This November, Alcotraz – the notorious bar behind bars – will be opening in Cardiff city centre. Inspired by TV and film productions that have masterfully brought infamous prison stories to life, Alcotraz promises an immersive, one-of-a-kind theatrical experience.
With four successful sites already established across the UK, ‘Alcotraz: Cell Block Nine-One’ will accommodate 46 inmates for public experiences or private venue hires.
Situated in the bustling Brewery Quarter, with a cell block comprised of ten individual cells, the size range caters to couples and larger groups making it an ideal choice for birthdays, stag and hen parties, as well as Christmas parties.
Guests – or more appropriately ‘inmates’ – are tasked with smuggling liquor past The Warden and getting it into the hands of some of Alcotraz’s longest-serving inmates, who then transform the contraband liquor into bespoke, delicious cocktails.
In advance of visiting, guests will be able to create their own unique criminal record from the Department of Justice before being secretly instructed by ‘bootleggers’ on the inside to smuggle their liquor into Alcotraz.
Smuggling their spirit past The Warden, inmates will be led into Alcotraz Penitentiary and given their own unique inmate number and orange jumpsuit to wear for the duration of their sentencing to avoid escape.
Once in their cells, they will encounter a cast of shady characters and the jail’s notorious bootlegging gang. Guests who manage to win the favour of the guards will gain access to explore otherwise unforeseen areas, such as the Solitary Confinement Block to do deals with inmates on the inside or the Warden’s Office to negotiate your parole.
This pioneering immersive cocktail experience, brought to life by Inventive Productions, originally debuted in London in 2017, generating global headlines, creating controversy, and thrilling audiences seeking a unique and memorable night out. Much like other productions by Inventive Productions, including the Wild West-inspired ‘Moonshine Saloon’ and the out-of-this-world adventure of ‘Avora,’ Alcotraz brings to life a fictional world. With subtle references to cult American entertainment, such as Prison Break, Orange is the New Black, and Shawshank Redemption, guests have the opportunity to experience a fictitious narrative unfolding around them which they would only normally see on TV or cinema screens.
Sam Shearman, creator of Alcotraz, and founder of Inventive Productions said: “We are really excited to open our first Welsh location. Since opening in 2017 in London, Alcotraz has entertained audiences looking for a totally unique experience. Since London, we have opened three more sites around the country and cannot wait to launch Alcotraz in Cardiff. We hope that Alcotraz will become a great addition to an already thriving entertainment city.”
The experience begins as soon as guests purchase a ticket. Bookings can now be made on their website here.
