YOUR TIME IS NOW

Welcome to Your Time Is Now. Part of the Walk This Play series by ThickSkin.

For the next 45 minutes or so you will walk and listen to a story unfold.

If you look at your phone you will see an orange line and a marker that shows your position. To stay on track just follow the line. The orange line will pass through a number of zones. When you walk into a new zone the next part of the story or an instruction will play.

If you follow the directions you will end up back here at the Lawrence Batley Theatre.

While you walk the regular rules of the road apply. Be safe and be aware of your surroundings. The story will wait for you and you can travel at your own pace.

You are in the courtyard at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in the circle on the map.

Voice of Time:
A long time ago in a Town called Huddersfield there lived a time spirit and her chosen people. These people were known as The Settlers'. They had travelled from far and wide and brought their families and trade to this new town to begin a life of prosperity.

The settlers were the "chosen" ones and as a way of saying Thank you to the settlers for bringing their skills to the land the Time spirit gifted them with a special silver clock, upon a church in the centre of the town. This clock was to signify Time’s blessing on the town and the new age of peace and enlightenment that had begun. For many years, the settlers & Time lived in perfect harmony.

Years drifted by and as the centuries passed the people of the town forgot the spirit and her gift and became focussed on their own needs and desires.

No longer caring for the land the settlers unknowingly rejected time itself. Buildings were erected from the ground high into the sky masking the silver clock. Eventually Time herself was forgotten.
Then one day a wild storm crashed across the land, this was the wrath of the time spirit, angry at her people for their betrayal. The spirit wanted to destroy the land and all who resided in it. The people of Huddersfield begged and pleaded for forgiveness. In a desperate attempt to save themselves they offered up the one thing they had available to the spirit in exchange for sparing their lives. The Silver clock and with-it TIME itself.

Time accepted this and cracked the silver clock into a raining shower of glass & ice, which was swept away on the wind never to be seen again. The storm passed over Huddersfield and the people were spared. But with every lesson comes a price…

Breaking the silver clock created a glitch in time and the town stuck in a time loop. Only now would they appreciate the lives they had by re-living each day and never moving forward in time. But still hope remains, Time had left other clocks around Huddersfield. Combined they can re-generate time itself. Only the special few who succeed in taking on the mission of finding the remaining clocks can destroy the time loop forever.

Sound of radio signals

Commander X:
Hello there and welcome to the HD1 Time-Space headquarters at the Lawrence Batley Theatre. You have now entered the time loop activation base. You have been specially selected out of several highly skilled candidates to take part in a secret task force mission. Your skills in orientation, high intelligence level & motivation put you clearly above the rest.

Well Done!

My name is Commander X, and I will be your navigator today for the duration of your mission. I will be based here at headquarters, but you will hear me though your headphones. Turn to face the Lawrence Batley Theatre’s main entrance, now look up to the circular window at the top of the building with the star pattern. From here I will be guiding you on your journey. You may not be able to see me, but I will always see you.

From this moment on you will be tuned into my voice, can you hear me?

Great!

You will be undertaking a crucially important assignment, and we know you are up to the task.

St Paul’s church has lost its clock and without it, Huddersfield is trapped in an indefinite time loop.

Today’s assignment is to re-activate time. The mission will take you around Huddersfield town centre to collect the data required to accomplish this.

But beware you may encounter some strange sights on your journey that may try to distract you.

Try not to lose your way or fall off your path.

Are you ready!

Your time is now.

Turn around to face the main road. Exit through the single gate on the far left.

Then turn left

Commander:
St Paul’s church is the first point on our journey.

Look!

Can you see it at the end of the road?

The circular imprint is still welded into the stone showing where the Silver clock once sat.

Walk towards it.

But do not to get too close, the bell vibrations and energy time-force around the building is unstable. Stay on this side of the road.

Commander
Stop!

Listen…

Time stopping sound

That is the last recording found by our time-space officials of St Paul’s clock before it was destroyed.

The building still echoes the sound of bells ringing.

Can you hear it?

When it lost its clock, we do not know for sure.

Time and space have drifted away like a far memory we can see but not reach.

So there St Paul’s stands tall and proud with no face to view the sun.

Living but very still.

Let’s get moving. Walk with me.

Keep to the left of this path and follow your route around to Zetland street.

Commander: To uncover the hidden clocks, you firstly need to reach the time tunnel passage.

