much for coming to see us. And we can't wait for you to see the show again. Yeah. Oh, I'm very excited. Play around. Absolutely. Absolutely. Come, like, annoy us and try and put us off. Yeah. Or maybe I shouldn't have said that. I'm the worst at... If you see these actors, reminder, Jess Simon. Just go up to them and call them their real names. Really throw them for a loop. Yes. Yes. All right. And see.