On arrival at UNIT HQ, located near the Bond Street underground station in London, uniformed personnel checked our names and issued us with passes. As new recruits, we were briefed by security before entering the base and COVID measures have been subtly incorporated into the introduction.

For anyone not that familiar with Doctor Who, UNIT stands for the 'United Nations Intelligence Taskforce', which investigates and combats paranormal and extraterrestrial threats to Earth. It has a long association with Doctor Who, and you have been selected to assist with a mission.

Don't worry if you're not a 'Whovian' (a fan of Doctor Who) because the experience has a self-contained story that can be easily enjoyed regardless of your existing knowledge, but fans will be thrilled to encounter iconic species including Cybermen, Daleks and Ood.

The Story

1940 – at the height of the Blitz. A weapon of unknown origin destroys a small corner of Mayfair, and simultaneously opens a rift in space and time. For decades, UNIT have fought undetected to protect the people of Earth from the dangers it poses. Weakened and beaten back as the fracture’s multiplied out of control, they’re close to defeat.

Unlike a traditional theatrical production where you just observe, in the world of immersive theatre you're part of it. There's a lot of audience participation and the story evolves around you, with a cast of almost 40 and up to the same number of participants per performance.

There are 17 themed environments, but you don't experience all of them, perhaps a clever way to encourage repeat visits! The experience is structured around larger set pieces and smaller intimate encounters, it's actually quite complex but you're guided between them seamlessly by 'Time Lord Guides'.

Including the interval, the production is 2 hours 15 minutes in length, and there are 3 bars for much appreciated refreshments. The first part is frantic, as you travel through time and space from one elaborately themed world to another, so when the interval comes you're relieved to be able to sit down for a while and process what's happened so far. But the entertainment doesn't stop, with a very talented duo of singers and some story developments. The second part is less impressive overall, with a slightly anticlimactic ending that drags on a bit too long and lacks the energy and excitement of the earlier elements.

The majority of the sets are excellent, and all of the creatures are very convincing due to the impressive costumes, makeup and prosthetics. Immersive Everywhere, the company behind the attraction, has clearly worked hard on getting the details right with their partners at BBC Studios.

Many incarnations of the Doctor are represented, with pre-recorded contributions from some of the actors including David Bradley and Jodie Whittaker. There are tons of 'Easter eggs' for fans to spot and many of the props aren’t just clever replicas – they’re the actual props used in the series.

The overall story is simple to follow, but the more detailed narratives get a bit messy and at points we weren't sure who we were supposed to be siding with. Where the cast excels, is in their ability to switch between the core scripted scenes that everyone experiences at once, and the improvisation with individual groups.

There are moments that might be too frightening for children, especially a rather chilling encounter with the Weeping Angels - but we loved that part! The whole thing feels like it's mainly designed for adults, but it's possible the matinee performances are a little lighter in tone or less chaotic.

It would have been nice to incorporate an element of 'open world' with the freedom to explore some of the areas at our own pace, as I'm sure there were bits we missed.

Before you leave, there's an opportunity to take photos in the main hub of UNIT HQ, and that's the only time that photography is allowed. This prevents anyone from spoiling the experience for others.

There's a gift shop at the exit packed with Doctor Who merchandise, including the excellent 'Show Companion' which has lots more information about the production and details of the talented cast and crew. If you would like a copy, enter our competition below.

For a bit of wibbly wobbly, timey wimey fun, you really can't do much better than Doctor Who: Time Fracture.

Tickets are £59.95 (£49.95 for under 16s) except Fridays when it's £10 extra, which we think is good value compared to a typical West End show.

Booking is essential, at www.immersivedoctorwho.com

Win a copy of the Doctor Who: Time Fracture Show Companion!

To enter the competition, simply sign up to the free ThemeParks-UK Newsletter by 30th June 2021. All subscribers will be entered into a draw and a winner randomly selected.