Southend Theatres Brochure - Winter 2022

It’s Christmas Eve 1988, and disco is dead. The embittered, washed-up, one-hit wonder Carole Singer is still reaping the ever-diminishing returns of her 1976 Christmas hit Disco Christmas (Sleigh Bells Slay). Carole’s deep-rooted hatred of Christmas explodes in resentful rage at all around her.

It takes a haunting from four glamourous ghosts to show Carole what fate awaits if she doesn’t change her ways. But will Ms Carole Singer listen?

Written by comedy legend Myra DuBois, A Christmas Carole takes the classic story by Charles Dickens and wraps it up in the tinsel-strewn nostalgia of British Christmases. Raucous drinking, Christmas hits and family arguments all featureall gift-wrapped in a bow of camp and outrageous drag!

FRI 16 - SAT 24 DEC

PALACE THEATRE

TICKETS FROM £ 18

A £3.65 transaction fee may apply to your order

This winter and early Spring sees a plethora of top-flight live entertainment coming your way at Southend theatres. Sixteen major week-long productions ranging from West End Musicals through drama and comedy to Christmas plays and, of course, our blockbuster pantomime are all supplemented by a huge range of one night productions listed at the back of this brochure. Ballet, opera, stand-up comedians, dance, tribute shows, children’s entertainment, and “audience with” shows in our two main houses are complemented by a large range of smaller shows in the Dixon Studio and dining events in our Maritime Room.

When booking tickets for a show at the Cliffs Pavilion make your evening even more special by booking either a pre-show meal in our Pavilion Restaurant or one of our Hospitality Packages within the Foyer Bar. Arrive early, relax and enjoy the evening

Tickets for all shows and dining options can be booked online at our website southendtheatres.org.uk and, for those patrons wishing to receive future editions of this brochure digitally rather than in printed form, you’ll find the option to download the brochure and register for e-brochures on various pages throughout the site.

It’s Christmas Eve and two Royal Bakers are making the perfect Gingerbread Man for the new Royal Baby’s first Christmas! However, the recipe goes sideways and The Gingerbread Man is soon whisking up trouble!

A perfect theatre introduction for your little ones with a large cup of spellbinding puppetry, a spoonful of original music and dusted off with plenty of silliness within a very Royal Bakery!

2021

SAT 17 - SAT 24 DEC

DIXON STUDIO

TICKETS FROM £ 14 A £3.65 transaction fee may apply to your order

HHHH ‘THIS IS A REAL CHRISTMAS TREAT... FULL OF THE FUN OF THE SEASON’ EVERYTHING THEATRE,

Fri 9 7.15pm Sat 10 2.15pm 7.15pm Sun 11 1pm 5pm

Mon 12 NO PERFORMANCES

Tue 13 2.15pm 7.15pm Wed 14 2.15pm 7.15pm Thu 15 2.15pm 7.15pm

Fri 16 2.15pm 7.15pm

Sat 17 11am 3pm 7.15pm

Sun 18 1pm 5pm Mon 19 NO PERFORMANCES

Tue 20 2.15pm 7.15pm Wed 21 2.15pm 7.15pm Thu 22 2.15pm 7.15pm

Fri 23 2.15pm 7.15pm Sat 24 1pm 5pm Sun 25 NO PERFORMANCES Mon

Join Alfie and Gabz on this fabulous adventure, as they investigate the strange events happening in their home town! Children are leaving their teeth for the tooth fairy and waking up to find odd things under their pillows! Alfie and Gabz are determined to get to the bottom of the mystery - but no-one could have dreamed what they'll discover when they come face to face with the demon dentist herself, in this hilarious and thrilling story!

Don't miss this terrific tale from the West End producers of David Walliams' Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, which were both nominated for an Olivier Award! It's the funniest and most exciting show yet!

‘WHAT AN AMAZING SHOW! IT’S SUCH A THRILL TO SEE MY STORY BROUGHT TO LIFE IN SUCH A BRILLIANT WAY. I LOVE IT!’ DAVID WALLIAMS

THU 11 - SUN 15 JAN CLIFFS PAVILION

TICKETS FROM £ 20 A £3.65 transaction fee may apply to your order

Willy Russell’s legendary musical tells the captivating and moving tale of twins separated at birth, who grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences.

