The Ticket Summer 2024

The Human League, Ocean Colour Scene, Bananarama, Level 42 and more!

Plus festivals, comedy, celebrity shows and theatre!

WELCOME

Celebrate summer with Colchester Events. There’s so much to look forward to in the months ahead with our exciting programme of outdoor concerts, theatre and festivals in Castle Park.

Comedy once again takes centre stage at Charter Hall with some of the biggest names in stand-up, including welcome returns to the stage from Ben Elton and Frank Skinner.

We hope you enjoy browsing our latest issue and discover a whole host of events for all the family. As ever we thank you for supporting our events and look forward to seeing you this summer!

We’re so excited that Elf-The Musical is coming to Charter Hall this Christmas that we’ve hidden ten elves inside this issue for our young readers to spot!

CONTENTS

A TASTE OF WHAT’S TO COME

A selection of shows from our summer programme.

80s CALLING

The Human League tops the bill of 80s’ pop icons

COOL SOUNDS FOR A HOT SUMMER

Music takes centre stage with an array of festivals in Castle Park

PULL-OUT EVENTS GUIDE

Our bumper summer programme

1 May – 31 October 2024

SUNSHINE AND SMILES

Get set for an unforgettable season of comedy

THEATRE IN THE PARK

Live outdoor theatre returns with Shakespeare’s Macbeth

INTRODUCING JAKE QUICKENDEN

X-Factor singer and actor to star in Elf – The Musical

TO COME A taste of what’s

Variety is the spice of life and here’s our pick of the season – with something for everyone! Head to page 19 to see all events listed in our pull-out ‘What’s On’ guide and to book tickets visit: colchester-events.co.uk

ALEXANDER THE GREAT

We’re honoured and excited that legendary singer Alexander O’Neal is coming to Charter Hall on his ‘Time to Say Goodbye: Farewell World Tour’.

Experience a wonderful journey through his incredible career spanning five decades, with never-before-seenphotos, testimonies and tributes. Accompanied by his exemplary nine-piece live band, O’Neal will perform many of his most loved songs including “Criticize,” “Fake” and “If You Were Here Tonight.”

DISCOS FOR GROWN UPS

It’s time to get glittered up and dance the night away when ‘Discos for Grown Ups’, the legendary pop-up disco party, comes to Charter Hall. Get on down to all your favourite 70s’, 80s’ and 90s’ dance floor hits from Donna Summer, Earth Wind and Fire, Chic, Billy Ocean, Sister Sledge, Chaka Khan, ABBA, Madonna, Erasure, Bee Gees, Candi Staton, Faithless and many more.

CALLING ALL TRUE CRIME FANS!

This September we have two unmissable events for your entertainment.

Killer Books on 8 September sees novelist Marcel Theroux and leading criminologist Professor David Wilson join forces to discuss the books that have motivated murder and how fiction can become fact!

On 26 September, psychologist and psychopathy expert, Cheish Merryweather, reveals the lies embedded in crime scenes and uncovers the expertise of those who dig deep for the truth in her new show, Murder Staged.

ULTIMATE SWIFT & STYLES

Swifties and Stylers, it’s time to stop ‘Daydreaming’ and join other like-minded fans at Charter Hall for an interactive night of fun dedicated to the music of pop icons Taylor Swift and Harry Styles!

We can’t wait to ‘Meet You in the Hallway’ and welcome you into our special world of unforgettable fun. Are you … ‘Ready for It’?

FREE FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL

Hundreds of local families are expected along to this free, festival in Lower Castle Park run entirely by volunteers from churches across Colchester from 11am-4pm. Visitors can enjoy a land train, face painting, bouncy castles, a dog show, beat the goalie, an under 5s’ play area, crafts, traditional games like hook a duck, llive music and much more for free. Plus, there’s food, refreshments and a BBQ.

Gwith very special guests Bananarama, Level 42, The Farm, Hue & Cry and The Christians

et ready for one of the most exciting events in the city’s summer music calendar. 80s

Calling presents a truly incredible festival line-up of the cream of 80s’ icons, featuring The Human League, Bananarama, Level 42, The Farm, Hue & Cry and The Christians all on one stage in Castle Park on Saturday 3 August!

