Escapable: The Great Loudini

By | September 25, 2022

by Escapable (website)

Thornes Lane Wharf, Wakefield WF1 5RL

Wakefield

2-6 players

Languages: EN

75 mins
Wheelchair suitable - contact the venue for details
You have been tasked by Harry Houdini himself to help retrieve one of his stolen diaries. Taken by the imposter that is 'The Great Loudini'... However that's not all,  Loudini has been working on a way to predict the future! Can you retrieve the diary in time and help Houdini secure his place, as the greatest magician of all time...
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Overall rating

Rated 5 out of 5

based on ratings from 46 users
combined with 2 pro reviews

Your review

Player reviews

Farmergeddon Outta Here experienced rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 2 May 2024 Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifulmagicalamazing hosting
What can be said for this room other than, wow! The magic interwoven throughout the room was brilliant. Tom has created something very special in this room; magic combined with the puzzles and challenges of an escape room worked so well for a truly memorable experience in this room! Tom also took the time afterwards to explain different elements of the room and it was lovely to get the backstory to how the room was created, and the nods to his life throughout the game really add to the sense of authenticity of this game.
The puzzles were of a reasonable difficulty, we really enjoyed the flow of the room and the sheer number of puzzles that were packed in there. All in all, this is an unmissable game and one worthy of its status in the world of escape rooms! 
Anonymous expert rated this:Rated between 45 and 45 out of 5
Outcome: Successful escape!
originalgreat hostingmagical
goyinghome rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
value for moneygreat hostingmagical

Hosting taken to the next level 

🎲A Jones experienced rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 28 Jul 2023 Team size: 2 Time taken: 68:17 Outcome: Successful escape!
great hostingmagical

Fantastic. One of our favourite experiences and rooms. Tom really pulled it off and from the moment we entered to the moment we left we were in his magical world and everything was on theme and exciting. Clearly a lot of love and effort has gone into this and if you like magic you'll hopefully notice loads of nods and tributes to things from that world. You can tell that the owner really likes this theme and is into their magic and they've made this room their baby.

Loved the live magic!

🤘The Pick of Destiny expert rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Team size: 2
story-drivengreat hostingfamily friendly

This was a really interesting concept and something a bit different. Had a lot of fun playing it and would recommend!

🦡cipherdelic virtuoso rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: July 2023
clevergreat hostingmagical

Its amazing to see escape room owners take a chance and do something different,  it sparks the imagination of the players and re-writes the escape rules.  This adventure takes a  fabulous room of magical puzzles and interweaves with some memorable and interactive magical cabaret throughout it.

Tom may have created a rod for his own back (as the only host), but what a wonderfully crafted rod it is. I'd happily play it again just for the show.

Chris Metcalfe experienced rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 28 Jul 2023 Team size: 3 Time taken: 69 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalgreat hostingmagicalquite difficult

An absolute must play room. So different and unique.  Straight into my top 3 rooms! Amazing hosting! 

TheEscapeBoomers expert rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Outcome: Successful escape!
beautifuloriginalcleverquite easy

Absolutely adored this game.  Without spoiling too much - magic is the key! 

Everyone will love this game, even if you're not a fan of magic as the puzzles and room itself has plenty to do! 

My only slightly criticism is certain aspects of the game are bottle necked which I didn't enjoy.

🔐James Bloodworth expert rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 16 Jul 2023 Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
immersivegreat hostingmagical

I'd hoped for an "event" game for my 500th and this did not disappoint, Loudini has rocketed up the enthusiast charts since it opened.  It's not much of a surprise to note that this game features a live-actor but in a totally non-antagonistic way and indeed it's all part of the experience.  You are treated to a magic show at the beginning and that leads you into the main part of the game where you trying to track down magicians notebooks.

The magic in the first page of the game carries on throughout and there are some terrific moments.  Puzzles are a good variety and there's a nice flow throughout this game, signposting is completely on point, hint system is also in keeping with the overall theme.  This is most definitely worth playing.

Our host (and magician) was Thomas, the owner and he was exceptional throughout, this game has been a labour of love for him and it shows throughout.

