Petrichor VR
A virtual reality theatre experience developed during the Covid-19 pandemic
During a period when theatres were closed and physical audiences were unable to gather, this project explored how virtual reality could offer an alternative way to experience live performance.
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AVimmerse was invited to support the creation of Petrichor VR, a virtual reality theatre production developed by Manchester-based company ThickSkin, bringing their vision for an immersive, accessible performance to a digital audience.
The Client
ThickSkin is a Manchester-based theatre company known for producing socially engaged work across live performance, education, and community contexts. Their productions often explore questions of identity, inclusion, and representation, with a strong commitment to reaching underrepresented audiences.
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During the Covid-19 pandemic, ThickSkin sought to extend this ethos into digital space, using immersive technology to create a new form of theatrical experience.
PORTFOLIO
Project context
In 2020, ThickSkin developed Petrichor VR as one of the UK’s earliest virtual reality theatre productions. Designed for both headset viewing and smart devices, the work explored a dystopian future in which emotional connection has diminished.
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Through an intimate encounter between two unlikely characters, the piece offered audiences a quiet, reflective experience that blended theatre, choreography, sound design, and immersive media.
The task
The primary aim of the project was to reconnect audiences with theatre during national lockdown, at a time when physical venues were inaccessible.
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ThickSkin required an experienced technical and creative partner who could support the capture and delivery of a fully immersive performance, while respecting the integrity of the theatrical work and the safety constraints of production.
Images of Production on Set
Creative and technical approach
AVimmerse supported the production through immersive cinematography and technical delivery, capturing the performance in high-resolution 360 video using VR camera systems.
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The approach prioritised audience perspective, placing viewers at the centre of the action while maintaining the intimacy and emotional tone of the performance. Careful attention was given to choreography, lighting, and spatial composition to ensure the experience translated effectively into a virtual environment.
The project also reflects AVimmerse’s broader studio practice exploring immersive storytelling beyond traditional exhibition and performance formats.
Petrichor VR
The completed experience placed audiences inside the performance, allowing them to observe and engage from within the scene rather than as distant spectators.
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Combining choreography, bold visual language, and sound design, Petrichor VR demonstrated how immersive media could support new forms of theatrical storytelling. The work was described by The Guardian as offering “gripping, immersive VR viewing”.
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The project also reached new audiences who may not typically attend live theatre, highlighting the potential of immersive formats to broaden access to performance.
AVimmerse works across arts, culture, and immersive media to support projects that challenge conventional formats.
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If you are exploring new ways to engage audiences through digital or immersive experiences, you can book a consultation to discuss your project.