The time tunnel is the connecting pathway that links frozen spaces & locations to reality.

You are currently in de-activated space.

Due to this you can see & hear other people, but the clocks will be hidden to you.

Crossing through the time tunnel will bring you into the reality space.

From there you will be able to locate the clocks on your mission

Keep your eyes alert!

Many clues on your route maybe hidden in plain sight.

Look up…

Look down…

and always listen.

Your path will keep changing but keep Moving forwards.

What can you see?

Remember people are unaware they are living in a loop.

You must blend in and keep your mission a secret.

Can you do this?

Perfect!

Commander:
Can you see yourself in the black windows to your right across the street?

Our coordinates show you are in the correct area.

Keep moving forward.

Can you spot the blue & gold posts at the end of the road?

Perfect!

They should lead you to the time tunnel.

Our systems show ‘The Clock House’’ to your left.

Can you see it?

This seems to be a decoy...It has been placed here to distract you…

Well done for spotting it, we will eliminate it from our search.

Head forwards on your route

I am activating the energy source on your head devices.

This will allow you to harness the energy that awaits in the time tunnel and cross into the reality space.

You do not need to do anything.

Once you are in the tunnel it will be activated

we will let you know once it is live.

Great work you are almost there.

Commander
Well done!

You have reached your next point on the mission.

This is the time tunnel.

Once you enter your energy sources will be activated

You will have 2 minutes to cross before the energy source closes.

Ready?

Go!

Ticking synths sounds

It may sound strange.

Watch your step and be careful.

Look up.

Can you see the glass ceiling?

Follow the ceiling forwards.

You are crossing into reality space.

Keep going.

Here at HD1 base we are tracking your movements.

Can you hear that?

This is the sound of you traveling into reality.

The energy source is closing fast hurry.

Hurry!

Commander:
Well done. You have successfully passed through the time tunnel.

Turn Left.

Walk towards the grass but stay on the winding path.

The next steps on your route should lead you to the first clock, there are 7 altogether you need to find.

No pressure but we need you!

Now you are ready for your first clue: Our analysts have uncovered a riddle from our archives collected from previous mission attempts. We believe this should help you on your journey.

listen and it will lead you to your next point.

Your next point is to be found where stories sleep safe and sound.

Instead of lying on a bed, bookshelves are the place to rest one’s head.

Look for the twins who guard the steps.

that lead to the home of stories.

Seshat, Minerva or Athena, names by which they may have once been known, two goddesses cut from the same stone.

of wisdom, art & justice they are true.

Be open & alert for they can help you.

Singular warriors always by one another’s side.

Get close enough and you will spot them at the level of your eye.

Commander:
I hope that riddle has helped you.

Where do you think that place could be?

Two goddesses guarding steps.

Look around you.

Find the steps with stone guards that lead to the place where books are kept.

Commander:
Well done you have worked out the riddle.

The library is your next point.

Wait, get closer into the statues, and listen to what they goddesses have to say.

They may have further advice for your journey.

Goddesses:
Welcome to the Huddersfield library, we have heard you need our help. We guard the entrance to the stories of the world,

We are the goddess of knowledge & wisdom.

From the year nineteen hundred and thirty-seven we have seen 1,092 turns of the sun since our watch at these steps began.

Time is the mission you seek today and to re-activating it, you are well on your way.

With this we believe we can help.

So, listen very carefully.

Look for two Lions with gold shields on their breasts.

They have seen what is, what was and what is still to come.

They know how this mission can be won.

Good luck on your travels we wish you could stay.

We hope to see you again one day.

Commander:
Great the goddesses have revealed lions are the next point on your journey.

Look out for the gold shields on their chest.

Walk with me, there is no time to lose.

Follow the path and find where the lions are waiting.

Commander:
You have reached the Town Hall; can you see the lions holding Gold shields?

The time loop has left them frozen in mid roar but they are still a very chatty pair.

Move in closer to them and wait. They will reveal the location of the next point.

Lion 1:
What are you staring at? Have you never seen a Lion before?

Lion 2:
They always stare, pay them no mind. What do you think they are after?

Commander:
Clocks. They need the location of the clocks.

Lion 1:
Clocks? Oh, it’s the clocks they’re after. Have you seen any?

Lion 2:
No! I have not seen a clock since…well I don’t know how long it has been. We have been stuck here. Making sure you lot don’t get up to any mischief. No. not on my watch.