Excuse me but I now have quite the desire to watch Christopher Nolan's "The Prestige"..

puzzlepalooza experienced rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5

Just go. This is unmissable. Dates are limited because there's only one possible person who can host it, so depends on his availability. TERPECA 2023? 

Nicola Haley rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 12 May 2023 Team size: 2 Time taken: 68 Outcome: Successful escape!
great hostingepicmagical

We played this room for our 50th game and it did not disappoint. Tom was amazing as the host and it was immersive from the beginning.

Brilliant concept with some truly excellent puzzles and a nice mix of padlocks and tech not to mention some incredible magic.

Definitely one to play.

StaceyF expert rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 8 Oct 2023 Team size: 5 Time taken: 53:02 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalgreat hostingmagical
Ladylusiphur rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 5 May 2023 Team size: 2 Time taken: 1:12:41 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalclevergreat hosting

Excellent. Excellent. Excellent. 

I have to say that the people of Wakefield are very lucky with their escape room options. I live in Leeds and have an abundance of rooms and companies there to choose from, but none of them have left me on a high like Outatime, Seance or... The Great Loudini! 

Loudini is different to your average escape room, in that it incorporates an added element of magic to the mix. Often something like this, such as live actors in other games means that the puzzles feel a little less important to the narrative, but this room seemlessly blends the two, adding a trick or two only when the time is right, and focusing on the gameplay at other times. The simplest tricks are sometimes the most magical when seen up close, and while some might be a little familiar, it's just lovely to see them performed so beautifully and incorporated into the story. One or two times we were left thinking 'what?? when... how??' 

The puzzles were a mix, some quite easy, others left us scratching our heads a little. The clue system is very cute, and (I think due to the number of puzzles) there is a clear linear structure that points you in the right direction throughout.  At first I thought it was a bit TOO obvious, but as time ticked away I was genuinely grateful. I don't know that we'd have escaped in the 75 minutes otherwise. You don't want to be worrying about the clock in this room, it would take away from the enjoyment of the story and surroundings. 

The introduction is lovely, with the story beginning as soon as you enter the building. I don't know if it's altered for different teams, but we weren't given a run-down of how to use padlocks etc like we'd normally expect. (I did see padlocks on the table so perhaps that's something that is done sometimes if teams make it known that they're not experienced). I was glad not to have to be told how to use a directional lock for the 74th time as it really did keep the immersion to just get on with things. The intro has a lot of story and fun though, so make sure you arrive in good time to be able to enjoy it! 

Just based on this and Outatime, I can only imagine where this company is going to take us next. I can't wait to see. 

simsi747 experienced rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 14 May 2023 Team size: 4 Time taken: 1.05 Outcome: Successful escape!
immersivegreat hostingepic

I'd heard Tom was building this game over a year ago. I've been waiting since then and it did not disappoint. The build up is fantastic the game play is brilliant. The theme is just awesome. There's a lot of love and personal touches gone into this room. It's a absolute must to do. It's a shame I can only click 3 of the tags for what stood out. 

Pagan Hollis experienced rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 10 May 2023 Team size: 4 Time taken: 49:12 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalclevergreat hosting

Amazing!! Absolutely brilliant. Tom did an absolutely fantastic job with the room and his interactions with us. I wish I could play it again and experience it all over again. By far one of the best rooms I have ever done. 👏👏👏

Jen Wells (Get Wells Soon) expert rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 9 May 2023 Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalgreat hostingmagical

Without shadow of a doubt, this is one of the most enjoyable rooms we have done to date. What Tom - the owner - has created here is something extremely special that will be a magical and memorable experience for anybody, irregardless of age.

This is an experience, rather than just an escape room; it is all done beautifully, with gorgeous puzzles and a fantastic theatrical element to it that elevates it to the next level. Great care has been taken with everything in here and that personal touch really adds to the enjoyment.

