Cracked - Special Guest Preview

Scare attractions are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, and from that growth a number of more extreme events have emerged. The demand for more intense scares has increased, and physical elements, including simulated torture, have started to feature more and more. For many seasoned scare fans, events of this nature represent something fresh & different; an alternative to the traditional haunt, and a welcome addition to the scene. After all, those who are feeling a little desensitised would likely welcome a more hardcore option.

The latest attraction on the more extreme end of the scale… potentially the most extreme in the UK so far, is Cracked. Part elimination exercise, part psychological experiment, Cracked is described as a ‘survival experience’, and it looks set to take things to a whole new level.

I was offered a unique opportunity to enter as a sort of guinea pig, giving a few of the challenges a trial run; essentially a shortened version of the full evening with previews of the other segments. This ended up being a solo adventure, as every other invited guest had chickened out. My experience lasted about three hours, and while I wasn’t able to participate in everything, I definitely got a taste (literally…) of the event, and a general idea of how it would feel from end to end for full participants.

I'm sure you've all guessed this already- it’s not easy. Alongside the physical element, the team have created a striking aesthetic within the space. Dirt, grime, random objects, debris, and worrying apparatus. Everything I encountered made me question the situation; whether I was about to be tricked, lied to, or just abandoned. It was all very disorienting. I'm not sure whether I could do the whole thing. I was tired, uncomfortable, and bewildered towards the end. But then again, within a larger group it may be easier to muster the energy to power through. I guess that's for the participants to find out.

For those who may have seen the picture already- yes, I did throw up. I won’t tell you why. Nor will I tell you why I wanted to shower so badly, or why I have a couple of bruises. All I will say is that certain components of this event went beyond what I was expecting. The content varies greatly throughout, and that variation is what threw me off at times. The whole thing put together will be an unforgettable experience. It will leave you reeling. It will completely reboot your system.

The Cracked team have worked hard to prepare for this; everything has been rehearsed and organised for the first group’s arrival next week. But preparation aside, there’s still a presiding sense of unpredictability, which, for me, is what makes this so unique. No-one can be sure what lies ahead. How will people react? How long will they last? In some ways, this is uncharted territory in the UK. I can't wait to see what happens when the full groups begin their experience.