TICKET
What’s On Guide from Colchester Events
Castle Park to sparkle at Enlightened 2024
WELCOME
Have we got a jam-packed programme of first-class entertainment in store for you! Get ready as we unveil a blockbuster of a festive show: Elf – The Musical. We can’t wait to welcome singer and actor Jake Quickenden, to the Charter Hall stage as he steps into the role of everyone’s favourite Elf.
In the words of Elf, “Smiling’s my favourite”, and this season we’re excited to welcome some of the biggest names in comedy, including Katherine Ryan, Jason Manford, Jimmy Carr and Al Murray.
Music lovers will be spoilt for choice too with a host of live events celebrating musical legends from Abba to Whitney Houston!
So, don’t be a ‘cotton-headed ninny-muggins’ –get your tickets now and get set to liven up those
COMING UP A taste of what’s
Here’s our pick of the season’s shows coming to Charter Hall and Castle Park. Head to page 17 to discover all the great entertainment we’ve in store this winter.
THE KING’S VOICE
Elvis lookalike Gordon Hendricks’ career took off on ITV’s ‘Stars in their Eyes’ where, watched by 12 million viewers, he was crowned the series champion. Since then, Gordon’s won ‘Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artiste Champion 2017’ on stage at Graceland, competing against global artists.
He’s toured the world and now he’s coming to Charter Hall to transport you through Elvis’s ‘68 special to the Vegas era. There’s only one Elvis Presley and there’s only one artiste who captures his spirit on stage –the inimitable Gordon Hendricks.
14 MAR
ONE FOOT IN THE RAVE
Recently kicked out of club 18-30, a new decade now beckons for award-winning comedian Sophie McCartney! Tackling her perimenopausal panic with denial, delirium, and a shot of tequila - what does life look like when you’re too old to be young, but too young to be old?
KILLER COUPLES
True crime fans won’t want to miss this enthralling new show from Emma Kenny that plunges into the depths of love twisted into terror.
Emma captivates audiences yet again, solidifying her status as one of the UK’s foremost crime presenters. Emma unravels the complex psychology of couples who commit the unthinkable, transforming their intimate bond into a pact of death and destruction.
18 JAN
SING THE MUSICALS
Who doesn’t love singing along to hits from the greatest musicals of all time? Well, here’s your chance when Sing The Musicals brings a sensational live band and character singers to Charter Hall direct from London’s West End.
Our giant screen provides all the sing along lyrics to everyone’s best loved tunes from Mamma Mia, The Greatest Showman, Dirty Dancing, Les Mis, Phantom, Rocky Horror, Mary Poppins, Oliver, We Will Rock You and many more.
THE OLIVIA RODRIGO EXPERIENCE
Calling all Olivia Rodrigo fans! Get set for an energetic, fun and very lively tribute to the Pop Rock Sensation. Andesa Jackson performs a showstopping set in this stage spectacular, complete with authentic costumes, vocals and dancers, featuring Drivers License, Good 4 U, Get Him Back, Vampire, Bad Idea Right? and many more!
23 FEB
CIRQUE DE CELINE
Step right up and prepare to be mesmerized by the spectacular world of Cirque De Celine - a magical evening where the circus meets the melody!
Immerse yourself in a dazzling display of acrobats and aerialists as they dance to the rhythm of Celine Dion’s biggest hits including The Power of Love, It’s All Coming Back To Me Now, Because You Loved Me, My Heart Will Go On and many more.
2 FEB 4 APR
‘ELF-THE MUSICAL’
MEET THE CAST
I’m a massive fan of Elf and especially Buddyit’s a great role to release my inner child!
14 DEC5 JAN
Astar-studded cast is set to take to the stage for ELF - THE MUSICAL - the festive blockbuster coming to Charter Hall on a 36-show run from 14 December 2024.
