As the festive season approaches, Southend-on-Sea transforms into a hub of cultural and artistic festivities. With an enchanting array of events lined up, from Shakespearean dramas to dazzling musical performances, the town promises unforgettable experiences for all. Dive into the magical world of 'The Tempest', relive classic film scores in 'The Music Of Zimmer vs Williams', and embrace the holiday spirit with 'Christmas Crooners'. Each event offers a unique blend of artistry and entertainment, making Southend-on-Sea the perfect destination to celebrate this holiday season.

Celebrate the Season: Unforgettable Events in Southend-on-Sea

Southend-on-Sea is set to become the epicenter of eclectic performances with a series of enthralling events at the Cliffs Pavilion and Palace Theatre. From the classic allure of 'Calamity Jane' to the pulsating beats of 'The Chicago Blues Brothers', these venues are hosting a diverse array of performances. Whether it’s musical comedies, legendary rock tributes, or stirring operas, there’s an event for everyone. Read on to learn more about the artists, performances, and what makes each event unforgettable.

Experience Spectacular Performances at Cliffs Pavilion and Palace Theatre

Southend-on-Sea is set to become a cultural hotbed with a week full of diverse artistic events organized by Cliffs Pavilion. From a modern twist on a Shakespearean classic, The Merchant of Venice 1936, to the nostalgic beats of 90's Tropicana Nights, there's something for everyone. The lineup features remarkable performances from musical tributes like The Roy Orbison Story and The Bootleg Beatles, to the comedic brilliance of MC Hammersmith and Stewart Lee. Each event promises a unique experience that celebrates the richness of creativity and performance art.

Celebrating Culture: A Week of Artistic Excellence in Southend-on-Sea

Southend-on-Sea is set to become a vibrant cultural hub with an exciting series of events lined up at the Palace Theatre and Cliffs Pavilion. From the candid tales of football legend Neil 'Razor' Ruddock to the comedic mastery of Nina Conti, and the musical tributes of Queen Extravaganza, the upcoming weeks promise a diverse range of entertainment. Whether you're a fan of musicals, comedy, or thrilling stage performances, there's something for everyone to look forward to.

Unveiling Southend's Star-Studded Theatre Line-up: A Journey Through Music, Comedy, and Drama

Southend-on-Sea is gearing up for a cultural feast this 2025 with an exciting lineup of events at Cliffs Pavilion and Palace Theatre. From a reimagined Shakespearean drama to electrifying 90s nostalgia parties, and a celebration of iconic musical talents, there’s something for everyone. Expect laughter, nostalgia, and awe-inspiring performances as artists converge to showcase their creativity and passion across various genres. Whether you’re a theater enthusiast, a music lover, or someone looking for a good laugh, this year's events promise to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Unveiling the 2025 Cultural Extravaganza: A Journey Through Art, Music, and Comedy

Beyond the Barricade, the UK’s longest running Musical Theatre Concert Tour, is back for 2025. Join the cast for two hours of the best of Broadway and the West End, featuring the songs that have made audiences return over and over again for more than 25 years. Enjoy numbers from The Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, West Side Story, The Lion King, Blood Brothers, Miss Saigon, Hamilton and many others, climaxing with a spectacular finale from, of course, Les Misérables!

EPSG:4326

Beyond The Barricade

Palace Theatre

You are cordially invited to meet the Mothers of the Brides - three besties who are up to their necks in nuptials, directing their daughters up the bridal path to wedded bliss. All three women are doing their best to keep the matrimonial mayhem to a minimum and avoid deadlock over wedlock.

Mothers of the Brides

It’s Easter Panto-time at the Palace! Starring Southend's very own, the fabulous Fanny Galore as Glinda, this spectacular family-friendly pantomime is a colourful story packed with hilarious jokes, dazzling dance routines, glittering scenery and a professional cast of West End performers.

