Ever since the devil invented Blackberry's, iPods and iPhones, conversing with other people has become a thing of the past. Out of habit and a touch of nostalgia, young people still occasionally huddle around pub tables. They never look up from their tantalizing hardware. Unless they have a red-hot new application they want to bore their friends with. For the few remaining techno-phobes the world is a lonely place. I often find myself talking to stray dogs.  

Luckily, the events team at the Victoria and Albert museum have teamed up with pervasive gaming pioneers Hide and Seek to attempt to try and reverse the damage performed by the ruthless takeover of our spindly little minds. They’re revolting and putting on a night to foster actual real participation and community. It promises to be a non-virtual hoot.  

The event named Playgrounds takes place on Friday, March 26 at the V&A and will be a night of “social games and playful experiences to explore the collision of art, theatre and game design”. Plucky punters are invited to “grab your dice and come along to sneak, scurry, plot, plan and play the night away”.  

On offer will be lots of good, old-fashioned fun including Victorian Parlour Games and a game of pass the Impossibly Large Parcel, devised by 815 agency. When the music stops be ready to undress a layer of this ridiculously large parcel, again and again, until the delights of its innards are revealed. There’s also a balloon race, part spectacle and part game show that provides teams with a wide range of socially engaging, mind-boggling and sometimes even ludicrous tasks. The prize is a piece of string, which can be used to release helium balloons towards a finish line in the sky. Not exactly a new bike but it keeps with the earthy vibes.  

Waverers should be re-assured that there is a little tech-related fun to be had on the night. Designer Marc Owens will be trotting out his amazing Avatar Machine. Here is what he has to say about it: "With the World Cup less than 100 days away, Avatar Machine will be temporarily lending itself to the impassioned world of football. Avatar Machine is a wearable device, which allows the user to see themselves as a virtual character in the real world. Step forward, place the ball on the penalty spot and try and beat the real life goalkeeper from your new third person perspective." A good plan B, for the sadly-stricken David Beckham.  

Do make the trip if you can drag yourself away from chugging imaginary pints on your mobile for a few hours. This may sound alarmist but it could very well be your last chance to save yourself.  

Friday Late takes place on the last Friday of every month at the V&A from 18.30 to 22.00.

For more information click HERE,

Check out Archie's blog here.