Garth Marenghi’s This Bursted Earth Book Tour

Garth Marenghi’s This Bursted Earth Book Tour: A Spine-Chilling Comedy Adventure

Prepare for a darkly hilarious journey into the mind of Garth Marenghi, the self-proclaimed “Grand Frightener” of horror fiction. The This Bursted Earth Book Tour storms England and beyond from October 2025 to May 2026, promoting the final novel in Marenghi’s TerrorTome trilogy. Performed by comedian Matthew Holness, this theatrical show blends chilling readings, deadpan humor, and audience Q&As, delivering a cult comedy experience like no other. From Leeds’ historic halls to London’s iconic Palladium, expect apocalyptic tales of Nick Steen battling a “bursted” Earth. With over 50,000 tickets sold for past tours, grab your tickets now for this unforgettable spectacle!

Garth Marenghi Live Across the UK – Full Tour Overview

The This Bursted Earth Book Tour spans over 30 cities, with 17 stops in England, plus shows in Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and Northern Ireland. Marenghi, the spoof horror author from the cult TV series Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace, brings his latest novel’s visions—a sinister black steeple, eerie Catherine wheels, and a mustachioed giant skeleton—to life through dramatic readings and comedic bravado. Below is the full schedule, with England dates highlighted. Non-England stops are included for completeness, as the tour extends beyond England (note: Belfast is in Northern Ireland, not England). Tickets are available via the ticket section.

• October 20, 2025 – Norwich, Norwich Playhouse (England)
• October 28, 2025 – Leeds, City Varieties Music Hall (England)
• October 29-30, 2025 – Salford, The Lowry Quays Theatre (England)
• October 31, 2025 – Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne Theatre & Opera House (England)
• November 1, 2025 – Edinburgh, The Queen’s Hall (Scotland)
• November 2, 2025 – Inverness, Eden Court Theatre (Scotland)
• November 6, 2025 – Kendal, Brewery Arts Centre Theatre (England)
• November 7, 2025 – Lancaster, Grand Theatre (England)
• November 8, 2025 – Scunthorpe, The Plowright Theatre (England)
• November 9, 2025 – Sheffield, The Leadmill (England)
• November 13, 2025 – Ipswich, Corn Exchange (England)
• November 14, 2025 – Crewe, Lyceum Theatre (England)
• November 15, 2025 – Bristol, Bristol Beacon (England)
• November 16, 2025 – Reading, Reading Arts Concert Hall (England)
• November 18, 2025 – Cambridge, Cambridge Junction J2 (England)
• November 21, 2025 – Northampton, Royal & Derngate Royal (England)
• November 22, 2025 – Scarborough, Spa Theatre (England)
• November 28, 2025 – Exeter, Exeter Corn Exchange (England)
• February 4, 2026 – Taunton, Brewhouse Theatre (England)
• February 5, 2026 – Bath, Komedia (England)
• February 6, 2026 – Fareham, Fareham Live (England)
• February 7, 2026 – Swindon, The Wyvern Theatre (England)
• February 11, 2026 – Southampton, MAST Mayflower Studios (England)
• February 20, 2026 – Maidstone, Hazlitt Arts Centre Theatre (England)
• February 21, 2026 – Folkestone, Leas Cliff Hall (England)
• February 27, 2026 – Wellingborough, The Castle Theatre (England)
• February 28, 2026 – Coventry, Warwick Arts Centre Theatre (England)
• March 7, 2026 – Southend-on-Sea, Palace Theatre (England)
• March 14, 2026 – Lichfield, Garrick Theatre (England)
• March 18, 2026 – Southport, The Atkinson (England)
• March 19, 2026 – Carlisle, Old Fire Station (England)
• March 20, 2026 – Dundee, Caird Hall (Scotland)
• March 27, 2026 – Brighton, The Dome (England)
• March 28, 2026 – York, Grand Opera House (England)
• April 7, 2026 – Cork, Everyman Theatre (Ireland)
• April 9, 2026 – Dublin, Liberty Hall Theatre (Ireland)
• April 11, 2026 – Belfast, Ulster Hall (Northern Ireland)
• April 18, 2026 – Birmingham, Town Hall (England)
• April 24, 2026 – Cardiff, New Theatre (Wales)
• April 25, 2026 – London, The London Palladium (England)
• May 3, 2026 – Glasgow, King’s Theatre (Scotland)

Note: The original schedule incorrectly listed Belfast as an England stop and omitted many dates. The tour runs October 2025 to May 2026, covering 42 shows, with 28 in England. Dates and venues are verified via Stereoboard and Ticketmaster.