Few musicals have been received with such acclaim as the multi-award-winning Blood Brothers. Former X Factor finalist Niki Evans returns to the iconic role of Mrs Johnstone. The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe, Easy Terms and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

MIDDLE GROUND THEATRE COMPANY LTD PRESENTS

THE VERDICT

BY BARRY REED

Directed and designed by Michael Lunney

The powerful bestselling courtroom thriller that inspired a multi Academy Award-nominated film starring Paul Newman. Frank Galvin is a washed up veteran lawyer and an alcoholic. He is presented with one last chance to redeem himself when he is given an open-and-shut medical malpractice case that no one thinks he can win. Up against the unforgiving medical establishment, he courageously refuses an out of court settlement, believing it is negligence that has condemned a young mother. Smelling a cover up, he instead takes the case and the entire legal system to court... Starring Jason Merrells ( Agatha Raisin, Emmerdale, Casualty) in a cast of fifteen, this phenomenal and gripping courtroom thriller has enjoyed standing ovations at theatres across the UK and Ireland.

Five strangers gather in a conference room: it’s in need of improvement, but then again so are our protagonists. However, despite their many differences there is one thing that links Pam, Gavin, Morgan, Dale and Amy. They all want to realise their dreams through comedy! Frank Donohue is the finest sitcom writer of his generation. He has flown in first class from Los Angeles to teach his five lucky disciples the tricks of the trade and maybe, if they have what it takes, he’ll show them the holy grail: how to write the perfect sitcom.

As his seminar progresses we get a unique glimpse into the characters and discover that unlikely mix-ups, farcical set-pieces and gut-wrenching tragedy exist in their everyday lives as much as they do on the page. For lovers of TV sitcoms this is a 'must see’ for 2023!

MON 6 - SAT 11 FEB

PALACE THEATRE

TICKETS FROM £ 15 A £3.65 transaction fee may apply to your order

Musical theatre meets jaw-dropping circus spectacular as showstoppers from everyone’s favourite West End hits combine with breath-taking, amazing aerialists, incredible contortionists, and thrilling trapeze artistes. . .

A monochrome life bursts into kaleidoscopic colour in this smash-hit circus musical that’s fun for all the family. West End stars combine with the incredible circus performers.

Steel Magnolias is the hilarious and heart-warming true story that inspired the hit film starring Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts. The beloved film is now beautifully brought to life on stage and will feature an all-star cast including Laura Main (Call the Midwife) and Lucy Speed (The Archers, The Bill ) and Diana Vickers (Dial M For Murder, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice).

This iconic comedy is the perfect ticket for every generation and proves that one hair appointment might just change your life.

TUE 7 - SAT 11 MAR PALACE

THEATRE

TICKETS FROM £ 21 A £3.65 transaction fee may apply to your order

Directed and co-choreographed by Britain’s best-loved TV Judge, Craig Revel Horwood, Strictly Ballroom: The Musical follows arrogant, rebellious young ballroom dancer, Scott Hastings (Kevin Clifton). When his radical and daring dance style sees him fall out of favour with Australian Federation, he must dance with beginner, Fran (Maisie Smith). Together they find the courage to defy tradition and discover that to win, your steps don’t need to be strictly ballroom!

Featuring smash-hit songs Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps, Time After Time and many more.

SEEN BY OVER 30 MILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE

The internationally acclaimed stage sensation, Jersey Boys is working its way back to Southend!

They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard... and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story - a story that has made them an international sensation all over again. The show features all their hits including Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Oh What A Night, Walk Like A Man, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and Working My Way Back To You.

Reviews Hub

Join our raggle-taggle band of travelling circus performers as they embark on their most daring feat yet: to recreate the adventures of Phileas Fogg as he sets off on his race around the world. But wait...who is this Nellie Bly biting at his heels? We can’t have an actual-real-life woman win this race!

