In Sydney Australia, the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace played host to both horror fans and the horror hesitant last night, as the iconic theatre underwent an eerie transformation for an immersive screening of the HBO original series IT: Welcome to Derry.
Offering guests a “choose your own adventure”-style experience based on their tolerance for fear, viewers could opt for Scream Mode, with high-intensity horrors including live actors, jump scares and eerie surprises, or Safe Mode, a soothing retreat bathed in soft light, filled with plush pillows and comforting treats for those who prefer their frights with a gentler touch.
Upon arrival, guests were swept into a nostalgic version of 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. We know Australia has a complex relationship with horror, with around half of all Aussies saying they would be more inclined to embrace it if they were given a safe environment to watch, and half all in for maximising the fear with an all-encompassing horror experience.
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.”
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.
You can watch our full video recap of the event on YouTube:
By presenting two distinct paths to terror, HBO Max broadened the appeal of horror, proving it can be both electrifying and welcoming — whether you scream in the shadows or in the light.
HBO Original drama series IT: Welcome to Derry is available now, only on HBO Max.
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