The Wizard Of Oz

Transport yourself back to the neon-soaked era of the 1980s with ‘TROPICANA NIGHTS’ The Ultimate 80’s Party night! As the beats of iconic artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna and Duran Duran fill the air, guests don their legwarmers, acid-washed jeans, beads and oversized blazers and the venue will be a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours, disco lights and theming that creates that nostalgic 80’s atmosphere.

Tropicana Nights

Cliffs Pavilion

Nikita is joined by a sharp and chic cast of talented dancers and vocalists in a show like no other, jam-packed with the hits we all know and love in an evening bursting with happiness, euphoria and of course, world-class dance.

Nikita Kuzmin - Midnight Dancer

Performed by a cast of multi award-winning musicians and singers, Country Hits Live will celebrate the atmosphere and energy of an evening in the home of country music

Country Hits Live

Ever since they were first identified in the 1800s, dinosaurs have sparked the imagination of kids and adults alike and for the first time ever, the world- renowned Natural History Museum has teamed up with Mark Thompson Productions to take you on a dinosaur adventure like no other.

Natural History Museum Presents Dinosaurs Live!

Spanning the past 50 years, Keith has performed thousands of enthusiastically received shows in Arts Centres and Theatres throughout the UK. Thoughtful, interpretive concerts devoted to the writing of visionary Songwriters and Poets who he has always admired.

Word Paintings - The Keith James Songbook

Direct from the West End and riding high on the success of world tours, Seven Drunken Nights - The Story of the Dubliners brings the ultimate feel-good Irish show to a theatre near you.

Seven Drunken Nights

John Mackay & Sally Homer, in association with Debi Allen/Curtis Brown, present

STEWART LEE vs THE MAN-WULF 

In this brand new show, Lee shares his stage with a tough-talking werewolf comedian from the dark forests of North America who hates humanity. The Man-Wulf lays down a ferocious comedy challenge to the culturally irrelevant and physically enfeebled Lee. Can the beast inside us all be silenced with the silver bullet of Lee's unprecedentedly critically acclaimed style of stand-up?

Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf

Sixty years ago the Beatles debut feature-length film A Hard Day’s Night became a huge critical and commercial success , even being nominated for two Academy Awards. The following year in 1965 their second film Help!, this one in colour,  received similar glowing plaudits.  The group was hailed as a modern-day Marx Brothers  and their director, Dick Lester, credited with ‘fathering’ the MTV pop video culture that was to come.  

The Bootleg Beatles In Concert

Phil McIntyre Live Ltd by arrangement with PBJ Management Presents

Rachel Fairburn: Side Eye

Experience the unforgettable sound of a generation with Barry Steele alongside an extraordinary ensemble of talented musicians and singers as together they pay homage to the timeless music of Roy Orbison, The Traveling Wilburys and many of The Big O’s friends. 

The Roy Orbison Story

Strictly Come Dancing professionals Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez are thrilled to bring their all-new show SPEAKEASY to theatres in 2025. 

Expect exhilarating live music and breath-taking choreography with Karen and Gorka’s newest offering, which follows their debut tour FIREDANCE, which toured the UK in 2020, 2022 and 2023. 

Karen Hauer & Gorka Marquez - Speakeasy

He presents an evening of improvised comedy raps based on your suggestions. Featuring brand-new routines for 2025! You'll leave astounded at the speed of his brain, the spontaneity of his punchlines, and the stability of his upbringing. Jaw-dropping, hilarious, utterly unbelievable. 

MC Hammersmith: The MC Stands For Middle Class

Following 2023’s much lauded sell out ‘Refuelled! Tour’, Mike + The Mechanics return for the ‘Looking Back - Living The Years 2025 Tour’. Starting in March 2025 and playing through the whole of the UK, this tour will see them play their hits including ‘Over My Shoulder’, ‘The Living Years’ and ‘All I Need Is A Miracle’ as well as drift into some of Genesis’s much loved classic tracks.

