David Bowie: You’re Not Alone at Lightroom

I wasn’t sure what to expect for the David Bowie: You’re Not Alone experience at Lightroom. I’ve been to the King’s Cross venue twice previously: for  Prehistoric Planet, which turned the award-winning Apple TV+ documentary series into a 360 degree spectacle of moving imagery, sound and storytelling.

My husband and I also visited David Hockney: Bigger and Closer, Lightroom’s blockbuster launch event. Billed as an immersive exhibition, it was both grand and intimate, offering not just stunning visuals but almost a personal travelogue through the artist’s life.

David Bowie: You’re Not Alone takes elements of both shows and creates something that feels even bigger, bolder and more all-encompassing. When you arrive at Lightroom, it already feels more like you’re gearing up for a concert or show than a regular museum. The friendly staff, the neatly stocked bar (you can take your drinks inside), the gift/merch shop that you walk through before the main event.

As you enter the darkened passageway leading into the exhibition space, you can already hear Bowie’s voiceover. Along the walls, there’s a photo timeline of the rock star’s ascent from Brixton boy to global icon. Then you stroll round to meet Lightroom’s giant wall to wall screens, find a spot to sit, lean (or stand if you prefer) and let the magic take over.

When we settled by the farthest wall at the back, Bowie was talking about William Burroughs as one of his earliest inspirations. The audio is cut with a collage of documentary footage, concert clips, music videos, photographs, personal notes, artwork and TV interviews. Within minutes, we were treated to Bowie on stage in various eras belting out Heroes, while feverish crowds swayed and surged on the screens on either side of us. 

The audio system is incredible at Lightroom, with each track reconfigured by multiple Olivier and Tony award-winning sound designer Gareth Fry. It was truly the closest I’ve felt to being at an actual Bowie concert (sadly never got the chance in real life). Our audience stayed seated, a few shimmying in their seats, but I was ready to leap up and throw down.

Now that they’ve got your full attention, the producers take you on a wild and captivating ride with Bowie firmly in the driving seat. They provide the vehicle but he tells his story in his own voice. Whether you’re a casual or lifelong fan, there’s so much to inspire. His sheer drive, his willingness to reinvent himself, to become the architect of his own destiny.

I enjoyed how the show weaves past and present together so characters like Ziggy Star Dust, Aladdin Sane or the Thin White Duke converge, sometimes in the same frame. It suits Bowie’s maverick approach and I’m sure he would have been delighted by this feature.

It’s not all razzle-dazzle though. The rare footage includes some really tender moments. Poignant reflections on his childhood, his evolution as an artist, his spirituality, and the nature of creativity itself. I loved seeing clips of Bowie on the floor working away at his art while talking about and surrounded by projections of his paintings. He was a gifted painter as well as a musician, a stage and film actor, a stylist, a director, a visionary.

It was interesting to hear that above all he thought of himself as a writer. As someone who plays and works with words, it’s always fascinating to hear other writers discuss their craft. Bowie speaks with such clarity about the creative impulse and his insatiable curiosity. He was constantly learning about other people and conjuring up other worlds. His music opened portals for edgy and alienated youngsters in particular to escape and transform, just like he did as a kid.

It’s a testament to Bowie’s genius that this show barely scratches at his extensive catalogue. The event is around 60 minutes although it feels longer. Still, I didn’t want it to end. I imagined coming back with a group of friends or celebrating an event like New Year’s Eve here. As it turns out, Lightroom hosts Bowie Lates (every last Fri) and a programme of Bowie Nights (until Sep 26) which both sound epic.

“That was fantastic, I loved it. I’ve never experienced anything like that before. It was like being inside a music video,” my husband said. We were as blown away as when we saw the excellent Bowie doc, Moonage Daydream, in the cinema.

I love Bowie too but Abiye’s a true fan and mourned his death almost as much as I mourned Prince. Actually, I’m ready to petition Lightroom for a Prince immersive exhibition to mark his 10 year memorial.

David Bowie: You’re Not Alone is a masterful celebration of another mercurial legend in the 10th year since he died. Take your friends, your kids, your loved ones and be wowed.

David Bowie: You’re Not Alone is at Lightroom, 12 Lewis Cubitt Square, King’s Cross N1C (King’s Cross/St Pancras tube/rail). Suitable for all ages (younger ones must be supervised). Various slots between 10am-4.30pm (until every last Fri), Relaxed Hours & BSL screenings available; adult from £25/students & under 18s from £15/under 3s FREE in selected slots – £2 booking fee per order (until Jan 10, 2027)