The Crystal Maze Live Experience in Manchester welcomed its first visitors in 2017. Since then, it has become one of the city’s most popular attractions. Following the enthusiastic reception of the initial London venue, which opened in March 2016, its northern counterpart similarly offers fans of the original show a chance to immerse themselves in the excitement of the Maze.
Making Popular Game Shows Accessible for All
A pioneer in recreating iconic games into live experiences, The Crystal Maze’s success has influenced the growing trend of popular TV game shows being turned into interactive events. For example, The Cube, based on the long-running ITV favourite, has joined The Crystal Maze in Manchester.
Fans of classic game shows don’t even need to leave their own homes. There are versions of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, Lingo, The Chase, and Tipping Point available for people to play in their living rooms now, to name just a few. The trend has also influenced other sectors too. Online casino players can enjoy the likes of Deal or No Deal with the added interactivity of live presenters. With Paddy Power Live Game Shows, for example, users have access to a growing number of immersive experiences including Dream Catcher which is influenced by Merv Griffin’s Wheel of Fortune.
What to Expect at The Crystal Maze Live Experience?
Little Lion Entertainment first announced the creation of a “live experience” in 2015. Successfully funded through an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign, it was launched in the capital the following year. The experience was designed to allow members of the public to become contestants, bringing the excitement of the original TV show into a real-life, interactive setting. Richard O’Brien, the iconic host of the original series, is featured in the experience as he passes the torch to a “new custodian” who guides the participants through the maze.
In Manchester, the maze is divided into two parts, with each part hosting a single team at a time. Teams move sequentially through the zones, ensuring that each section always has one team in it. Unlike in London, where the teams directly compete against each other and meet during their
journey through the maze, the Manchester version keeps them separate. It’s also interesting to note that the experience opened inside the former Granada TV Studios that once hosted Coronation Street.
Why is the Experience So Popular?
The Crystal Maze Live Experience offers a nostalgic, thrilling, and faithful adventure for thrill seekers wanting a unique competitive and collaborative experience. As well as the various challenges, the highlight for many is the Crystal Dome, where you collect tokens against the clock. Each challenge represents a very authentic reproduction of those games seen in the show, delivering both excitement and a sense of achievement. Ideal for all kinds of groups, from friends to corporate teams, The Crystal Maze Live blends theatricality with gameplay, making participants feel like they are part of the show.
