NYC Tip: Sleep No More

While I had a short layover in New York last spring, I finally got to visit properly this year. During my trip planning, I reached out to Orta who had lived in NYC for a while. While he gave me a wonderful list of things to eat, visit, and do, one item caught my interest: an immersive performance called Sleep No More.

Sleep No More is an award winning theatrical experience that tells Shakespeare’s Scottish tragedy, through a darkly cinematic lens. The story unfolds through an awe-inspiring blend of acrobatic choreography, film noir soundtrack, and countless rooms of densely detailed atmosphere. Guests decide where to go and what to see, ensuring that everyone’s journey is unique, and each visit is different.

I researched it a tiny bit more and learned that it's best experienced without too much knowledge about what you'll experience – and I agree.

I was able to talk two other friends into going (not easy, as the price of admission is around $150) but that evening turned out to be the highlight of the trip - I even asked another friend and went again a few days later after digesting the first experience. We kept talking about it for days and it's still woven into my dreams to this day.

Some Spoiler-Free Tips

• Read at least a five-sentence summary of Macbeth. But be aware that Macbeth is just a framework and theme for Sleep No More.

• Consider taking one or two friends, but roam independently. You'll want to talk to someone after it.

• Try to guess a slow night and book the earliest slot (e.g. 7pm). My suggestions would be Sunday to Wednesday.

• Book “Oz’ Guest” (add $30) ticket for the expedited access line. It also will reserve you a seat a table at the jazz bar in lobby of the venue.

• Be there 15 minutes before your slot to be one of the first in the expedited access line.

• If you order a drink after you get to the lobby, be prepared that you might not get to drink it before being admitted into the experience (definitely go in as soon as you’re called). You might consider asking your waiter whether they can get you a water and whether you can pre-order something for after the show ends at 10pm. Consider leaving the alcohol for later to be alert for the experience.

• Optional: Consider wearing clothes that fit with the dark noir theme. But wear shoes that you can run in.

A few things that might make sense once you're in:

• Be curious and accept that you will miss things (the FOMO is strong here).

• Identifying some of the Macbeth characters will help you navigate.

• Don't be afraid of being a follower with a group of other people. Especially during the first hour where less people are in the building. But following a side character can be equally rewarding.

• Following loud music might lead you to interesting places.

Additional Reading

EDIT: Since the show has announced it's final final final extension, you might only able to see it once (if at all). So I strongly recommend making yourself familiar with the story.

You might also consider reading another spoiler-free primer for Sleep No More which has a bit more information.