Virtual Horizons
Immersive Theatre and Virtual Reality Production
Virtual Horizons was an immersive theatre production combining live performance and virtual reality, presented at Hull Truck Theatre in November 2023.
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AVimmerse acted as the lead virtual reality studio for the production, overseeing the creative and technical delivery of the VR experience in collaboration with theatre maker Jack Chamberlain Creative.
The work formed an integral part of the live production, experienced by audiences alongside the theatrical performance.
Hull Truck Theatre, Live Performance
The project
Virtual Horizons explored how virtual reality could extend theatrical storytelling beyond the physical stage. Rather than functioning as a standalone digital experience, the VR component was designed to sit in dialogue with the live performance, enhancing atmosphere, perspective, and audience engagement.
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The project required close coordination between performers, directors, designers, and immersive technologists, with the VR experience developed specifically for the context of a live theatre environment and public performance.
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This project sits alongside AVimmerse’s wider work in immersive storytelling and cultural interpretation, including our Immersive Heritage projects.
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AVimmerse’s role
AVimmerse was commissioned as the lead VR studio, responsible for the end to end delivery of the virtual reality experience.
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This included:
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Creative and technical leadership for the VR component.
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Project planning and delivery within a live theatre production schedule.
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Coordination of contributing digital artists and specialists.
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Integration of immersive media into rehearsals and performance timelines.
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Delivery of a finished VR experience for public audiences.
The work was produced to professional theatre standards, balancing artistic intent, audience comfort, and technical reliability within a real world performance setting.
Collaboration and process
The project was developed through close collaboration between the theatre production team and the immersive media team. This required a shared understanding of rehearsal rhythms, performance constraints, and the realities of live audience presentation.
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Working within a theatre context shaped the approach to immersive design, placing emphasis on clarity, pacing, and audience experience rather than technical spectacle. The result was a VR experience that supported the wider production rather than competing with it.
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The project reflects AVimmerse’s studio-led approach to collaborative cultural production.
Outcome
Virtual Horizons was presented to public audiences at Hull Truck Theatre from 1 to 4 November 2023, with the VR experience forming a core part of the production’s creative language.
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The project demonstrated how immersive technologies can be meaningfully integrated into live cultural work when developed collaboratively and delivered with care.
Project excerpt
Reflections
This project reflects AVimmerse’s approach to immersive storytelling within real cultural contexts. By working closely with artists, producers, and venues, immersive technology can be used to deepen narrative and audience connection while respecting the integrity of live performance.
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Virtual Horizons continues to inform AVimmerse’s work across theatre, heritage, and cultural storytelling projects.
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This work informs our ongoing collaborations with museums, heritage organisations, and cultural trusts.