what's on

Current Programme

	June Thursday 20th at 8 pm Spritual Awakenings Andrew Dee – Spirit Medium A former military officer who served his country for 23 years; Andrew will astound you with his accuracy as well as his sincerity when he connects you with your family and fiends to bring you messages of love and upliftment. Tickets: £12, £10 (conc)
	June Friday 21st at 8pm (Doors open 7.15) An Amnesty for Music A concert of music from around the world in support of Amnesty International’s activities to promote human rights and to protect people wherever justice, fairness, freedom and truth are denied, with music from The Hat Check Honeys, Cornucopia, The Medlars and The Four Blokes. Tickets: £8, £6 (conc)
	July Wednesday 3rd - Saturday 6th at 8 pm The Good and Faithful Servant by Joe Orton Colchester Theatre Group Colchester Theatre Group's 60th Anniversary year seems to be developing a Best of British Theatre theme, following Wycherly, with Christie to come, and a Pinero next year, our Summer production showcases the work of controversial 60's playwright Joe Orton. A limitation on performing rights meant that we could not pair his work with that of his contemporary Harold Pinter but THE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT originally written in 1964 and performed in 1967, stands on its own as a savagely comic piece that looks at the way in which we treat the elderly. A theme that is, if anything, even more relevant today. The play follows Buchanan from retirement to death, and Orton's withering irony concentrates on exploring how that life was wasted in an artful intertwining of the natural and the grotesque. Director Andrew Hodgson, first directed the play at Colchester Arts centre to great acclaim and public success in 1986, and is looking foward to re-examining the piece 25 years later. A strong cast includes Robin Warnes recreating the role of Buchanan, with Maggie Brush as his lost love, Edith, Will Parrick as her layabout Mod grandson Ray, Charlie Still as his guileless girlfriend, Debbie and Chrissie Kettle as the controlling public relations officer, Mrs. Vealfoy. Tickets: £8, £6 (conc & CTG members)
	July Monday 8th - Tuesday 9th at 7.30pm An Evening of Clairvoyance Ronnie Buckingham Ronnie is now one of the most respected mediums in the country. By the evidential nature of the communications passed on from friends and loved ones in the spirit world, he aims to convince you of their survival and continuing interest in your lives. Tickets: £12
	July Friday 12th at 7.30pm Lady Windermere's Fan Dot Productions Young, rich, beautiful and newly married, Lady Windermere seems to have it all. That is until she is visited by one of London society’s most notorious gossips who suggests that her husband is having an affair with the mysterious Mrs Erlynne, and that this woman is about to turn up to Lady Windermere’s 21st birthday ball. Soon nothing is as it seems in this comic thriller, full of intrigue, jealousy and brilliant one-liners. Tickets: £10, £8 (conc)
	July Saturday 13th at 7.30pm Cutting Edge Brass Colchester New Music Colchester New Music presents the Bespoke Brass Ensemble. Don't miss this evening of SOUND PLUMBING ! The newest, richest, wildest brassy music - captured by Colchester composers and those far beyond. Brought to life by this fabulous ensemble. Tickets: £8, £6 (conc)
	July Sunday 14th at 1 pm and 3 pm The Theatrical Awards DOT Productions Come and witness The Theatrical Awards for Film/ TV and Musical Theatre! This amazing show is brought to you by DOT Productions’ talented youth theatre groups who will be sharing excerpts of the nominated shows and interviewing the stars. Tickets: £4
	July Friday 19th at 7.30pm Calm and Collected Making Faces Catch this hilarious comedy troupe in their new sketch and musical comedy show. Join Dan Curtis, Ed Mayhew and Lizzie Kevan as they quest to find the solution to anxiety and self-esteem issues, old women on buses, Guatemalan worry dolls and the audacity of cyclists. Making Faces host East London comedy night FACELIFT which is regularly Time Out recommended. An hour of quick fire, shambolic hilarity, not to be missed! "Cry-with-laughter-great.. Making Faces are FUNNY! Go and SEE THEM!' (Londonist). Tickets: £8
