Sleep No More Shanghai vs. New York - Which is Better?
"Situated in the heart of Shanghai on Avenue Street, the legendary McKinnon Hotel was once the most luxurious venue at the centre city's decadent social scene.
Home to a family of Scottish nobles and their friends, it hosted visitors from around the world in luxury never before seen in the city.
Once day towards the end of the 1930s, the hotel mysteriously closed its doors, and has remained closed ever since. Now, over 80 years later, this distinguished hotel opens it doors again..."
Sleep No More is the most elaborate and interactive dance theatre show on the planet. It's been playing for more than a decade around the world in fictional hotels set up specifically for the experience, and I was lucky to catch the Shanghai version on the very last day – January 25, 2025. – before its temporary closure last year.
Prior to that, the show had been running for an impressive fourteen years in the Jing'an district of Shanghai, since December 14, 2016.
We were in China to celebrate Chinese New Year with our extended family for the first time in eleven years. Right before that, I'd come home from the Martha Graham Winter Intensive in New York City and had seen Sleep No More there – getting a private scene right after I entered! – plummeting me into a world of amour, murder, and a binge of online perusing.
In other words, it was MINDBLOWING. You can read my full New York review here:
Angela Xu
If all this sounds risqué, you'd be right to a degree. The one-on-one private scenes can get quite intimate, and there's a lot of sensuality, kissing, and feverish choreo-fighting in the performers' duets and trios. I've heard some performers get full-on naked in specific scenes.
I was beyond excited to see how Sleep No More Shanghai compared to its New York counterpart (which, sadly, has permanently closed its doors since January 2025). Here's my full review of the whole experience and how the two stack up.
What is Sleep No More?
(If you've read this already in my New York review, feel free to skip ahead to the hotel experience.)
First premiered in London, England, in 2003, Sleep No More is the darling of choreographic group Punchdrunk, led by Maxine Doyle. And what a darling time it’s been. The interactive, immersive show has now been running for over a decade, and it’s spread beyond Europe’s borders to the US, China, and, most recently, South Korea (summer of 2025).
Sleep No More is an immersive retelling of Shakespeare’s Macbeth in the form of live dance and theatre, set in the 1930s era of speakeasies and illicit affairs.
It’s an experience. Guests are expected to come dressed their best or ready to sweat, whatever your personal preference. Either way, be prepared for a lot of running, high temperatures, and excitement (or fear) around every corner.
It’s the perfect blend of romance-meets-haunted-house, with elements of Clue and Sherlock Holmes, only you’re the Holmes of your own adventure.
How much the story actually follows Macbeth is anyone’s guess. I’d say it’s loosely based off of it, and you’d have a trying time attempting to piece together a coherent plot the first time round (oh, yes, people go back over and over; some fans have even made the trip over five hundred times).
Each edition of Sleep No More around the world is physically based in an old, derelict (and fictional) hotel. It’s as if The Twilight Zone and Murder on the Orient Express had a baby.
Each entry pass gives you two to three hours inside, depending on your entry time and city. Late entry times (eg. 8 PM) are usually only alotted two hours.
My experience at Sleep No More Shanghai
Buying the ticket
Buying a ticket for Sleep No More New York was very straightforward; you just go onto the partnering producer's website and choose your time slot. Easy peasy.
Buying in China for foreigners is a little more complex. Google is still banned, and in recent years the Chinese have converted many of their business platforms to Wechat "Mini Programs."
Wechat is the main messaging app there, directly in line with KakaoTalk for Korea and LINE for Japan. It started as a simple enough app service, combining the core functions of Messenger, Skype, and X (Twitter). With the advancement of technology, Wechat has become a giant in the commercial business trade – they have literally everything, including a wallet similar to Apple Pay (except it's Wechat Pay), taxi-ordering services, a TikTok-like branch in-app, and the aforementioned business accounts.
Once a business sets up a public account with Wechat, users can buy services just like in any other shopping app. These programs also send out push notifications about new releases and marketing promos. This is one of the main ways Sleep No More Shanghai, produced by SMG Live, sells and advertises its tickets.