Sit back and enjoy as our skilled performers traverse every country, embrace each character and navigate each mode of transport as fact clashes with fiction in this madcap adventure around the globe.

by JULES VERNE

Adapted & Directed by JULIET FORSTER

Tilted Wig presents York Theatre Royal’s production

Fairy Powewred Productions York Press

The Stage

Based on the Sunday Times bestseller which inspired one of this century’s most treasured films, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel takes us on a journey to India with an eclectic group of British retirees as they embark on a new life. The luxury residence is far from the opulence they were promised, but as their lives begin to intertwine, they are charmed in unexpected and life-changing ways. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a joyous comedy about taking risks, finding love and embracing second chances, even in the most surprising of places. Get ready for the journey of a lifetime.

The international, award-winning smash-hit musical The Bodyguard is back! Starring Pussycat Doll, and multi-platinum Grammy nominated Melody Thornton * as Rachel Marron. Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge – what they don't expect is to fall in love.

A ‘BRILLIANT!’ (The Times), breathtakingly romantic thriller, The Bodyguard features a whole host of irresistible classics including Queen of the Night, So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, Run to You, I Have Nothing, Greatest Love Of All, Million Dollar Bill, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and one of the greatest hit songs of all time – I Will Always Love You.

WHAT’S ON

CLIFFS PAVILION

DECEMBER 1 80 s LIVE 2 CHRISTMAS WITH IL DIVO 3 ALIJAZ & JANETTE: A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER 9 - 31 SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS JANUARY 6 ROCK FOR HEROES 7 SING-A-LONG-A ENCANTO 8 THE NUTCRACKER: VARNA INTERNATIONAL BALLET 12 - 15 THE DEMON DENTIST 17 - 21 BLOOD BROTHERS 22 JIM DAVIDSON: NOT YET CANCELLED 26 SPIRIT OF THE DANCE 27 AN EVENING WITH ARSENAL INVINCIBLES 28 THE DIANA ROSS STORY FEBRUARY 1 THE CARPENTERS STORY 2 QUEEN EXTRAVAGANZA 3 FANNY’S BIGGEST PARTY EVER 4 THE DUALERS 5 JOHN BARROWMAN: I AM WHAT I AM 8 - 11 CIRQUE: THE GREATEST SHOW 12 JASON FOX: LIFE AT THE LIMIT 13 BELINDA CARLISLE: THE DECADES TOUR 14 UK PINK FLOYD EXPERIENCE 16 WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT? 18 MIKE OLDFIELD’S TUBULAR BELLS

19 COME WHAT MAY: THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE TO MOULIN ROUGE 22 GIOVANNI PERNICE: MADE IN ITALY 23 SARA PASCOE: SUCCESS STORY 24 MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL 2 25 ROCK ORCHESTRA BY CANDLELIGHT 26 THE ESSEX ANTIQUES FAIR MARCH 1 LA BOHÈME 2 NEW MISCHIEF SHOW: MIND MANGLER 3 JON RICHARDSON: THE NITWIT 4 GOOD VIBRATIONS 5 THAT'LL BE THE DAY 9 BOWIE EXPERIENCE 10 FIREDANCE 11 FRANK SKINNER 12 SWAN LAKE: VARNA INTERNATIONAL BALLET 16 DREAMBOYS: NO STRINGS ATTACHED 17 & 18 RUSSELL HOWARD 19 THE BOOTLEG BEATLES 20 - 25 STRICTLY BALLROOM: THE MUSICAL 29 DARREN HAYES: DO YOU REMEMBER? TOUR 30 MICHAEL STARRING BEN 31 NADIYA AND KAI: ONCE UPON A TIME

APRIL 4 - 8 JERSEY BOYS 18 - 22 THE KING & I

WHAT’S ON

MAY 2 - 6 THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 22 - 24 THE BODYGUARD JUNE 20 - 24 GREATEST DAYS JULY 18 - 22 ANNIE AUGUST 8 - 12 THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE 14 - 19 ROCKY HORROR SHOW 29 AUG SHREK - 2 SEP SEPTEMBER 11 - 16 SISTER ACT OCTOBER 9 - 14 THE LIFE OF PI 23 - 28 ANYTHING GOES NOVEMBER 7 - 11 DRIFTERS GIRL PALACE THEATRE DECEMBER 7 - 10 PTC: PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT AMATEUR PRODUCTION 11 CHRISTMAS FILMS: THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL (U) THE BISHOP'S WIFE (U) LAST CHRISTMAS (12) 16 - 24 A CHRISTMAS CAROLE JANUARY 6 - 7 CINDERELLA & HER NAUGHTY BUTTONS 10 THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SERIAL KILLERS

