It was the film that was almost a box office flop, but rallied to become one of the highest grossing of all time, and made Walt Disney the undisputed king of animation. Disney Fantasia was designed to be a comeback of sorts for Mickey Mouse, who had declined in popularity, though it had another effect; introducing generations to sounds and sorcery, a well-chosen playlist of classical music, and a sense of wonderment and magic.
Sounds and Sorcery: Celebrating Disney Fantasia is the latest immersive experience to take over The Vaults, located just under Waterloo station, the twisting tunnels provide visitors with a plethora of routes to choose as they explore this fantasy world. Arriving at the venue is like taking a leap in to the future, thanks to the spaceship like design and automated tannoy announcements while you check in and collect your headphones, which are attached to an iPod dangling around your neck.
The first room you enter is a pretty clever twist on the original opening of the movie, video projections dance all while you listen to ‘Tocatta and Fugue in D Minor’. The music is synced to what is happening around you and all combines automatically, although it does stutter occasionally. After that, it’s pretty much up to you in which order you view the different rooms, from a spirited ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ to a sedate ‘Nutcracker Suite’ accompanied by an installation of the seasons, including life size summer flowers and a frozen lake.
The title is incredibly important here, it is most definitely a celebration of Fantasia, Mickey Mouse doesn’t make an appearance and instead it is the music and spectacle that is put first and foremost. Two of the rooms have live performances, though these are brief and nothing overly spectacular, then some are fantastically designed installations for you to wander and explore at your own pace.
All of the music has been re-recorded as binaural sound for Sounds and Sorcery: Celebrating Disney Fantasia ensuring that you have the best possible listening experience. The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra bring these classical masterpieces to life inside your ear, as your eyes are overwhelmed by the surroundings. Director Daisy Evans has approached this just like a theatrical production, the audience are told a story, and impact is delivered at just the right moment, as long as you take the time to explore; I was just about to leave Rite of Spring, believing I had seen all there was to see, when volcanoes erupted and the sun exploded in to life in a glorious display.
For anyone who has visited The Vaults, you know that the trains from Waterloo station regularly rumble overhead, but immersed in this headphone world you are shielded from the outside world. I found the whole experience incredibly relaxing, it was like stepping out of London in to a magical utopia, where each corner turned held a new surprise. I emerged about two hours later in to the late sun feeling refreshed and renewed, a childlike energy awoken within me.
While Sounds and Sorcery: Celebrating Disney Fantasia, could perhaps benefit from more live performance, the overall experience is ambitious and awe-inspiring. It should not be underestimated; the different elements which have been brought together to create this symphony of sound, lighting, colours and performance is wonderfully magical in every way.
