Reviewed by Anna-Celine Rautenberg
Stepping into the Studio at the Sydney Opera House for Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern felt like stepping into another dimension – one where the boundaries between audience and performers blurred, and chaos reigned supreme (in the best way possible).
For those unfamiliar, The Twenty-Sided Tavern is an interactive theatre experience that brings the world of Dungeons & Dragons to life. Usually, the goal is simple: win the game. But not on our night.
Armed with QR codes, we – the audience – had the power to decide the fate of the three adventurers: Atlas Adams as the fearless Warrior, Eleanor Stankiewicz as the quick-witted Spellcaster, and Trubie-Dylan Smith as the mischievous Trickster. Instead of making choices that would lead to victory, we collectively decided to put entertainment first, sending the cast into absurd, hilarious, and wildly unpredictable situations.
The production itself was stunning. Dynamic projections transformed the stage from shadowy dungeons to enchanted forests, immersing us in a world where anything seemed possible. Dungeon Master William Kasper and Tavern Keeper Zoë Harlen expertly guided the action, keeping up with every ridiculous twist we threw their way.
And while the actors were there to win, they played along with our chaos beautifully. Watching them improvise through our most challenging (and downright silly) decisions made the experience all the more special.
The beauty of The Twenty-Sided Tavern is that no two shows are alike, and our performance proved just how much the audience can shape the journey. What started as a game quickly became a comedy show, fueled by our collective love for storytelling and well-timed mischief.
If you’re after a theatre experience where you don’t just watch the action – you create it – this is the show for you. Just be warned: you might leave with a new appreciation for dice rolls, and a deep desire to join a D&D campaign of your own.