Get ready to embrace the magic and cheer of the holiday season at Palace Theatre Southend! From Shakespearean dramas to heartwarming Christmas tales, and country music nights to iconic film screenings, the theatre promises an unforgettable experience. With an array of performances tailored to captivate any audience, the events range from Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' to the festive 'Christmas Crooners.' Whether you're seeking a classic theatrical experience or a cozy night of holiday nostalgia, there's something for everyone at this renowned venue.

A Festive and Theatrical Celebration at Palace Theatre Southend

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.

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Jack and His Giant Stalk - Adult Panto

Palace Theatre

Fly into author, John Hay and Garry Parson‘s heart-warming tale this Christmas and join Rosie the Owl on her feathered adventures!

The Owl Who Came For Christmas

A spectacular West End Cast and incredible live band perform your favourite Christmas Hits, as you have never heard them before!

Christmas By Candlelight

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!

Sadie's Nine Lives At Christmas

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

Dixon Sessions: The Pin Drop Sessions

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

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

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

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

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

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.

A Country Night In Nashville

Southend Drama Society is proud to present The Christmas Spirit by Frederick Stroppel.

The Christmas Spirit

Christmas Crooners is jam-packed with festive favourites, and the Christmas hits of Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole and ol’ Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra.

Christmas Crooners

Experience the adventure of William Shakespeare's final masterpiece, The Tempest! Join us for a mesmerizing journey through magic, betrayal, and redemption on a mysterious island where nothing is as it seems. Dive into Prospero's world in this timeless tale of intrigue and wonder, marking the legendary playwright's poignant farewell to the stage.

The Tempest

Dickens Theatre Company are back in Westcliff with their joyously authentic staging of this Victorian classic.

Dickens Theatre Company Presents A Christmas Carol

The MODS 2024 musical, ‘Whisper Of Angels’, takes us to London during the second world war and tells the story of a young autistic girl called Maria Valentino.

Whisper Of Angels

This hilarious and unusual comedy farce satirises the ridiculous propensity we often have to show less interest in an artist's work than in meaningless details of his private life, such as his sex life when Kafka and Broc find themselves in the lounge of a middle aged couple

Kafka's Dick

About to enter her 30s, Campbell has recently made some huge life changes. She got a dog, she stopped replying to internet trolls, she tried non-monogamy, and then very soon after celibacy. Grace has been on a journey to find out who she wants to be as a grown up. In her brand new show the unwaveringly honest comedian will ask big questions about the world, her vagina, and her obsession with making her dog her entire brand…

Grace Campbell Is On Heat

From the producers of a Viennese Strauss Gala, and now in its 10th year stars of the West End's “ PHANTOM “ star in this sumptuous fully costumed show immerses us in the wonderful music and the classical baroque world of one of the world's greatest romantic composers - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Magical Mozart by Candlelight

Ned Boulting returns again! But this time he’s 101 years too late for the 1923 Tour de France!

Ned Boulting's Marginal Mystery Tour: 1923 And All That

East Essex Players present this sequel to the original stage play they performed over 20 years ago
Based on the hugely popular tv series written by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft with 1980`s humour abounding
`Allo `Allo 2 adapted by David Pibworth, David Lovesy and Steve Clark is once more set in German occupied France during WW2; nothing much has changed, Rene and Edith are still trying to repatriate a pair of English airmen, but nothing is ever easy. Rene`s elderly mother – in Law Fanny, objects to the radio which is used to communicate with London, being located under her bed; Gruber still wants to take Rene` for a ride in his little tank, and a set of forged bank notes and a bomb end up hidden in identical cheeses - what could possibly go wrong?? Well possibly the fact they are being “helped “by officer Crabtree an English agent disguised as a policeman, who although he thinks he speaks perfect French, no one can understand. Add Herr Flick from the local Gestapo into this chaos and anything can happen, Join with us and find out if those pesky airman ever get repatriated.

'Allo 'Allo 2: The Camembert Caper

Young Frankenstein is a new musical comedy based on Mel Brooks' 1974 Oscar-nominated film of the same name (which starred Hollywood legend Gene Wilder). It is a re-imagining of Mary Shelley’s classic which sees Victor Frankenstein's grandson inherit his infamous legacy and is a tongue in cheek parody of the classic Universal horror genre. When Frederick Frankenstein arrives in Transylvania Heights, he must decide whether to distance himself from Victor's tortured past or to continue with his grandfather’s wacky experiments in the castle laboratory alongside a cast of colourful comic-characters.

