Shanghai's immersive drama Sleep No More celebrates 2,000th show

The immersive drama Sleep No More, in its Shanghai iteration, jointly produced by Shanghai Media Group and Punchdrunk, the pioneering British theatre company, will reach its 2,000th performance on Aug 3.

Known for its high-quality choreography, diverse script cores, and cinematic stage design, the show has been long showcasing its vibrant identity and demonstrating extraordinary IP influence.

Since its Asian debut at the close of 2016, the play has captivated audiences and garnered immense success at the box office, amassing a total income exceeding 520 million yuan ($72.17 million) and drawing in over 60,000 spectators.

"The 2,000th night of show is an astronomical achievement here in China and Shanghai. I think the only other show that has achieved those types of numbers is probably the Shanghai Circus. So we're sort of standing alone here at the top," said Eric Jackson Bradley, the resident director of the show.
The production's staging venue at the McKinnon Hotel has recently introduced a new VIP experience space, Lounge M, located on the hotel's 8th floor.

Xiao Chunjie, the play's production manager, expressed the team's aspiration for the new space to offer patrons a sense of novelty and expanded possibilities, building upon the established narrative of Sleep No More. By innovating new experiences and performance products, the production aims to engage a broader demographic, particularly attracting young tourists from around the globe.

This year has seen a notable surge in international attendance at the play, with a pronounced influx of overseas visitors, particularly from South Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asian nations, according to Xiao. Shanghai's implementation of the 144-hour visa-free transit policy has positioned the city as a premier destination for global travelers, further bolstering the international appeal of the sole Asian rendition of Sleep No More.

To enhance the experience for international guests, professional drama stewards will offer services including bilingual translation, ensuring a seamless and enriched viewing experience for all attendees, according to Xiao.
With Sleep No More New York set to be closed in September, the Shanghai iteration will be the lone show in the world soon.

The 2,000th night of Sleep No More Shanghai begins at 7 pm at the McKinnon Hotel.