Beyond the Frame: My Immersive Experience at Bocs
Immersive storytelling has always fascinated me—whether through theatre that breaks the fourth wall or events that demand audience participation. Yet nothing prepared me for the depth of engagement I experienced at Bocs, the Wales Millennium Centre’s pioneering space for extended reality (XR) storytelling. More than an exhibition space, *Bocs* is a portal into new ways of seeing, feeling, and understanding.
Nestled within the ground floor of the Centre, Bocs was designed as an intimate environment to house virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) installations. The 2025–2026 season presents a rich tapestry of experiences—from explorations of memory and desire to profound stories of identity and neurodiversity. It’s a season that pushes boundaries, challenging the ways we engage with narrative, art, and technology.
I had never stepped into VR before. My previous encounters with immersive theatre relied on physical spaces and audience interaction, not digital environments that envelop you in a completely new reality. Walking into *Bocs*, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew I was in good hands. Georgia and Nicole, two exceptional members of the Wales Millennium Centre team, guided me through the setup, ensuring that my first experience would be welcoming and seamless.
Then came the moment I donned the headset. Suddenly, the world around me dissolved, replaced by the fast-moving, overstimulated reality of *Impulse: Playing with Reality*. Created by the award-winning studio Anagram and narrated by Tilda Swinton, the production explores the complexities of ADHD, plunging audiences directly into the cognitive experience of someone processing overwhelming stimuli.
It was exhilarating. As incoming information flooded the space, I found myself compelled to physically sort, organize, and refine thoughts at increasing speeds. This wasn’t just watching a story unfold—it was living it. The piece seamlessly balanced entertainment with deeper meaning, offering a visceral glimpse into the world of those who experience ADHD and sensory overload on a daily basis.
Then the VR environment shifted. The immersive spectacle transformed into deeply personal storytelling, as individuals shared their experiences navigating neurodiversity. Their words were powerful, their realities intensely moving. Without giving too much away, their stories unfolded with emotional honesty, delivering moments of reflection and inspiration.
What struck me most about Impulse was its ability to make me feel not just empathy, but understanding. It wasn’t asking for passive engagement—it demanded full presence. This was the best kind of immersive theatre, where the audience becomes an active participant rather than a spectator, engaging with ideas in ways that leave a lasting imprint.
Leaving Bocs, I found my perception of ADHD altered in ways I hadn’t anticipated. The production had changed how I see the world, making me more attuned to the challenges faced by friends and colleagues who experience sensory overload. It was breathtaking, not just as a piece of XR storytelling, but as a vehicle for deepening human connection.
And this is just the beginning. As Bocs continues its season, audiences will step into bold new narratives—from Monsieur Vincent, which immerses viewers in the emotional world of Vincent van Gogh’s art, to In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats, which transports audiences into the heart of the 1989 Acid House rave scene. Each production promises to explore identity, nostalgia, and the art of memory in fresh, boundary-pushing ways.
At its core, Bocs is not just about technology—it’s about storytelling that transforms. With its commitment to accessibility (including a Pay What You Can model) and its dedication to inclusive narratives, the venue is setting a new standard for audience engagement in Wales. Whether you’re a seasoned XR enthusiast or a newcomer like me, stepping into Bocs is stepping into something unforgettable.
Tickets for upcoming productions are available at Wales Millennium Centre