Buddy the Elf, the eccentric human raised by Santa’s elves, will be performed by Essex’s own Jake Quickenden. The actor, singer and X-Factor star is best known for winning the 2018 Dancing on Ice, becoming runner-up in 2014’s I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here and more recently taking part in Celebrity MasterChef.
Originally from Scunthorpe, Jake now lives close to Colchester in Boxted, Essex. His TV appearances include a role in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks and he has performed in numerous stage productions such as Hair The Musical, Footloose and The Full Monty.
Jake said: “I’m a massive fan of Elf and especially Buddy - it’s a great role to release my inner child! This will be an incredible show and something the whole audience will remember as a special time.”
Jovie, the unenthusiastic department store worker who captures Buddy’s heart, will be played by Ipswich’s very own Jade Mayjean. The singer/ songwriter found fame in her early 20s on BBC’s The Voice where she secured Kylie Minogue as her mentor and performed to millions of national TV viewers week after week. Jade went on to release her album 20Sixty.
Jade said: “Ever since I can remember I have been singing and I love the stage. I’m so looking forward to Colchester’s production of Elf and just cannot wait to get started.”
Distinguished actor of TV and stage, Gary Turner, will take
the role of Walter Hobbs, the cynical business executive who is revealed as Buddy’s biological father. Gary is best known for his role as the good-looking chef, Carlos Diaz in ITV’s Emmerdale, which he played from 2000 to 2004. The 56 year old has since starred in a variety of TV, film and stage roles including Sy Spector in Bodyguard the Musical and Errol Flynn in A Question of Errol Flynn.
Jake and Jade’s impressive performances have already wowed the likes of Simon Cowell, Kylie Minogue and Tom Jones, so we’re sure audiences from across the region are going to be bowled over by the singing, dancing and acting of all three performers in this fabulous, festive production that’s not to be missed!
Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International, ELF-THE MUSICAL is based on the book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin; with music by Matthew Sklar and song lyrics by Chad Beguelin. The show is based on the New Line Cinema film written by David Berenbaum which starred Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel and James Caan as Elf, Jovie and Walter.
It tells the hilarious tale of Buddy, who, as a baby, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and grows up in the North Pole. Raised as an elf and never quite fitting in, when Santa tells him the truth of his birth father, Buddy sets out to New York for a family reunion to remember.
ELF-THE MUSICAL runs until 5 January 2025 with matinees and evening performances.
The people have spoken! The Pub Landlord is back for another round of Guv Island in 2025 - with fresh brew material!
CALL ME AL! You can
In this exclusive Q&A, we spent some time in the company of British comedian, actor and writer, Al Murray to get to know him a little better and find out more about his alter ego, the Pub Landlord.
Al, you’ve described the Pub Landlord as a “know-all know-nothing blowhard who knows the answer to every question even though he hasn’t been asked any of them” - who or what inspired his creation?
I used to listen to lots of phone ins! When I first came up with the character the aim was to be as daft as possible and make sure it was funny. Somehow the Pub Landlord came out in the wash. When was the pub landlord’s first performance and has he changed over the years?
The first stuff I did was in Edinburgh at the Fringe, and the character was a stop gap to fill a hole in a show. When he started he was reticent about being on stage. That’s the thing that has changed the most. He’s now become aware of his “fame”, he sees himself as a voice of the people ‘common sense dispenser’ who has come to help.
How would you describe the Pub Landlord in three words?
Tall, bald, right.
What topics will the landlord tackle in this latest show?
The state of the nation, what to do about Artificial Intelligence and which jobs are safe, young people, being offended, who really should be sent to Rwanda, the perils and benefits of Tik Tok, why no one is talking about Brexit,
Al, what do you hope audiences will take away from the show?
A night of laughs, wisdom, and if you’re sat at the front, maybe soggy trousers. Do audiences confuse Al Murray with his comedy creation?
I hope not! I think The Pub Landlord is kind of obvious enough .... but part of the fun is that in the end you never can control what people make of you. If someone does think he’s real then that strikes me as pretty funny and another joke in with all the others. Sometimes offstage it can take people by surprise when I speak and don’t sound like him, but it’s not something I lose any sleep over.