Young Frankenstein

Wi-Fi Wars returns with the live comedy game show where you all play along! Log in with your smartphone or tablet and compete in a range of games, puzzles and quizzes to win the show, and prizes!

Wifi Wars

Presented by Little Wander in association with PBJ Management. Photo credit: Dylan Woodley.

Amy Matthews: Commute With The Foxes

"Whistle Down the Wind revolves around the time and place where the word teenager was invented.

Whistle Down the Wind

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

Dixon Sessions: New Again and Pale Blue Dot

One of the most celebrated stars in British comedy, Tez Ilyas (Live At the Apollo, Mock The Week, Comedy Central, Comic Relief) and Sunday Times best selling author (Secret Diary of a British Muslim Aged 13 3⁄4) is back with his hilarious new show.

Tez Ilyas

Come together, right now – it’s time to shake it up baby with the sensational The Magic of the Beatles.

The Magic of the Beatles

At the end of their tether, three female co-workers - Violet, Judy and Doralee - devise a plot to get even with their sexist, arrogant, lying, bigot of a boss, Franklin Hart. Will the ladies manage to reform their workplace – or will their plan spiral when the CEO pays an unexpected visit?

9 To 5 The Musical

Arthur Miller’s modern tragedy revolves around the last days of Willy Loman, a struggling salesman, who cannot understand how he has failed to win success and happiness. As we journey back through Willy’s memories, we discover how his quest for the “American Dream” has kept him blind to the people who truly love him. A thrilling work of deep and revealing beauty, Death of Salesman remains one of the most profound dramas of American theatre.

Death Of A Salesman

Lee Mead and Friends have come together with Mushroom Theatre Company to celebrate their 20th Anniversary. With songs from Lee, West End star Kerry Ellis, and performances by ventriloquist and America’s Got Talent winner Paul Zerdin, along with the students and children from Mushroom Theatre Company who are raising funds for the wonderful charity Equal People Performing Arts (1116649) who's aims are to promote inclusion within the Performing Arts industry and the wider community.

Lee Mead And Friends - 20 Years Of Mushroom Theatre Company

Together for fifty five years now, Steeleye Span changed the face of folk music forever by taking it into the world of gold discs and international tours.

Steeleye Span

Recently described by Chortle as a mix between Jack Dee and Frank Skinner wrapped in a Mod’s fashion sense, Matt is taking his debut show on tour. A selection of his best bits from 7 years on the comedy circuit which, have taken him all over Europe, from basements to theatres and arenas supporting the likes of Ricky Gervais, John Bishop, Suzi Ruffell and Jason Manford.

Matt Bragg Has Nothing Wrong With Him

This Autumn sees acid house culture celebrated in the theatre in a totally unique, ground-breaking show which will feature the author of the award-winning, best-selling book RAVE NEW WORLD: confessions of a raving reporter Kirk Field, and a different nightly guest ‘Agent of Unity’, who helped shape the scene.

Kirk Field - Acid House Cabaret: Rave New World

Join renowned entertainer Nicky Trix as he returns to The Dixon Studio to conjure up a spellbinding Halloween show like no other!

Nicky Trix Live: Halloween Howls

The irrepressible Lucy Porter bounces back into action with a show all about regrets. Frank Sinatra had too few to mention, but Lucy’s got hundreds, and she’s prepared to go into graphic detail about all of them. Disastrous dates, professional calamities, ruined friendships and parenting fails. Lucy describes all the mistakes she’s made, works out why they happened, and ponders how her life would have turned out if she’d acted differently.

Lucy Porter: No Regrets

Based on the popular book The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame, The Adventures of Mr. Toad tells the story of a Mr. Toad and his animal friends who live a wonderful life in Toad Hall.

The Adventures Of Mr. Toad

Turin Brakes strip back to basics for an acoustic tour starting in autumn 2024.

Turin Brakes

Imagine, if you will, a heady mix of Queen, ELO, Elton John and all things 70s… then you have CATS in SPACE – A band who have topped the national rock charts with their incredible studio albums whilst cementing their reputation as one of the finest live acts in the UK.