Mike and the Mechanics: Looking Back - Living The Years 2025 Tour

The only show of its kind in the UK celebrating the musical genius and unrivalled vocal talent of one of the world’s most iconic and adored artistes of our generation, Barbra Streisand.

Streisand - Woman In Love

Our 90s parties are the ultimate celebration of a decade that gave us Dance Music, Britpop, Club Classics, Hip Hop, Grunge and R & B!

The 90s party isn't just a blast from the past; it's a celebration of a decade that gave us the birth of the internet, boy bands, and the heyday of MTV. It's a night where everyone can let loose, embrace their inner 90s kid, and relive the era that brought us some of the most memorable music, fashion, and pop culture moments.

90's Tropicana Nights

Tensions in London’s East End are rising and Shylock, a resilient single mother and hard-working businesswoman, is desperate to protect her daughter’s future. When the charismatic merchant Antonio comes to her for a loan, a high-stakes deal is struck. Will Shylock take her revenge, and who will pay the ultimate price?

The Merchant of Venice 1936

Spend an evening in the extraordinary company of Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE - ‘the world’s greatest living explorer’ - as he goes beyond his record-breaking achievements to explore the man behind the myth

Sir Ranulph Fiennes: Mad, Bad And Dangerous

Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice returns in 2025 with his tour ‘The Last Dance’.

The 2021 Strictly champion and BAFTA winner will be taking to the stage once again with his company of world class performers.

Giovanni Pernice - The Last Dance

Having started her career in music in 1960, a remarkable 64 years of performing live, Elkie Brooks will embark upon her ‘Long Farewell Tour’. A celebration of Elkie's illustrious award winning career in music performing some of her biggest hits including Pearl's A Singer, Lilac Wine, Fool (If You think It's Over) Don't Cry Out Loud, Blues, Rock, Jazz & material from her eagerly anticipated new album. Joined of course by her incredible band. 

Elkie Brooks - The Long Farewell Tour

The Repair Shop is stepping out of the barn and onto the stage for an exciting new live tour! This captivating live show will feature Jay Blades, Steve Fletcher, Suzie Fletcher and Will Kirk.*

The Repair Shop Live: Secrets From The Barn

“Adventures, expeditions, and journeys have helped shape and mould me. They have strengthened me emotionally, physically, and mentally and armed me with the skills for life.” Ben Fogl

Ben Fogle - Wild

How time flies. It’s been 40 years since Alison Moyet stepped out of Yazoo and fired up a solo career with her #1 debut album ‘Alf’ and Top 10 hits ‘Love Resurrection’ and ‘All Cried Out’. That unmistakable voice - big enough to fill a stadium and yet intimate enough to make you feel as though she’s singing just for you - has taken her on quite a journey since, with career highlights including two #1 albums, six Top 10 singles, two BRIT Awards and a Grammy nomination.

Alison Moyet

Join Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, host of Europe’s biggest health podcast Feel Better, Live More, author of 5 Sunday Times Bestselling Books and star of BBC One’s Doctor In The House for two hours that will transform the way you feel about your own life.

Dr Rangan Chatterjee - The Thrive Tour

Celebrity chef James Martin is heading back on the road with his all new LIVE tour for 2025. 

Following four sell-out tours James Martin Live will see the popular TV chef and best-selling author visiting 20 amazing venues across England, Scotland and Wales, combining the perfect ingredients of mouth-watering dishes with his warm Yorkshire wit.

James Martin Live

Fancy yourself as one of the EGGHEADS? Do you always beat THE CHASER?

Maybe it’s time you booked in to take on the Pie Mash & Quiz

Join us at The Cliffs Pavilion monthly Quiz Night where teams of two to ten people can get together, have a drink, dig into the best pie ‘n mash in town and enjoy an evening of hard-core quizzing with our host Craig Burchell to win the prize of a £50 Southend Theatres gift voucher. 

Pie, Mash & Quiz

Cliffs Pavilion Maritime Room

Having made a stunning return to the Strictly dancefloor, Amy Dowden MBE, accompanied by fellow sensational Strictly Come Dancing star Carlos Gu, truly feels REBORN.

