Immersive theatre places the audience within the performance, eliminating the ‘fourth wall’ and other traditional theatre customs. There are no seats and no stage. The degree of participant agency and interactivity varies from show to show. However, in all shows, audiences are more than mere observers; they are a part of the story and an integral part of the experience.

Deep Into Darkness invites audiences to explore the architecture of Edgar Allan Poe’s unravelling mind as he desperately searches for his lost love in his final living moments. Over the course of the show you will witness insights into Edgar Allan Poe's life, be it through his stories, depictions of his actual life experiences, or extrapolations thereof. Rest assured that you don't have to see all moments in order to get a good glimpse into his tormented existence.

This is a sandbox immersive performance. With 15 intertwining storylines playing out at the same time, audiences can choose which characters to follow and which spaces to discover. Explore over 20 rooms and 3 floors as you touch objects, rifle through drawers, and read through papers. Return visits allow you to experience a whole new story.

The performance contains minimal speech and is primarily conveyed through movement and gesture, outside of one-on-one moments with actors. However, only a few audience members experience these solo moment each night.

Audiences are not required to participate or “act” in scenes. Actors will seek consent before before initiating more intimate or interactive moments.

For those who wish to participate, there are a few small puzzles to decipher over the course of the show. However, you can enjoy the story without interacting with them. Deep Into Darkness is not an escape room.

Deep Into Darkness includes adult themes and nudity. It also contains depictions of violence, abuse, death, and suicide.

Some scenes involve strobe lighting, dim lighting, and tight spaces.

There may be light contact with actors as they move or guide you through the space. Actors will seek permission before initiating moderate or familial contact. If you do not wish to be touched, please remain at least an arm’s length away from the actors and shake your head when asked for permission to initiate contact.

No refunds or exchanges are given for late arrivals or missed performances.

Please dress comfortably and for the most complete experience, be prepared to walk/stand for the entirety of the show. If you need to sit down, there are designated areas that you can return to and do so.

Dressing up in Victorian or gothic attire is welcome, but not mandatory. You will be provided with a mask and are required to wear it for the duration of the experience.

Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase within the Main Gallery before and during the show. The bar will be open from 7 – 9:30pm.

There is no food or drink allowed within the experience.

The majority of the Cultch is wheelchair accessible. The FOUR spaces on the top floor are not accessible. If you have mobility issues or difficulty climbing stairs, please contact us before the show at deepintodark@gmail.com or speak with a Front of House manager before the show and the elevator will be made available for your use.

For members of the Deaf community or those who are hard of hearing, please note that Deep Into Darkness contains almost no dialogue and is fully accessible. However, there are certain moments where audience members may be chosen by an actor to experience a one-on-one monologue. These monologues will not have an ASL interpreter. If you would prefer not to participate in those moments, please make the “voice off” sign and the actor will respect your wishes.

STREET PARKING AROUND THE CULTCH (see map)

To reduce the chance of getting your vehicle towed, please respect all street parking signs and do not park within 6 metres of any intersection or STOP sign.

Along with street parking, the Britannia Community Centre parking lot is available for Cultch patrons’ use and is just a five minute walk from The Cultch. Please respect our neighbours – don’t park in a resident only section. (see map for details)

LIMITED MOBILITY PARKING AT THE CULTCH There is an 8 stall parking lot available for those with limited mobility behind the building. Please call the box office ahead of time to reserve access to these spaces.

BIKE RACKS AT THE CULTCH There is ample parking for bicycles located right in front of the Box Office.

TransLink offers two main routes to get to The Cultch. The 14, 16 Hastings buses run eastbound and westbound along Hastings St every 10 minutes and stops by Hastings St and Victoria Dr. From there it is a 8-10 minute walk up Victoria Dr towards Venables to reach The Cultch.

There is also the number 20 Downtown bus that connects from the Commercial skytrain station and runs along Commercial Dr every 10 minutes. From the stop at Venables St, it is a 3-5 minute walk up Venables towards Victoria Dr to reach the Cultch.

Before purchasing tickets, carefully review your order. All sales are final, but we may exchange tickets subject to availability. A service charge of $5 will be applicable.

Cultch Subscribers can access free and unlimited ticket exchanges. 24 hours’ notice is required and exchanges are subject to availability.

For exchanges, please contact The Cultch by email at boxoffice@thecultch.com or by phone at 604-251-1363.