Does your real-life fascination with military history inform the show?
Well there’s a bit of the show about the NHS which leans into that somewhat. The Pub Landlord is one of those people whose eternal regret is that he missed the Second World War.
As a history lover, have you visited Colchester before?
I’ve not been to Colchester for history stuff, though the last time I stayed there was in a hotel which was 2nd Special Air Service Brigade’s HQ at the end of the war. That’s the kind of thing I notice and point out excitedly to my family.
Who are your dream dinner party guests?
Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, Eva Green (though I wouldn’t want Monty talking to her to be honest), John Bonham, Joan of Arc (they can chat) and Steve Martin.
The Gov Island tour takes you across the UK. When you’re on the road – what tracks make your top playlist?
There’s a David Bowie live album from the nineties called Bowie at the Beeb which has been an evergreen all time car touring favourite. It’s fantastic. Finally, we have to ask, what’s your favourite war film?
A Bridge Too Far. If it’s on, I’ll watch it.
COMEDY GOLD
Check out a tempting handful of the many comedy stars coming to Charter Hall.
KATHERINE
27 FEB
RYAN: BATTLEAXE
Katherine Ryan is at the top of her game and we’re so excited to welcome the award-winning comedian, writer, presenter and actress to the Charter Hall stage on her UK and European tour of brand-new live show, Battleaxe.
Creator and Star of Netflix’s smash hit
The Duchess, Katherine will delight audiences with a true masterclass on how to enter your Battleaxe era.
JASON MANFORD: A MANFORD ALL SEASONS
Jason’s been busy since his last smash-hit stand up show but this nationally acclaimed comedian hasn’t changed a bit. In this latest comic offering Jason’s ‘expert observational comedy’ (The Guardian) is sure to be ‘comic gold’ (Mail on Sunday). 12 FEB
JIMMY
CARR: LAUGHS FUNNY
If you like fast-paced, edgy one-liners then get ready to be happy. Jimmy is coming back to Charter Hall on 25 January with his brand new show!
JOSH BERRY –BEST MAN
It’s clear what toxic masculinity is, but what does positive masculinity look like?
Josh Berry intends to provide some answers and have a good laugh at a concept that could do with being taken a bit less seriously.
SIMON BRODKIN: SCREWED UP
World-famous prankster and Lee Nelson creator rips into celebrity culture, the police, Putin, Prince Andrew and God! Nothing is off limits In the critically acclaimed show on 28 November.
LET THERE
be light
Christmas in Colchester is back in style starting with the Festive Light Parade on Wednesday 13 November to switch on the city lights.
To ensure the maximum fun for spectators, the Mercury Theatre has been weaving yuletide magic to create dazzling lanterns for visitors to light up the procession along the High Street. Expect the return of larger-than-life puppets, character visits from Invasion Colchester, street food, pop up activities, live music and of course, the big man himself.
Head to christmasincolchester.co.uk to stay up to date with major events, late night openings, and fun new ways to explore the city this Christmas.
There’s so much more to unwrap in the months to come!
The annual InColchester Festive Market makes a welcome return to Colchester High Street on Sunday 8 December (10am-5pm).
Come along to enjoy fabulous live music from Those Colchester Buskers; alongside funfair rides, gift stalls, street food and plenty of festive cheer.
In St Nicholas Square, don’t miss the city’s first Young Traders Market, showcasing budding creative arts entrepreneurs joined by DJs, Skate Shack and Essex Youth Services.
6-24 December 2024
ENLIGHTENED
A MAGICAL ILLUMINATED OUTDOOR TRAIL
Enlightened returns bigger, better and brighter than ever!
The sell-out illuminated phenomenon is returning to Colchester’s magnificent Castle Park for the third year running. This epic event is the perfect opportunity for families to experience the magic and wonder of winter together. With a new reimagined trail, Enlightened 2024 is set to be the biggest, boldest and brightest year yet with over a mile of specially curated illuminations.
