When gods gather for a wedding, chaos is never far behind. So say Nottingham's theatre company Chronic Insanity in their amazing immersive production entitled Apple of Discord. LeftLion joins the madness..
From the moment you step through the doors of Nottingham People’s Hall, it’s clear that Apple of Discord is not the sort of theatre where you politely take a seat and wait to be entertained. Chronic Insanity’s immersive outing throws you headfirst into a gloriously chaotic wedding party where gods, mortals, and mischief-makers roam freely- and you are very much part of the guest list.
The immersive nature of the show is handled with impressive confidence. With cast members almost outnumbering the audience, and all staying in character for the entire evening, there is always something happening wherever you look and it allows you to feel fully surrounded and immersed in the action. Conversations overlap, secrets are whispered in corners, and dramatic confrontations erupt inches away from you. The atmosphere is electric: you genuinely feel like a wedding guest, glass in hand, as god-sized drama explodes around you. One minute you might be eavesdropping on divine plotting, the next you’re being swept into wedding entertainment. The choice is truly left in the hands of the audience- don’t feel like partaking in the main plots? Well then, Aesop and his wedding cabaret have you covered- performing throughout the whole night everything from a gleeful reenactment of the Mechanicals in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (a play within a play within a play, no less), to a Dionysus-led drag performance, or even a bit of karaoke. If you prefer, you can simply linger at the bar and let the chaos come to you.
Chaos is quite literally thrust upon the wedding party
The building itself plays a starring role. Nottingham People’s Hall is perfectly suited to this kind of storytelling, with its many levels and hidden corners. You might find yourself climbing stairs to the lofty rooms of Mount Olympus, or descending into Cassandra’s cellar to hear her doom-laden prophecies whispered in the dark. Every nook and cranny feels intentional, rewarding curiosity and encouraging exploration.
Plot-wise, once chaos is quite literally thrust upon the wedding party (thanks Eris), the story splinters into countless threads, and it’s entirely up to you which ones you follow. Will you scheme and strategize with Athena, Ariadne and Poseidon for control of the golden apple? Watch divine family drama simmer between Zeus and Hera? Or drift towards Aphrodite, Apollo and Artemis for some surprisingly heartfelt musical numbers? The Greek setting never grows tired, and each character feels like a fresh, playful reinterpretation. Hermes was a standout: darting between storylines, delivering cryptic messages, and injecting a fast, frenetic energy into the whole event. You never quite know what he’ll pull from his messenger bag next.
Which brings us perfectly to the interactive puzzle elements. Audience members are quietly handed hidden quests, challenges, and riddles throughout the night. It’s impossible to see everything in one visit (I certainly didn’t), but these puzzles are a brilliant final flourish; making you feel like your choices matter, and that you’re actively shaping the evening rather than just observing it.
Apple of Discord is chaotic, playful, and utterly charming- exactly as a divine wedding gone wrong should be.
Apple of Discord runs at Nottingham's People's Hall from Wednesday 30 March until Sunday 5 April 2026.
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