We take our hats off to this immersive experience at Paramount Hotel Dubai.
We’re in a dimly lit room, rifling through birth certificates and newspaper articles. We’re on the hunt for clues to find out who shot Bugsy Alphonse. No, we’re not on the run from the authorities, instead we’re in the UAE’s latest immersive experience: Dolls of the Gangster at Flashback Speakeasy Bar & Lounge in Paramount Hotel Dubai.
Dolls of the Gangster is a murder mystery experience. Set in 1920s New York, it combines cabaret, cuisine, characters and, of course, crime. The theme, which guests are encouraged to get into, is executed perfectly. Before the show even starts, the doorman asks for a password, which unlocks a bookcase that swings open to reveal Flashback Speakeasy Bar & Lounge.
Inside, you’ll find a stylish bar and lounge, which could be straight out of an old-school mafia movie. All of the guests have made an effort, as we spot feathers and flapper dresses, and bow ties and braces. Plus, the performers are red-carpet ready: the women are in glittering, glamorous gowns, and the men are in fedoras and three-piece suits.
Dolls of the Gangster is both timeless and on-trend. The production feels like it has attracted the same mature audience who binge on true crime documentaries or watch Knives Out. It’s just tonight, the tone is Bugsy Malone rather than The Godfather, as it’s knowingly kitsch.
The show is divided up into four parts, and each act coincides with a different course. So, there are character introductions with canapés and the final reveal with dessert. The dishes include Beef Parmentier, Crab Cakes and Seared Seabass. The cocktails range from the Bonnies Applejack (applejack, lemon, peach foam, rum and vanilla) to the La Melagrana (Aperol, gin, lime, pomegranate juice and prosecco). Make no mistake, the performers are the star of the show, and the food is a supporting act.
Our only criticism is that the space is small, as it’s not easy for the diners and performers to weave their way through the crowd and there is only one room with clues. While this doesn’t have the production values to compete with Punchdrunk or Secret Cinema, it deserves a round of applause for bringing something different to Dubai.
Dolls of the Gangster is a truly immersive experience, and has given dinner and a show an upgrade. The phrase ‘immersive experience’ is so overused, but it is correct in this case. Such an experience succeeds or fails on the basis of its cast – and this show boasts a talented cast. The performers can sing, dance, act and, most importantly, improvise.
The performers pull up a seat and give you clues – and red herrings – as you solve the whodunnit. The audience interaction, which sees every actor stay in character, is what makes this special. So, get your Poirot on and ask questions.
At the heart of the show is the music, which is a mix of storytelling songs and popular hits. While there is no live band, the big belters make up for it. The singing is Broadway-meets-Christina-Aguilera, and a rendition of Purple Rain gets a standing ovation.
The packages start from AED 299 for soft drinks, AED 380 for house drinks, and AED 550 for bubbles. The event runs from 8pm to 11pm, and takes place on 23 February, and 2, 9 and 16 March. Get your thinking flat caps on.
GO: Visit www.paramounthotelsdubai.com for more information.