Immerse yourself in the new 50 metre digital tunnel of light containing over 300,000 individual LEDs all sparkling to music as guests wander through. Be amazed by the awe-inspiring laser show and prepare to be dazzled as
mysterious creatures are brought to life with 3D special effects.
The event features visitor favourites including rainbow row - a giant kaleidoscope of colour set to music; an enchanted fairyland where holographic fairies are brought to life; and interactive stepping stones where you can hop, skip and jump to the high energy fountain show.
The brand-new Fire Forest will feature hundreds of flickering flame bulbs set to a bespoke soundscape; a 3D projection show will be beamed onto the castle; and new interactive exhibits will offer hands on fun for kids.
Festive fun to guarantee a sparkling Christmas for all the family.
IT’S A CRACKER
We’ve packed our Christmas cracker with three festive treats to tickle your funny bones.
LIVE AT CHRISTMAS WITH SARA PASCOE
Celebrate in style when the country’s best comedians take to the Charter Hall stage for a spectacular all-star festive event!
This huge show will be headlined by the multi-award winning Sara Pascoe, star of Live at The Apollo, Qi, 8 Out of 10 Cats and many more.
Joining Sara is an outstanding line-up of comedy talent with Taskmaster icon and Would I Lie To You star, Mike Wozniak; viral phenomenon, Janine Harouni; Mock The Week’s whipsmart wizard, Rhys James; and the impeccable Jen Brister as host.
“She is a comic in her prime” The Times
6 DEC
ADULT PANTOMIME
Adult Panto is coming to Charter Hall!
Dive into the funniest, filthiest, most wickedly fabulous pantomime that’s anything but a fairy tale!
Get ready for a side-splitting, adultsonly twist on the classic Sleeping Beauty where we follow Princess Awhorin and her friends for a pantomime that proves happily ever after can be a bit more complicated and a lot more fun!
Will Fairy Hanny save the day? Or will Prince Albert have to get his chopper out? You’ll be gagging for more in this outrageously naughty panto.
Happily ever after can be a bit more complicated and a lot more fun! Just one encounter with a little prick could wear our princess out for a hundred years!
From the team who brought you the sellout success ‘Tinderella, Two Big Balls, One Happy Ending’.
Strictly 16+ All Under 18s need to be accompanied by an adult
Don’t be caught napping, book now!
FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK – COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
From the producers of Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of The Dubliners, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Irish culture as talented singers, musicians and dancers perform a world class concert featuring all the festive favourites including Driving Home for Christmas, Step
‘What a show! 5 stars’ - BBC ‘5 stars’ - WhatsOn
What’s on in Colchester
Here’s your pull-out guide to all events taking place at Charter Hall, Castle Park and Colchester Town Hall.
1 November - 30 April 2025
SCAN TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS
BEWARE THE SCARE
25 October2 November
6.00pm
From £20
Town Hall
Take a trip through the maze-like narrow corridors and atmospheric rooms within the Town Hall where you’ll experience an immersive scare event not for the faint hearted.
SANTA FUN RUN
8 November 10.00am
From £12.50
Castle Park
The Santa Fun Run, now in its 15th consecutive year, is the ideal way to kick off your festive season and get fit at the same time, with friends, family and colleagues!
TRIBUTE TO HANS
ZIMMER & FILM FAVOURITES
ILLUMINATED
1 November
7.30 pm
Varied
Charter Hall
An evening jam-packed with cinema’s most iconic music, beautifully performed by The London Film Music Orchestra illuminated.
ROLLERWORLD
9 November 11.00am
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.
KING COEL’S KITTENS FIREWORKS
5 November 5.30pm
Varied
Castle Park
This annual fireworks spectacular is one of the biggest events in the city with thousands coming together to enjoy a breath taking display.