Lion 1:
It is not a watch they are looking for it’s a clock.

Lion 2:
Ah yes well, there are a few knocking about but you will not find them here.

You are not too far off

You need to walk down the high street and towards the banks.

There you will find what you are looking for.

Turn around and look across the road. Do you see the red brick Assurance building on the corner?

Walk towards it and turn right, then you will be on the high-street.

Lion 1:
One last thing, on your travels you will meet a bigger Lion just like us. He will spot you from a mile off. Keep an eye out for him.

Now go.

Commander:
Let’s go! Cross the road and walk towards the Red brick building.

Commander:
Now turn right. I have been plotting your route…

Sound of radio signals

Voice of time:
Time is a precious thing. Passing quietly on and on and on.

Notice the people in the shops they have been living the same day repeatedly.

Look to the post office on your right. John works there you can see him through the window. Day in and day out letters and parcels pass through his hands. John has been stuck here for years taking the same letters from customers and sending them, but they never reach their destination.

Look at these people, they are lost. Somewhere deep down in their sub-conscious they are aware time is slowing. Eventually it will stop, and they will be frozen like this forever.

The people who have been stuck in the time loop are grateful for your service. The work you are doing to free them from the monotony of the loop is no small feat. You are their last hope.

Look ahead towards the left. Do you see Costa coffee? Inside you will see Eve. Eve has been stuck under the steam of the hot coffee machines. Repeatedly she brings the same sandwiches to customers. She has been on her feet for so long she cannot remember when she last sat down. Coffee, sandwich, walk ,repeat, on and on forever.

Time is running out. Find the clocks before it stops.

Sound of radio signals

Commander x:
Hello Hello, can you hear me? Apologies. It seems we were having some technical difficulties. It appears there was a signal interference from another force on the radio lines. I am not sure where it came from, but I am back now. You have reached the banks just as the lions predicted. Well done! Now turn left at the Yorkshire building society and walk straight ahead. Follow your route.

Commander:
The navigation system is on high alert.

It is picking up a strong frequency.

Do you hear that? ticking, in the distant it keeps growing.

You must be getting closer. Cross the road and keep to the right. Keep moving. Stay vigilant and keep your eyes alert. You need to look very carefully. Head towards Specsavers this is the best spot to see clearly.

Voice of time:
Amanda works inside, stuck in the time loop she sees the same eyes every day. Blue, green, or brown to her they all look the same.

But do not cross the road or go inside. Stay on this path.

Look at the walls and in the corner to the right.

Great you have found the first clock.

To activate the clocks’ location on the system. I need you to look directly at it for 5 seconds.

Great it has been logged.

Now you can move on.

Walk with me.

Commander:
Turn right and walk towards the traffic lights ahead. Keep moving.

Commander:
Keep to the left of this path.
Walk straight ahead.
The Navigation system is showing that you are getting close to another clock.
The frequency levels are growing.
Keep moving!

Cross the road at the end of the path and walk straight ahead into St George’s square.

Commander:
Great news you have found the second clock.

Walk into the centre of the square and wait.

You need to activate the clock’s location on the system. Once again, I need you to look directly at it for 5 seconds.

Perfect it has been activated.

The time loop has affected the travellers on the trains, whose journeys never end. They repeatedly enter & exit the stations lost in the loop.

You need to break the time loop for them. You are doing great. But we need you to move on to your next point.

Prime minister Harold Wilson was known to be just and wise, he will give you the directions.

Walk towards his statue and wait.

Listen for his instructions.

Harold Wilson:
Good day to you and well done on completing your journey so far. I salute your effects and offer my advice for the next part of your journey. Your next point is not hard to find. Turn around and look up. Towards Lion House, the grand white Lion watches. But beware he is not like the two you have encountered before. Best not to look him in the eye His gaze is fierce and mighty. Stand well back by the fountain, show respect and he will point you in the right direction.

Good Luck

Commander:
No time to delay, follow Harold’s instructions. Turn around and walk towards the fountain. Then stop and wait for the white Lion to address you.

White Lion:
I will not break my watch to look you in the eye, but I have seen you. I have watched you pass through the time tunnel, work out the riddles of the goddesses, follow the instructions of my younger lion cubs and now you have reached me.

For your courage and bravery, I will reveal the next point on your mission. Turn to your left and you will see the 3rd clock you seek.

From this point you are half-way to completing your task. Activate it and head on.