You'll need to use the phone number you created your Wechat with to verify and enter the Mini Program. (Beware that many Mini Programs are only available to those with a mainland Chinese number.)
Now, if you're not able to access this, thankfully there's still a way. Go onto Punchdrunk's official website, and the page for Sleep No More Shanghai will direct you to their ticketing partner, Trip.com.
This is how I bought mine, and the tickets 100% work.
Sleep No More Shanghai also has VIP options for sale, which can include things like a pre-show drink with a character, special lounge time, and more.
Entering the Building
Arrive at the latest half an hour before your entry time. The line starts building early. Sleep No More Shanghai is located in a large building called Shang Yan Gu (尚演谷) that also features (guess what!) a real hotel and a restaurant. The Box Office is a little hut outside the building. Check in here first and then head down the star-studded alleyway to the locker room.
This is where you can (and should) leave everything you don't need. The lockers are small, so they'll fit shopping bags and the like. Coat check is further down, and you should take off any jackets and extra layers because you will heat up quickly inside. All of these services are free, unlike the New York version. Take only the essentials like your phone and some petty cash or a credit card.
From here, continue to the end of the alleyway, and a greeter will welcome you and direct you upstairs, where the journey begins. Somewhere along the way you'll be given the signature black pouch for locking your valuables in and your playing card "room key." (Make sure to keep the playing card in the unlocked pocket of your pouch.)
Every Sleep No More adventure starts with a pitch-black tunnel, and the Shanghai staff made us go in in small batches. At the door, the man asked us if anyone had experienced the show before. I said I had, so he gestured me to the front of the line.
I felt super knowledgeable and just a tad proud as I sauntered fearlessly through the tunnel this time, listening to the shrieks and nervous chatter of the girls behind me. 😛
Manderley Bar
We emerged into the Manderley Bar of the mysterious McKinnon Hotel, where a slender girl in black named Lulu waited for us. She spoke in accented English, giving us the rundown on some house rules (no talking; "fortune favours the bold"). We each got a white mask to wear the entire time, differentiating us from the staff in black masks and the maskless performers.
Unlike New York, Shanghai's Manderley Bar was comparatively bright and well-lit. It was packed. A pianist tapped out some tunes to while away the time. Also unlike New York, as I discovered by trial-and-error, the numbers on our playing cards weren't random this time; we had to wait in batches again until a performer in white – let's call him White Tuxedo Man – announced the next group admist his soulful crooning.
I got a 10 of hearts, so I was one of the last to enter. Make sure to hand your card over momentarily for staff to punch-hole it. White Tuxedo Man left his remarks with us at the entrance in a stately manner. Lulu said her goodbyes at the elevator, and an elevator attendant took over.
The Mask
I'd like to point out that the masks for the New York and Shanghai versions are different – and thankfully so. While I didn't find the New York mask uncomfortable at all, the Shanghai mask is molded to fit a more Asian population – i.e. wider noses, fuller cheeks, and shorter chin lengths.
Left: New York / Right: Shanghai
The black pouches used for your valuables are also different (New York's was more vertical; Shanghai's looked like a pencil case / makeup pouch).
The Elevator
The McKittrick Hotel in New York didn't have this. We climbed stairs up until we got into the hotel part itself.
I decided the elevator deserves its own section because of the funny instance that happened that really showcases the mindset of a Chinese audience.
From the start, I didn't get as much of that spooky, mysterious feeling as I got in New York. The bar was loud, the lights were bright, and many people promptly disobeyed the no-talking rule inside the actual hotel.
Lulu had reminded us to take this journey at our own pace, and that it's one best taken alone. The elevator attendant tried to reinforce this by forcing random chosen ones out on each floor – "This is your floor; please step out" – effectively splitting up groupies. Unfortunately, they underestimated the power of love (or, rather, the man who just doesn't care).
This guy was obviously only there because his girlfriend wanted to come. She was a smiley, jittery lady – easily scared – and the elevator attendant made it her personal duty to split this couple up. At least, she tried.