	July Saturday 20th Workshop 1pm to 5pm Concert: 7.30pm Guitar Workshop & Concert J Horsey Guitar Tuition Music Workshops Guitar workshop fee includes entry to evening concert for the workshop participant + one extra guest. All workshop participants must have own guitar. Suitable for age 6 and above. Lunch will be provided from 11am to 12.30pm. Will include performances from ‘All Things Considered’ Guitar Ensemble and more. N.b.: the full course fee must be paid 2 weeks prior to the workshop. Workshop fee: £50 (£25 deposit required). Concert only: £10, £5 (conc)
	July Wednesday 24th - Saturday 27th at 7.30pm The Downfall of the School by Robert Gathercole Mad Hatter Productions It’s a new term at Plainham Comprehensive - the only school where the teacher drop-out rate is higher than the student one. But nothing can prepare them for their new headteacher, the authoritarian Mr Kane. A musical comedy written by one of Mad Hatter’s own, don’t miss this original treat! Tickets: £10, £8(conc)
	July Monday 29th - Friday 2nd 9.30am to 4.30pm Musical Theatre Workshop for 8 to 16 yr olds Polka Dot Academy of Performing Arts Enjoy singing, dancing and working on the music for ‘High School Musical’! Come and meet new people and learn new skills while also having fun. This 4-day intensive workshop will culminate in a free performance for an invited audience. Places are limited and will be allocated on receipt of money - so book early to avoid disappointment. Course Fee: £85
	August Thursday 1st - Friday 2nd at 8 pm Hell in a Handbasket by Keith Hiscox, Ed Hall & Jamie Gordon Hiscox & Hall Hiscox and Hall are going to Hell...and you're only watching. Join them for a comic sideswipe at all things religious. Featuring a special appearance by God (as himself) and a zebra called Bernard. Those arriving "naked and ashamed" do so at their own risk. Hope will not be admitted. *Bad language and religiously sensitive material.* Tickets: £8, £6 (conc)
	August Saturday 3rd at 7.30pm Love Games by Tobias Nicholls Purple Dreams Productions A simple bus journey turns Isaac's life upside down in this saucy comedy from Purple Dreams Productions, offering you plenty of love, lust with laughter and lies as relationships are put through their paces and it becomes apparent that ultimately, everyone is playing 'Love Games'. *Some adult content - not recommended for children.* Tickets: £10
	August Sunday 4th at 7.30pm Hits From The Blitz Five Star Swing The unique “feel-good” 1940s show, as featured at Dame Vera Lynn’s Charity Gala Nights. Famous war-time tunes & “sing-a-long” songs brought to life by the singers and multi-instrumentalists of the Five Star Swing band, ("Superb, they swing like crazy!” – Sheila Tracy, BBC). Featuring Simone (Ivy Benson Orchestra) plus Chris Smith (Jnr) composer/arranger for Glenn Miller’s Brother, Herb. Special guest – Tony Bennett’s trombonist, Michael Innes! Tickets: £11, £9(conc)
	August Saturday 10th at 7.30pm Joe Boyd ‘Bury My Heart’ exclusive single Launch Concert Agony & Ecstasy Records Limited Agony & Ecstasy Records presents an exclusive, intimate concert by Joe Boyd, to mark the release of the new single ‘Bury My Heart’. We are pleased to announce Rhonda Merrick as the evening’s supporting artist and that we will be campaigning and donating to The Robin Cancer Trust from this concert. Tickets: £8
	August Monday 26th - Friday 30th from 9am to 4.30pm Shakespeare Workshop Scenario Performing Arts This utterly fun course will lead children through the world of William Shakespeare. Have the chance to bring Shakespeare to life. Lose yourself in a world that will make Shakespeare easy and fun most of all fun. For ages 7 to 16 years. Tickets: £85