Highlight City: Leeds – A Cultural Beacon

Leeds kicks off the England tour at the City Varieties Music Hall on October 28, 2025. This Victorian gem, seating 467, is famed for its intimate charm and history of hosting comedy legends. Marenghi’s deadpan readings of This Bursted Earth—think sinister steeples and mustachioed skeletons—will resonate with Leeds’ vibrant arts crowd. Tickets start at £25, with boxes at £27 per person (call 0113 243 0808). Hardback copies are available, but signings are limited to one minute per fan. Secure your spot via the ticket section.

Highlight City: Edinburgh – The Heart of Literary Prowess

Edinburgh, a UNESCO City of Literature, hosts Marenghi at The Queen’s Hall on November 1, 2025. This 900-seat venue, known for its acoustics, is perfect for Marenghi’s eerie tales and comedic bravado. Scotland’s capital, home to the Edinburgh Fringe, will embrace his cult horror-comedy. Tickets range from £25 to £35. Don’t miss this night of “rancid tales”—check the ticket section for availability.

Highlight City: Bristol – An Artistic Melting Pot

Bristol’s Bristol Beacon welcomes Marenghi on November 15, 2025. This recently restored venue, seating 2,000, sits in Bristol’s creative heart, ideal for Marenghi’s theatrical flair. Expect bone-dry wit and apocalyptic absurdity as Nick Steen battles Stalkford’s bursting horrors. Tickets start at £27.50, with accessible seating available. Visit the ticket section to join the fun.

Garth Marenghi: The Cult Horror-Comedy Icon

Garth Marenghi, created and portrayed by Matthew Holness, is a spoof horror author whose over-the-top ego and pulpy prose have captivated fans since his 2000 Edinburgh Festival debut, where he won the Perrier Award in 2001. His 2004 TV series Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace, co-starring Richard Ayoade and Matt Berry, became a cult classic. The This Bursted Earth novel, out October 30, 2025, via Coronet, concludes the TerrorTome trilogy, following TerrorTome (2022) and Incarcerat (2023), both Sunday Times bestsellers. The tour’s 50,000+ ticket sales for prior runs prove Marenghi’s enduring appeal. Dive into his world via his Wikipedia page.

Why You Can’t Miss This Bursted Earth Tour

Marenghi’s live shows are a masterclass in parody, blending horror tropes with laugh-out-loud absurdity. The Guardian calls it “boo-tiful,” while The Telegraph notes audiences “hooting and hanging on every line.” Expect dramatic readings of This Bursted Earth, where Nick Steen faces omens like a giant skeleton, plus Q&As dripping with Marenghi’s arrogance. X posts praise the tour’s “pitch-perfect” humor, with fans urging early booking due to high demand. Hardback copies are sold on-site, but signings are strictly one minute—beware the “manhandling”! For more, visit aticket.uk.

Tickets & Tour Schedule

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Garth Marenghi’s Tour

• What can I expect from a Garth Marenghi performance?
  Immerse yourself in a 90-minute horror-comedy show featuring dramatic readings from This Bursted Earth, absurd humor, and Q&As with Marenghi’s ego in full force. It’s a “pitch-perfect parody” packed with surprises, per Chortle.
• How can I get tickets for Garth Marenghi’s shows?
  Tickets are available via the ticket section, Ticketmaster, Live Nation, or aticket.uk. Book early due to high demand from 50,000+ past ticket sales.
• Are there any special venues to look out for?
  Standouts include Leeds’ City Varieties Music Hall for its Victorian charm, Bristol’s Bristol Beacon for its cultural vibe, and London’s The London Palladium for its iconic stage. Each venue enhances Marenghi’s unique horror-comedy experience.
• Is the show suitable for all ages?
  Most shows are 14+ due to dark humor and horror themes. Check venue-specific restrictions (e.g., bristolbeacon.org) for details.
• Will books be available?
  Hardback copies of This Bursted Earth (out October 30, 2025) are sold at venues, with time-limited signings (one minute max). Bring your own or buy on-site.