Darklight shines a new light on possibilities at TSB Showplace

More than 11,500 people visited NPDC's TSB Showplace over the school holidays to experience Darklight: The Hidden World.

The immersive light experience transformed the venue's theatres, backstage areas and public spaces into a journey of discovery, inviting visitors to explore the building in a completely different way.

The event attracted the venue’s largest audience since its reopening earlier this year following refurbishment, with visitors embracing an innovative new format that created fresh opportunities for both audiences and artists.

Manager Venues & Events Chade Julie says Darklight: The Hidden World, presented by NP Partners, was a milestone moment for the venue.

"It's the first time we've transformed the entire venue into a single audience experience, and the response has been phenomenal.

“We heard from grown-ups who were able to play like kids again, watched a group of 30 kids let out an amazed ‘woah’ as they came through the door, and saw families where three generations were exploring and discovering together. It really shows the potential of immersive experiences like this to bring people together.”

Delivering an experience on this scale required a whole-team effort. TSB Showplace staff and volunteers were stationed throughout the venue, welcoming visitors, helping guide them through the experience, and making sure they didn't miss a thing.

"An event like this doesn't happen without great people and great partners," says Chade.

"We're incredibly grateful to Angus Muir, Dan Move and the wider Darklight creative team, our staff and volunteers, presenting partner NP Partners, Centre City for providing free parking for ticket holders, and Plymouth Hotel for their support."

"Darklight has shown what's possible when we look beyond the traditional stage format," says Chade.

"We're already exploring what's next and how we can keep bringing standout new experiences to Taranaki, alongside the events audiences already know and love."

At a glance

• Darklight was created by Angus Muir and event producer Dan Move as a platform for ambitious, artist-led immersive experiences.
• More than 14.5 tonnes of lighting equipment and production gear was packed into the TSB Showplace to bring The Hidden World to life.
• TSB Showplace is Taranaki’s premier theatre, conference and events venue, and includes the TSB Theatre, Theatre Royal, backstage, and meeting and event spaces.
• Around 66,000 people visit the TSB Showplace each year for comedy, musicals, plays, classical concerts and more.
•  Darklight: The Hidden World is an acclaimed indoor light experience that made its first appearance outside Auckland at the TSB Showplace during the first week of the September school holidays.

Caption: A young visitor explores The Core, one of the immersive spaces in Darklight: The Hidden World at the TSB Showplace. Photograph by Charlotte Curd.