On the next floor, the attendant selected the girlfriend to step out. The man went to follow her and was interjected by, "Sir, please stay put." Not missing a beat, the man threw back, "Oh, I won't," and pushed past as the doors closed behind him.
How do I explain this in a cultural context? All of the above happened in Mandarin. What the man did was unarguably rude, but there's a certain tone Chinese people use when they're halfway between polite and unmannered. It's like he was saying, "I know I'm being a total a-hole, but, listen, don't take it so seriously." The result was awkward humour.
I had a feeling the attendant dealt with people like him often. I hoped she'd select me to be a lucky one to throw out, but that was not the case, and I was let out with the last of the group on the 5th floor.
Inside the McKinnon Hotel
Fortunately, the interior of the hotel didn't disappoint. It was just as ghostly as the McKittrick in New York – perhaps even bigger and more decorated.
For some reason, I remember the sets of Shanghai much more than I do of New York. I was also insanely flustered by my immediate one-on-one with Malcolm in New York, so that might explain it.
In the McKinnon Hotel, I have vivid impressions of the foggy forest greens, the room of bathtubs, several lovers' bedrooms – many with a sink and washtub in the center – the ballroom, a story nook, a cabaret stage, a distressed and bloody bedroom murder scene, a hidden staircase through a neverending pathway of vines, a hotel lobby, a gentleman's living area with full-length mirror and sofas, the shop alley, a derelict graveyard, a hidden church, and a barnyard/hay house.
I also found a large washroom in the hotel myself and stepped in for fun. The difference in atmosphere was striking and hilarious. Just imagine you're in the middle of chasing ghosts when you suddenly have to go, and you step into a cold-lit bright washroom with the sounds of rustling tissue and tap water as your soundtrack. It's a completely separate nook.
It was in the hay house (which actually wasn't a hay house; I'll explain in the Spoilers), at the very end of my three hours – when I'd lost all hope of getting a private scene – that I got a one-on-one. But more on that later.
I'd overheard some girls talking about the Sexy Witch before entering, and, indeed, I found her this time. Well, I found three witches dancing together, all in slender gowns and high-heeled character shoes. I hadn't done too much reading up on the Sleep No More lore since New York, since this China trip had happened soon afterward, so I couldn't tell you who's who.
And I definitely can't tell you what happened in what order. It's a blur.
What I can tell you are specific moments and scenes I saw, details I found:
- A letter correspondence detailing a sister missing, an elopement gone wrong.
- A nurse pacing sullenly through the forest, walking out through the crowd and choosing a lucky one by the hand to take with her.
- The nurse again (or was it another woman?) crouched frightened in a bathtub next to the forest room.
- A bloody washtub bathing in the large bedroom.
- A lovers' contemporary dance dispute in a smaller corner bedroom – their duet was the most sensual and charged of all I witnessed. Another moment with the sink/washtub in this room – trying to get rid of evidence?
- A trio between the Witches and a man in the hotel lobby. Seduction? Play? Threats?
- A long, long silent conversation between a handsome butler and a gentleman as he prepared to go out.
- A fight in the graveyard. A desolate man falling face-down, pausing... waiting... We waited with him. Then he slowly got up, lifting a large tombstone over his back and dragging it through the dim, blue-lit graveyard.
- A tiny bedroom stained with blood that had probably just had a scene happen in it, and the staff quickly ushered me out before shutting the door.
- In yet another secret bedroom "underground", the murder of Duncan, strangled to death.
- The murderer running off to wash his hands of sin in a bird bath, splashing water on me as I found a less crowded vantage point underneath the bath.
- An "exit" door at the very end of a dark hallway that only I had stayed behind to explore – everyone else had run off with their performer. Behind the door, a staircase decorated with vines and greenery that led me onto the next floor and a continuing arched pathway of vines that never seemed to end. The darkness surrounded me almost as much as the blind hallway I'd first travelled through. I felt my heart pound faster with every step; was I going the wrong way? Had I entered a trespassing zone?
