One Night Only: Immersive 'socially distanced musical adventure' to launch in London Bridge

A new venture from the founder of the Vault festival is launching in London Bridge this autumn, promising “socially distanced musical adventures”.

In October, Vault founder Tim Wilson and his team will open One Night Records in a secret location in SE1, with its first show, Lockdown Town. The immersive experience will guide groups through a newly built maze of tunnels, heading back in time from the rock n’ roll of the 1950s to the ragtime that fuelled the roaring twenties.

There will be live music throughout, and organisers say guests will feel like they’re in a “living record shop”.

“Audiences will revel amidst the hits of Chuck Berry, Jelly Roll Morton Hank Williams, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong and Scott Joplin,” said Tommy Hare, One Night Records’ head of artists and repertoire. “You’ll find gems you’ve never heard before and also see and hear the hits and legends of the future. If the late, great Chuck Berry was right about the rocking pneumonia, then a shot of rhythm and blues is the only cure… and we’re opening the dispensary here in London, so come and get your fix!”

“Rockin’ pneumonia” was a phrase coined by Berry in his 1956 hit Roll Over Beethoven.

Notably, the show is thought to be London’s first immersive experience that will adhere to social distancing rules. Groups, who must book in advance, will be limited to four family or friends, with arrivals of each group staggered to ensure minimal contact between strangers. Additionally, face masks will be worn throughout, and hand sanitizer dispensers will be dotted throughout the space. Food and drink – overseen by one-time baker of the year, David Wright – will be served drive-thru style.

Wilson, who acts as managing director of One Night Records, said: “We’re going to do it safely, but we’re going to get people back together and we’re going to give them an amazing night. The social distancing is part of the show so guests won’t notice it. We want to give Londoners something to book now and to look forward to.”

The group’s first show will run from October 2 until December 31 2020, with tickets now on sale at onenightrecords.com. More shows will be announced in due course.

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