Cats In Space

Celebrate 40 years since the iconic “Born in The USA” album was first released with the world-class theatre production THE SOUND OF SPRINGSTEEN.

Sound of Springsteen

Based on the famous novel by Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory features an original score composed by Marc Shaiman with lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray) and a book by David Greig. The score also pays homage to the Leslie Bricusse/Anthony Newley score from the 1971 film with songs from the motion picture including "Candy Man," "I've Got a Golden Ticket," "Oompa Loompa Song," and "Pure Imagination."

Charlie & The Chocolate Factory - LODS

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

Dixon Sessions: Darren Jones and Ted Groves Trio

The award-winning, viral sensation is hitting the road with a brand-new tour bringing together her sell out fringe 2023 hit and it’s much anticipated 2024 follow up. As the year 2000 approached Sooz was about to turn 15 and the PlayStation 2 was about to launch...it was a new beginning for the world. But with the Millennium Bug was the world also about to end!? Now, almost a quarter of a century later, things feel eerily similar… Sooz is looking at class through the lens of doing her GCSEs in 2000 at a state comp…while knowing all about dressage. Politics, horses, EastEnders and the Millennium Bug. A show for anyone who remembers the year 2000 or had big dreams as a kid.

Sooz Kempner: Class of 2000

Tom Ball is a 25-year-old singer, songwriter, and teacher hailing from West Sussex. His captivating voice and show-stopping performances have garnered him global acclaim and recognition through numerous high-profile 'Got Talent' TV talent shows in 2022 and 2023.

Tom Ball - Curtain Call

Charles Dickens: The Readings And The Rumours is a brand-new co-production from Dickens Theatre Company and the Palace Theatre, featuring excerpts from Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol and The Pickwick Papers.

Dickens Theatre Company Presents Charles Dickens: The Readings And The Rumours

The time is 1897. Mankind is on the cusp of vast technological change, scientific mastery and media innovation. But poised between traditional beliefs, the threat of the unknown and the shock of the new world, an altogether darker fear is emerging. As a new shadow looms large over England, a small group of young men and women, lead by Professor Van Helsing, are plunged into an epic struggle for survival.

Dracula

Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, and featuring many of her most iconic songs performed live.

Black is the Color of my Voice

This year, Sh!t-faced Shakespeare® are pouring their legendary cock-eyed chaos into the Bard-shaped vessel that is A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Think drunken donkeys, fandangled fairies and mullered mechanicals… it’s hard to imagine anything more magical, right?

Sh!t-Faced Shakespeare - A Midsummer Night's Dream

Following sell-out shows nationwide, the UK’s top true crime theatre tour is back with a brand-new lineup!

The Makings Of A Murderer 2 - The Real Manhunter

Musically brilliant, Scott Maley’s incredible vocal and visual resemblance to Freddie Mercury is complemented by stunning production values, authentic stage settings, as well as sound and lighting effects all designed to provide the most memorable of evenings for the millions of Queen fans worldwide!

Supreme Queen

The hit new whodunit show based on the classic boardgame comes to the Palace Theatre with a brand new murder mystery starring West End and TV star Jason Durr as Colonel Mustard and award winning actress and Strictly Come Dancing champion, Ellie Leach, playing Miss Scarlett.

Cluedo 2 - The Next Chapter

Online sensations and stars of hit podcast Sports Horn, The Exploding Heads, bring their characters to life on stage for the first time in their debut national tour coming to you this autumn!

The Exploding Heads Presents : Colin From Portsmouth

Direct from London’s West End.  Over the last few years Science has led the way in getting our lives back to normal. Now, the UK’s favourite science team are back and more explosive than ever!

Ministry Of Science Live - Science Saved The World!

From London’s West End, this internationally acclaimed production celebrates the music of Neil Diamond. From the hits he penned during his time in the Brill Building to the Jazz Singer and countless live concerts, Neil Diamond is a musical icon, selling over 130 million albums throughout his exceptional career.

It's A Beautiful Noise with Fisher Stevens

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

So True

‘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!

Showaddywaddy

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'.

Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club

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

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.

The Chicago Blues Brothers

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

This fresh new adaptation of the ‘Scottish Play’ arrives at The Palace in February 2025.

Dickens Theatre Company Presents Revision On Tour: Macbeth

DTC’s acclaimed production of this Victorian classic arrives at The Palace this February 2025.