This is a retro revival at its finest, promising a night of fun and some of the

best tunes from the decade! Not to be missed, this outdoor spectacular looks set to prove a huge hit both with fans who remember the artists the first time around as well as newer audiences looking to embrace the retro vibes, or just enjoy top tunes in a spectacular summer setting.

Why not dress up for your own take on 80s’ style? Bring on the neon, bring on the shades, and let’s have a party!

Get set to welcome legendary 80s’ synth-pop band Human League whose iconic line-up comprises lead singer Philip Oakey and vocalists Joanne Catherall and Susan Anne Sulley. Formed in 1977, the band achieved huge success in the ’80s with hits including ‘Don’t You Want Me’, ‘Together In Electric Dreams’ and ‘Tell Me When’.

THE FARM

Best known for their anthemic hit ‘All Together Now’, Liverpool’s The Farm is led by vocalist Peter Hooton. The band released their first album, ‘Spartacus’ in 1991 where it reached the top position in the UK charts and was re-released in 2021.

Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward formed Bananarama to become the most successful female group of all time. They’re celebrating over 40 years at the top with the release of a new album, ‘Glorious - The Ultimate Collection’. With 30 top 40 UK hits, such as ‘Venus’, ‘Cruel Summer’ and ‘Love in the First Degree’ Bananarama boast the most internationally charted hits by an all-female group.

Jazz-funk icons Level 42 known for hits such as ‘Lessons in Love’ and ‘Something About You’ formed in 1979, with a break between 1994 to 2001. The band has released 11 albums and in 2023 lead singer, Mark King won the Icon award at the Silver Clef Awards.

Opening the festival, The Christians will be delving into their superlative back catalogue. One of the defining bands of the 1980s known for creating songs with socially conscious lyrics married with soulful bluesy melodies.

HUE & CRY

Scottish blue-eyed soul pop siblings Pat and Greg Kane are best known for their 1987 single ‘Labour of Love’. Formed in 1983, the band has sold tens of thousands of concert tickets worldwide and performed alongside U2, James Brown, Madonna, Al Green and Van Morrison to name just a few.

Music takes centre stage at these amazing outdoor events in Colchester - the place to be for chilled weekends with friends and family. Festival lovers won’t need to leave the city this summer!

MUSIK IN THE PARK

You won’t want to miss our first dedicated House music event in Castle Park on 4 May, featuring world class DJs. None other than the legendary Roger Sanchez, Mr Love Juice - George Mensah and Jess Bays, taking time from her world tour, are set to star. Along with a huge main stage there’ll be large screens, special effects, lighting shows, dancers; plus a few surprises.

IBIZA ANTHEMS WITH PROFESSOR GREEN

Join us for a night of iconic Ibiza anthems on 12 July when English rap sensation Professor Green, fronts the 26-piece Ibiza Orchestra Live in Castle Park to transport audiences through three decades of iconic White Isle classics. Expect tracks from artists such as Rudimental, Ian Van Dahl, Daft Punk, Robert Miles, Baby D, Tiesto, Fatboy Slim, Prodigy and Shapeshifters. The brand-new show also features a silent disco, stilt walkers, fire breathers, laser show, a huge festival market and much more.

PROFESSOR GREEN

OCEAN COLOUR SCENE

TOM HINGLEY

SAUSAGE AND CIDER FESTIVAL

SAUSAGE AND CIDER FESTIVAL

Iconic band, The Feeling is to headline this year’s festival on Saturday 13 July alongside the UK’s best tributes to ABBA, The Killers, Sam Fender, Arctic Monkeys and Oasis.

Come and indulge in ciders from around the world and over twenty sausage flavours, whilst grooving away to live music and DJs; plus chilli eating competition, a new festival market, children’s stage, kids entertainment and silent disco!