- Thankfully, the pathway of vines finally led into a small cabaret bar with stage, where an elegant lady with long, black curls and a red gown performed a number. I was one of the only ones there. A few minutes later, a crowd gathered from following a performer, and the set onstage turned into a sinister something with fog, LED backlighting, and, of course, conflict. The Witches showed up again, engaging in table play with the guests – plotting something.
- At the opposite end of the twisting hallway, a large hidden barn with a secret door on the inside corner, out of sight. Hay scattered the floor. It was dark. A gaggle of guests, watching a performer and the Magician at the bar (was she one of the Witches? I don't know. We'll call her Magician for now.)
Now we come to my private scene. I had no sense of time, but I'd been inside long enough to resign myself to the likely chance I wouldn't get a one-on-one.
I was wrong. There's always time.
The second performer left, and half the guests followed them out. It was just the Magician and us now. She looked out at us calmly, head shaved, dressed in a white blouse and black vest.
Then she locked eyes with me. She came forward. I held my breath. Was this the moment? Was she choosing me?
She took my hand gently and led me to a door beside the bar, shutting out the rest of the guests. She sat me down on a bench inside the tiny room and pulled out a stack of poker cards. Somewhere in this process she took off my mask and set it aside; I don't remember when or where.
Expertly, the Magician shuffled them and told me to pick one. Then she reshuffled, all the while relaying a story to me, something I couldn't quite pick up on or understand in its context. Finally, she asked me to say "stop" (in English) when I wanted. I wondered if she was surprised by my native English accent.
She slowly pulled out the card, the exact same as the one I had picked out before.
Again, she took me by the hand and led me out a separate door behind her. The hallway was quiet and empty, save for the Lady in Red from the cabaret who waited for me patiently at the end. The Magician passed me off to the Lady, who miraculously produced my mask and slipped it over my head again before taking my hand.
We walked down the hallway together, down the stairs and past other stragglers going to the grand ballroom (almost losing each other in the crowd). The finale dinner party was already well in progress, and the Lady and I emerged from a side door to join the edge of the crowd. She put her hands reassuringly on my shoulders as she guided me in front of her before letting go to let me watch.
I remembered this scene from New York. The cast members, surrounding a long table in an homage to The Last Supper, watching pensively as one man rigged himself up to a rope around his neck, stepped off, and ... blackout. The audience gasped.
Then the lights came back on to a polite round of applause as the man continued swinging before being let down, and the Lady (who I'd thought had left) took my hand once again, smiling like Mona Lisa as she led me to the final exit and into Manderley Bar. She dropped me off at the photo op station where Lulu first greeted us, and gracefully she departed.
Exiting the Hotel
First things first – I ran downstairs into the evening light to get the sensor tag on my pouch removed. Then I returned to Manderley Bar for some post-show ambience. There was no stopping us from taking photos now. White Tuxedo Man was crooning a soft set of songs.
I used the washroom – my first encounter with a squat toilet in eleven years – and sat down to take in the music. By some magic, the girls who'd lined up behind me at the beginning of this journey were right next to me, and they reached out with warmth to make conversation. I learned about some other shows going on at the time – specifically "WetMen," a popular touring act of hunky-dorey Russian dancers. (Unsurprisingly, they've achieved a level of celebrity status amongst young Chinese women.)
They helped me take photos in front of the photo op, really taking it seriously – pose like this! tilt your head! (This is why there's a joke that you should look for a young Asian girl to take your photo when travelling.)
Sorry, face too oily for presentation :3
Then we said our goodbyes, and they left their masks on a growing pile beside the exit, but I kept mine for keepsakes. A while later, I headed downstairs to find them again in the gift shop, and I spent the longest time perusing everything the store had to offer.
The Gift Shop
In the realm of merchandise, China can't be beat. Their supply blew the New York gift shop out of the water. They had Sleep No More-themed everything, from pens to stickers to notebooks to magnets to hoodies to COVID masks to posters – everything!