You are looking for the haggling place covered in a wash of blue, green and red.

Farewell.

Commander:
Time is running out you must hurry. Activate the third clock, look directly at it for 5 seconds.

Perfect it is activated. No time to slow down now we must go.

You are looking for the next point.

Where things are bought and sold

Keep going.

Now cross the road to your left in front of the hotel and wait at the traffic lights. You should see Empire house at the end of the street walk towards it.

Commander
Do you see the mannequins and furniture inside?

It is a maze of wonders and forgotten antiques. We do not want to get sucked inside, as our system would not be able to navigate out of the maze.

Turn right Do you see the building covered in blue green and red?

This is place where haggling happens.

You have reached the Huddersfield Market.

Commander:

Great work!

Our navigation shows you are in the correct place.

Look to your left can see the market stalls? Jim has worked here or years, selling his families flowers. Generation after generation here on the market stalls. The time loop is causing all the flowers to wither and die. Petal by petal each day.

You must proceed on, the only way to help Jim and the others is to complete the mission

Look ahead can you see St Peter’s church with its giant clocks? This is where you generate the time activation sequence. You have almost done it.

Quickly now head straight on through the Huddersfield market sign.

Cross the road onto Byram Street and stay on the left.

Your so close to the end

Can you hear the ticking?

The final point is the resting place for fellow time travellers who came before you.

They will lead you to the final 4 clocks.

Like his brother St Pauls, but grander, St Peter’s church looks out to the town.

But all his clocks remain safe and sound.

He has 4 faces and on each a clock for you to collect.

Can you see it ahead?

Keep going!

You are closing in on the target.

Cross the road again safely and keep walking ahead. Do not turn.

But be incredibly careful the entrance is small and delicate.

It will appear on your left.

Commander
You have reached the garden where fallen soldiers rest and the location of the final 4 clocks you need to complete your mission.

The energy in this space is fragile and we need to harness it to begin the reactivation process.

Can you see the Stone spike in front of the two large green bushes?

That is the entrance to the regeneration gates.

Walk towards it and wait in front of it.

To complete the re-activation sequence, you need to walk through the regeneration gates.

Just like the time tunnel once you enter this space the process of activation will begin.

Enter now!

The space is sacred and the energy weak.

Can you the see the large white lamp post ahead in the centre of the path? This is the centre of the re-generation machine. All of time’s energy is being emitted from the white lamp.

To start the regeneration process and activate the last four clocks. You need to stop in front of the lamp and look up at the clock tower for 5 seconds Go ahead!

Perfect, quickly while the energy is stable, Keep going through the centre of the space and complete the journey right through to the other side. Exit to the right at the end of the path.

Well done you have successfully opened the process for re-activation.

You have now found all 7 clocks that were needed.

Now to complete the re-generation launch exit as quickly as you can.

The exit will be on your right.

Commander:
Now head back to base, our analysts are using the data you collected to complete the re-activation sequence.

Cross the road at the zebra crossing then turn left.

Walk straight ahead.

You can see the clocks ticking on St Peter’s church to your left. You have done it.

Turn right onto cross church street.

And keep to the left-hand side of the road.

We can see you close. Keep heading back to base

Hurry the activation will only complete on your return!

No time to wait, we see you are close.

The reality space has been 80% restored.

Commander:
You are almost at base. Can you see St Paul’s church up ahead?
Its energy is stabilising as we speak. Well done. You will need to re-enter base via the gate on your left. Before entering take a moment to pause Look back to your left you can see all the clocks are active in the reality space. Now look at St Paul’s it has been re-awakened.

Now enter through to the courtyard.

Welcome back to base HD1 Lawrence Batley Theatre. Look up to the circular window with star pattern. I can see you have returned, and I congratulate you on your safe journey.

You have successfully returned time to Huddersfield and opened the reality space indefinitely.

Congratulations on the completion of your mission.

Time has been restored.

You have excelled with distinction and we will forever be grateful for your service.

The people of Huddersfield are now free from the time loop forever. John in the post office, Eve in costa, Amanda in Specsavers and Jim in the market will all be free to move forward in time.

You can now proceed with your day knowing life will continue and your mission has been a success.

Over & out.

Sound of a signal disconnecting.

Voice of time:
The only real luxury is time. Once gone you cannot get it back. Whether you are waiting for something good or bad Or for something to begin or end It always arrives on time. Use yours wisely. And enjoy every moment of it.