NATIONAL BRICK EVENT
10 November 10.00am
From £8
Charter Hall
A dedicated brick event for every Lego fan. Whether you are a collector or just looking for a fun day out with the family then this event is sure to bring a smile to your face.
FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK
14 November
7.00pm
£28.50
Charter Hall
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Irish culture as singers, musicians and dancers perform a world class concert featuring all the festive favourites, plus the greatest Irish sing-along songs of all time!
MJ: THE LEGACY - STARRING CJ
17 November 7.30pm From £25
Charter Hall
Join us for a world class tribute to Michael Jackson, starring CJ, one of the greatest Michael Jackson tribute artists of all time, recreating the music with 100% live vocals and all the iconic dance routines.
80s LIVE
15 November 7.30pm
£30
Charter Hall
This is the biggest 80s party show to tour the UK! We’ll be heading down the Atlanta Highway, so bring your jukebox money and get ready to Jitterbug.
THE BEATLES BY CANDLELIGHT
16 November 7.30pm From £30
Charter Hall
A cast of West End singers and epic live band, ‘Come Together’ for a ‘Magical Mystery Tour’, jam packed with over 40 Beatles hits as you have never heard them before!
FOOD AND DRINK MARKET
24 November 10.00am
Varied
Charter Hall
Everything you love about food festivals, but indoors. Enjoy a fantastic day exploring the wonders of international cuisine, cocktails, real ale and prosecco bars including music and entertainment.
SIMO N REEVE: TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH
27 November 7.30pm
£32
Charter Hall
On his UK tour, Simon offers stories, thrills, deeper thoughts and hearty laughs to encourage audiences to get out of their comfort zone and embrace the great outdoors.
SIMON BRODKIN: SCREWED UP
28 November
8.00pm
£ 26.50
Charter Hall
Simon Brodkin, the worldfamous prankster and Lee Nelson creator, rips into celebrity culture, social media, Putin, and God! Nothing is off limits in this critically acclaimed show.
LIVE AT CHRISTMAS WITH SARA PASCOE
6 December
7.30pm
£27
Charter Hall
An all-star festive show starring Sara Pascoe with Taskmaster icon Mike Wozniak, viral star Janine Harouni, Mock The Week’s Rhys James, and Jen Brister as host.
THE COMEDY STORE
29 November
8.00pm
From £20
Charter Hall
The premier name in comedy serves up “The Best In Stand Up” from around the globe, showcasing the brightest names in stand-up today.
SOS WRESTLING
1 December
3.00pm
Varied
Charter Hall
Live wrestling returns to Charter Hall… another action packed afternoon of awesome wrestling comes to Colchester as SOS brings a star-studded line up of the world’s best wrestlers, and a few BIG surprises!
ENLIGHTENED 2024
6 - 24 December
5.00pm
Varied
Castle Park
Enlightened Colchester 2024 has been completely reimagined for this anniversary year and is bursting with brand new installations as well as visitor favourites to ensure this year is one not to be missed.
ELF THE MUSICAL
14 December -
5 January
Varied
Varied
Charter Hall
Nobody spreads Christmas cheer like Buddy the Elf! This festive spectacular for all the family will give thousands the opportunity to experience the West End showstopper close to home.
THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC: THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE TO ABBA
17 January
7.30pm
£32
Charter Hall
This international smashhit tribute show brings all ABBA’s number one hits to the stage in a dazzling production from an all-star cast.
ELECTRIK LIVE ORCHESTRA - THE ELO SHOW
24 January
7.30pm
From £28.50
Charter Hall
The legendary pop-up disco party promises an amazing night dancing to 70s discuo, 80s pop and 90s dance classics. Get glittered up for a fun, fab and feel-good night.
SING THE MUSICALS: THE LIVE BAND SING-ALONG SPECTACULAR
18 January
7.30pm
£28.50
Charter Hall
The greatest musicals of all time performed by a sensational live band and character singers; a giant screen with sing along lyrics make this the must see show of 2025.
