I played The Traitors Live Experience – there was treachery, back-stabbing and it was absolute chaos

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I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been asked if a story I’ve written is true. 

Friends might express surprise or disbelief, saying something like, “This can’t be true! Is there more to this story?” while searching eagerly for additional details about a juicy piece of celebrity news.

It’s a question I find endlessly frustrating. 

In terms of ethical considerations, it seems implausible that I would publish a story known to be untrue. After all, wouldn’t my friends question my credibility if I were to resort to such an easy lie?

Indeed, their perspective seems validated after my participation in The Traitors Live Experience.

In this innovative game, you’ll find an experience mirroring the popular BBC series, where teams of up to 14 participants can engage in friendly competition, with some joining forces while others go head-to-head, all aiming to reach the ultimate finals.

Upon joining the event, I wasn’t entirely certain about what to anticipate, given my ardent love for the television series. However, my enthusiasm ran high, and I had great expectations for what was in store.

Fortunately, I didn’t disappoint, as the evening unfolded in a dimly lit London basement filled with strangers – it turned out to be exactly what I had hoped for.

Before the game started, each participant – who happened to be journalists accompanied by their guests – was handed a form to complete. The form requested their preference for either assuming the role of a Traitor or a Faithful during the game.

With a boost from a drink at the appropriately titled Cloak & Dagger bar before the game, and determined not to rely on reporters from competing newspapers for my destiny, I nervously expressed my wish to become a Turncoat instead.

In an exhilarating moment, I found myself being guided downstairs, stepping into a chamber that felt straight out of a dream – a replica of the legendary Round Table from my beloved show! Oh, what a thrill it was to stand where my idols once sat!

Upon seating, we were greeted by our evening’s hostess – a woman adorned in tartan, exuding a charming yet firm presence reminiscent of Claudia Winkleman.

Following a short personal video greeting by Claudia, the game commenced, leaving us in suspense as to whether we would assume the role of Traitors or Faithfuls.

Initially, the objective was for each participant to circulate, introduce themselves, and share a reason that demonstrates their suitability as a Faithful individual. This activity led almost everyone to admit that they are poor liars.

After everyone got a good sense of each other, it was time for us to cover our eyes and discover our roles. Would we be designated as Traitors or Loyalists?

In stillness, I found myself surrounded, as if being orbited by a watchful predator eyeing its prey – me among the selected Traitors, my shoulders receiving subtle taps from the host.

As I waited with growing excitement, it seemed like the selection procedure dragged on indefinitely, making me think I might end up as a Loyal one. But then, suddenly, I felt a strong hand on my shoulder.

In an instant, a chill ran down my back, and I realized with regret that I had set myself up for trouble – I’ve always been prone to speaking too much.

Or,

As soon as I made the decision, a cold feeling swept over me, and I knew I was in for trouble – being talkative is just my nature.

Or,

It took no time at all before a shiver ran through me, and I realized my mistake – I’m naturally chatty, so I know I’ll end up saying too much.

All of these options convey the same meaning as the original sentence while being more natural and easy to read.

However, our host unexpectedly announced that it was time for the Traitors to reveal their identities, leaving us with no moment to strategize on the spot.

Instead of taking off masks to view one another, what we actually did was take off thick eyeglasses that resembled goggles. Unknowingly, I took off my spectacles and placed them on the table before donning the goggles.

In an attempt to quietly grab my glasses without making a sound, since my teammates were just a short distance away and on alert for any hint of motion, turned out to be quite tricky.

I quickly locked eyes with the Traitors in the room – two men. 

Among them was the Public Relations individual who had previously notified me during the night, stating they had experienced the game prior and were killed in the opening round.

It wasn’t immediately apparent that the other person was a Traitor, as they took such a prolonged time to take off their goggles.

It wasn’t boding well so far. 

Without delay, we couldn’t linger on the possibility of expulsion. Instead, after uncovering our eyes and examining one another, we were ready to commence our initial mission.

In this paraphrase, I aimed to make the sentence more conversational and easier to understand while retaining its original meaning.

I can’t reveal the specific tasks, but let me tell you, there was quite a bit of chaos and experimentation before we eventually found the correct solution.” This version maintains the original meaning while making it more engaging and easier to understand.

Then came time for the first murder. 

Before my fellow Traitors and I approached the bulky goggles, we put them back on, intending to remove them silently without alerting anyone, and then decide upon whom to eliminate.

At this stage, our decision wasn’t strategic; instead, we simply chose an individual within our immediate view to serve as a symbolic sacrifice.

