John Roberston presents the DARK ROOM
at
Caddies Southend
Southend-on-Sea
20:00
Description
John Robertson’s THE DARK ROOM
“An hilarious, sadistic, participatory cult classic” – Neil Patrick Harris
“NOT TO BE MISSED” Guardian, “hilarious game show” Independent
“A Rocky Horror for nerds… reader, I howled” Telegraph
Since 2012, The Dark Room has been at the forefront of interactive comedy, fusing improv, stand-up, crowdwork and gaming into a legendary, deranged Live-Action Videogame!
The format is simple: You’re trapped in a videogame! Players pick options off a screen and try not to die! If they win, they get money! If they fail, they die and win terrible prizes! At the end, everybody plays together! Hosted by improv comedy overlord Mr John Robertson, The Dark Room is a high-octane cult experience that gets the whole crowd laughing and chanting along.
The Dark Room has filled massive theatres, appeared at some of the best-known comic-cons in the world, headlined tents at rock festivals, and garnered a slew of sold out Edinburgh Fringe runs and awards. Clips from various The Dark Room shows regularly go viral on TikTok and Instagram.
As seen at: Glastonbury, PAX East, UK Games Expo, MCM Comic-Con, Download, PAX West, Soho Theatre, Leicester Square Theatre, Birmingham NEC, PAX Australia, 2000 Trees, BlueDot, Worldcon, Insomnia Gaming Festival, EGX, Twitch Global Front Page.
Awards and nominations: Won - Best-Reviewed Edinburgh Fringe Comedy 2025, British Comedy Guide, Nominated - Best International Show, New Zealand Comedy Festival 2025, Runner-Up NextUp Biggest Prize in Comedy 2022, Winner- Chortle Award 2020, Winner – Best Kids Show, Leicester Comedy Festival 2018
Further info: In 2020, 2021 and 2022, John performed The Dark Room as interactive 48 and 50 hour charity marathon shows on the streaming platform Twitch, raising over £150,000 for various charities including NHS, Woman’s Trust, Refuge and Mind.
“A game of passionate nostalgia” ★★★★★ Skinny ★★★★ Den Of Geek ★★★★ Telegraph ★★★★ List “irresistibly dangerous” ★★★★ Stage ★★★★★ “will leave you crying with laughter” Broadway Baby SOLD OUT Edinburgh Fringe 2019 – 2025
Description
Caddies Comedy Club stands as a significant cultural anchor within Southend-on-Sea, serving as Essex's sole purpose-built venue dedicated to the art of live comedy. It provides a consistent platform for both established national talent and burgeoning local voices, enriching the region's entertainment landscape and drawing audiences keen for authentic performance.
The club cultivates an intimate atmosphere, where the low hum of anticipation before a set gives way to the collective release of laughter. The comfortable seating, often arranged to ensure clear sightlines, invites patrons to settle in, perhaps with the subtle aroma of a freshly mixed cocktail lingering in the air, creating a focused yet relaxed environment for comedic immersion.
Practical considerations are well-addressed, with the venue offering full accessibility, including lift access and dedicated toilet facilities, ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests. A well-stocked bar provides a range of beverages, from craft beers to inventive cocktails, complementing the evening's entertainment.
Throughout the year, Caddies Comedy Club hosts a diverse programme of events, encompassing both traditional stand-up showcases and dynamic improvisational comedy nights. These evenings consistently feature a rotating roster of comedians, from those with national profiles to promising acts honing their craft, ensuring a varied and engaging schedule for regular attendees.
12 London Road,
Southend-on-Sea,
Essex,
England,
SS1 1NT.
General Admission : £17.60