Narrated by Tilda Swinton, Impulse: Playing with Reality is a 40-minute interactive mixed reality narrative experience about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and how you make sense of the world around you, told through the stories of four people who are coming to terms with the decisions which have chartered their lives.
Winner of the Venice Immersive Achievement Award at the 81st Venice International Film Festival.
Impulse: Playing with Reality by Anagram, co-produced by Floréal & France Télévisions.
Creators' statement
Social media would have us believe that we are all on a path of self-discovery. Within the piles of information shared, a growing heap is dedicated to ADHD. Some celebrate the creative galaxy brain, but for those without support or easily dismissed as delinquent, lazy, and, to be truthful “unproductive”, ADHD can lead to a life of misery. One in four prisoners in the UK are likely to have ADHD. For many a diagnosis is an epiphany that reveals the invisible barriers they had been fighting.
Working with neuroscientists and psychologists we gathered 100+ hours of interviews with people on the severe end of the spectrum. We looked for poetic connections to translate into a rich embodied story. Adrenalin-packed gameplay spoke to the needy dopamine-depleted brain. Mixed reality plays with your own relationship with the familiar and new. Through insight into what might drive these actions we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the lived experience of ADHD.
Opening times:
Open daily from 11am with hourly time slots.
Click 'Find tickets' for detailed timings and latest availability.
Running time:
40 minutes. Please arrive 10 minutes before your slot to allow time for on-boarding.
Pay What You Can: £2, £5 or £8. Book in advance to avoid disappointment on the day.
Content warning: This experience contains flashing lights; mentions of suicide, violence and vertigo, suicidal thoughts and self-harm. This experience is not suitable for children under the age of 13 years old or individuals with photosensitive epilepsy.
VR is not recommended for under 10s. Visit the Meta Quest safety information page for further information. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
What is a Virtual Reality experience?
Virtual Reality (VR) is the use of computer technology to create a simulated world. Guests wear a headset with integrated over the ear headphones.
Do I need to book?
Yes, this is a pay what you can immersive experience with limited capacity, so book in advance to avoid disappointment on the day.
Do I need to bring anything?
Spectacles may be worn under the VR headset however it may be more comfortable to wear contact lenses or go without your glasses for the experience.
Is the experience accessible to those with reduced mobility?
Yes. The experience features some fast-paced gameplay, which some users may find overwhelming. Please contact us before purchasing your ticket(s) so that we can accommodate you.
What are the health and safety measures?
Most people do not experience any negative reactions to Virtual Reality. However, VR may be disorientating for individuals who are neurodiverse, have hearing or sight impairments, or experience vertigo, epilepsy, dizziness, seizures, motion sickness or fainting.
If you are pregnant or have a pacemaker, please consult with your GP before taking part.
Trained facilitators will be on hand to provide support and guidance throughout the experience should you require it.
We thoroughly clean and sanitise all equipment, including headsets and headphones, with hospital-grade antibacterial wipes and a UV machine before each use. We request that you use the hand sanitiser provided on arrival.
Under 16s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. VR is not recommended for under 10s.
Babies in slings are not permitted inside the experience.
Any guests arriving for the experience who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to take part.
