Attraction review: The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience  

Activities

Attractions

Published on Saturday, 22 April 2023 10:22

Last Updated on 21 April 2023

Monica Costa

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The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience is a popular attraction in London, located in the old Trocadero on Shaftesbury Avenue, near Piccadilly Circus. It is an immersive, interactive theatre experience that was opened in March 2016 by production company Little Lion Entertainment, and was crowdfunded via IndieGoGo. The experience lasts approximately 45-60 minutes, with teams of eight entering the maze every seven minutes. Tickets are now on sale for the whole of 2023, and the opening times vary, so it is recommended to check the website for the most up-to-date information.

The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience was originally inspired by the classic British game show, The Crystal Maze, which was broadcast on Channel 4 from 1990 to 1995. The show featured teams of contestants completing physical and mental challenges in various themed zones, with the ultimate goal of collecting crystals to earn time in the final Crystal Dome challenge. The LIVE Experience takes this concept and brings it to life, allowing visitors to participate in the challenges themselves and experience the thrill of the game show in person.

The production company filming the most recent The Crystal Maze series on Channel 4 used The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience London venue for a one-off special in summer 2016 hosted by Stephen Merchant. This is a testament to the popularity and success of the LIVE Experience, as it has become a well-known and respected attraction in London.

Picking up the 2016 Attraction World award, The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience London has already proved popular with corporate groups, as well as teams of friends and family. However, there are some criticisms of the experience. Some visitors have reported that the challenges are often too difficult to complete, which can be frustrating for participants. It is also not suitable for children under 10, as some of the challenges can be physically demanding and potentially dangerous for younger visitors.

One common criticism of the experience is that it did not feel very immersive. While the sets and props are well-designed and visually impressive, some visitors have reported that the overall experience did not fully transport them into the world of The Crystal Maze. This may be due to the nature of the challenges themselves, which require a certain level of detachment from the surroundings in order to focus on the task at hand.

Another issue that has been raised by some visitors is that some tasks would be impossible to tackle for both robust people and claustrophobic individuals. For example, some of the challenges require crawling through narrow tunnels or climbing up steep inclines, which could be difficult or uncomfortable for some visitors. This is worth considering for anyone with mobility issues or anxiety about confined spaces.

The challenges themselves are diverse and creative, ranging from physical challenges like climbing and crawling to mental challenges like puzzles and riddles. The variety of challenges means that everyone in the team can contribute in their own way, and teamwork and communication are key to success.

However, it should be noted that some of the mental challenges may be more difficult for visitors who are not familiar with British culture or language. For example, one challenge requires the team to identify British kings and queens at a table, which may be challenging for non-British visitors. Similarly, some of the puzzles may require a certain level of familiarity with British idioms and expressions.

Also it is annoying that you cannot take any photos inside the maze. The reason being that the staff encourages you to take the official photos in various areas of the venue to then sell it at the end.

The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience is an interesting that can be a fun and exciting activity for those looking for something different but at a price tag of £77 (or more) per ticket, it is better suited for corporate packages with big wallets. It is important to be aware of the potential challenges and limitations of the experience, and to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to work as part of a team. While it may not be suitable for everyone and certainly not for children excluding teenagers, those who enjoy physical and mental challenges might like it. But remember the price tag to avoid disappointment.

There are lots of better-value attractions in London. For around £15 -£20 per ticket you can do lot of things. Here are some of my favourite family friendly activities that won’t cost you a fortune:

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