Sydney played host to horror fans and the horror hesitant alike on Monday night, as an iconic theatre underwent an eerie transformation for an immersive screening of HBO’s original series “IT: Welcome to Derry”.
The Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace offered guests a “choose your own adventure” style experience based on their tolerance for fear, allowing viewers to opt for ‘Scream Mode’ with high intensity horrors including live actors and jump scares. or ‘Safe Mode’, a soothing retreat bathed in soft light.
Upon arrival, guests were swept into 1960s small town America, reminiscent of the town of Derry, Maine from Stephen King’s “It”. Initially greeted by glowing neon signs, classic cars and the warm aroma of buttery popcorn, the idyllic façade soon began to crack: smiles faltered, blood stains emerged and sinister clowns loomed, hinting at the creeping dread beneath Derry’s surface.
“We didn’t just launch a series – we summoned Derry,” said Sasha Mackie, senior director of marketing at Warner Bros. Discovery. “This experience was designed for the fans, first and foremost.”
According to YouGov data, Australia has a complex relationship with horror. Around half of all Aussies say they would be more inclined to embrace it if they were given a safe environment to watch, while the other half are all for maximising fear.
“We wanted every guest to feel seen, challenged and immersed, and from the moment they stepped into the Orpheum, they were no longer in Sydney – they were in Derry, choosing how deep into the darkness they dared to go. With ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ split-scream, we’ve redefined what it means to experience fear,” Mackie added.
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In ‘Scream Mode’, a haunting organ soundtrack set the tone as guests took their seats, only to be met with sudden chills, unsettling sounds and jarring scares that had even veteran horror lovers clutching their armrests.
Meanwhile, ‘Safe Mode’ offered a gentler journey. Guests were welcomed by cheerful ushers and the upbeat sounds of 1960s teen pop. Wrapped in cozy blankets and armed with survival packs, they were guided to plush seating while “nervous nurses” dispensed calming tonics and breathing tips – ideal for those who prefer their horror with a side of serenity.
“IT: Welcome to Derry” is now available on HBO Max, with episode two due for release on Halloween. Subsequent episodes will drop weekly on Mondays.