Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE has announced a landmark partnership with Punchdrunk, the London-based immersive theatre company known for pioneering experiential storytelling productions including Sleep No More.
The collaboration will introduce a large-scale immersive theatre experience as part of the resort’s entertainment offering, marking Punchdrunk’s first production in the MENA region.
Instead of a traditional theatre layout, Punchdrunk transforms entire buildings into detailed, walkable worlds where audiences move freely through layered environments and encounter scenes as part of a non-linear narrative.
The production will debut with the opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island in 2027. It is being conceived and directed by Punchdrunk Founder and Artistic Director Felix Barrett MBE in collaboration with Craig S. Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts, and forms part of the resort’s wider entertainment strategy.
Guests at Wynn Al Marjan Island will choose between two formats: a traditional seated theatre performance in the upper level of the venue or a roaming immersive experience that takes audiences through backstage and hidden environments. Each format offers a complete but differently framed interpretation of the same narrative.
The purpose-built theatre at Wynn Al Marjan Island will draw on Art Deco design influences, incorporating rich textiles, sculptural interiors and expansive social areas.
Inspired by Hollywood’s golden age and 1970s Las Vegas, the venue is designed as an immersive environment where every space - including foyers, corridors, and transitional zones - forms part of the storytelling world.
Craig S. Billings, CEO, Wynn Resorts, said: “Among the dozens of unique and transportive guest experiences we offer in our resorts, entertainment has always been an essential element. With Punchdrunk, we are creating something entirely original for Wynn Al Marjan Island. A theatrical world that could only exist here, and one that reflects the craft and dedication to artistry at the heart of Wynn.”
The partnership positions Wynn Al Marjan Island as a leading destination for experiential entertainment in the UAE and wider Middle East. It reflects a broader shift in the region toward immersive, design-led cultural experiences within luxury hospitality environments.
Felix Barrett MBE, Artistic Director and Founder of Punchdrunk, said: “I’m so excited that Punchdrunk is teaming up with Craig S. Billings and his amazing team at Wynn Resorts to put together a brand-new show for the incredible new theatre at Wynn Al Marjan Island. We hope the production will give audiences an amazing theatre experience, whether they’re looking for top-notch entertainment or something totally unexpected.”
Wynn Al Marjan Island continues Wynn Resorts’ legacy of integrating large-scale entertainment into its properties. The brand has previously collaborated with companies such as Cirque du Soleil and produced landmark shows including Le Rêve, establishing a reputation for combining hospitality with high-production-value live performance.
Visit: wynnalmarjanisland
Hayley is passionate about everything 90s, from art and fashion to music. Her love for glossy, artful coffee table books started early during her days in book publishing and has only grown since. She collects luxury magazines from around the world, enjoys exploring creative workshops around the city, and always chases dinners with a view, preferably by the beach.
