What's On
Displaying events between 01 December 2026 and 31 December 2026
Backstage Tour: Cinderella
We welcome you to join us on this special backstage tour, celebrating all things panto. Chelmsford Theatre hosted its first pantomime in 1967 and in 2025 our beloved panto continues to bring festive cheer to Chelmsford. Take a peek in the Dame’s dressing room, walk across our panto stage, and see how the production comes together in this one off tour. Experience the magic of going behind the scenes at our theatre. You’ll learn about our theatre’s history and how various departments from our box office to theatre technicians come together to make each production a success. Our backstage tours are suitable for all ages to enjoy. Please bear in mind that there is no step free access on theatre tours.
If you have any additional needs or access requirements for the tour, please contact [email protected].
Dates: Sat 05, Sat 12
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Bring Your Own Baby Comedy 2026
Come along for an afternoon of side-splitting comedy, where you can relax and have a good laugh at some hilarious comedians without needing childcare! We have everything you need from buggy parking to baby changing so that you can take some time for yourself and just be entertained.
The bar is stocked whether you fancy a cuppa or even something a bit stronger, G&T anyone? If you need to whip out a bum (the baby’s please!), a boob or a bottle, please feel free and our comics won’t mind being heckled by our younger guests.
* Each show will feature two brilliant comedians plus a compere and the whole show will last approximately 75 mins including an interval. *Please note that we have a 15-month age limit for our little laughers, as our comedians will be performing their usual grown-up jokes.
Dates: Thu 03
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Cinderella 2026
You shall go to the ball this Christmas as Cinderella and friends will be arriving, carriage and all, at Chelmsford Theatre for the 2026 pantomime spectacular!
Cinderella is kind, friendly and spreads joy wherever she goes. She lives at her family home with her rotten stepsisters who are cruel to Cinderella and make fun of her caring nature.
Undeterred by their wickedness, Cinderella happily gets on with the daily demands thrown her way, until she meets a dashing stranger and receives a royal invitation that will transform her life forever.
Expect magic, mayhem, royal balls, fairy godmothers, major glow ups and a touch of ugly! Will our Cinders ever make it to the ball? It’s very likely, but you’d better come along just in case!
Dates: Tue 01, Wed 02, Thu 03, Fri 04, Sat 05, Sun 06, Tue 08, Wed 09, Thu 10, Fri 11, Sat 12, Sun 13, Tue 15, Wed 16, Thu 17, Sat 19, Sun 20, Mon 21, Tue 22, Wed 23, Thu 24, Sat 26, Sun 27, Mon 28, Tue 29, Wed 30
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Fanny Galore's Big Christmas Bingo Party
Feeling lucky? Head down to join Fanny Galore for a big bingo party right here at Chelmsford Theatre Studio. If you love bingo and drag queens, this night is made for you. Think singing, dancing, games and a glamorous game of bingo hosted by Essex based drag queen Fanny. Get those dabbers ready and prepare to get lucky, eye’s down for a full house! Fanny can be a little cheeky so over 18’s only darling. Each ticket includes a complimentary drink, you may choose between a 125ml glass of prosecco or wine, a bottled beer or a soft drink. This carries no cash value and is non exchangeable, complimentary drinks are only available with a valid ticket to Fanny Galore’s Bingo Party.
Dates: Fri 04
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Ignacio Lopez: Nada
Star of Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You, QI, Richard Osman's House of Games & Comedy Central Live; Ignacio Lopez returns with perhaps his most ambitious and pretentious project yet.
Nada is the captivating comedy experiment which sees Spain’s Best Export create a brand new, completely unique and blisteringly funny stand up show right in front of your eyes, from absolutely nothing!
Mining his hilarious upbringing, growing up in Mallorca and South Wales, as well as suggestions from the crowd, and everything he’s learnt performing comedy since 2010, Ignacio crafts an intricate story of mystery and suspense packed with sarcasm, silliness and huge laughs.
As well as dazzling viewers with his quick-wit and charm on almost every UK TV station, Ignacio’s talents have seen him headlining all the top comedy clubs, cruises, corporate and military shows worldwide and his acclaimed, sold out tour shows all over the UK prove he’s an act not to be missed.
★★★★★ “Charming, charismatic, hilarious. Will have you leaving with a smile on your face” - Deadline News
★★★★1/2 “A comedic genius at work. Sharp wit mixed with a dose of the ridiculous. A must see” - One4Review
★★★★1/2 “One of the more distinctive voices in British stand-up, an astute chronicler of modern absurdity & his personal contradictions. Most importantly however, he knows how to make ‘em laugh.” - The QR
Dates: Thu 10
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Scott Bennett: Blood Sugar Baby 2026
One family, one condition, one hell of a hairy baby… Scott Bennett from Live at the Apollo, The Royal Variety Performance and The News Quiz tells the amazing true story of how his daughter fell ill with a rare genetic condition, congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI). Never heard of it? Neither had Scott and Jemma.
‘What’s so rare and satisfying is how all the jokes go hand in hand with the seriousness of the situation. It’s a wonderfully hopeful, often hilarious show from a properly funny man’ The Times ★★★★
‘Fabulous turn of phrase, superb character creations ‘ Chortle ★★★★
‘Stardom is surely just one punchline away ‘ Evening Standard ★★★★
Yes, it’s a story about an ill baby, but it’s a very funny one with a happy ending, as new parents Scott and Jemma fight to get the right diagnosis for their daughter and are plunged into months of bewildering treatment, sleepless nights, celebrity encounters and bizarre side effects.
Dates: Tue 01
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The Owl Who Came for Christmas
“Mum, look! There’s a bauble moving in the tree!”
Fly into author, John Hay and Garry Parson‘s heart-warming tale this Christmas and join Rosie the Owl on her feathered adventures!
Join Rosie the Owl on her enchanting adventures as she finds herself nestled amidst the branches of a family's new Christmas tree. Witness the joy and wonder as the family discovers their unexpected visitor and endeavours to help Rosie find her way back home to the forest.
Inspired by the true story of Rosie the Owl, this charming tale celebrates the power of love, kindness, and the magic of Christmas. With toe-tapping songs, captivating puppetry, and plenty of opportunities for audience participation, this delightful show promises to captivate audiences of all ages.
Adapted for the stage by the talented Chandni Mistry, Creative Programmes Practitioner at Leicester Curve, The Owl Who Came for Christmas, is the perfect festive treat for families looking to make cherished memories together.
Running approximately 1 hour with no interval, it's suitable for children aged 1 and up. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic of Rosie's journey this Christmas!
“A delightful production that successfully brings the story to life and captures the spirit of the value of Christmas and togetherness.” - Lauren in Leicester
“A beautiful Christmas presentation for the young ones and a real introduction to the magic of theatre.” - East Midlands Theatre
Dates: Sat 12, Sun 13, Tue 15, Wed 16, Thu 17, Fri 18, Sat 19, Sun 20, Mon 21, Tue 22, Wed 23, Thu 24, Sat 26, Sun 27, Mon 28, Tue 29, Wed 30, Thu 31
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