This room is magic in more ways than one.

arandzom experienced rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Team size: 3 Outcome: Successful escape!
story-drivengreat hostingmagical

The less said the better! I went into this room not knowing ANYTHING and it was a joy. Probably the best hosting I've ever come across.

detolcrew experienced rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Dan Taylor experienced rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 2 May 2023 Team size: 2 Time taken: 1:03:07 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalimmersivegreat hosting

Stop what you are doing and book in for this room!

Where to begin. First off I will say the passion and heart that has gone into this room is evident from the start. As is mentioned on the website (so no spoilers!) there is a live actor and live magic built into this room. It is delivered at moments that add to the immersion of the story as well as dumbfounding you at the same time!

From a purely puzzle point of view, the puzzles flowed very well with some excellent signposting that was subtle enough to not feel like you were being shoved in the right direction but also obvious enough that you weren’t left scratching your head with what to do. Not the most difficult game I’ve played but still offered up some nice challenges, I think we required only 2 clues in the game excluding pointers where we had stupidly missed things! 

I would say this all helps lead to the finale though as I think every team that plays this game will need to experience the ending of the room. If I’m honest there was almost a tear in my eye as the ending was such an awe inspiring, personal, unbelievable, magical (insert more adjectives here!) and just incredible end that had me walking away feeling as though I’ve been part of the magic.

Jordan Brown experienced rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 2 May 2023 Team size: 2 Time taken: 63:17 Outcome: Successful escape!
immersivegreat hostingmagical

Unbelievable - truly an experience like no other! Hosting is next level and really adds to the experience. Puzzles are logical and well thought out, with a few things I’d never seen before. Great decor which definitely adds to the magic. Do not miss this!

LockAndMe experienced rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 25 Apr 2023 Team size: 6 Time taken: 55
immersivegreat hostingmagical

What we have here ladies and gentlemen, is not an escape room, but an escape experience, like no other I have played before. Really clever, and from the VERY start, and by that I mean, from the door to the building opening, we were in the experience. Our Host led us to a space where we had our brief, this took longer than usual briefs, but honestly, I wish every game brief was like this, I will not be giving away spoilers, but amazing. We were then lead to our room, where the escape rooms puzzles began, but the experience element didn't end.

Now when I first met Tom, the owner (LOVELY guy) he promised me that this room would involve actual magic (not Harry Potter spells and potions, ACTUAL magic) and I'm not ashamed to say, I turned into a little kid, as there was magic, now obviously I'm not spoiling anything here, their website tells you that live magic is seamlessly woven into this room, and it really is seamless. Now the on the surface, the puzzles aren't necessarily anything that people who have played a lot of rooms wont struggle with, nothing is over complicated, or too challenging, but the way they are all set up, one flowing into the next, is really great, and like I say, the magic element, makes this room an absolutely MUST play experience. 

What I will say is, if you do book. Allow yourself to turn into back into a child for a bit, be amazed by what happens, and don't try to work out the 'secrets' to anything, just enjoy it, and you'll get the most out of this experience. 

Thank you Tom, our host. You have given us a truly unique (at least from what I have seen) escape experience, and I don't think anyone will be able to match this.

puzzlebitch experienced rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 26 Sep 2023 Team size: 2 Time taken: 49:56
originalgreat hostingmagical

Wow x10000! What an absolutely outstanding experience this was. What Tom has managed to create with The Great Loudini is just stunning. The combination of escape rooms and magic is so beautifully done from start to finish, with Tom taking hosting to new heights. It was such a beautiful and magical and exciting experience, I actually teared up halfway through the game!

I don't want to say too much (and also try not to read too many of the reviews here - the less you know the better!) - but I truly cannot recommend this room enough. 

Tom and Jenn are both lovely and it was an absolute pleasure to have an in depth chat with them after the game. 

