Emursive presents Punchdrunk's - "Sleep No More"
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Emursive presents Punchdrunk's - "Sleep No More"

Updated: Apr 16

LOCATION:  New York City, New York, USA

Photo above is property of The McKittrick Hotel


📝  ETR DECODER

  • 🔑 EXPERIENCE: Sleep No More

  • 📅 DATE PLAYED: July 9, 2022

  • 🎬 GENRE: Immersive Theatre, Film Noir

  • 🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on ~200 ppl): N/A

  • 👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: ~200PPL (Ages 18+, Ages 13+ require an adult)

  • 🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 2-3 Hrs

  • 💰 PRICE: $119.50 - $353.44/PP (pending on group size)

  • ☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Public

  • 🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes


📖 THE STORY

In the old McKittrick Hotel, lies an experience like no other. A show that puts you directly into the action of Shakespeare’s beloved tragedy, Macbeth. Upon entering the hotel, one notices the theme changes all around, for it is not only a retelling but a reimagining of the story in a film noir setting. It is now up to you to explore and make the show your own. It takes place in two hours and in that time you will explore the relationships between characters, expand upon the story-world where this takes place and be given an evening you won’t forget.


This is an adult show and no one under the age of 18 will be allowed into the venue. There will be disturbing imagery as well as nudity and minor gore. The adult themes were handled very tastefully during the production and added to the experience rather than taking away. Some of the most powerful parts of the show come from the discomforting/disturbing scenes.


Video above is property of The McKittrick Hotel


👀 THE EXPERIENCE

"Sleep No More" takes place in The McKittrick Hotel where there is a whole manner of events offered each and every evening. As of July 2022, in order to enter the show everyone must be vaccinated and wearing an N95 mask. This is checked in line before you enter the building and you will not be admitted to the show without proof, they will provide the N95 mask for everyone. You are then let into the first portion of the hotel where there is a coat check available (for a small fee or free depending on the ticket purchased) and a front desk where you will verify your ticket and receive a playing card. Each guest is given a unique card and you will be sent to the Manderley Bar. The bar is open one hour before the show and feel free to drink at your leisure. Before arriving at the bar, you are asked to put your phone on SILENT and it is placed inside a little pocket bag where it is LOCKED closed, you hold onto your phone the entire time but access is not available unless you exit the show and have staff unlock the bag. Punchdrunk believes that for the time you are exploring the show everyone should be present and undistracted. Also, while in the show, you are asked respectfully to remain from speaking. Once the show is ready to begin they will call card values and let people into the experience in small groups. There is a brief introduction before you are let into the show and the next two hours are yours to explore.


When the show has concluded, all are led back to the bar for merriment and discussion. This is a great time to meet up with your friends and talk about what you saw and compare it to what they saw. Did they see the same scenes as you? Did you find the note hidden in the jacket pocket? Did you get to interact with an actor one-on-one? During the show is your story, after the show it’s all a collective experience.


Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

  • Everything that is presented to you, scenic and prop wise, makes you truly believe that you have been sent to a new world. There are a multitude of floors and each one is designed with detail and functionality in mind. It is a large enough space that it can be easy to get lost, meaning new surprises are around every corner.

  • The actors in the show were top notch! When there is a lack of speaking, the dancing is the driving force behind the show. The choreography and work the actors put into their characters make you feel each and every emotion the character puts out all while telling a cohesive narrative.

  • Sound design and lighting are the unsung heart of "Sleep No More". There is a beautiful score that enchants the audience members during the production. It is very much noticeable and flows with the action happening. Embrace the ebbs and flows with the music and get lost in the perfectly synchronized rhythms and beats telling the story of Macbeth.

  • While exploring the McKittrick hotel, everything is lit precisely. There are dim areas but, for your adjusted eyes, there aren't many issues navigating your surroundings. You can tell a lot of effort was put into immersion and sight-lines for the audience. One particularly good example is when you are in a brightly lit room that has windows but there are small items out in the distance that one can see to both intrigue and captivate your attention.


🧩 MISSED THE MARK

  • The show starts the immersion from the minute you enter the building, and while they do a good job explaining the bare bones of what you will be seeing. A little more information could be given about what one could expect when attending Sleep No More.

  • Our tickets were for Oz’s guest list. They included a personal table in the bar before and after the start, a private waiter, and complementary coat check. You will be standing for the duration of the show. From our experience, the upgrade may not be worth it. If you value a seat and plan on drinking it is a good remedy, or if you are a group that carries a lot of personal items, complementary coat check would be quite beneficial.


🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

"Sleep No More" is regarded by many to be the premier immersive theatrical experience in the world and they truly live up to that name. It is a night of art, performance, dance and exploration that all culminates to an experience like no other. This is an event for those who are willing to open themselves for something unique and original. The time, care and effort are extremely noticeable. Seeing the show one time just might not be enough, the moving parts, the one on one interactions, each piece of the production is carefully choreographed and expertly timed so that every viewing will be different. After all of this information, if it sounds of any interest, check out Sleep No More. No words can truly describe this show.


ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO

Immersive Theater, Street Parking, Physically active show (for best experience must be able to climb up and down several stories of stairs), Coat check, Drinks served for cost, multi-tiered tickets, lobby entertainment, story enhancing items to find. Vaccination required, Masks required (provided by show), 18+ required (Nudity).


Photos above are property of The McKittrick Hotel

 

(If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from "ESCAPETHEROOMers"!)


Disclosure: We thank The McKittrick Hotel for comping our tickets for this game. Although complimentary admission was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.



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