JIMMY CARR: LAUGHS FUNNY 2025
25 January
7.00pm & 9.30pm
£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’.
TAYLORMANIA
19 January
6.00pm
Varied
Charter Hall
An award-winning show featuring Katy Ellis, a talented ‘Swiftie’ with an incredible live band and dancers, promises the most authentic recreation of a Taylor Swift show you will ever see.
FORBIDDEN NIGHTS 2025
31 January
7.30pm
From £28.00
Charter Hall
Brace yourself for something truly spectacular… Forbidden Nights is here, celebrating nine years of muscles, mayhem and over 11,000 shirt rips! Get ready to dive right in and interact like never before.
CIRQUE DE CELINE
2 February
7.30pm
£28.50
Charter Hall
Immerse yourself in a dazzling symphony of acrobats and aerialists as they dance to the rhythm of Celine Dion’s biggest hits including The Power of Love, It’s All Coming Back To Me Now, Because You Loved Me, and many more.
JASON MANFORD: A MANFORD ALL SEASONS
12 February
7.30pm
£36
Charter Hall
A Manford All Seasons is Jason’s latest comic offering where his iconic ‘expert observational comedy’ (The Guardian) is sure to be ‘comic gold’ (Mail on Sunday).
WHITNEY:
QUEEN OF THE NIGHT
7 February
6.30pm
From £29.00
Charter Hall
Experience the ultimate tribute to the remarkable musical repertoire of Whitney Houston in an electrifying production that honours her timeless songs with sensational vocalists and a full live band.
SLEEPING WITH BEAUTY - ADULT PANTOMIME
13 February
8.30pm
From £23
Charter Hall
The funniest, filthiest, wickedly fabulous adultsonly pantomime! Happily ever after can be a lot more fun and leave you gagging for more! Don’t be caught napping, book now!
JIM DAVIDSON: THE NEXT CHAPTER
9 February
7.30pm
£32.50
Charter Hall
Jim Davidson OBE remains a best-seller, writing new chapters of hilarity that captivate capacity audiences year after year. He invites you to join him for another evening of rip-roaring, grown-up comedy.
JOSH BERRY - BEST MAN
15 February
8pm
From £19
Charter Hall
It’s clear what toxic masculinity is, but what does positive masculinity look like in a modern context? Through his many impressions and characters Josh Berry intends to provide some sort of answer.
THE COMEDY STORE
21 February
8.00pm
From £20
Charter Hall
The premier name in comedy serves up “The Best In Stand Up” from around the globe, showcasing the brightest names in stand-up today.
21ST CENTURY TENNESSEE
22 February
7.30pm
From £27.50
Charter Hall
Experience the passion of 21st-century country music as we pay homage to the genre’s biggest stars. Join us for a night of incredible tunes, authentic Nashville vibes, and a whole lot of fun.
KATHERINE RYAN: BATTLEAXE
27 February
8.00pm
From £27.50
Charter Hall
Award-winning comedian, writer, presenter, and actress Katherine Ryan is at the top of her game and ‘Battleaxe’ brings her back out on tour after the sell-out international smash hit ‘Missus’ in 2022.
UK QUEEN
28 February
7.30pm
£28.50
Charter Hall
UK Queen are coming to rock you! Expect a sensational two hour live show packed with all the hits and classics of Queen, for the first time at Charter Hall, a must for any fan!
THE OLIVIA RODRIGO EXPERIENCE
23 February
6.00pm
From £18
Charter Hall
A tribute to the pop rock sensation celebrating all her biggest hits from her ground breaking albums “Sour” and “Guts” complete with authentic costumes, vocals and dancers.
DISCOS FOR GROWN UPS
1 March
8.00pm
From £18
Charter Hall
The legendary Discos for Grown ups pop-up disco party is coming to Charter Hall, Colchester for an amazing night dancing to 70s disco, 80s pop and 90s dance classics.