Picking up a few items and putting them down again, I finally decided to purchase just the weighty souvenir program (the old version; they had a new one too). Here, I bumped into another Chinese way-of-life I'd never experienced until then. The cashier helped me set up my Wechat Pay account – luckily I had a balance already; I just needed to register.
She was a sweet girl who enjoyed talking to her customers, and she threw in a reusable Sleep No More COVID mask for free. Originally you could purchase it as an add-on, which I'd declined, but she handed one over as an afterthought with a shrug and an, "It's the last day."
Sleep No More merchandise.
With my book, mask, and beautiful shopping bag in tow, I finally made my way out.
Self-Service Photo Booth
When you enter the star-studded alleyway again, you'll notice a Sleep No More themed photo booth to the side! Stop by here for some extra fun-sies to add to your souvenir kit.
A Happy Ending
By the time I stepped out into the night, it was completely dark.
I was so happy.
Not just because of the show but because I was of an age this time where I could explore Shanghai on my own terms. I was so excited to see how the city had changed. But that's another story.
Walking along the sidewalk, I noticed two performers from the show ahead of me, talking in English. In fact, half of the performers were foreigners in China, and I struggled to keep myself in check and not intrude upon what was obviously their dinner break before the evening round.
All the way back home, I marveled at the beauty and innovation that is modern performing arts. Material souvenirs are always nice, but nothing beats a good experience that will never repeat itself.
Till next time, Sleep No More.
So What Actually Happened in My Private Scene?
Spoilers!
After some extensive research online, I finally figured out that my one-on-one was with The Speakeasy Bartender (so I wasn't, as I thought, in a barn). It took me a long time to connect the dots because my Bartender was female-presenting and had a shaved head like the Bald Witch, and I only later found out that the performers each play multiple roles, along with having swings who step in when the main cast is unavailable.
The Lady in Red who took care of me at the end was probably Hecate herself, the witch conductor of the prophesies that plunged Macbeth and the characters into turmoil. She always wears a singular, floor-length red ballgown.
The Speakeasy Bartender is Hecate's familiar. When I entered the speakeasy in a remote corner of Gallow Green, the Bartender must have just finished their Scenes 6 and 7, wherein they played a card and drinking game with the audience members. If they pulled a "wrong card," their drink was tossed (literally). Then Boy Witch, Bald Witch, and Agnes Naismith all enter at different points, causing a kerfuffle. Finally, these characters leave, luring half the audience with them. It was about this moment that I entered from the hidden door to the speakeasy and found a clear vantage point.
With only a handful of eyes left, my Bartender locked into me, staring. They came forward and reached out their hand. I took it, and calmly they led me to a tiny room behind the bar counter, shutting the rest of the audience away.
This fandom site says the Bartender offers a toast before the card trick, though I personally don't remember that -- not that it wasn't possible. Remember, the performers can change details on a whim depending on the time and situation. The mask removal and card trick happened as mentioned above. I can't remember what they said to me beyond magic trick instructions, nor can I find the dialogue anywhere online. Finally, hey took me by the hand and guided me into the Gallow Green hallway to meet Hecate at the end.
Everything else was as I explained above. Hecate stood regally, watching as I came step by step closer. She miraculously produced my mask and guided me by the hand down to the ballroom, where the cast members and audience were already gathered for the grand finale. After Macbeth's hanging, she dropped me off at the photo op in Manderley Bar where I first entered, then whisked away in a flurry of red. She was silent the whole time.
It should be noted that where the Bartender took me aside was only about halfway through their third "loop," which is generally when the Sleep No More experience ends. If the loop had continued, the Bartender would've gone on to the witch rave, but as our time had come to an end, they played one final private scene with me before I was brought to the finale.
See the FAQs for more information about character loops.
Resources I found my scene information from:
https://sleepnomore.fandom.com/wiki/The_Speakeasy_Bartender
https://beyondthelines2016.wordpress.com/2016/01/02/snm/
Hidden Scene: The Legend of the White Snake
Each edition of Sleep No More tries to incorporate myths and legends from the hosting country's culture. I heard rumours from the same girls I talked to that the famous Legend of the White Snake is played out in Sleep No More Shanghai, though it's extremely hidden and hard to chance upon.
