The Southend 48 Hour Improvathon will return to Southend-on-Sea, Essex, from April 17 to April 19, 2026. This annual event raises money for charitable causes by staging a non-stop comedy performance that lasts for 48 hours.
The marathon will be held at the Park Inn by Radisson Palace hotel on the seafront. Actors will create a continuous sitcom from scratch, performing 24 different episodes that each last for two hours.
Proceeds from the 2026 show will support youth mental health projects run by Trust Links, a local charity. Previous events have raised significant amounts for various organisations, including £3,027 for Dementia UK in 2024.
Organiser Ali James, who directs the production, said the success of the marathon is evidence of the city’s “flourishing” improvised comedy scene. Musician Duncan Walsh-Atkins will also be on stage to provide live piano music during the improvised scenes.
Community members can support the event by purchasing tickets for individual episodes or buying a pass for the whole weekend. The organisers are also looking for volunteers to help with technical tasks and daily operations during the 48-hour run.
