Wake The Tiger's Absurd City, described as the world's largest 'amazement park', has opened at Westfield London, transforming the former Kidzania space into an immersive, interactive world that runs until August 2027. The attraction, which costs £23 per ticket, invites visitors to explore a highly detailed universe filled with artistic installations, narrative-driven districts, and a strong environmental message.
An Immersive World with a Story
Visitors are cast as day-trippers from Earth, arriving on the fictional planet Meridia to shop and explore. However, they soon encounter the Wunderground, a group attempting to subvert the Elite who control the planet's dwindling power source. The narrative unfolds through protest posters, radio static voices, and computer terminals where visitors exchange coded messages with the resistance group.
The experience begins at Bloom Street, a shopping mall district where the Elite encourage tourists to spend money, but everything feels slightly off. Highlights include a media office revealing how messages from a cuddly computer named Rex are controlled, an odd supermarket where visitors have two minutes to zap as many bar codes as possible, and a pharma shop selling health supplements and strange baby milk.
Districts and Surprises
Absurd City is designed to constantly surprise, with hidden passages behind shop back walls leading to a secret Wunderground lair adorned with post-it notes. Visitors can also enter a double-decker bus or a phone booth to access the district of Reclaimia, where the Elite's junk is sorted. Other experiences include a peculiar puppet show, humming into a tube to make mushrooms light up, and a corporate office featuring a chorus of singing fish.
Each room is a detailed, immersive world built from recognisable items like old toys and tech, encouraging visitors to linger. The attraction caters to all ages, from tots to teens to adults, with features like a bathroom filled with giant rubber ducks, a huge banana to climb on, and the colourful Imaginopolis district full of flowers and lights.
A Call to Action
The experience culminates in a 10-minute computer and laser-enhanced finale that delivers a strong save-the-planet message. Beneath the cleverness and glitter lies a call to action about consumerism, social inequality, and big tech. Despite the weighty themes, the playful presentation ensures visitors enjoy the experience without feeling overly lectured.
Wake The Tiger's Absurd City is located at Westfield London in Shepherd's Bush and will remain open until August 2027. Tickets are priced at £23 and can be purchased from london.wakethetiger.com.
