Mark Watson - Before It Overtakes Us

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.