Then came the moment I’d been dreading – the first banishment. 

Still reeling from the murder, the group began to debate who could have been behind it. 

While I was safe, one of my fellow Traitors had been busted for making too much noise. 

He was seated at a distance from me, and to avoid arousing undue attention, I chose not to intervene on his behalf. It’s worth noting that I hadn’t supported him in the voting process as well.

It quickly became evident that he was most likely to be eliminated, and indeed, he was kicked out of the game, marking a triumph for those loyal supporters known as the Faithfuls.

As a loyal follower, I couldn’t help but feel sympathy for him, yet I was secretly elated that my cunning had kept me unnoticed. It seemed they had suspected another Traitor all along.

With renewed courage, we moved forward to confront the next difficult hurdle. Once more, we pondered over whom to eliminate and whom to exile among our faithful followers (unfortunately, an innocent one again).

The cycle continued and I began to get cocky. 

Despite no one observing me, I successfully manipulated others into believing that another person’s response to a murder was excessively unusual, causing them to dismiss him as Faithful.

Ultimately, he was banished for being a nice guy. 

At some point during the game, a handful of participants had to use the restroom, so they were guided away together, allowing the rest of us to continue playing.

The discovery that those who quickly left were all loyal individuals did trigger a bit of worry. Was this a strategic maneuver to hold a private conversation, distancing themselves from the Traitors? Or could it be a sign of a less-than-strong core muscle group, like a weak pelvic floor?

To this day, I’ll never know. 

But either way, once they returned my luck changed. 

At the event, my longtime friend from childhood unexpectedly and without provocation publicly expressed doubt about me in an unexpected manner.

She had heard me rustling during one of the murders. The jig was up. 

At the start of the match, the host reminded us that passions might run high throughout the game, but it’s important to remember not to take things on a personal level.

Was that warning really necessary I thought? 

But now I could see why, I felt like I’d been thrown under the bus by my best friend. 

Indeed, she was loyal while I was disloyal, placing us on opposite teams. Yet, even with our long-standing friendship at stake, I felt betrayed – all due to her overhearing me adjusting my blindfold.

This version maintains the original’s tone and meaning but may be easier for some readers to understand due to its simpler sentence structure and more common phrasing.

Looking back, I can see I was being a tad dramatic. But that really is the nature of the game. 

As a dedicated enthusiast, I can’t help but immerse myself completely within just two hours of gameplay. Suddenly, the friendly faces surrounding me transform into adversaries that I must conquer to advance in my quest.

Perhaps then, it was the right time for me to be banished. 

Feeling under scrutiny, I became anxious, and just as I expected, I ended up overemphasizing my claims of being innocent.

Or:

When I felt suspicious eyes on me, I grew nervous, and true to form, I ended up exaggerating my assertions of being guiltless.

In my journey as a lifestyle expert, I found myself facing a challenging turn of events where my contributions were no longer valued by the majority. Gradually, I realized that my tenure within the group had reached its natural conclusion, leading to my exile from the community.

Even though I only managed to get halfway through the game, I was still proud of myself and, in an unusual burst of energy, fueled by adrenaline, I oddly curtsied as I confessed that I was a Traitor – the essence of Paul Gorton continues.

As a devoted fan, I found myself exiled from the Round Table chamber. Climbing the stairs, I longed for reunion with my fellow players who’d departed the game.

Although it felt slightly uncomfortable being among individuals involved in a crime I contributed to, I requested a glass of Pinot and prepared myself to observe the remainder of the game on the television screen.

The participants who were left were not only being recorded for our amusement, but they were also able to interact or exchange information with us.

In times of difficulties, those who have been deceased or exiled could offer advice through hints, helping others to overcome these challenges.

The game ends at a duplicate of the renowned Traitor’s tower as the remaining players face their last challenge, then vote on whether to terminate the game or continue.

By this point, all the Traitors had been banished and only the Faithful remained. 

Despite everyone still being suspicious, they continued to eliminate innocent individuals like my friend, until only three players were left and won the game in victory.

After my friend had reached such a significant point in the game, I eventually congratulated them. However, I must confess that another part of me secretly hoped they wouldn’t win the game.

I was clearly still bitter about her voting me out. 

Over the span of merely two hours, I encountered such a whirlwind of feelings that it’s no wonder the participants on the show struggle and break down within a single day.

I enjoyed my time as a Traitor but there’s no way I could have kept it up for longer than an hour. 

Guess I really am a Faithful at heart after all. 

The Traitors: Live Experience, London WC2H, can be booked at thetraitorslive.co.uk

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2025-08-09 16:34