11.39°C John Robins will appear at Colchester Arts Centre in March as Open Road brings the comedian and broadcaster to town for a special fundraising evening. Best known for his stand-up, radio work and as a Taskmaster champion, John Robins is also an alcoholic – and his forthcoming memoir Thirst confronts that fact head-on.
In Thirst, subtitled Twelve Drinks That Changed My Life, John tells the story of his life through the lens of alcohol – the drinks that made him, and those that broke him. From his earliest drinking experiences – pretending to be drunk after a sip of champagne aged five, spraying aftershave into his mouth at the school play afterparty, and university nights spent downing red wine alone in his room – to his last drink in 2022 and the journey into sobriety that followed, he explores our relationship with alcohol through reflections on decades of his own drinking.
Filled with insights and epiphanies from the world of addiction and recovery, Thirst blends John’s trademark raw honesty and hilarious digressions with the collective wisdom of alcoholics and those around them. At some point, the blunt reckoning comes: “You need to sort your fucking life out?” It’s a question that cuts through the humour and self-deception, sitting at the heart of the book.
On 13 March 2026, Robins will appear at Colchester Arts Centre for Open Your Hearts – In Conversation with John Robins, a fundraising evening in support of Open Road. The night will be hosted by former Colchester Mayor Tim Young and will include an audience Q&A.
I spoke to Tim about the event, the charity, and why this conversation matters in Colchester.
Tim, before we discuss the event, what is your role at Open Road?
“I’m the Media, Communications and Partnerships Manager for Open Road. We’re a drug and alcohol recovery support charity, and they do amazing work. My job is to get Open Road’s name out there – to raise awareness and encourage referrals.
“The recovery workers and engagement coordinators are the ones doing the remarkable work. People have to want to change, but once they come to us, our outcomes are amazing. We can really help people on their recovery journey.”
Open Road is an established charity operating across Essex and Medway, supporting individuals affected by drug and alcohol addiction. Help is available through its centres, on the streets and at festivals, within the criminal justice system and in partnership with businesses. In Colchester, the charity’s centre is based on Queen Street.
“People might recognise the name Open Road,” Tim says, “but they don’t always know what we actually do. We provide a safe place where people can talk about their problems free from judgment and in complete confidence.”
What made John Robins the right person for this event?
“It was actually my wife, Nicky, who suggested John. I’ve listened to him for years – on 5 Live, on podcasts, I’ve seen him on television – but I didn’t realise he was in recovery.
“So we approached his representatives, and they were very interested. Fortunately, he confirmed. We’re so fortunate to get him. He’s won Taskmaster, he’s been on Live at the Apollo, Richard Osman’s House of Games – and this event comes ahead of his nationwide book tour in May, which is selling out big venues.
“It’s a real coup for Open Road and for Colchester.”
What’s the evening really about?
“I think it’s about raising our profile and highlighting what we do, but it won’t be a heavy evening. It’ll be honest, but it’ll also be entertaining.
“If you’ve heard John’s stand-up or the Elis James and John Robins show, you know he handles serious subjects with humour. That’s what makes him accessible. We want people to come, laugh, and think.”
When people leave that night, what do you hope stays with them?
“I hope it makes them think about alcohol. We’re not trying to stop people from drinking. We’re asking people to look at their relationship with it.
“I’ve been teetotal myself for about 40 years. People enjoy alcohol, and that’s fine. But is your relationship with it healthy?
“At the same time, I want people to be entertained. John is a very funny guy. If they go away having laughed but also reflecting on addiction – on how drugs and alcohol affect not just individuals but families and friends – then we’ll have achieved something.”
The evening will also feature support from Colchester musician Fraser Morgan before Robins takes to the stage.
Tickets are £35 (+ £1 booking fee). Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. The event is fully seated.
For Tim, the hope is simple. That people come, listen, laugh – and leave thinking a little more honestly about alcohol and the role it plays in their lives.
All proceeds support Open Road’s work in Colchester and across Essex and Medway.