Amy Dowden & Carlos Gu: REBORN

Embark on a captivating musical voyage as pop sensation Gareth Gates takes centre stage in "Gareth Gates Sings Love Songs from the Movies." This spellbinding show seamlessly blends the heartwarming melodies of classic films with the electrifying energy of up-tempo hits, all brought to life by Gareth's soulful voice and magnetic stage presence.

Gareth Gates Sings Love Songs From The Movies

That’ll Be The Day is back on the road with another incredible show packed full of world class performances from Trevor and the highly talented ensemble cast.

Let the world’s leading Rock ’n‘ Roll show take you on a journey through the years, as together you celebrate the most iconic moments in Comedy, Rock ’n’ Roll and Pop Culture from the 50s right the way through to the 80s.

That'll Be The Day

CHICAGO, the "sexiest musical ever" (Metro) is back in the Cliffs Pavillion!

 “Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery…all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts” So begins the international multi-award-winning musical, CHICAGO. 

Chicago

Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage, as the beloved ‘Who’s in Your Book?' series makes its debut as a brand-new musical show. 
 
A group of performers are preparing to start their show, but quickly discover they are not alone on stage. Little Monster wants to be part of the fun too! With an invitation to his friends, Dragon, Alien and Unicorn to join him, you can expect comedy and chaos as they help to create a magical show, learning about the joy of books and friendship along the way. 

There's A Monster In Your Show

Jason Donovan’s Doin’ Fine 25 tour, is a spectacular celebration of his remarkable career in music, theatre, film and TV. This exciting tour will take fans on a journey through 35 years of hits on stage and screen via Jason’s energetic and unique live performance style.

Jason Donovan - Doin' Fine 25

The virtuoso ventriloquist, BAFTA nominee and British Comedy Award winner is back on tour! Nina presents an unparalleled, unscripted brand new show that delves deep into who we are, hijacking faces to spark a bold, hysterical reality warp

Nina Conti: Whose Face Is It Anyway?

Queen Extravaganza, the only official Queen tribute band, produced by Roger Taylor and Brian May, brings its own ‘kind of magic’ back into venues around the UK and Ireland in 2025 with a triumphant celebration of 50 years of Bohemian Rhapsody.

Queen Extravaganza

An evening with Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock is taking place at the Palace Theatre in Southend-On-Sea, on Wednesday 26th February 2025.

On the night Razor will talk candidly about the highs, the lows, the funny stories and the controversial times from a colourful career both on and off the pitch. 

An Evening With Neil 'Razor' Ruddock

In the ever-evolving book of British comedy, Jim Davidson OBE remains a best-seller, writing new chapters of hilarity that captivate capacity audiences year after year. Despite the relentless attempts of a woke minority to pen his comedic demise, Davidson's narrative continues to thrive, his fans - the silenced majority - turning every show into a page-turning success.

Jim Davidson - The Next Chapter

The UKs best loved ska and reggae band return to Southend for their 2025 tour opener. 

Standing 16+. Under 16’s must be seated only with a responsible adult 18+

The Dualers

Paddy McGuinness is a much-loved presence on British TV, from his legendary acting roles in Phoenix Nights, Max and Paddy and The Keith and Paddy Picture Show to presenting primetime TV shows such as Take Me Out and BBC's Top Gear, as well as having sold out hundreds of venues across the country on his stand-up tours. In 2021 Paddy releases his acclaimed autobiography My Lifey. Now Paddy is raring to get back to where he belongs – on stage, making people laugh, with his hotly anticipated show. 

Paddy McGuinness - Nearly There...

You might have seen him on Scared of The Dark, Would I Lie to You, Have I Got News for You, The Royal Variety, QI, Blankety Blank, The Last Leg, and tons more as well.

