Bag of Beard Theatre is bringing its critically acclaimed, darkly comic retelling of one of London’s most outlandish urban legends, The Highgate Vampire, to The Cockpit from January 28th to February 1st, 2026.
Based on the true-life media frenzy surrounding alleged vampire sightings in Highgate Cemetery during the 1970s, the show parodies the hysteria that led to public "vampire hunts" and the desecration of graves. Writers and performers James Demaine and Alexander Knott use ink-dark humour and retro gothic storytelling to recount the outrageously true events.
The narrative takes the form of a darkly comic scientific lecture on vampire hunting, delivered by an unlikely pair: a demon-hunting Priest and his sworn adversary, a tobacconist who moonlights as a vampire slayer. Described as drawing influences from The Mighty Boosh, Matt Berry, and Monty Python, the performance features absurd re-enactments, original music, and even a séance.
Following a successful run at The Glitch and a stop at the Omnibus Theatre in December, the production's transfer to The Cockpit marks a significant milestone. It is the inaugural Stephen Joseph Transfer, a new programme designed to give a company a full week to develop and present their work in the round at The Cockpit.
Writers and performers Demaine and Knott expressed their excitement, stating, "To have the opportunity to bring the audience closer to our tale and really tell them the story through the in-the-round form, is a brilliant challenge."
Bag of Beard Theatre is an award-winning collective known for stripped-back, collaborative storytelling. Directed by Ryan Hutton, The Highgate Vampire promises 70 minutes of outrageous, spooky comedy for ages 13+.
Venue: The Cockpit, Gateforth St, London NW8 8EH
Dates: 28th January – 1st February 2026
Times: Weds – Sun 7.30pm, Sat – Sun 2.30pm matinee
Tickets: £15 - £13 (concs)
Booking: www.thecockpit.org.uk | 020 7258 2925
