Mata Hari's Final Dance: An Immersive Theater Experience Celebrating the Legendary Spy — Our Review

If traditional plays don’t exactly excite you, why not try immersive theatre instead? Instead of just watching the action unfold, you become a participant alongside the actors! In the 11th arrondissement, inside a moody cocktail bar, you’re invited to step back in time and engage with historic figures from the Belle Époque. Be introduced to an iconic personality: Mata Hari.

Born in the Netherlands, this femme fatale who travels across Europe transforms into a legendary spy and later becomes a double agent before being convicted of treason. Experience "Mata Hari’s Last Dance" and uncover her secrets at Vieux Carré, which hosts a glamorous evening for the occasion, running from February 7 to April 25, 2026. Performances are scheduled on Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. or Wednesdays during school holidays.

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Created by the La-Haut les Etoiles company, this immersive experience transports you back to a night in 1916. You’ll join as a guest, divided into small groups based on the character you've selected through your registration: Vadim, Miss Elisabeth, Georges Ladoux, or Vincenzo Moni. As the story unfolds, you'll quickly discover their roles. Stay alert—your senses will be put to the test as you complete assigned missions and work to unravel the mystery.

You're about to witness the final performance of the legendary dancer at a cozy bar run by her close friend Anna Linjtens. After fierce bidding wars to attend, crowds from across Europe are pouring in: longtime fans, soldiers on leave, art and Orient enthusiasts— even a high-ranking French police commissioner is in the audience. And for good reason; each one secretly hopes to uncover the truth behind the enigmatic Mata Hari.

Additionally, guests will enjoy a cocktail (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) of their choice, crafted from exclusive creations designed specifically for this immersive show.

Our Opinion

We recommend arriving right on time, as the introduction in front of the bar sets the tone for everything to come! After handing each of us a new identity, we are ushered into the room, invited to join the chosen character from registration. In our case, it's Miss Elisabeth, a young Belgian woman known for her bluntness and less than friendly demeanor, who presents herself as a typist.

From the very start, it’s important to get into the spirit of the event, so don’t hesitate to embrace the actors’ performances and become your character — even inventing a backstory if you like! If this is your first immersive theatre experience and you're shy, don’t worry; you’re not required to interact constantly, as the performers are flexible and adapt to your comfort level.

That said, it’s much more fun if you throw yourself into it, or you might miss out! Plus, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to prove yourself because, depending on your chosen role, the scenes you'll participate in will vary, along with the missions you’ll need to accomplish. And Miss Elisabeth is full of surprises!

After enjoying your complimentary drink, you’re encouraged to listen to other groups’ conversations, wander from room to room, search for useful objects, and enjoy moments of dialogue or theatrical scenes that serve as cinematic cutaways. You’ll need to piece together the connections between various characters to solve the mystery and unravel the story of Mata Hari — an experience rooted largely in real historical events.

It can be hard to keep a straight face during some exchanges, as the performers are incredibly convincing, dressed authentically for the period. Despite their characters, they put you at ease and are wholly committed, so you’ll likely rediscover these actors after the show ends during the social moments at the bar.

While it’s definitely more enjoyable if you come with friends, you can also enjoy the experience solo — it’s a great chance to chat with others in your group. The missions often require pairs, and you’ll need a spy’s flair! Improvising to get answers isn’t always easy, which can lead to some amusing solitary moments.

Almost two hours fly by, scene after scene, culminating in a final reveal and the unraveling of mysteries — an experience that blends humor and tragedy. The audience, now active participants rather than mere spectators, becomes fully immersed in the story, making the emotional journey even more intense than watching a traditional play.

If you’re not comfortable in large crowds, opt for the Wednesday holiday session — Saturday tends to be busier according to the performers, and the bar isn’t very spacious, so you might feel a bit cramped.

So, are you ready to uncover Mata Hari’s secrets?

Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, please drink responsibly.

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.