It's ten years ago tonight since a motley group of politicians, celebrities and royalfolk popped down to a disused gasworks in Greenwich to open a giant Teflon tent. The Dome was supposed to be the UK's millennialshowpiece, and indeed became the top visitor attraction of 2000, but was ultimately damned by missed targets, excessive budgets and a hostile media. After 366 days it was mothballed in disgrace and spent most of the decade empty, before being reborn as a hugely-successful (but depressingly bland) entertainment megaplex. Odds are it'll still be bringing in the punters in 2020, but I bet it's called something different by then.
I've written about the Dome several times - during its quietforgotten phase, on opening weekend, and since. But, as the decade draws to an end, I'm whisking you back ten years to try your luck at The Dome of Doom. This is one of those text adventure games where you make decisions, then turn to the appropriate numbered option and read on. Perfectly suited to zipping about on a webpage, I thought. Good luck, and see if you have better luck reaching the midnight celebrations than some of the Dome's unfortunate millennial guests...
The Dome of Doom
Tis Millennium's Eve, and a motley crowd of creatures have gathered by the Dockside beneath YellowBird Tower. There across the raging River Tamesis lies their goal, the giant Dome of Doom. Lights flash from within, and 12 tall spikes pierce the chill December air above. Our band of friends must cross the river to reach the object of their quest before the clocks strike midnight, else their lives will surely be over and no mistake.
What's on this weekend? St Patrick's Day Parade Sunday 18 March (noon-6)
Irish-themed parade, live music & drunkards in green hats, in Trafalgar Square.
It's ten years ago tonight since a motley group of politicians, celebrities and royalfolk popped down to a disused gasworks in Greenwich to open a giant Teflon tent. The Dome was supposed to be the UK's millennial showpiece, and indeed became the top visitor attraction of 2000, but was ultimately damned by missed targets, excessive budgets and a hostile media. After 366 days it was mothballed in disgrace and spent most of the decade empty, before being reborn as a hugely-successful (but depressingly bland) entertainment megaplex. Odds are it'll still be bringing in the punters in 2020, but I bet it's called something different by then.