Dickens Theatre Company Presents Revision On Tour: Jekyll & Hyde

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

Northern Soul Live: The Signatures

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

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.

There's A Monster In Your Show

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

“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 Fogle

Ben Fogle - Wild

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

Starring Tracy-Ann Oberman (EastEnders, Doctor Who) as Shylock, Shakespeare’s classic is transported to 1930s Britain in this “striking and impactful” (Guardian) new production that “makes theatre history” (The Telegraph). It is adapted by Brigid Larmour and Tracy-Ann Oberman.

The Merchant of Venice 1936

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

MC Hammersmith is the world's leading freestyle rapper to emerge from the ghetto of middle-class west London.

MC Hammersmith: The MC Stands For Middle Class

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

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

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

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

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

From the writers of the hit comedies Hormonal Housewives and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.

Mothers of the Brides

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!

Beyond The Barricade

Wake up and let’s get down tonight as we celebrate the Prince of Motown. This is the Marvin Gaye Songbook!

The Marvin Gaye Songbook

One of the UK’s premier live concert experiences, The Story of Guitar Heroes has garnered critical acclaim both at home and abroad for its incredible homage to some of the most influential and iconic guitarists from the past 50 years of popular music.

The Story of Guitar Heroes

Longing for a better life, the teenage Eva persuades tango singer-songwriter Agustin Magaldi to taker her to the Argentinian capital, Buenos Aires, where she is determined to fulfil her ambition of becoming an actress. The narrator, Che, tells of her rise to fame through acting and meeting, and then marrying, Perón, who became president following a military coup. Evita is idolised by the Argentinian people and becomes the most powerful woman in South America, only for her to succumb to cancer at the age of 33.

Evita

Legends of Irish music & song, The FUREYS are renowned for their hit songs ‘I will love you’, ‘When you were sweet 16’, ‘The Green fields of France’, ‘The old man’, ‘Red rose café’, ‘From Clare to here’, ‘Her father didn’t like me anyway’, ‘Leaving Nancy’, ‘Steal away’ etc

The Fureys

Rachel Watson longs for a different life. Her only escape is the perfect couple she watches through the train window every day, happy and in love. Or so it appears. When Rachel learns that the woman she’s been secretly watching has suddenly disappeared, she finds herself as a witness and even a suspect in a thrilling mystery in which she will face bigger revelations than she could ever have anticipated.

The Girl On The Train

Celebrating 50 years since the release of the ‘Wish You Were Here’ album, UK Pink Floyd Experience recreates the atmosphere of Floyd live - featuring top-flight musicians, a stunning light show and more than two hours of incredible music.

UK Pink Floyd Experience

Soar into space with this Olivier Award-nominated adaptation of the much-loved book by superstar duo Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

The Smeds And The Smoos

Having recently received the prestigious acclaim of being Her Majesty the Queen’s favourite literary Detective, Superintendent Roy Grace is back, in a brand new play, for the seventh Peter James stage adaptation and world premiere of the bestselling PICTURE YOU DEAD.

Picture You Dead

The nation’s favourite psychic is back on tour! Sally has been wowing theatre audiences young and old around the world for over 12 years. Her show will have you on the edge of your seat, as she continues to bring mediumship into the 21st century. Whether you know her from her hit TV series, through watching her on Celebrity Big Brother or reading one of her best-selling books, there is nothing quite like seeing Sally live on stage.

Psychic Sally

The Manfreds, featuring original Manfred Mann members Paul Jones and Tom McGuinness, will once again bring their highly acclaimed Maximum Rhythm and Blues show to the Palace Theatre.

Maximum Rhythm And Blues With The Manfreds

Renowned as the original and very best Bee Gees tribute show, and THE ONLY Bee Gees tribute show that has actually performed with the original Bee Gees! In 1997 Gary & Darren from Jive Talkin' performed LIVE on HEART FM with THE BEE GEES and received great compliments from both Maurice and Barry Gibb.

Palace Theatre Southend

Jan 17, 2025

So True

Jan 23, 2025

Showaddywaddy

Jan 25, 2025

Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club

Feb 5, 2025

Fairport Convention

Feb 6, 2025

The Chicago Blues Brothers

3 - 4 Jan, 2025

Jack and His Giant Stalk - Adult Panto

27 - 31 Dec, 2024

The Owl Who Came For Christmas

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