IT was one of the most popular television game shows of the ‘90s and – from tomorrow – the public can try it out for themselves.

The Crystal Maze Live Experience, at the Old Granada Studios, in Manchester, is an adaptation of the hit show that creators are calling a bigger and better version, with more games on offer.

The programme, famous for wacky frontman Richard O’ Brien and signature theme tune, was a favourite with audiences between 1990 and 1995.

Team Bolton Mazers went down to take a look for ourselves and to see if the new live experience could possibly be anywhere near as good as before.

After donning our orange bomber jackets for a group picture, it quickly became apparent that, although not a spitting image of the original, the new version was pretty close.

First we were greeted by our slightly eccentric American Maze Master, Jane Kirkpatrick, before swiftly being taken into the thick of the action.

The same four zones still exist; Aztec, Medieval, Futuristic and Industrial and also the same four types of game.

Up to eight contestants have to decide who will participate in a choice of skill, physical, mystery and mental challenge.

The dreaded lock in is also still a threat but, unlike the television version where contestants can buy out locked-in team members in exchange for a crystal, this time around they are given a puzzle to solve or forfeit to regain freedom.

Every crystal won equals five seconds for the grand finale in the Crystal Dome.

After collecting 13 crystals during a fun couple of hours of solving (or trying to solve) numerous riddles, calculations and physical challenges, we were given 65 seconds in the Dome to collect as many golden vouchers as possible.

After all said and done, we were happy with a place on the leader board, although how long it will stay there is another question!

A London version, which opened last year, has gone from strength to strength with many days having sold out, and opening a second location had been touted for a while.

Crystal Maze Live Experience founder, Tom Lionetti-Maguire, said: “I’ve often been asked if we could build another Crystal Maze and, if so, where it would be.

“For me there is only one choice and it could only be in Manchester.

“Every time I’m in the city I fall in love with it a bit more. The people are great and the place is buzzing!”

With the doors opening to the public from tomorrow, a number of the first days are also sold out, so people who are interested should not waste any time in booking up places.

A maximum of eight contestants can play in one group.“We are just looking forward to getting more and more people through the doors now,” he added.

“It’s bigger and better brighter and there are 24 new games here so it’s really exciting.

“I was always a huge fan of the show and when I met Malcom, the creator, and Richard O’ Brien and got their blessing it was a dream come true.”

To book tickets, visit www.the-crystal-maze.com