SUMMER SUNDAYS

Introducing our newest music festival coming to Castle Park on 14 July! Topping the bill are 90s’ stars Ocean Colour Scene performing their biggest hits The Riverboat Song, You’ve Got It Bad and The Day We Caught the Train. The 90s’ vibe continues with the amazing Cast, The View, Embrace and Inspiral Carpets frontman, Tom Hingley.

NEARLY FESTIVAL

Get set for two days of affordable fun on 27 and 28 July at the region’s No.1 touring tribute band festival held at Old Heath Recreation Ground. This year welcomes the best live tribute acts in the UK in celebration of Bob Marley and the Wailers; Oasis; Madness; The Prodigy; Take That and Queen among others. There’s plenty for all the family to enjoy at the ‘Kidzone’, market stalls, a tasty local ‘Street Food Market’ and ‘Pub in the Park’. Under 5s go free!

ANTI LOO ROLL FESTIVAL

British boy band ‘Five’ make their Anti Loo Roll debut at Colchester’s biggest family music festival in Castle Park on 14 September. We’ll be hoping for ‘Everybody to Get Up’, and ‘Keep on Movin’ while they all ‘Slam Dunk the Funk’! Look out for the Free Kids Kingdom with rides, inflatables, children’s entertainment; plus VIP hospitality, licensed bar and food zone.

OKTOBERFEST

It’s all about the oompah bands at our everpopular Bavarian style festival – plus the beer and bratwurst of course.

MAD, BAD ANDDangerous

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 has circumnavigated the surface of the globe from pole to pole, become the first person to cross the Arctic and Antarctica on foot, broken countless world records of endurance, and discovered the Lost City of Ubar in Arabia.

Despite his infamous fear of heights, he is the oldest Briton to summit Everest. But his extraordinary accomplishments have come at a cost: he has lost half his fingers to frostbite, almost died countless times, and suffered a heart attack and double bypass only three months before he completed seven consecutive marathons in seven days on seven continents.

Live on stage at Charter Hall, Sir Ranulph will share stories from his legendary exploits and adventures, telling untold tales of the world’s most extraordinary feats of daring and exploration. Taking us from his magical and mischievous childhood, through school misdemeanours, to his time in the military and beyond, Ran will also reveal his own personal heroes who have informed his hazardous profession.

Delivered in his own inimitable fashion and accompanied by stunning, neverbefore-seen images and home videos, this show guarantees to leave you entertained and inspired to seek out your own life adventures.

What’s on in Colchester

Here’s your pull-out guide to all events taking place at Charter Hall, Castle Park and Old Heath Recreation Ground

1 May to 31 October 2024

FRAN K SKINNER: 30 YEARS OF DIRT

3 May 7.30pm From £30 Charter Hall

Following a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe and 7-nights at the Lyric Theatre in London’s West End, comic legend Frank Skinner is back with his critically acclaimed new show.

ELTON JOHN BY CANDLELIGHT

10 May 7.30pm Varied Charter Hall

At this incredible show, featuring a cast of West End singers and an epic live band, experience the hits of rock legend Elton John as you have never heard them before!

MUSIK IN THE PARK

4 May 1:00pm Varied Castle Park

Castle Park’s first dedicated House music event featuring world class DJs and acts including Roger Sanchez, Jess Bays and Mr Love Juice George Mensah withspecial effects, lighting show and dancers.

SOME GU YS HAVE ALL THE LUCK –THE ROD STEWART STORY

12 May 7.30pm From £27

Charter Hall

Direct from the West End and endorsed by Rod’s own family, this incredible live concert spans six decades of hits in celebration of the UK’s most influential icons.

ALL ABOUT KIDS COLCHESTER PRESENTS: FAMILY FEST

5 May 10am Varied

Charter Hall

This fun packed event for all the family offers a host of activities from karate and basketball to circus skills and messy play. Plus inflatables, face painting and ‘shop local’ stalls.

ALEXANDER O’NEAL, TIME TO SAY GOODBYE: FAREWELL TOUR

17 May 7.30pm From £34.50

Charter Hall

Legendary soul singer Alexander O’Neal hits the road one final time. Time to Say Goodbye takes the audience on a wonderful journey through his incredible career.

