The Courtyard Theatre brings a week of horror, comedy and cabaret to London this Halloween

Shoreditch's independent theatre is celebrating Halloween with six days of unsettling stories, supernatural comedy and unconventional performances.

Halloween in London is about to take a theatrical turn as The Courtyard Theatre in Shoreditch prepares to host its Horror Festival 2026, bringing together an eclectic programme of performances from 27 October to 1 November.

The six day festival will explore the darker side of live entertainment, combining horror storytelling, improvisational comedy and burlesque with the unexpected twists that make independent theatre distinctive.

Rather than relying solely on traditional scares, the programme embraces humour, theatrical experimentation and the macabre, offering audiences an alternative way to celebrate Halloween in the capital.

A Halloween programme with a theatrical twist

The festival opens on 27 October with Horror Anthology, a production that returns for a second performance on Halloween itself, 31 October.

On 28 October, SUCCUBUS takes to the stage, followed by Improv The Dead on 29 October, bringing an improvisational element to the week's entertainment.

Halloween night will also feature The Werewolf, while the festival concludes on 1 November with Night of the Stripping Dead, a production that brings burlesque into the horror themed programme.

The line up reflects the theatre's interest in bringing together different performance styles, with opportunities for audiences to experience everything from unsettling storytelling to more playful interpretations of the supernatural.

Celebrating the unusual

For The Courtyard Theatre, the festival offers an opportunity to showcase the creative freedom of independent performance.

Siva Zagel, Head of Programming at The Courtyard Theatre, said:

"The Halloween season is the perfect opportunity to explore bold ideas, unusual stories and unexpected forms of performance. We're looking forward to welcoming audiences for a programme that brings together creativity, humour and a healthy dose of the macabre."

Tim Gill, Artistic Director, added:

"Horror Festival is a chance to celebrate the imagination and individuality of the artists who make live performance so exciting. From unsettling stories to outrageous entertainment, the programme offers something different for audiences looking to experience theatre beyond the ordinary."

The festival also highlights the role smaller independent venues play in London's cultural landscape, providing space for unconventional productions and emerging creative talent.

Horror Festival 2026: Full programme

27 October - Horror Anthology @ 7pm

28 October - SUCCUBUS @ 7pm

29 October - Improv The Dead @ 7pm

31 October - Horror Anthology @ 7pm

31 October - The Werewolf @ 7.30pm

1 November - Night of the Stripping Dead @ 8pm

An independent theatre at the heart of Shoreditch

With a history spanning more than three decades, The Courtyard Theatre has established itself as a venue for independent theatre, live music, comedy and experimental performance.

Situated within Shoreditch's creative community, the theatre has long provided a platform for artists working outside conventional theatrical formats.

Its annual Horror Festival continues that tradition, bringing together performers whose work explores unusual stories, bold ideas and imaginative approaches to live entertainment.

For Londoners looking beyond the usual Halloween parties and attractions, the festival offers a different kind of evening out, where the scares share the stage with comedy, creativity and theatrical surprise.

Horror Festival 2026 runs from 27 October to 1 November at The Courtyard Theatre, Shoreditch, London. Tickets are available through the theatre's official box office.