Even though exit games have only existed in this country at all for two and a half years, and only flourished over the last one and a half, it’s really exciting to see the slight variations that some locations are putting in place on the traditional exit game format. Having a game played outdoors like Agent November was one twist on things; having a game played as part of a historical attraction is another.
Oxford Castle has changed a great deal over the past (almost) millennium, being required to be used in very different ways over time. The Wikipedia article on the Castle’s history tells the story in full. However, this site is most concerned with its use as a prison from 1785 onwards for just over two centuries; over the last eighteen years or so, it has been a prison no more and is partially used as a hotel. Enough of the historic parts of the castle remain that costumed guided tours are available around the site under the Oxford Castle Unlocked brand.
So far, so familiar. What’s really interesting for this site is that one page in the “Private Hire” section of the web site details Jailbreak!, which uses the exit game format in a real – though decommissioned! – prison cell. The game is set in 1952; a prisoner has broken out of the jail, leaving puzzles and clues behind. Follow the trail to solve the jailbreak within an hour in order to unlock the top of the tower to permit you to make your escape.
This pushes the “local flavour” button, the “historical story” button and the “not Victoriana” button – and is it possible to get a more authentic setting? The narrative is based on the true accounts of recent prisoners, with some written clues and tools of the trade including a telephone and a musical soundtrack. All this authenticity comes at a price of accessibility: despite the windows and open plan of the cell, the setting may be a little much for the most troubled hearts. Additionally, being set on the top floor of a listed building, the sole method of access being 50 stone steps with an iron banister means that this isn’t a game for the less mobile.
The ticket price of £54 covers an entire team of 3-5. While it doesn’t permit you to take advantage of the standard guided tour, the Jailbreak! experience begins with a walk through the nine hundred year old subterranean crypt, up through the Georgian prison wing, and all the way to the top of the Debtor’s Tower, only open to those taking part in the game, and permitting a great view of the best of the prison.
Jailbreak! isn’t the future of exit games. However, it’s definitely part of their future, and bound to leave those who experience it with much stronger and more visceral experiences and memories of the castle’s prison phase than those who just experience it through a guided tour. A huge compliment to Heritage Projects for having the creativity and resources to try something as distinctive and different as this; this site hopes it works really well for them, to the point where other historical sites, where it’s appropriate, consider this to be a route worth exploring.
W00t! May need to arrange a visit here as part of Oxcon next year… Or just an excuse to visit Oxford anyway 🙂