FRANKIE: THE CONCERT

23 May 7.30pm From £26.50 Charter Hall

Celebrating the outstanding career of one of the biggest pop acts in the world, this spectacular eight-piece band performs all the Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons hits.

HOSPITAL RADIO FUN DAY

27 May 11am – 4.30pm

Varied Castle Park

Fun for all the Family! Enjoy arena attractions, children’s rides, charity stalls, food and drink, Colchester Duck Race and lots more.

COMEDY STOREMAY & SEPTEMBER

24 May and

27 September 8.00pm From £18.50 Charter Hall

With nearly 40 years’ experience in the business and as the premier name in comedy, The Comedy Store is renowned as a breeding ground for new comedy talent.

DAVE PEARCE 90s’ VS 00s’ DANCE ANTHEMS

31 May 8.00pm From £20 Charter Hall

Get ready for a host of 90s’ and 00s’ dance tracks from the likes of N-Trance, Groove Armada, Fat Boy Slim, Daft Punk and more to re-live the most influential musical eras of our times.

ROLLERWORLD

25 May 11am

Varied Charter Hall

Let your hair down and enjoy a day of skating with Rollerworld as we bring skating back to Colchester with a bang. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable skating extravaganza.

ROMAN AND MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL

1-2 June 10:30am From £10 Castle Park

A weekend of history, fun, and celebration! Witness thrilling historical reenactments, explore the artisan market for unique treasures, and savor food and drink from around the world!

PACKING SHED THEATRE

5-22 June Varied Varied

Castle Park

Something ‘wicked’ this way comes with this intriguing and visually stunning production of Macbeth, a gripping tale of greed, murder and the supernatural performed by Castle Park Theatre.

BEYOND THE BARRICADE: 25TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

15 June 7.30pm From £29

Charter Hall

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 25 years.

THE COUNTRY MUSIC EXPERIENCE

7 June 7pm From £29.53

Charter Hall

Rodeo Rhythms brings you an incredible country experience like no other, throw on those cowboy hats and dance the night away to the biggest country anthems from the decades!

RADIO GAGA –QUEEN TRIBUTE

16 June 7:30pm From £30

Charter Hall

The Ultimate Queen tribute! Break free with us as Radio GaGa recreates two magical hours live on stage, celebrating the magic, fun and showmanship of Queen’s touring days.

BUBLÉ MEETS SINATRA: THE SHOWDOWN!

14 June 7:30pm From £29

Charter Hall

Prepare to be wowed by the ‘concert that never was’. This exhilarating tribute musical sees Sinatra time-travel from his 1950’s zenith to meet today’s contender for his crown, Michael Bublé.

EAGLES BY CANDLELIGHT

21 June 7:30pm From £30

Charter Hall

‘Take It Easy’ and join us for an unforgettable evening of Eagles hits as you have never heard them before! Featuring a cast of West End singers and an incredible live band.

MAGIC UNZIPPED BRUNCH

22 June 12pm Varied

Charter Hall

We’re hosting the hottest bottomless brunch in the UK and you’re all invited! Live performances recreate the steamiest routines from smash hit movies; plus danceoffs, games, street food, bubbly and cocktails.

FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL

29-30 June 10:30am

£5 per adult

Castle Park

Relax in the wonderful atmosphere of this muchloved festival. You can have a picnic, listen to the music and stroll around the stalls trying some of the artisan produced local goodies.

THE BON JOVI EXPERIENCE

23 June 7.30pm From £25

Charter Hall

The Bon Jovi Experience is back. Get ready to rock your way through an unforgettable journey to the heyday of stadium rock with the only show endorsed by Jon Bon Jovi himself!

THE PROPERTY SHOW

5 & 6 July 11:00am From £8

Charter Hall

An ideal opportunity for first-time buyers, landlords and investors to get the very latest expert property advice, as well as inspiration on the latest home and garden trends.

COLCHESTER SCHOOL OF DANCE35

29 June 7.00pm From £25

Charter Hall

Come and join us for a spectacular journey of music and events from the last 35 years.