I imagine this would be the equivalent of the apparent secret 6th floor inspired by the gothic novel Rebecca in other Sleep No More versions – see this blogger's review:
Comparing New York vs. Shanghai
| Category | New York | Shanghai |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Win | |
| Set Design | Tie | Tie |
| Audience (respect for the show) | Win | |
| Price | Win | |
| Ticket Tiers (VIP Experiences) | Win | |
| Gift Shop | Win | |
| Add-Ons (coat check, lockers) | Win (free) |
The amazing thing about Sleep No More is that no two experiences are ever the same, neither between audience members nor the day. To compare them is a little bit like expecting the math formula to work out to the same number, only for the denominator to change overnight.
My final thoughts are this. While it seems like the Shanghai production earns more "wins" in various categories, I'd argue the atmosphere of a show and audience behaviour take the larger percentages of what makes it enjoyable, and New York's got those down pat.
In Shanghai, Sleep No More is taken as more of a date night offering. At least half of the audience members are couples, or, at the very least, girls on a night out. There aren't too many singles like me, unlike in New York where there were many solo-goers. (See? The New York audience has it hammered in that it's a journey best taken alone.)
Inside the hotel, I also heard many people talking in the stairwells or snatching a whisper during a scene – talk about killing the vibe.
But, as with anything, your experience is what you make of it, and both were stellar experiences that I would go back for again and again.
Bonus: Sleep No More Shanghai Auditions?!
EEEKKKK!!!! (Me when I got the newsletter on their Wechat Mini Programs about a new audition for their Shanghai production.)
The Shanghai closure last year was only a hiatus, with plans to make the show better and even bolder than before. New VIP experiences were also added.
Auditions were in April 2025 with callbacks in Beijing and Shanghai, and I of course applied to it as soon as I could. Beyond the usual dance info (CV, video link, headshot, bio), they also asked our fluency in Mandarin and/or English and if we had additional skills like improvisation, magic, and/or singing. A Chinese visa was also required for work if you're a foreigner, but this could be done after receiving an offer.
The applications were separated into Actor and Dancer. I applied for both, and, despite my valid visa and bilingualism in Mandarin and English, I wasn't selected for the in-person callback. * Tears of despondency *
This is one of the more disappointing silences I've gotten because I would absolutely LOVE to perform in Sleep No More. Plus, since I have family in Shanghai, theoretically I could room with them and save the rental fees.
Oh, well. There's always next time ... if the new Phantom of the Opera-based show implies anything.
What about Sleep No More Shanghai now?
Called a "Special Edition," the McKinnon Hotel has been open again since April 2025 (after the auditions), with new VIP experiences available. This run will go until February 8, 2026. (Alas, I will have just missed this version when I go back to China in 2026 – * cries tears of bitterness *)
The experience has been condensed to two loops, with each ticket only allotting two hours now.
FAQs
How do I experience Sleep No More?
Sleep No More is best experienced solo. Trust me on this; even if you come as a group or in pairs, you will get split up eventually — or lose each other along the way, whichever comes first.
In fact, in some cities, the staff will actively try to separate couples and groupies (see my Shanghai review).
The temperature will get a bit hot and humid inside, so dress light for summer and have layers for winter. You can leave any heavy clothing and sweaters at coat check; don’t worry, you really won’t need them — coming from someone who gets cold easily.
Once inside, you’ll enter a whole new realm of mystery and intrigue. People who’ve done their research beforehand may be tempted to figure out the plotline or insist on following one actor the whole time, but in my experience, it’s best to just go with the flow.
Forget about making sense of anything; the more you try to do so, the less coherent things will seem. Besides, it’s much more fun to relax and chase after whatever piques your interest, whether that’s a particular performer, a dark alleyway, or a hushed whisper around the corner. At Sleep No More, you’re allowed to be distracted. You’re allowed to go wherever your intuition leads you.
