Review: STOREHOUSE, Deptford Storehouse

Photo credit: Helen Murray

STOREHOUSE is a bold, ambitious production from brand new company Sage and Jester, and their mission to tackle the dangers of misinformation is as timely as it is important.

Set in an abandoned warehouse, the space has been transformed into a visually dazzling playground of creativity and imagination. From the moment you arrive, you're split into small groups and shuttled through a series of intricately designed rooms that immerse you in a new age of storytelling—a world where humans are carried, transmitted, and preserved across networks.

Alice Helps is nothing short of a visionary and deserves much praise. The scale and craftsmanship of STOREHOUSE are absolutely breathtaking, and it is unlike anything you will ever see. If there’s one aspect of this production that deserves an unequivocal five stars, it’s the sheer artistry and audacity of the world-building.

However, while STOREHOUSE aims for the stars, it doesn’t quite land. The immersive nature of the experience should ideally give the audience a sense of purpose and agency. Yet beyond minor tasks such as piecing together a map, picking up lanterns, and listening to sounds in the walls, there’s little for the audience to truly engage with. This lack of deeper involvement leaves the experience feeling hollow, a beautiful shell missing its beating heart.

The production’s message also borders on preachy by the end, as we haven’t been given enough of a shared journey with the characters to truly feel the weight of their struggles. While the aesthetics and scope are undeniably impressive, STOREHOUSE falls short of creating an emotional connection that would elevate it from visually stunning to deeply impactful.

For a debut effort, though, this is an incredible achievement. Sage and Jester are a team to watch, and with refinement and a stronger focus on narrative immersion, their future productions could be extraordinary.

For now, STOREHOUSE is a flawed yet fascinating piece that deserves applause for its ambition and creativity.

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Beatriz Ferreira

STOREHOUSE runs at Deptford Storehouse until 20 September, with further info here.