Fancy a fantastic night out with top-quality shows right on your doorstep?
Then take a look at Southend Theatres. Between the 1,600-seat Cliffs Pavilion and the Edwardian splendour of the Palace Theatre, there’s an outstanding programme of entertainment for you to enjoy here in Essex. Below, we pick out five upcoming highlights to suit all ages and tastes:
1. Operation Mincemeat (31 Aug – 5 Sep at the Cliffs Pavilion) is the 2024 Olivier Award-winning Best New Musical. It’s London’s biggest hit with 113 five star reviews, making it the best-reviewed show in West End history.
Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Operation Mincemeat is the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II. Not to be missed.
2. The Choir of Man (15 – 19 Sep at the Cliffs Pavilion) is another Olivier Award nominated show coming to Southend direct from the West End.
Brimming with hits from artists such as Queen, Luther Vandross, Sia, Paul Simon, Adele, Guns N’ Roses, Avicii and Katy Perry to name but a few, this is like being in the best pub in the world.
3. Dial M for Murder (12 – 16 Aug Aug at the Palace) takes you back to London, 1952. Former tennis professional Tony Wendice and his wealthy wife Margot appear to have it all. But everything is not as it seems. Tony believes he has orchestrated the perfect murder of Margot, but when the plan goes wrong it leads to a gripping web of lies, betrayal and lethal twists.
Don’t miss this masterclass in suspense that inspired the cinematic masterpiece. Dial M for Murder is a tour de force of psychological tension.
4. Dog Man: The Musical (18 – 20 Aug at the Palace) is a hilarious new musical based on the worldwide bestselling book series from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club.
Dog Man is the crime-biting sensation who is part dog, part man and ALL HERO! But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? A hugely entertaining show for children and adults alike.
5. Wilko: Love and Death and Rock’n’Roll (12 – 17 Oct at the Palace) celebrates the life and music of Wilko Johnson.
In 2012, Wilko, the iconic rock star and founder of legendary Essex band Dr Feelgood, was told he had inoperable cancer and a year to live. Refusing all treatment, he decided to spend his last months living meaningfully: seeing the people, places and things which meant most to him during his remarkable life. Then, a miracle happened…
- Tickets for all these shows are on sale now from www.southendtheatres.org.uk or by calling 0343 310 0030.