This is an absolutely unmissable game that has set a new bar for me. By far my favourite escape room experience to date. I wish I could do it again! 

d.green26 expert rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 26 Oct 2023 Team size: 2 Time taken: 58 Outcome: Successful escape!
immersivegreat hostingmagical

An absolute pleasure to have a game ran by someone that does actual magic in front of your eyes. I would have happily sat and watched this for an hour if possible but this was just the introduction to a special experience not just an escape room. The room has some good puzzles and some wow moments that we just cant work out how they worked and it felt magical when we solved some of the puzzles helped by our magical host. This game as gone to the top of our list of games its just not a normal escape room it is a great escape room made unforgettable by the hosting and extra magic of the room. This is a must do room unless you really don't like magic

Anonymous rated this:Rated between 35 and 35 out of 5
🔐SpontaneousIllusion expert rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Anonymous rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
samsham experienced rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 12 Apr 2024 Team size: 2 Time taken: 73:10 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalgreat hostingmagical
dak515 rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 26 Mar 2024 Team size: 2 Time taken: 54 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalimmersivegreat hosting
liam and rosie experienced rated this:
Played: 15 Mar 2024 Team size: 2 Time taken: 56 Outcome: Successful escape!
great hostingepicmagicalquite difficult
A must game to play for any enthusiast, it’s literally the best game we’ve played on every level , Tom the host was so brilliant , 24 hours later and we are still trying to work out what happened , it had us hooked from start to finish and the details of the build of the game , was perfect Thank you again for a truly amazing room escapable 
Mrs G expert rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 13 Mar 2024 Team size: 2 Time taken: 58 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalcleverepic
It’s so easy to read other reviews and hope that a game really lives up to its reputation and this game absolutely deserves to be so highly rated. Speaking to the host, Tom, his passion is clear to see and he has created something that is so personal and unique and has dared to take a risk to be different and stand out from the crowd. It’s a risk that has absolutely paid off! Even without Tom and his performance and unique skill set this is a great game but with the addition of seamlessly blending his magical experience with strong puzzles this experience left me more and more wowed and confused in equal measure with every puzzle I solved (and this is absolutely a compliment!). 
Bottom line is, this game is a must play worthy of being at the top of so many lists and rankings and hands down the best game I have played. Thank you Tom for bringing something extraordinary to the escape room world! 
Livipop expert rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 30 Jul 2023 Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalclevermagical
Anonymous experienced rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 9 Feb 2024 Team size: 2 Time taken: 51:23 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalgreat hostingmagical
Jess_keds expert rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Team size: 2 Time taken: 53 Outcome: Successful escape!
cleverimmersivemagical
The reviews are right, exceptional room. Very magical and immersive. Lots of ‘wow’ moments and a good amount of puzzles to keep you busy for the full time. A must do room! The host/owner is exceptional at what he does. 
escapeartist1212 expert rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
originalclevergreat hosting
Mark Crossley experienced rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 11 Jan 2024 Team size: 3 Time taken: 49:53 Outcome: Successful escape!
immersivegreat hostingmagical
Wow, what an experience!!!From entering the Escapable building (with easy parking right outside) the whole Loudini experience begins...  The hosting is superb and, once you've experienced it, you'll know why.It is hard to describe without giving too much away but every teams experience and outcome is unique, in a good way, or should that be in a magical way!This was well worth the trip and is now probably our No.1 favourite room, although their Outatime room is also in out Top5 Keep up the great work Tom!
Seven Of Diamonds experienced rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 2023 Team size: 2 Time taken: ~55min Outcome: Successful escape!
originalgreat hostingunmissable
Gavin Ritchie rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 29 Dec 2023 Team size: 2 Time taken: 62 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalimmersivegreat hostingquite difficult
A modest set of escape rooms built by a group of guys and gals that clearly love and adore the idea of entertaining their guests with high quality rooms, offering great theming and great puzzle quality. The room guides are engaged and very happy to modify their level of support to their guests.This room was played as a group of 2, with moderate escape room experience. Highly recommend The great Loudini. Original input from a host who performs live magic and is intermittently 'summoned' to perform more tricks during the rooms progress. Truly unique!. Highly rate the company as a whole (have played Titanic and Outtatime, all rooms so far highly recommended!)
Davina Bowkett rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Team size: 2 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalclevergreat hosting
TheHs2000 rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 4 Jan 2024 Team size: 4 Time taken: 57 minutes Outcome: Successful escape!
great hostingepicmagicalquite difficult
What a fantastically original and captivating room. We loved every bit of it and can't recommend it enough! Everyone NEEDS to do this room just to experience the extraordinary interweaving of exceptional close-up magic by Tom and some truly original challenges! Tom, our host was super lovely and you can tell that this is such a labour of love for him. We're by no means, escape room experts but we have done a fair few with our kids (teens) and everyone loved it and could contribute equally. This is one of the few occasions the family doesn't squabble!! ;-). I am sure this is THE escape room we will never forget. Thanks so much Escapable and Tom :-))) We're coming back!
bethamari experienced rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 10/12/2023 Team size: 2 Time taken: 52:17 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalgreat hostingmagical
Wow! Hands down the best escape room we have ever played. Which at 75+ rooms done - we don’t say lightly. I didn’t know what to expect going in - and as we like to play as a 2 I was a little apprehensive about the magic element being so up close without the ability to hide in a larger group. If you’re reading this review thinking the same please don’t hesitate to book this escape room experience. It’s absolutely mega. I’m almost a bit upset that we’ll never do a room like this again! Thrilled we got out with no clues too. Thank you so much! 🙌🪄
lozmaka rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 4 Jan 2024 Team size: 4 Time taken: 50
clevergreat hostingmagical
Absolutely mind blowing. What a wonderful host. I urge any enthusiast to visit. 
Lorraine Downing experienced rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 19 Dec 2023 Team size: 2 Time taken: 65:00 Outcome: Successful escape!
originalclevergreat hosting

