Held at The Boswells School, Burnham Road, Chelmsford, CM1 6LY

Held at Club Grapevine based in Moulsham School, Brian Close, Chelmsford CM2 9ES

Disco with DJ JoJo

Held at The Boswells School, Burnham Road, Chelmsford, CM1 6LY

Held at Club Grapevine based in Moulsham School, Brian Close, Chelmsford CM2 9ES

Big Sing

The death of a much loved husband prompts a group of ordinary women in a small Yorkshire Women’s Institute to do an extraordinary thing. Blasting away all preconceptions of what it is to be in a Women’s Institute, they decide to do an artistic topless calendar to raise money for charity.

Upturning preconceptions is a dangerous business and none of them expect the emotional and personal ramifications, but gradually the making of the fabulous and funny calendar brings each woman unexpectedly into flower.

The true story of the Calendar Girls launched a global phenomenon, a million copycat calendars, a record breaking movie, stage play and musical written by Tim Firth and Gary Barlow which coined the term ” craughing ” the act of crying and laughing at the same time.

With unforgettable songs, every performance continues to add to the millions already raised for charity and also prove that there is no such thing as an ordinary woman.

This very uplifting and life affirming show contains a slight amount of very discreet nudity, together with lots of humour and some fabulous songs.

Minibus transport

Arrange collection or Meet at: Blackmore Village Hall, Nine Ashes Rd CM4 0QR

Refreshments: Bring money for drinks & snacks, raffle tickets

Wheelchair access: Fully accessible but regrettably there is no space on the minibus for wheelchairs.

Held at The Boswells School, Burnham Road, Chelmsford, CM1 6LY

Two games of bowling and supper

Meet at: Rivermead Industrial Estate, North Bishop Hall Lane CM1 1PD

Refreshments: Lunch provided. Money or payment card for drinks/snacks

Held at The Boswells School, Burnham Road, Chelmsford, CM1 6LY

Held at Club Grapevine based in Moulsham School, Brian Close, Chelmsford CM2 9ES

Bingo - led by volunteers

Held at The Boswells School, Burnham Road, Chelmsford, CM1 6LY

Email Vanessa to get tickets

Held at The Boswells School, Burnham Road, Chelmsford, CM1 6LY

Email Vanessa to get tickets

Wicked is the enchanting musical by Winnie Holzman and Stephen Schwartz that has been capturing the hearts of audiences young and old. A magical prequel to Frank L. Baum’s classic novel, the Wicked musical tells the story of The Wizard of Oz as you have never seen – or heard – it before. Since opening on Broadway in 2003, the musical has travelled around the world, and has bewitched audiences in the West End for over 15 years at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.

Following Elphaba, an aspiring young witch who stands out because of her vibrant green skin, Wicked is the ultimate tale of friendship, love and acceptance. Inspired by Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel of the same name, the musical follows Elphaba as she begins school and meets fellow aspiring witch Galinda. Struggling to fit in because of her peculiar appearance, Elphaba’s powers soon begin to spiral out of control. As Elphaba and Galinda (who renames herself Glinda) join together, they soon begin to learn that everything in the land of Oz may not be as it seems. When the animals begin to lose their voice, Elphaba decides that she must take action.

The Wicked musical first premiered in New York in 2003, with Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Kristin Chenoworth as Glinda. It has played at the Gershwin Theatre on Broadway ever since. In 2006, the show transferred to the West End and has now celebrated over 15 years at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. With its stunning sets, bold costumes and exciting story of friendship, it is a global success with large-scale productions staged most notably in Germany and Australia. A film adaptation starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo is also in development – although nothing can quite beat the exhilarating thrill of seeing the story live on stage!

Wicked is adapted from Maguire’s book by Winnie Holzmann (My So-called Life) with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Schwartz is a hugely acclaimed lyricist and composer who has worked on Disney films including Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Prince of Egypt; and musicals including Pippin and Godspell. He has won three Grammy Awards, three Academy Awards and been nominated for six Tony Awards. His Wicked musical score is as soaring, quirky and magical as the characters themselves, ,with songs such as “The Wizard and I”, “Popular”, “No Good Deed” and the show-stopping “Defying Gravity” bringing this fantastical story to life. 

Two-time Tony Award winning director Joe Mantello (The Boys in the Band) directs, with glowing, inventive choreography by Wayne Cilento, and striking set design by Eugene Lee and Susan Hilferty. The creative team also includes designer Kenneth Posner and sound designer Tony Meola.

Wicked has won a huge number of awards including Tonys and Oliviers and has featured countless stars in the lead roles, including Kerry Ellis, Rachel Tucker, Louise Dearman, Emma Hatton and Willemijn Verkaik. 

Wicked’s current cast includes Alexia Khadime as Elphaba, Lucy St. Louis as Glinda, Ryan Reid as Fiyero, Sophie-Louise Dann as Madame Morrible, Michael Fenton Stevens as the Wizard, Caitlin Anderson as Nessarose, Joe Thompson-Oubari as Boq and Graham Kent as Doctor Dillamond. Laura Harrison is the standby Elphaba and Lisa-Anne Wood is the standby Glinda.

Still as “Popular” as it was when it first opened, the Wicked musical is a magical West End show that’s not flying away any time soon!

Coach transport

Pick up: Chelmsford College CM2 9DE

Refreshments: Packed Tea required. Money or payment card for drinks/snacks

Wheelchair access: Accessible but would have to be able to transfer to seat

The crowning glory of Broadway, the West End and beyond, the international smash hit musical SIX makes its royal return to Southend following its previous sold out run! Winner of over 35 international awards including the Tony Award for ‘Best Original Score’ and ‘Best Costume Design’, double winner of the Whatsonstage Award for ‘Best West End Show’ and a Gold-Disk winning album, this sell-out Tudor take-off has ‘an incredibly strong and powerful message’ (The Australian) and is ‘pure entertainment’ (New York Times). From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. These Queens may have green sleeves but their lipstick is rebellious red. Think you know the rhyme, think again... Divorced. Beheaded. LIVE!

Coach transport

Pick up: Chelmsford College CM2 9DE

Refreshments: Packed Tea required. Money or payment card for drinks/snacks

Wheelchair access: Accessible but would have to be able to transfer to seat

You shall go to the ball this Christmas with award-winning television presenter, radio DJ, podcaster and number one best-selling author Rylan, who returns for another year to play the Fairy Godfather! Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients Cliffs Pavilion audiences expect, Cinderella features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses.  Book your tickets before the clock strikes midnight!  

Relaxed Performance

Coach transport