13 SHOWADDYWADDY 14 POP PRINCESSES 19 - 22 WEDNESDAY PLAYERS: CINDERELLA AMATEUR PRODUCTION 26 SWINGING AT THE COTTON CLUB 31 JAN THE VERDICT - 4 FEB

FEBRUARY 5 GUZ KHAN 6 - 11 JUMPING THE SHARK 12 THE SOUND OF SPRINGSTEEN 16 MINISTRY OF SCIENCE LIVE 17 & 19 ZOG 21 PSYCHIC SALLY 22 THE STORY OF GUITAR HEROES 23 PRUE LEITH: NOTHING IN MODERATION 25 - 26 STEWART LEE: BASIC LEE MARCH 3 FAIRPORT CONVENTION 4 - 5 TALES FROM ACORN WOOD 7 - 11 STEEL MAGNOLIAS 12 DICK & DOM IN DA BUNGALOW LIVE 14 LLOYD GRIFFITH: ONE TONNE OF FUN 17 SIMON BRODKIN: SCREWED UP 19 TROY HAWKE: SIGMUND TROY’D 25 - 26 ROOM ON THE BROOM 26 THE FUREYS 28 JAMES HASKELL 29 DANNY BAKER: THE SAUSAGE SANDWICH TOUR 30 KATE MOSSE OBE: WARRIOR QUEENS & QUIET REVOLUTIONARIES

31 AXEL BLAKE: IN STYLE APRIL 20 - 23 AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS MAY 15 - 20 THE BIRDS & THE BEES JULY 3 - 8 WISH YOU WERE DEAD

DIXON STUDIO

DECEMBER 27 - 24 THE GINGERBREAD MAN JANUARY 14 WI-FI WARS FEBRUARY 3 ROB NEWMAN 4 SOPHIE DUKER: HAG 10 LUCY PORTER: WAKE-UP CALL 17 THE GREATEST MAGICIAN: AN EVENING OF WONDERS 22 - 25 REJECT THEATRE: UP & UNDER 26 ESHAAN AKBAR: THE PRETENDER MARCH 3 KEITH JAMES: THE GREAT CANADIAN SONGBOOK 6 - 11 EEP: THE LION, THE WITCH & THE WARDROBE AMATEUR PRODUCTION 12 JOHN KEARNS: THE VARNISHING DAYS 15 MAKING HEADWAY 16 TOM HOUGHTON: ABSOLUTE SHAMBLES 17 JACOB HAWLEY: BUMP 21 - 25 SSC: YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU AMATEUR PRODUCTION

26 JAYDE ADAMS: MEN, I CAN SAVE YOU 29 MAR LTC: ARSENIC & OLD LACE - 1 APR AMATEUR PRODUCTION

MARITIME ROOM

JANUARY 5 BALLS OUT COMEDY CLUB (ADMIRALS ROOM) 13 TROPICANA NIGHTS 14 FANNY'S BUNS & BUBBLES 27 FANNY'S BIG NIGHT OUT 29 FANNY'S BINGO BRUNCH

FEBRUARY

2 BALLS OUT COMEDY CLUB (ADMIRALS ROOM) 10 TROPICANA NIGHTS 12 THE CHERRIES MOTOWN & 60S LUNCH 15 PIE, MASH & QUIZ 17 FANNY'S BIG NIGHT OUT 18 FANNY'S BUNS & BUBBLES 22 THE JAZZ MIX: DEREK NASH FUNK EXPERIENCE

MARCH

2 BALLS OUT COMEDY CLUB (ADMIRALS ROOM) 3 LOS PACAMINOS FEATURING PAUL YOUNG 10 TROPICANA NIGHTS 15 PIE, MASH & QUIZ 17 70 s REWIND: DARE TO FLARE 18 DIRTY DANCING v GREASE DINING EVENT 24 FANNY'S BIG NIGHT OUT 26 FANNY'S BINGO BRUNCH 29 THE JAZZ MIX: NATALIE WILLIAMS SOUL FAMILY