RACE FOR LIFE

7 July 11:00am

Varied

Castle Park

This is Cancer Research UK’s biggest series of fundraising events designed to get people moving – and raising money for vital cancer research – all around the UK.

IBIZA ORCHESTRA

12 July 5.30pm Varied Castle Park

Join us for a night of iconic Ibiza anthems on our brand-new Sunset Tour. Expect tracks from artists such as Rudimental, Ian Van Dahl, Robert Miles, Baby D, Tiesto, Prodigy, Shapeshifters and more.

SUMMER SUNDAYS

14 July 2pm From £49.50

Castle Park

We are excited to bring Summer Sundays to Lower Castle Park this July! With a wide variety of music – including Ocean Colour Scene, Embrace, Cast, The View and so much more!

DISCOS FOR GROWN UPS

12 July 8pm From £19.50 Charter Hall

The legendary pop-up disco party promises an amazing night dancing to 70s’ disco, 80s’ pop and 90s’ dance classics. Get glittered up for a fun, fab and feel-good night.

ULTIMATE SWIFT & STYLES TRIBUTE EXPERIENCE

14 July 6pm From £19.50 Charter Hall

Get set for an unforgettable evening dedicated to the music of pop icons Taylor Swift and Harry Styles! This is a fully immersive experience that goes beyond just a live performance.

SAUSAGE AND CIDER

13 July 2pm Varied

Castle Park

Experience a brandnew line up of incredible tribute acts, street food vendors, over thirty ciders and over twenty sausage flavours; plus festival market, kids entertainment and silent disco!

LEGEND – THE MUSIC OF BOB MARLEY

19 July 7.30pm From £30 Charter Hall

Think reggae and only one name comes to mind - the legend that was Bob Marley. Experience an unforgettable evening celebrating this musical icon in one fantastic stage show extravaganza.

THE JOHNNY CASH ROADSHOW: SIN & REDEMPTION TOUR

20 July 7:30pm

From £27

Charter Hall

An all-new production, this much-loved show set in Folsom Prison, sees award-winning Clive John pay homage to Cash in his unique way, alongside June Carter (Meghan Thomas).

GIN & RUM FESTIVAL

10 August 12:30pm From £12.19

Charter Hall

Join the fun at this unique experience celebrating the best of gin and rum. Discover new favourites from our guest distillers and enjoy live entertainment and music from our award-winning DJ.

NEARLY FESTIVAL

27-28 July 12:00pm

Varied

Old Heath Recreation Ground

The region’s number one touring tribute band festival staging the best live tribute acts in the UK and showcasing local businesses, stalls and vendors for two days of affordable fun for all!

PAUL SMITH: PABLO SOLD OUT

16 August 7:30pm From £31

Charter Hall

Paul Smith is back and better than ever with his latest tour show, ‘Pablo’. Get ready to experience the jaw-aching, laugh out loud comedy that only Smith can deliver.

80s CALLING

3 August Gates open 1pm

Varied

Castle Park

80s Calling is a truly incredible festival line-up of the cream of 80s icons, featuring The Human League, Bananarama, Level 42, The Farm, Hue & Cry and The Christians for a retro revival at its finest.

FLEETWOOD MAC LEGACY: GO YOUR OWN WAY

30 August 7:30pm From £27.50

Charter Hall

A new, spellbinding show featuring the music of the legendary Fleetwood Mac beautifully performed by an acclaimed ensemble of musicians who perfectly recreate the band’s energy and passion.

PROFESSOR DAVID WILSON & MARCEL THEROUX: KILLER BOOKS

8 September 7.30pm

From £22.38

Charter Hall

Novelist Marcel Theroux and leading criminologists

Professor David Wilson discuss books that have motivated murder and how fiction can sometimes become fact.

BEN ELTON: AUTHENTIC STUPIDITY

19 September 7.30pm

From £34.50

Charter Hall

After a fifteen year hiatus, the undisputed godfather of modern stand-up is back on the road

discussing the threat of Artificial Intelligence but warns a greater threat is Authentic Stupidity!

FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE PROMS

13 September Gates open 6pm Varied

Castle Park

A brand new musical event for Castle Park with ‘Luke Does Bublé’ and the Colchester Festival Orchestra

COLCHESTER ANTI LOO ROLL FESTIVAL

14 September

Gates open 1pm Varied

Castle Park

Celebrate Colchester’s great community at this fun-packed day for the whole family. Featuring 80’s band ‘Five’ plus comedy, tribute acts, stalls, bar and Kid’s Kingdom.

EXTREME ROBOTS

14-15 September Varied

From £21.90

Charter Hall

Witness the new age of mechanised combat as your favourite robots from Robot Wars, Battlebots and robotic creations from Extreme Robots, battle to take home the Heavyweight Championship!

FREE FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL

21 September 11am - 4pm

Free Castle Park

Discover lots of brilliant free things to do for all the family including bouncy castles, face painting, games and activities.

SOS WRESTLING

22 September 3 pm

Varied

Charter Hall

An action packed afternoon of awesome live wrestling comes to Colchester as SOS bring a star-studded line up of the world’s best wrestlers… and a few big surprises!

FASTLOVE - THE GEORGE MICHAEL TRIBUTE

28 September 7.30pm From £30

Charter Hall

From London’s West End, this is the world’s favourite George Michael celebration! Make new memories and relive old classics, as we celebrate one of our greatest musicians.

ESSEX CLASSIC VEHICLE SHOW

22 September 10am

Varied

Castle Park

Over 250 classic vehicles from across the decades on display; plus crafts, gifts, food stalls and family entertainment.

MURDER STAGED

26 September 7:30pm

TBC

Charter Hall

Through forensics and reconstructed real-life crime scenes, psychopathy expert

Cheish Merryweather explores the lies embedded in crime scenes and shares the expertise of those who dig deep for the truth.

SIR RANULPH FIENNES: MAD, BAD AND DANGEROUS

3 October 7.30pm From £36

Charter Hall

An evening in the 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.

GARY MEIKLE – NO REFUNDS

4 October 7.30pm From £27.50

Charter Hall

Gary Meikle is back with another self-written, selfdeprecating show that shares his newer role in life being a kept man by the lady that kept himhis ever-growing smarter granddaughter, Gracie.

OKTOBERFEST

4-5 October

Varied From £15

Castle Park

A Bavarian style festival with oompah bands, live music, German bratwurst and those all-important steins.

LOST IN MUSIC

10 October 7.30pm From £30 Charter Hall

Join us as we recreate the magical 70s to take you on a musical journey straight to the heart of disco through some of the greatest songs of all time .

THE

FLOYD EFFECT – DARK ANIMALS

12 October 7.30pm

From £28

Charter Hall

The Floyd Effect is renowned for its accuracy performing the music of Pink Floyd. Dark Animals presents two much loved Pink Floyd works; Animals and Dark Side of the Moon.

THE STORY OF SOUL

13 October 7:30pm From £30

Charter Hall

The latest hit show from Entertainers – the producers that brought you The Magic of Motown and Lost in Music . Get ready as the cast take you on a journey of sweet soul music.

JIMMY CARRLAUGHS FUNNY

11 October 7.00pm & 9.30pm

From £37

Charter Hall

If you like fast-paced, edgy one-liners then get ready to be happy. Jimmy Carr is going back on tour with his brand-new show ‘Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny’.

THE

ULTIMATE CLASSIC ROCK SHOW

18 October 7:30m

From £34

Charter Hall

Dust off your air guitars for an evening of the very best classic rock anthems from legends past and present! Over two hours of classic rock anthems guaranteed to have you on your feet all night.

7:30pm

From £30

Charter Hall

Direct from the West End, the ultimate tribute to Neil Diamond celebrates the music that has charmed six generations. This sensational show stars Gary Ryan, as seen on Stars in Their Eyes!

