Live exit game The Real Escape to open in Portsmouth city centre

The Real Escape Ltd has secured a lease on a property in Commercial Road which will be converted into a unique “exit room” challenge.

Players take part in small teams of between three and six, working together to hunt for hidden clues to eventually find a key so they can make their escape.

Along the way their lateral thinking, communication and problem-solving skills will be tested to the limit – and co-operation is key to finding the solution.

The Real Escape, which will open on March 19, is aimed at friends, families and students as well as businesses who are invited to use the experience as a team-building exercise.

The “exit game” concept was first developed in the United States in 2006 and has since become a phenomenon in Europe, with rooms opening in Germany, Holland, Croatia, Hungary, Sweden and Switzerland.

The Real Escape is the first of its kind to open in the Solent area. The first room to open inside the challenge game at Commercial Road will be named The Chamber of the Deep and will have a nautical theme in keeping with Portsmouth’s maritime surroundings.

Managing director Andras Szabo has plans to open more rooms at the site in the coming months.

Andras said: “We are incredibly excited to bring this concept to Portsmouth. The Real Escape is a real challenge and solving the hidden clues to finally unlock the door is a true team effort.

“We believe this is a unique proposition in the region. For groups of friends and family, the game tests how they communicate with each other and how well they really get on!

“I’m extremely proud to bring The Real Escape to Portsmouth and can’t wait to welcome our first visitors when we open in March.”

The Real Escape recommends that players book in teams of five to get the most out of the experience, although groups can be made up of a minimum of three and a maximum of six people.

It is recommended that players are aged 14 or over, and those aged 14 to 17 must be accompanied by at least one team member who is aged 18 or over.

The Real Escape is now accepting bookings on its website at www.therealescape.co.uk where visitors can also find out more information about the game.