The ground-breaking immersive audio event ‘in the dark’ is set to return to the capital next month, kicking off 2026 with a series of unique performances at St Andrew’s Church in Holborn. Following a successful run of shows in November, the highly acclaimed experience has confirmed dates for late January, offering Londoners a chance to engage with live music in a completely new way. Tickets for the upcoming performances are on sale now.
The new run of shows will take place across four dates: January 22nd, 23rd, 29th, and 30th. ‘In the dark’ offers a distinct 60-minute performance where 30 musicians play fully acoustically in total darkness. To ensure complete sensory deprivation, audience members wear sleep masks, allowing the unamplified live sound to take centre stage. The experience is defined by a choreographed 360° journey of music that physically moves around the audience, redefining the traditional concert format by removing the spectacle and focusing entirely on intimacy and sound.
Founded by award-winning arts entrepreneur Andrea Cockerton in Cambridge in 2017, the project has rapidly evolved from a local experiment into a must-attend event. The concept challenges the modern obsession with visual stimulation. “In a world obsessed with being seen, we’re asking people to disappear for an hour,” says Cockerton. “In the dark is a quiet, sound, rebellion. No phones, no spectacle, no distractions… just the rare chance to actually feel music again.”
The technical achievement of the event is notable for its bravery. Unlike standard orchestral performances, the ensemble operates without a conductor and without speakers. The 30 musicians—drawn from prestigious institutions like the Royal College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama—rely entirely on instinct and their ears to coordinate. This approach turns the venue itself into an instrument, with the specific acoustics of St Andrew’s Church set to play a vital role in the January performances.
Since its inception, ‘in the dark’ has hosted over 60 performances for more than 8,000 attendees, earning accolades such as the Offies Assessors Choice award during its first London season in 2024. Often described as the “Cirque du Soleil of the senses,” the event has garnered significant momentum, with the team now eyeing expansion across the UK, Europe, Australia, and North America.
For those looking to experience this auditory phenomenon, multiple sessions are available across the scheduled dates. The full schedule for the St Andrew’s Holborn residency is as follows:
Thursday 22nd January:
- 7:30 PM – 8:45 PM
Friday 23nd January:
- 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
- 8:30 PM – 9:45 PM
Thursday 29th January:
- 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
- 8:30 PM – 9:45 PM
Friday 30th January:
- 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
- 8:30 PM – 9:45 PM
Tickets are currently available for purchase through the official website. With previous runs selling out quickly, early booking is recommended for those wishing to start their musical year with this uncommon moment of clarity and connection.
Image credits:
Ian Olsson
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