BEWARE THE SCARE

25-31 October

7:30pm

From £26.50

TBC

NISH

KUMAR: NISH, DON’T KILL MY VIBE

At this brand-new Halloween experience you’ll encounter shocks and surprises on a thrilling immersive spook event in the city. With actors, strobe lighting and special effects to guarantee the screams.

31 October

7:30pm

From £24.50

Charter Hall

Nish Kumar – one of The Guardian and The Telegraph’s 50 Best Comedians of the 21st Century – is back on tour with his brand new politically-charged standup show, Nish, Don’t Kill My Vibe.

TO BOOK TICKETS VISIT: COLCHESTER-EVENTS.CO.UK

Ticket Information

E-tickets are sent out following booking.

Discounts

Some events offer family tickets or other discounts. Visit our website or social media channels for details.

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Refunds or exchanges

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Booking Fees

Some events charge a booking fee which will be indicated when purchasing tickets.

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When you buy your tickets from Colchester Events, you’re helping to generate income to support local council services. All listings and prices are correct at the time of going to print. Colchester Events reserves the right to make alterations where necessary.

Colchester Events is part of Colchester Amphora Trading Ltd (CATL) a company established and wholly owned by Colchester City Council. All profits are reinvested to support the delivery of council services to the city’s residents.

VENUES

CHARTER HALL, COWDRAY AVE, COLCHESTER CO1 1YH

Save time on the day and pre pay for parking when purchasing tickets through our website; 400 onsite spaces

For accessible seating and carer ticket options please call our box office on: 01206 573948

Visitors can enjoy a selection of beer, wine, spirits, hot drinks and light snacks. ID required and card payments only.

COLCHESTER CASTLE PARK, HIGH ST, COLCHESTER CO1 1UG

The closest car parks are located at Priory Street and Leisure World

Blue badge and disabled car parking is available in the High Street and Castle Street. Most areas of the Park are fully accessible on tarmac paths.

TOWN HALL – HIGH STREET, COLCHESTER CO1 1PJ

The closest car parks are located at Priory Street and St Mary’s.

The venue is fully accessible and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

OLD HEATH RECREATION GROUND, OLD HEATH RD, COLCHESTER CO1 2ER

A car park is located 400m from the

entrance

The venue is fully accessible and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

ALL OUR VENUES ARE AVAILABLE TO HIRE – VISIT

COLCHESTER-VENUES.CO.UK

For Town Centre car parks information: www.colchester.gov.uk/parking-and-travel/ town-centre-car-parks/ Contactless payments can be made with the MiPermit app.

SUNSHINE and smiles

Get set for an unforgettable summer of comedy in Colchester! Meet just some of the many stand-up stars heading to Charter Hall intent on tickling your funny bones.

NISH KUMAR: ‘NISH, DON’T KILL MY VIBE’

In this election year – with the country in turmoil – there’s only one comedian who can kill the mood even further… Nish Kumar.

Nish is back on tour with his brand new politically-charged stand-up show, Nish, Don’t Kill My Vibe. Expect jokes about climate collapse, income inequality and the emotional sensation of being a British Indian man who isn’t going to vote for a British Indian Prime Minister.

‘The smartest, and often the silliest, political comic we’ve got’

The Guardian

‘Kumar is a commanding, self-knowing storyteller who threads big jokes through even the knottiest moments… roaringly funny’

BEN ELTON: AUTHENTIC STUPIDITY

Get set to welcome the undisputed godfather of modern stand-up who exploded into the national consciousness back in the 1980s hosting Channel 4’s groundbreaking Saturday Live. He’s been setting the standard for gag filled, taboo busting, tonsil rattling, mind expanding stand-up comedy ever since!

“Since my last live tour a whole new existential threat has emerged to threaten humanity!” said Ben. “Apparently Artificial Intelligence is going to destroy us all! Well I reckon our real problem isn’t Artificial Intelligence it’s good old fashioned Authentic Stupidity! Forget AI! It’s AS we need to be worrying about!”



The Times

GARY MEIKLE: NO REFUNDS

Gary Meikle is back with another self-written, selfdeprecating show to leave you short of breath and wanting to come back for more.

