Mark Watson - Before It Overtakes Us

Mark Watson at The Haymarket in Basingstoke

In a world spinning ever faster with AI breakthroughs, existential dread, and the occasional awkward chatbot encounter, Mark Watson is bringing his uniquely neurotic charm to the stage with Before It Overtakes Us—and Basingstoke is on the map.

On Saturday, 27 June 2026, The Haymarket will host the award-winning comedian, novelist, and accidental YouTube phenomenon as he wrestles with the absurdities of modern life. Watson’s latest tour is a witty, poignant exploration of how we navigate a world where machines might outpace us, and where even a simple customer service call can spiral into an existential crisis—especially when you realise “Phoebe” on the other end is a chatbot.

But this isn’t just a tech-fear tirade. Watson’s brilliance lies in his ability to blend the deeply personal with the universally relatable. Whether it’s the terror of a mid-air engine failure or the struggle to coordinate a parcel delivery, he finds comedy in the chaos of being human. And in Basingstoke—a town that knows a thing or two about transformation and resilience—his reflections are bound to strike a chord.

Tickets are already available for the Basingstoke date, and with Watson’s reputation for sell-out shows and marathon performances, it’s wise to book early. Before It Overtakes Us isn’t just a comedy show—it’s a reminder that while the robots might be learning fast, there’s still no substitute for a sharp mind, a warm laugh, and a night out in a theatre full of humans.