A feast for the mind! Multi-award-winning chef, restaurateur, writer and presenter Rick Stein delves into his lifelong love affair with cooking in this brand new UK tour.
THE KING’S VOICE: GORDON HENDRICKS AS ELVIS
14 March
7.30pm
£31.50
Charter Hall
This tour transports you through time from Elvis’s ‘68 special to the Vegas era, breathing soul into ballads and the iconic jumpsuit numbers that set the stage on fire.
ROB LAMBERTI PRESENTS PERFECTLY GEORGE
7 March
7.30pm
Varied
Charter Hall
Featuring the incredible voice of Rob Lamberti, this dynamic show has wowed audiences to celebrate one of the most gifted performers of a generation.
AL MURRAY: GUV ISLAND
15 March
7.30pm
Varied
Charter Hall
The Pub Landlord is back for another round of Guv Island - standing up so you don’t have to take it lying down anymore. Al makes sense of the questions you probably already had the answers to.
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER: THE MOTOWN SHOW
8 March
7.30pm
£ 28.50
Charter Hall
A Night to Remember -
The Motown Show’ takes you back in time to 1960s’ Detroit. Be prepared for a high energy show, packed with the greatest Motown hits of all time.
THE GIRL POWER EXPERIENCE
19 March
7.00pm
Varied
Charter Hall
This is a night of non-stop bangers from an epic 8-piece girl band! You’ll be part of the action in this sing-a-long concert, so warm up those vocal chords for tracks from Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Girls Aloud and more!
BEAUTIFUL TRAUMA - THE LIVE PINK SHOW
21 March
7.30pm
£25.50
Charter Hall
A high-octane live band show from start to finish. as Stacy Green embraces the attitude of Pink and the rock chick style that everyone knows and loves.
KILLER COUPLES
4 April
7.30pm
£32.50
Charter Hall
This is not just another true crime show; it’s a riveting exploration of romance gone horrifically awry. Emma unravels the psychology of couples who commit the unthinkable, transforming their intimate bond into a pact of death.
THE GREATEST STAR - STREISAND WITH
LIVE ORCHESTRA BAND
22 March
7.30pm
£27.50
Charter Hall
Starring Kearra Bethany, as seen on ITV’s Starstruck, as Barbra Streisand - this tribute show takes you on a magical musical journey.
WOMAN LIKE ME - THE LITTLE MIX SHOW
17 April
7.00pm
From £18
Charter Hall
This show brings back-toback chart-topping hits, incredible voices, and the electrifying energy of Little Mix to life on stage, captivating fans old and new in an unmissable celebration of their music.
FLEETWOOD MAC SONG BOOK
29 March
7.30pm
£28
Charter Hall
This is a non-stop, hit packed show, and a concert designed to get you on your feet and keep you there. Expect to hear Go Your Own Way, Don’t Stop, Little Lies plus many more.
SOPHIE
MCCARTNEY: ONE FOOT IN THE RAVE
26April
7.30pm
Varied
Charter Hall
Award-winning comedian and number one bestselling author Sophie McCartney is back with a brand-new show. Tackling her perimenopausal panic with denial, delirium, and a shot of tequila.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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.
Refunds or exchanges
We are unable to offer refunds and exchanges once tickets are purchased.
Booking Fees
Some events charge a booking fee which will be indicated when purchasing tickets.
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.
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VENUES
CHARTER HALL, COWDRAY AVE, COLCHESTER CO1 1YH
There are 400 car parking spaces available at Charter Hall. Tickets can be purchased in advance via the booking link or MiPermit app; or on the day via the MiPermit app (no cash payments available on site).
For accessible seating and carer ticket options, please see individual event listings.
Visitors can enjoy a selection of beer, wine, spirits 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.