Chris McCausland

Brace yourselves for BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates’ revolutionary, high-tech, highly-explosive new show, packed with outrageous science stunts. On the surface it’s a riot of disgusting experiments built to delight young audiences but under the bonnet it’s a brilliantly-constructed curriculum-driven adventure designed to inspire Britain’s kids with a lasting fascination for science

Rude Science

The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all. From Odile, the temptress in black tulle as she seduces the Prince by spinning with captivating precision to the spellbound purity of the swan queen, Odette as she flutters with emotional intensity, the dual role of Odette/Odile is one of ballet’s most unmissable technical challenges.  

Swan Lake - Varna National Ballet

Hailed as the UK’s most successful country act, twin sisters Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas will tour across the country in January and February 2025 with a special show with stripped back versions of songs from across their career. 

Ward Thomas

The Signatures -The UK's most authentic Northern Soul Live band who featured as house band Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show BBC 6 Music 

Experience their soul-stirring magic Eleven-piece featuring Stefan Taylor one of the hottest young vocalists on the UK Soul scene, & special guest the iconic original Northern Soul artist "Lorraine Silver” (Lost Summer Love) a favourite from the legendary Wigan Casino.

Northern Soul Live: The Signatures

DTC’s acclaimed production of this Victorian classic arrives at The Palace this February 2025.
1888. Victorian London is under attack.
Within the thick Fitzrovia fog and dimly lamp-lit streets lurks an evil predator.
Unprovoked, a young child is attacked and beaten by a mystery man.
Who is this "sneering Satan"?

Dickens Theatre Company Presents Revision On Tour: Jekyll & Hyde

Celebrating 40 years of iconic and chart-topping compilation albums, this brand-new musical comedy has an unbeatable 80s soundtrack and show-stopping direction and choreography by Strictly Come Dancing's Craig Revel Horwood. This is an event you won't want to miss. 

Now That's What I Call A Musical

Dickens Theatre Company present the Bard’s bloodiest tragedy!
 
This fresh new adaptation of the ‘Scottish Play’ arrives at The Palace in February 2025.
With the infamous Porter acting as narrator, an ensemble of 7 actors create a cauldron of characters, as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth make their perilous descent towards Hell.

Dickens Theatre Company Presents Revision On Tour: Macbeth

Queenz are back with a BRAND NEW SHOW! Join the gals for an electrifying, live vocal, drag-stravaganza, where Dancing Queenz and Disco Dreams collide for the party of a lifetime. After two trailblazing years of touring the country, a run in London’s West End, and accumulating countless 5-star reviews, Queenz has rapidly ascended as one of the world’s most successful drag shows. Featuring more sequins and surprises than ever before, the gals are ready to drag you to the dancefloor and serve up the ultimate celebration of powerhouse popstars & dazzling disco divas.

Queenz: Drag Me To The Disco

As seen at the Adelphi theatre and the Savoy theatre in London’s West End, The Chicago Blues Brothers have put the band back together to bring you their RESPECT greatest hit’s tour.

We have combined the best arrangements from our last 5 tours to bring you our greatest set list ever, a combination of audience favourites and showstoppers from The Back in Black Tour, The Motown Mission Tour, A Night at the Movies Tour and The Cruisin for a bluesin Tour.

The Chicago Blues Brothers

Fairport Convention have been entertaining music lovers for over half a century, having formed in 1967. During that time the band that launched British folk-rock has seen many changes, but one thing has remained the same - Fairport’s passion for performance. 

Fairport Convention

Senbla presents Opera International's award-winning Ellen Kent production featuring the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv with international soloists, highly-praised chorus and full orchestra.

Ellen Kent Opera - La Traviata

Starring Peter Andre - The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is a spectacular high-pitched celebration of timeless music from one of the biggest selling groups of all time. This nostalgic musical journey pays tribute to the life and career of those four boys from Jersey, who started singing under a streetlamp but soon went on to become one of the most recognised groups in history.

