Halloween 2026 | 16 October – 1 November
Some doors should stay sealed. Room 13 is a brand-new experiential horror at Battersea Arts Centre, created by Immersive Octopus and running from 16 October to 1 November. It’s built around a spine-chilling fictional world inspired by the real fire that tore through the building over ten years ago.
Here are five reasons to book, if you dare.
1. A chilling story rooted in real history
On Friday 13 March 2015, a fire badly damaged Battersea Arts Centre’s Grand Hall. That part is true. In the story of Room 13, builders clearing up in the days afterwards uncovered a sealed chamber hidden in the original stone structure, and what they found inside was so disturbing that the renovation stopped immediately. Now, 11 years later, the door is being unsealed again. Blending real local history with folklore and paranormal cases, the show deliberately blurs the line between what happened and what might have happened.
2. You’re part of the investigation
This isn’t a show you watch from a seat. You’re summoned to meet the Circle of the Veil, a secret society of paranormal investigators, to uncover the truth behind a series of sinister encounters in the building. First you’ll discover the history, then you’ll cross the threshold into Room 13 itself, working with your fellow investigators to solve its riddle and face the darkness at its heart.
3. From a master of immersive theatre
Room 13 is directed by multi-award-winning Tom Maller, whose credits include Peaky Blinders: The Rise, Doctor Who: Time Fracture, The Paddington Bear Experience and Secret Cinema’s productions of Casino Royale, Blade Runner and Romeo + Juliet. If you’ve enjoyed any of those, you’ll know he knows how to build a world that pulls you in completely.
4. Jump scares aplenty
With live performers, special effects and immersive design, Room 13 promises to shock, thrill and leave you breathless. At around 35 minutes, it’s a short, intense burst of horror, which makes it perfect before or after dinner, or as part of a bigger Halloween night out. It’s recommended for ages 16+, and under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.
5. Pay what you can on opening weekend
Tickets are good value: opening weekend is Pay What You Can, with a recommended price of £16. After that, standard tickets are £20 and peak tickets are £24.50. There are various time slots each day, so it’s easy to fit in, but Halloween week is likely to be popular, so book ahead.
Tickets and info
Room 13
Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, London SW11 5TN
16 October – 1 November 2026, various time slots
Running time: around 35 minutes | Age 16+ (under-18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Opening weekend: Pay What You Can (recommended £16) | Standard £20 | Peak £24.50
Box office: 020 7223 2223
Nearest station: Clapham Junction