As we walked into the vibrant The Actors pub (formerly The Marlborough Pub & Theatre), we were directed upstairs into an eerie, confined room where we found ourselves engulfed in an immersive escape room experience that surpassed all expectations, brought to Brighton Fringe by Plot Twist Events.
Despite The Actors’ reputation as one of Brighton’s most haunted venues, the haunting within Unsolved is purely fictional. Yet, as we embarked on this 45-minute hell ride that involves joining the Haunting Hour Crew for their first in-person podcast recording, we couldn’t help but feel as though we were genuinely being watched by something ominous. Our fellow mystery-solvers were self-proclaimed escape room veterans, whose skills were seriously put to the test. Ghostly knocks and chilling screams echoed around us, heightening the tension as we delved deeper into the sinister truth behind what happened to the fictional Moore family in 1901.
Though we were nestled within a compact space, the attention to detail in the room was impeccable. From unsettling Victorian portraits to a selection of eerie artefacts like a malevolent teddy bear, every element contributed to a palpable sense of dread. There was no point where the horror theme was ever lost, as we found ourselves communing with the departed through a ‘spirit box’ (a paranormal take on a walkie-talkie) every time we felt stuck and needed clues.
The storyline echoed the excellence of literary classics such as Henry James’ The Turning of the Screw and horror masterpieces like The Exorcist. Puzzles, ranging from classic combination busting to a uniquely breath-driven enigma, kept us engaged at every turn. But what really elevated the experience was its theatrical conclusion, thrusting us into a spectacle of horror that left us anticipating something or someone to burst out of the shadows.
Of course, the only people hiding in the dark were the geniuses behind the event, Michele and Ben. Michele’s background in management at Tulleys Farm Escape Rooms is evident, as her passion for horror and immersive storytelling permeates every detail. Before leaving, the duo left us with the promise of another spine-chilling adventure – a toy shop-themed horror experience set to debut this Halloween.
Unsolved is an absolute must-visit for lovers of horror and escape rooms, completely unlike anything the city currently has to offer. Just one word of warning: you might want sleep with the lights on afterwards.
By Neave Glennon
Until Sunday 2nd June; various times; £10
The Actors, 4 Princes Street, Brighton, BN2 1RB
brightonfringe.org