GETTING THERE
Our city centre venues offer many opportunities to leave the car at home and walk, cycle or take public transport to our events. To help you find your way around visit: https:// incolchester.co.uk/getting-here
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THE REEVE’S TALE
TV’s most interesting globetrotter reveals why he’s in a class of his own
With his latest tour, ‘To the Ends of the Earth’ Simon hopes to encourage people to take a few more risks and find value in nature, wherever it may be.
27 November 2024
Author and TV presenter, Simon Reeve, is one of the world’s most adventurous travellers. His unique brand of documentary filmmaking combines travel and adventure with current affairs, history, wildlife, culture and conservation.
With his latest tour, To the Ends of the Earth, Simon hopes to encourage people to take a few more risks and find value in nature, wherever it may be.
Simon’s experiences of growing up in inner city London, escaping from a mental health crisis to flee to Scotland and finding his feet – quite literally –see him well placed to suggest ways others can discover more personal wild moments.
Simon said. “I want to remind audiences there’s a really beautiful, wild world out there for us to love and experience. My theme for the tour is ‘wild places exist and we need to find them’. There’s not much in life that I am sure about, but I am sure about this. The value of getting into nature is very simple, whether it’s a local park, a remote national park, or a far-flung
“I’ve travelled through so many completely different environments and am looking forward to sharing some of that.... What it’s like to be in the desert, in the mountains, the coldest places on the planet, and all the other extreme locations I’ve visited.
“Noticing nature around you is a bloody tonic. It’s a lot cheaper than therapy or other exercise, but super-valuable for us as individuals and collectively. So, if you aren’t great at taking chances or eating in restaurants that don’t have photos of the food outside, come along and let’s see if I can persuade you to have a few more adventures.
“In terms of learning about myself and the world around us, almost everywhere I’ve visited has taught me something. A big lesson for me has been staying with people who take what they need from Mother Nature, not what they want. I’ll talk about some of those remote communities on my tour – I won’t romanticise their lives, and often there is a comparative poverty, but it’s worth being reminded of those ways of living.”
“My journeys are about people and that’s what viewers remember and talk to me about. I love that. Travel can never be boring when you’re connecting with people.”
31 JANUARY 2025 | CHARTER HALL, COLCHESTER
12 minutes to the town centre
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Using Park and Ride can help congestion in cities and is a sustainable travel option and a stress free way for commuting, shopping or visiting
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2025
WHITNEY Queen of the night
Celebrating the music and life of Whitney Houston
After landmark performances at the Royal Albert Hall and The London Palladium, Whitney –Queen of the Night comes to Charter Hall for the the show’s 10th anniversary celebrations.
We asked, Adenike Adewale, the star of the show, to tell us more.
HOW DID YOUR SINGING CAREER TAKE OFF?
I started singing in choirs and at school at a young age but I was shy and happy to stay in the background. Singing and writing songs was my joy and remained a huge hobby. Over time I ended up singing at events and later got the confidence to apply for The Voice. It was a massive experience for me and I realised it was what I really wanted to do.
WHAT MAKES WHITNEY SUCH A SPECIAL ARTIST FOR YOU?
That vocal passion she had, the gospel background, it spoke to me. I aspired to have that range and that freedom of vocal ability – it was so powerful.
WHY DOES WHITNEY’S MUSIC STILL HAVE SUCH INFLUENCE?
You still see teenagers go crazy over I Wanna Dance With Somebody, just as their mums and grandmothers have done. Whitney was true to her personality and was able to portray that with music.
HOW DO YOU RE-CREATE WHITNEY’S IMMACULATE VOICE?
It takes a lot of practice, rehearsals and spending time listening to Whitney’s music. I work hard to keep my voice fit so that I can enjoy every performance and make sure everybody has a good time.
WHAT CAN AUDIENCES EXPECT…
The show goes through Whitney’s life and achievements. The band plays a huge role with guitar, bass, saxophone, percussion, drummer and piano, two backing dancers and singers, and a featured vocalist. We get on so well and it’s great to be able to take audiences on the journey – it’s magical.