Peter Andre Starring In The Best Of Frankie Valli

Covering Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, AC/DC, The Beatles, Dire Straits, Meat Loaf, ZZ Top, Eric Clapton, Aerosmith, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Who, Boston, Toto, Van Halen, Fleetwood Mac and more

The Classic Rock Show

After a fantastic sell out debut tour across the UK, Tina Turner fans will have the time of their lives as What’s Love Got To Do With It? is back for 2025 celebrating the music and 60-year career of this incredible rock and soul legend. Expect a night of high energy and feel-good rock-and-roll, performed by an all-live band. This joyous show features all the hits including Proud Mary, River Deep, Simply The Best, Private Dancer, and many more.

What's Love Got To Do With It?

From his early days learning the ropes under the guidance of the legendary Brian Johnston to rising above the infamous "leg over" incident, Agnew has cemented his status as one of the most esteemed commentators and interviewers in the cricket world.

An Evening With Aggers

Gosh almighty! Grab a posse because the whip crackin' musical comedy classic Calamity Jane is a rollin' on over the plains to Southend for one week only. Based on the much-loved Doris Day movie, this plumb fancy new production stars the multi-award-winning West End actor and singer Carrie Hope Fletcher (Cinderella, Les Misérables) and begins its UK and Ireland tour in January 2025.

Calamity Jane

This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve.

As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and all the presents beneath.

Nutcracker - Varna International Ballet

There are few acts that accomplished the level of success that Boyzone and Westlife respectively achieved as two of the defining groups of 90s and 00s boyband era, with an incredible 21+ UK No.1 singles and countless millions of audience members performed to worldwide.

Boyzlife featuring Keith Duffy & Brian McFadden Plus Support

Celebrating the incredible 60+ year history of one of the world's most iconic music venues, the Ronnie Scott's All Stars take to the road to celebrate the 'Ronnie Scott's Story'.

Direct from London’s world-famous jazz club and combining world class live jazz alongside rare archive photos and video footage, The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, take you on a guided, musical tour of this music institution.

Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club

This magical production features superb choreography, breathtaking live vocals and mesmerising circus performers. With an eclectic and iconic musical soundtrack including WINGS, MAD WORLD, SWEET DREAMS, THE SHOW MUST GO ON, RELIGHT MY FIRE,  I'LL PUT A SPELL ON YOU and many more. CIRQUE ENCHANTMENT see's a little girl with a big imagination enter a frozen circus wonderland and a mysterious path of good versus evil. 

Cirque Enchantment

‘The Greatest Rock & Roll Band In The World’ is a bold statement but Showaddywaddy has lived up to that title for the last 5 decades!

Formed in the 1970s in Leicester from several local bands, they have sold more than 20 million records and have toured all corners of the World extensively.

Showaddywaddy

Direct from the USA, Dean Z, star of the “Elvis Tribute Artists World Tour” and winner of Elvis Presley Enterprises’ “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest” brings his very own all-new high energy Elvis tribute show to the UK.   

Dean Z - The Ultimate Elvis

He is a former WBO, IBF, WBC, WBA & The Ring Super Middleweight Champion and The Ring Light Heavyweight Champion. He retired in February 2009 with an undefeated record of 46-0 and as a reigning World Champion.

Joe Calzaghe - Undisputed

 From the moment the curtains rise, you’ll be transported back to the 90s where you will follow the band’s meteoric rise to fame; from their humble beginnings on a south Manchester council estate, to becoming the biggest band on the planet and playing to more than a quarter of a million fans at their now legendary Knebworth concerts. 

Live Forever

One of the UK’s foremost live tributes to Spandau Ballet, So True, takes you on a magical trip down memory lane. 

Featuring all their top tracks like To Cut a Long Story Short, Through the Barricades, Highly Strung, Chant Number 1, Lifeline, Communication, Instinction, With the Pride, and of course their biggest smash hits, Gold and True, all played 100% live.

