GREAT GOLD BIRD
A wanderplay by Twin Alchemy
what lengths would you go to for someone you love?
Great Gold Bird is a narrative-focused “wander play” inspired by immersive theatre, alternate reality games, and escape rooms. Henry Combs is missing, and he wants to be found. He's left a trail of clues in his personal ephemera for you to follow. As you sort through the contents of his life, you discover a personal history of love and grief that takes you to multiple locations across Houston and planes of existence.
“Great Gold Bird instantly had its hooks in me...tugging at our hearts even as it becomes more mystical — its themes ricocheting among grief, science fiction and spiritualism. Twice it brought me to tears, its script feeling at once deeply personal yet universal for anyone who has survived a significant loss. And yet it possesses an underlying narrative drive, a pull to discover its secrets that transcends any sense of sadness."
FAQ
IS THIS AN ESCAPE ROOM?
Great Gold Bird is NOT an escape room, though it does have some light puzzle elements. Think of it like being immersed in a real-life exploration video game but in “story mode.” You will enjoy this experience most if you are living in and absorbing the story, rather than racing through it or looking at everything as a potential puzzle to be solved.
OK, BUT WHAT IS IT THOUGH?
Great Gold Bird is an immersive, site-specific, "wanderplay" that puts you in the center of an emotional mystery. You will explore digital and physical spaces in Houston to uncover the mystery of what happened to Henry Combs. It takes about 2.5 hours to complete (not including drive time). It’s a narrative-driven, interactive scavenger hunt that asks you to engage with the story primarily on an emotional level. Aside from the booking time you sign up for, the experience is self-guided and paced to you/your group.
Recommended for fans of immersive theatre, interactive art, first-person exploration video games (i.e. Gone Home, Firewatch, What Remains of Edith Finch), larp, alternate reality games, and escape rooms.
WHEN IS IT HAPPENING?
Great Gold Bird is coming to Houston the beginning of March - End of May for a limited run. More information about tickets and dates soon!
CRITICAL LOGISTICAL INFORMATION
Great Gold Bird takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete, not including drive time. Before your reservation time (the time of the ticket you purchase), there is an online portion that will take, on average, 30-40 minutes to complete. It’s important that you have a way to access the internet, as well as time to experience the online portion at least an hour prior to when you will depart for your reservation. The reservation location is in the Spring Branch Central neighborhood of Houston (exact address revealed in the online portion).
In addition to your reservation time, you will need transportation to a second location 6 miles west (address later revealed). The experience does NOT need to be completed on the same day, though it’s strongly recommended. Please plan accordingly if you or your party are visiting/traveling.
Shortly after purchasing a ticket, you will receive an email from someone named Emily Combs. Check your spam folder if you do not see it in your inbox and THEN send the email back to your inbox before opening it so that the hyperlinks aren't disabled. This is how your experience begins. Email greatgoldbird@gmail,com if you don’t receive an email from Emily within 30 minutes of purchasing a ticket.
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN ATTEND?
This is an intimate experience for just 1-2 people.
DOES EVERY GROUP GET THE EXPERIENCE TO THEMSELVES, OR WILL WE BE PLACED WITH STRANGERS?
You always get the experience all to yourself.
HOW EARLY SHOULD I ARRIVE?
You must arrive 15 minutes prior to your booking time to provide ample time for orientation and to use the restroom. Even if you arrive right at the time of your booking, you may lose some of your time in the room. Sorry we have to be strict about this, but we need to ensure our employees have adequate time for resetting rooms and taking their lunches and breaks.
WHAT IF I HAVE TO RESCHEDULE OR CANCEL?
All sales are final, but rain checks are available a week or more out from your appointment time. If you are running late or need to reschedule, please email greatgoldbird@gmail.com
IS GREAT GOLD BIRD SCARY?
No.
CONTENT WARNING
grief, cancer, natural disasters (flood), death of a parent and spouse, language
CAN I BRING MY KID OR BABY?
Great Gold Bird is not recommended for anyone under 14, due to the subject matter (see the above content warnings). Any person under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Babies may join their parents so long as they remain in a hands-free carrier for the first location. You may want a stroller or hands-free harness for the second location.
ACCESSIBILITY WARNINGS
We regret that one of the locations in Great Gold Bird is not accessible to wheelchair users. In addition, it is not recommended for audience members who are not comfortable with walking up to half a mile (total), or walking up an inclined hill.
The narrative of Great Gold Bird relies on visual and auditory storytelling. It is currently only available in the English language. Guests who are deaf or hard of hearing are encouraged to let us know so we can set up an accessible version of the experience for their booking.
Please reach out to greatgoldbird@gmail.com for inquiries about ADA accommodations.