Oh, and don’t forget your sneakers. Running is not mandatory but highly recommended. (If anything, it adds to the heightened suspense of things.)
Each member of the audience is as much a part of the cast as the performers themselves. So much so, that it's encouraged to interact with the props and furniture. They're there for you, so feel free to flip that tantalizing book or look through the secret love letters of an elopement gone wrong. Just be mindful of any set pieces that the performers are using, and don't move any heavy furniture from one place to another. Basically, anything you can pick up easily in your hands is fair game (as long as you return it).
How should I dress for Sleep No More?
Speaking of sneakers, here’s a clarification for anyone wondering what’s appropriate to wear to Sleep No More.
As long as you’re comfortable, and it doesn’t hinder anyone else, you can wear whatever you want. I’ve seen people show up in full-out ball gowns and floor-length dresses, with a full face of makeup to boot (hey, if you're not afraid of sweating it off, go for it).
Most people show up with T-shirts and jeans or sweatpants (as I did). It’s really anyone’s game.
The cast members are decked out in 1930-esque gowns and formalwear, so you can definitely go fancy to match their vibe.
Can I take photos and videos?
No ... with exceptions. The staff will make you put your phone and wallet into a black bag, then seal it with a security tag. Anything else you bring with you should be left at coat check.
(I know, I want the memories too, but we should be respectful of the show's rules. Besides, the adventure's much more fun when you're not glued to a camera.)
That being said, many people did whip out their phones during the finale (that I noticed in New York). They must've broken the security tag somehow.
After the finale, the crowd is herded back outside, where staff will unseal your bag for you, and you can go back to the Manderley Bar for a drink. The bar after the show is the only place where taking photos and videos is allowed.
Update: In Sleep No More Shanghai, photos are also allowed in the Manderley Bar before the show.
Do I have to wear the mask the entire time?
Yes. It's important for staff to distinguish between performers and audience members. If you happen to forget your mask after a private scene or lose it somewhere, ask a staff member in black for another.
Also, if you start wandering around without a mask, you'll find you'll become a very interesting center of attention.
Of course, if you need a breather or are feeling unwell, notify a staff member or rest in the washroom for a bit.
Are there washrooms?
Yes! Washrooms are available in the bar before you head inside. There are also washrooms within the hotel you can ask a staff member to direct you to.
Am I really not allowed to speak?
Speaking is not allowed inside the hotel except during private scenes (aka. one-on-one's) or if you need help from a staff member. If a performer invites you to speak, feel free to do so. Other than that, it's best to keep silent and enjoy the moment, then gab about it at the end of the show. It keeps the atmosphere alive.
What if I miss a scene? Or arrive in the middle of one?
Don't fret; all the storylines cycle and repeat. Each scene is intricately timed to link to another one, and once the whole story is "over," everything sets back to the beginning. You've got about maybe two or three chances to catch a specific scene again, although it's hard to determine when the next cycle will begin.
Remember, you won't know what time it is inside. Unless you're a seasoned Sleep No More resident, my advice is to just go with the flow and forget about ticking scenes off like a to-do list.
Are gift shop items the same across the globe?
No! This is where it gets fun. Just like how each edition of Sleep No More is curated to the city and culture it takes place in, gift shop items also change from city to city.
This can be due to resources, buying habits, design, etc. In my opinion, Sleep No More Shanghai has much better merchandise than New York City (probably, they were all made in China anyway).
It's sold out. What do I do?
Keep refreshing and checking the website. People cancel last-minute all the time, or the organizers will release extra tickets closer to a specific date. It's worth going into the event calendar to check, even if there's a big "SOLD OUT" banner across their homepage.
References / Resources
To find out the whole story about Sleep No More (and the articles that helped me piece together what happened after the fact), I recommend these great gems:
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HER Cooper
Contributors to Sleep No More Wiki
https://www.reddit.com/r/sleepnomore/comments/1d2vhq3/elevator_location/
