Breaking the fifth wall

This is a theatre project that asks the question: “What if the liminal space of theatre went beyond ‘breaking the fourth wall?”

A first of its kind! Where burlesque cabaret magic – and parapsychology meet.

Context: In the 19th century, burlesque theatre became popular as it fully broke the ‘fourth wall’ of theatre. It did so as the imaginary ‘screen like’ separation between audience and those on stage was fully diminished by the performers not only turning their awareness and acknowledgement of the audience (as in a Shakesperean soliloquy) bit it also responded to the real time feedback of their onlookers (and commentators). It thus fostered a clear audience interaction and participation and in doing so, established provocative, socially disruptive converation. It seeded both musical theatre and, improv. What could this mean in terms of interconnection – and can it be measured /explored through they direct playful manipulation of our sensorium?

CLS Project: Now it’s time for something radically next – on Sat 25th April 2026 we invited an audience to take part in – and witness – a live #consciousness experiment, with a bespoke new act supported by #consciousness technologies from @monroeinstituteuk and @gowyrd. The unusual lights you see are controlled by random event generators and were responding (we think!) to the mood of the room – the graphs show some truly queer stuff going on.

Watch this space for developments on this project: #breakingthefifthwall featuring Monroe Sound Science and Wyrd Technologies through the CLS.

From the bill: ‘Fusing the wild, weird and witty traditions of circus, cabaret and burlesque, this show unfolds as a bold and daring, ever-evolving new-variety experience, spearheaded by CLS director Kirsty Allan. After nearly 25 years since kickstarting the UK burlesque industry itself (“Breaking New Ground” , Time Out London), she is once again leading the vanguard with a truly unique experience – the theatrical inclusion of #consciousness technology. What in the name of P. T. Barnum does this mean? Come to a show and find out – be part of this frontier experience that is making history by breaking the fifth wall.’

Once again, we are at the frontier… will you join us?

(image of performer Vicky Butterfly)