The London Dungeon - review
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Ten minutes into a tour of the new London Dungeon and I have lost track of how many times I have screamed. Perhaps it was a close encounter with a rat that made me jumpy, but I seem to be more scared than the children on the tour.
However, once I have acclimatised to the dark alleyways, actors popping out from behind walls, sudden screams and explosions and the gory sights and smells, the tour as a whole is more entertaining than scary.
After travelling down to the basement in a shaky lift we are taken on a "boat ride" down the Thames to the gateway of London.
Guided by various characters, we walk from show to show in the style of promenade theatre through scenes including plague-ridden streets, the Whitechapel stamping ground of Jack the Ripper and a courtroom.
The stories are educative and engaging and nothing is too long for visitors to get bored and there is a nice amount of audience interaction.
While perhaps not suitable for the very young or squeamish, the majority of visitors will be entertained and I’m sure it will be a hit with tourists and families.
The London Dungeon, County Hall, SE1. From Fri Mar 1. thedungeons.com
