Theatre and Stage Shows

Catch a great show on your visit to Colchester at one of the city's fantastic Theatres and Performing Arts venues. From traditional stage plays to one-man shows, stand up comedy, or even something more experimental, Colchester is host to a great selection of theatre and stage shows throughout the year. In the summer months you can often get out of the traditional venues and find something in the open air at one Colchesters rural attractions too.

Browse our listings below to find what shows are on now and coming up in Colchester.

Can't find anything here? You may also be interested in checking out what live music is coming up.

Day out with Thomas Apr 19

Time to Party with Thomas the Tank Engine at East Anglian Railway Museum. Spend the day creating family memories and celebrating 80 years of Thomas. There will be lots to enjoy all day, including: • Unlimited rides behind Thomas, a REAL steam engine! • Unlimited rides behind…

Paradise Found Apr 23

Legacy Concert Company proudly presents the UKs ultimate Meat Loaf theatre rock show. Paradise Found delivers a two hour high octane tribute performance featuring an electrifying all star headline band. Blazing through Meat Loaf’s greatest hits outa hell & legendary…

Joanne McNally Apr 24

After the success of her record-breaking tour  The Prosecco Express , Joanne McNally returns with her hotly anticipated new stand-up show  Pinotphile . Hailed by  Variety  as One to Watch, McNally has been keeping herself busy by ruining men’s lives (and…

Cheesy Bingo Party Apr 25

A mix of bingo and a whole load of the cheesiest party music you ever heard! Win prizes, dance, sing and party like your life depends on it! It's Bingo with a whole tube of cheese sauce poured all over it. You can expect to hear: Britney, Aqua, Madness, Wham, S Club, Steps…

In Other Words Apr 25

They call it ‘the incident’ now. What happened when they first met. He always said it was part of his ‘romantic plan’, but they both know that’s rubbish. Connected by the voice of Frank Sinatra, this intimate, humorous and deeply moving love story…

The Spice Girls Experience Apr 25

Fresh off the back of their stint as opening act for Adele’s August 2024 Munich Residency, The Spice Girls Experience are super-excited to be touring the UK throughout 2025. The girls have put together a very special theatre show with a fun party vibe…

Sophie McCartney: One Foot in the Rave Apr 26

After last year's phenomenal 70 date international tour, award-winning comedian and number one bestselling author Sophie McCartney is back with a brand-new show! Recently kicked out of club 18-30, a new decade now beckons and she DOES NOT BELIEVE IT. Tackling her…

'RUM' by Joe Mallalieu Apr 29

Max Emmerson Productions presents RUM Inspired by personal experience in the building trade, this solo debut explores society's expectation of men and how this impacts on their mental health Written and performed by Joe Mallalieu (Coronation Street) Directed by Tess Seddon…

Drag Show: Sirena Hart May 01

She's the love child of Poseidon and Aphrodite (or is it Ariana Grande and Hagrid?), Colchester's very own Sirena Hart! You're guaranteed feel-good vibes when this vocal powerhouse starts belting out some classic pop and dance anthems! ‍♀️

Joel Dommett: Happy Idiot May 01

Joel returns to his stand-up roots with a brand-new show. With glamorous tales from behind the camera and less glamorous anecdotes of first-time fatherhood, Joel remains a charming, exhausted, happy idiot. As one of the nation’s most familiar faces on…

Drag Me to the 80s May 02

Meet the cast of our 80’s Divas and join us on an unforgettable journey as this amazing production delivers a dazzling fusion of nostalgia, empowerment and a celebration of the extraordinary. Get ready to dance, sing and be captivated by the powerhouse vocals of the queens…

Robin and the Sherwood Hoodies May 02

When the evil Sheriff of Nottingham threatens the villagers of Sherwood, feisty Maid Marion hires a band of freedom fighters for protection. However, when Robin and the Merry Men arrive, she soon discovers they're not exactly what she ordered! Follow the most outrageous…

The Da Vinci Code May 07

Based on the novel by Dan Brown Dan Brown’s bestselling thriller novel comes alive in a way you’ve never seen before, in this electrifying stage adaptation written by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel. Professor Robert Langdon and fellow cryptologist Sophie Neveu embark…

Tracey's Paper Round Quiz May 07

Drag Quiz Colchester's Yorkshire Pudding, Tracey Paper, hosts our regular quiz night! Expect silliness galore and chances to win some fabulous prizes! Bring your friends and let's have a camp old time.

Third Class - A Titanic Story May 08

A one-man theatre show based on the life of Titanic survivor, Edward Dorking. Edward was gay. Openly gay, and on Wednesday, April 10th, 1912, he set sail for NYC on a ticket bought for him by his parents in the hope his American family could put him 'right'. Third Class…

Baklâ May 09

After tearing up the Edinburgh Fringe, a national tour and the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival, Baklâ comes to Colchester. Winner of the Best Show category at the Asian Arts Awards 2023, an OffFest nomination, and nominations for Best Male-Identifying…

Dinosaur Adventure ROOOAAARRR!! May 09

Come and have a ROOOAARRSOME time with everyone at Go Bananas. With fabulous entertainment from The Only Way Is Entertainment Agency join us for some soft play fun with dancing and games. Go on a dino dig, hunt for some fossils and identify the different dinosaurs. Children's…

Drag Show: Melodie Muse May 15

Get ready for a magical night of music, glamour, and fierce performances as I take the stage for Disney & Musicals: Drag Showtime! From Broadway belters to Disney divas, I'll be serving up iconic looks, powerhouse vocals, and a sprinkle of pixie dust! Expect stunning…

A Small Enclosed Room with Alfie Murphy May 20

In Alfie’s fantasy world, it’s hard to tell who he is – rockstar, guru, actor, shark. Which version of him is showing up today? Renowned autistic artists Cian Binchy (‘The Level’ ITV) and Anna Constable (‘Imposter 22’, Royal Court) bend…

The Comedy Store May 23

With 40 years' experience in the business and as the premier name in comedy, The Comedy Store is renowned as a breeding ground for new comedy talent, and remains the place to see tomorrow's stars today. The likes of John Bishop, Jimmy Carr, Rhod Gilbert and Sarah…

RHOD GILBERT & THE GIANT GRAPEFRUIT May 24

In his last show 'The Book of John', Rhod was dealing with some pretty pungent life citrus, and an idiot called John. Little did he know that things were about to turn even more sour… But Rhod's not bitter; he's bouncing back and feeling remarkably zesty…