So True

Come and join Tottenham Legends; Ledley King and Ossie Ardiles along with host Graham Roberts and hear first hand accounts from your favourite players and gain unique perspective on sport and all things spurs, with over 700 appearances between all 3 players for the club, this is a night for any Spurs fan!

An Evening With Tottenham Legends

Australian superstar Jason Donovan comes to Southend in Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical, Rocky Horror Show, as part of a new world tour. The legendary performer reprises his iconic role as the captivating Frank-n-Furter across the UK, following a sold-out Australian Tour in 2024. 

Rocky Horror Show

You’ve made it through the wilderness, somehow, you’ve made it through and now we’re never gonna give you up!
Get ready as we bring you the biggest 80s party show to tour the UK - 80s Live!
Direct from London’s West End, we will be heading down the Atlanta Highway, so bring your jukebox money and get ready to Jitterbug.

80s Live!

Roll up, roll up... a scintillating night out of sparkling entertainment – the UK’s longest running burlesque show – is back touring the nation. And, it’s bigger than ever.

An Evening Of Burlesque

Join us for An Evening with Paul Merson, as the football star discusses his illustrious career with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth and England. He’ll talk about games, dressing room/training ground stories, managers, fall outs and everything you wanted to know about playing for a successful football club.

An Evening With Paul Merson

Taking the UK by storm since 2004, the Market Theatre’s Adult Panto Company are back on tour and out to corrupt another classic fairy tale beyond recognition with their unique style of Adult Panto. 

Jack and His Giant Stalk - Adult Panto

Our fabulous New Year’s Eve Gala is always the talk of the town. With a Sparkling reception, stunning five course gala menu, half a bottle of wine per person followed by live entertainment and dancing until late. Celebrate the arrival of 2025 at Southend’s premier

New Years Eve Gala

Join Rosie the Owl on her enchanting adventures as she finds herself nestled amidst the branches of a family's new Christmas tree. Witness the joy and wonder as the family discovers their unexpected visitor and endeavours to help Rosie find her way back home to the forest.

The Owl Who Came For Christmas

Christmas By Candlelight is coming to The Palace Theatre, Southend.
A spectacular West End Cast and incredible live band perform your favourite Christmas Hits, as you have never heard them before!
‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas’, so, join us at The Palace Theatre, for this magical evening of best loved festive songs, performed live by candlelight. 

Christmas By Candlelight

Is that a cork I hear popping….It must be time for a 
Bubbly Bottomless Brunch!
What better way to start Christmas then to get 
together, eat, drink and be merry with our fantastic 

Bubbly Bottomless Brunch

Buddy Holly and the Cricketers once again herald in the Yuletide festivities with Holly at Christmas, the show that is now as traditional as mulled wine and mince pies!

Buddy Holly And The Cricketers At Christmas

Described by The Scotsman at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as a ‘woman born to be a gay icon’, Sadie Nine brings her show to the Palace Theatre, just in time for Christmas!

Expect a lot of laughs, a few tears, fur and feathers, festive tunes and songs from her life (plus a few rows with husband Al!).

Sadie's Nine Lives At Christmas

THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN RESCHEDULED FROM JUNE TO DECEMBER 2024

What audiences are saying about the show:
“Haven’t laughed that much in so long” Millie from Greenwich
“Comedy gold. So relatable!” Natalie

Alyssa Kyria: The Funny Mummy Show

Join us in the Dixon Studio this December for a night of local live music

Dixon Sessions: The Pin Drop Sessions

This is the GIANT pantomime announcement we’ve all BEAN waiting for!

Joining the previously announced award-winning television presenter, radio DJ, podcaster and number one best-selling author Rylan as The Spirit of the Beans will be comedian Aaron James as Silly Simon, Neal Wright as Dame Trot and West End performers Nic Greenshields as Fleshcreep, Toby Miles as Jack Trot and Allana Taylor as Princess Jill. 

Jack and the Beanstalk

Snowflake the magical elf is in a tricky spot! Santa's sleigh has crashed and now he is lost!  Can you help Snowflake find Santa and save Christmas? 