This is one game that truly earns its 5 stars. From the fantastic host, to some very neat and clearly well-researched puzzles, it was a pleasure to play. Would thoroughly recommend! 

Robert Rajch rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 10 Dec 2023 Team size: 4 Time taken: 57:29 Outcome: Successful escape!
funnygreat hostingmagical

I think this may possibly become our new favorite escape room ever. The theming was superb and the Game Master Tom was amazing. He had us all laughing at various times.

The fact that this room only happens on certain weekends and limited times only made the whole experience even more special. You can clearly see the passion that went into the whole experience.

Spanishfleas experienced rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 26 Nov 2023 Team size: 4 Time taken: 54 Outcome: Successful escape!
funnygreat hostingmagical

A-maz-ing - Even Craig Revel Horwood would give it a 10.  Easily in our top 3 ever. 

Just book it if you can. Feel very lucky we managed to book a time in our busy schedule. 

Tatie experienced rated this:Rated between 40 and 40 out of 5
Outcome: Successful escape!
originalclevergreat hosting
Ashley Archbold rated this:Rated between 50 and 50 out of 5
Played: 26 Mar 2023 Team size: 2 Time taken: 63
originalgreat hostingmagical
The Great Houdini once said "Never tell the auidience how good you are, they will soon find out for themselves"

I had the absolute pleasure of playing The Great Loudini at Escapable - Escape Rooms and I am going to honour the first part of that statement and not tell you how good the room was. What I will say is I have never done such an immersive, evolving, interactive room previously. It's more than a escape room, it's an escape experience. The pride, passion and a little pizazz that the owner has put into this really shines through. From beginning to end, you are taken on a journey of wonder, awe and 'how did he do that??' 

He has done his best to take you back to 1926, the glory days of magic in the past, but the irony is, he shows you a glimpse of escape rooms in the future.

So if you get chance then follow the second half of the opening statement, and go and find out for yourselves.

Reviews by escape room review sites

When rating escape rooms I’m not exactly generous, and I’ve sometimes been asked before, by the owners of exceedingly good games, what persuades me to give a 5* score. My usual reply is that it needs something beyond just all-round excellence: some way in which it stands out that’s specific and distinctive. Loudini has that.
The premise is that you’re sneaking into the dressing room of the conjuror The Great Loudini, in search of the magician’s notebook and also the notebook he may have stolen ...

The Great Loudini was an escape room that has been blowing up the recommendation pages, and since it launched we’d spotted plenty of shout-outs to Tom and the team via the various enthusiast Facebook pages. So naturally, we were very excited to see what Escapable had in store for us! 

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