FRANK SKINNER: 30 YEARS OF DIRT

Gary shares his new role in life being a kept man (the lady that kept him being his ever-growing smarter granddaughter, Gracie) and tackles subjects from rejection issues to cold showers.

Comic legend Frank Skinner brings his latest stand-up show to Charter Hall following a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe and 7-nights at the Lyric Theatre in London’s West End.

“Immaculately constructed… Skinner’s crowdwork is as sharp as ever… he can spool out a yarn every bit as entertainingly as prime-era Billy Connolly.” Evening Standard

JIMMY CARR: LAUGHS FUNNY

Jimmy Carr is back on tour with his brand-new show ‘Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny’ and if you like fast-paced, edgy one-liners, then get ready to be happy - Jimmy’s got 90 minutes of solid jokes in store with no interval!

Jimmy tells jokes, and jokes are like magnets. Jokes attract people, but they can also repel. Some people are repelled by Jimmy’s dark brand of comedy. This show is not for them. But if it’s the kind of thing you like, then this is the kind of thing you’ll

COLCHESTER

HALL, COLCHESTER

Castle Park Theatre’s professional cast delighted audiences at last year’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

5-22 JUNE

SOMETHING WICKED

this way comes

Castle Park Theatre presents Shakespeare’s tale of greed, murder and the supernatural!

Following the success of last year’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Castle Park Theatre returns with the Bard’s ultimate power couple in Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

Audiences will be captivated and intrigued as this visually stunning and gripping tale unfolds.

The outstanding cast of professional actors, who have performed Shakespeare all over the country and beyond, will be joined by a troupe of community performers. Working alongside some of the best creatives in the business,

they’ve honed their theatrical skills for this knock-out performance in Lower Castle Park’s magnificent open-air stage – set in Lower Bowls Green.

Audiences may bring picnics and make the most of the bar serving drinks, ice creams and light nibbles before ‘curtain up’ and during the interval. Remember to bring along outdoor chairs and blankets; plus warm coats in case of chilly evenings.

Macbeth runs from 5 to 22 June before touring to Prested Hall near Feering and Maldon’s Promenade Park.

INTRODUCING Jake Quickenden

The X-Factor star will play Buddy the Elf in our forthcoming production of ‘ELF - THE MUSICAL’ the festive blockbuster coming to Charter Hall this winter.

Jake Quickenden, rose to fame on ITV’s X-Factor and went onto reach the finals of ‘I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here’ before winning ‘Dancing on Ice’ in 2018.

Jake, who lives in Boxted near Colchester with his wife and children, has starred in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks and his stage roles include ‘Hair The Musical’ and ‘The Full Monty’.

Q: There’s a huge excitement to see you star as Buddy - what appealed to you most about the role?

A: Buddy is an iconic role and I needed no persuasion to accept it - it’s a great role to release my inner child! Also, I’m often working away at Christmas and it’s rare to get the chance to play to my home audience.

Q: Elf’s story takes him through many highs and lows – what have been your career highlights so far?

A: Buddy’s story is so relatable. We all go through the highs and lows of life and in the entertainment industry you have to learn to accept them as part of your career. However, the highs, which include X Factor and I’m a Celebrity, make it all worthwhile.

Q: Everyone loves Buddy for his sunny outlook on life – are you someone who looks for life’s positives?

A: I like to think I am a positive person. I love Buddy’s outlook on life and I’m looking forward to getting to know Buddy even more as I play him.

Q: What are your favourite things to do in Colchester?

A: Colchester is a great place to live and I love the city centre as there’s so much to do. Colchester during the summer months is incredible with all the coffee shops and Castle Park.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about appearing in Elf -The Musical?

A: I just can’t wait to get started. I’m looking forward to working alongside the Stage Right production team, as well as Gary Turner who will play my dad, and Jade Mayjean who is playing Jovie my girlfriend. It is an incredible show and something the whole audience will remember as a special time.

Q: Finally, we can’t go without asking a question on behalf of Buddy: What’s your favourite colour?

A: Blue