Santa's Wish

Southend Drama Society is proud to present Educating Rita by Willy Russell.
Life-long academic Frank is a tutor of English and a frustrated poet. His disillusioned outlook on life has driven him to drink and bury himself in his books. To fund his thirst, Frank agrees to take on an Open University student.

Educating Rita By Willy Russell

This special show is filled with all the Christmas hits…if you weren’t feeling festive before, you sure will with this not to be missed Bublé Lunch.

Christmas with Bublé Lunch

When bratty 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) acts out the night before a family trip to Paris, his mother (Catherine O'Hara) makes him sleep in the attic. After the McCallisters mistakenly leave for the airport without Kevin, he awakens to an empty house and assumes his wish to have no family has come true. But his excitement sours when he realizes that two con men (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) plan to rob the McCallister residence, and that he alone must protect the family home.

Home Alone

Singers Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) and Phil Davis (Danny Kaye) join sister act Betty (Rosemary Clooney) and Judy Haynes (Vera-Ellen) to perform a Christmas show in rural Vermont. There, they run into Gen. Waverly (Dean Jagger), the boys' commander in World War II, who, they learn, is having financial difficulties; his quaint country inn is failing. So what's the foursome to do but plan a yuletide miracle: a fun-filled musical extravaganza that's sure to put Waverly and his business in the black!

White Christmas

The Muppets perform the classic Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Other Muppets -- Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie Bear and Sam the Eagle -- weave in and out of the story, while Scrooge receives visits from spirits of three Christmases -- past, present and future. They show him the error of his self-serving ways, but the miserable old man seems to be past any hope of redemption and happiness.

The Muppets Christmas Carol

This special show is filled with all the Christmas hits…if you weren’t feeling festive before, you sure will with this not to be missed Bublé Brunch.

Christmas with Buble Brunch

All menus are subject to change at the discretion of the chef. Material changes will be notified in advance of the event. Dietary requirements will be collated prior to the event. Where a dietary requirement clashes with the menu, a suitable alternative will be provided by the chef. Food choices may not be changed on the night of the event.

ABBA Christmas Dinner

Get ready for an ABBA-solutely fabulous Lunch!
The fantastic ABBA NATION will bring you the sights 
and sounds of Abba with all their unforgettable hits, 

ABBA Christmas Lunch

guarantee availability on the night. All meals are prepared in a kitchen that handles nuts, gluten and other allergens. Not all allergens are displayed on the menu, but full allergen information is available on request. This is a set menu event, and only in the case of specific dietary requirements will an alternative be offered.

West End Jerseys Christmas Lunch

All menus are subject to change at the discretion of the chef. Material changes will be notified in advance of the event. Dietary requirements will be collated 
prior to the event. Where a dietary requirement clashes with the menu, a suitable alternative will be provided by the chef. Food choices may not be changed on the night of the event

West End Jerseys Christmas Dinner

From the producers of Seven Drunken Nights - The Story of The Dubliners, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Irish culture as our talented singers, musicians and dancers perform a world class concert featuring all the festive favourites including ‘Driving Home for Christmas’, ‘Step Into Christmas’, ‘Oh Holy Night’ and, of course, ‘The Fairytale of New York’. 

Fairytale of New York

Direct from The Royal Albert Hall, A Country Night In Nashville recreates the scene of a buzzing honky tonk in downtown Nashville, perfectly capturing the energy and atmosphere of an evening in the home of country music. 

Cliffs Pavilion

Apr 23, 2025

Pie, Mash & Quiz

Apr 25, 2025

The Marvin Gaye Songbook

Apr 26, 2025

The Story of Guitar Heroes

Apr 27, 2025

Michael Starring Ben

Apr 30 - May 3, 2025

Evita

Apr 17, 2025

Beyond The Barricade

Apr 15, 2025

Mothers of the Brides

Articles & News

Cliffs Pavilion