Essex

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/1-8-1000x667.jpg" alt="What's on in Essex this January Peter Andre" class="wp-image-20458" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/1-8-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/1-8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/1-8-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/1-8.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



First on our what&#8217;s on in Essex this January guide is <a href="https://chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk/event/peter-andre-starring-in" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peter Andre</a> in The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons (Chelmsford Theatre, 19 Jan). Now then, we wonder if his abs are still like they were in the Nineties (ahem). 



Comedy-wise, <a href="https://chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk/event/simon-brodkin-screwed-up-tv-special-warm-up" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Simon Brodkin&#8217;s Screwed Up Tour</a>&#8216;s Chelmo way on 16 Jan . Trust us; he&#8217;s good. And he also loves to take the mick out of the town or city he visits.



<a href="https://chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk/event/the-drifters" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Drifters</a> fan – or know someone who is? They&#8217;re on stage on 24 Jan with tracks like Saturday Night at the Movies, Under The Boardwalk and even more.



And then of course&#8217;s there&#8217;s <a href="https://chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk/event/ronnie-scotts-jazz-club-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ronnie Scott&#8217;s Jazz Club: The Ronnie Scott&#8217;s Story</a> (29 Jan). Combining live jazz, narration and photo/video footage, The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars return with a new programme of music celebrating its story.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/2-8-1000x667.jpg" alt="Jimmy Car Essex" class="wp-image-20459" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/2-8-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/2-8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/2-8-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/2-8.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Southend&#8217;s Cliffs Pavilion also has some great acts on this month. Don&#8217;t miss <a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/cliffs-pavilion-southend/en-GB/event/comedy/jimmy-carr-laughs-funny-24-jan-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny</a> for a start on 24 Jan. There&#8217;s just a few tickets left for his two shows – so be quick.



Still got a crush on Jason Donovan? Us too. He&#8217;s starring in the <a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/cliffs-pavilion-southend/en-GB/event/musical/the-rocky-horror-show-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rocky Horror Show</a> at Southend&#8217;s Cliffs Pavilion on 13-18 Jan as part of a world tour. Reprising his role as Frank-n-Furter, if that&#8217;s not on your what&#8217;s on in Essex this January list we don&#8217;t know what is. 12+.



<a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/cliffs-pavilion-southend/en-GB/event/music/boyzlife-featuring-keith-duffy-brian-mcfadden-plus-support-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boyzlife</a> are also at the Cliffs (25 Jan) with Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden, plus live band performing Boyzone and Westlife hits. Sticking with nostalgia, you&#8217;ve <a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/palace-theatre-southend/en-GB/event/music/the-spice-girls-experience-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Spice Girls Experience</a> (30 Jan). You know you&#8217;re singing Spice Up Your Life. 



Those that fancy more comedy should book <a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/palace-theatre-southend/en-GB/event/comedy/southend-xl-comedy-club-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southend XL Comedy Club</a> (18 Jan) at nearby The Palace. It&#8217;s a brilliant line-up, with Dylan Moran (Black Books), Fiona Allen (Smack The Pony), Andrew Maxwell (Live At The Apollo) and more. 



Or check out Drag Queen <a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/cliffs-pavilion-southend/en-GB/event/other/fanny-galores-big-night-out-24-jan-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fanny Galore&#8217;s Big Night Out</a> – complete with butlers, food and disco (24 Jan). 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/Untitled-design-10-1000x667.jpg" alt="Colchester Winter Ale Festival" class="wp-image-20460" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/Untitled-design-10-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/Untitled-design-10-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/Untitled-design-10-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/Untitled-design-10.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



This one will make any men in your life stop listen up. Ready? Mention the <a href="https://colchesterartscentre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173657251" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colchester Winter Ale Festival</a>. On from 29 Jan-1 Feb, there&#8217;s ales, ciders and Perrys from all over the country. Plus Belgian beers and wines from Mersea Island Vineyard.&nbsp;We&#8217;ll drink to that.



Be wowed by folk singer <a href="https://colchesterartscentre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173656983/events/428667169?_ga=2.230179483.684201844.1734011593-1230185890.1733403614" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Kirkpatrick</a> at the Colchester Arts Centre (27 Jan). A prolific figure on the English folk scene, he&#8217;s contributed to over 60 plays in theatre and radio, with his music heard on over 200 recordings.



At Colchester&#8217;s Mercury Theatre nab a table for <a href="https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/afternoon-cream-tea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">afterno</a><a href="https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/afternoon-tea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">on tea</a> (28 Jan-28 March). Or add culture to your diary with <a href="https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/colchester-operatic-society-the-little-mermaid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colchester&#8217;s Operatic Society&#8217;s The Little Mermaid</a>. On from 31 Jan-9 Feb, it follows mermaid Ariel, who longs to be part of the human world.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/8-5-1000x667.jpg" alt="Rocket Man" class="wp-image-20461" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/8-5-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/8-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/8-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/8-5.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



To Hornchurch and Queens Theatre, who would also be on your what&#8217;s on in Essex this January hitlist. Elton fans should book <a href="https://queens-theatre.co.uk/whatson/the-rocket-man/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Rocket Man</a>: having played to audiences around the world, they&#8217;re now on the Queens&#8217; stage on 12 Jan.



Lovers of Reggae get your tickets for <a href="https://queens-theatre.co.uk/whatson/legend-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Legend – The Music of Bob Marley</a> (10 Jan). And for hard to believe magic there&#8217;s <a href="https://queens-theatre.co.uk/whatson/richard-jones-soldier-of-illusion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Richard Jones</a> (25 Jan). His tour includes never-before-seen tricks, plus VIP option to meet Richard for close-up magic, poster signing, photo opp and gift.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/5-6-1000x667.jpg" alt="Dracula " class="wp-image-20462" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/5-6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/5-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/5-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/5-6.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Live near or close to Basildon? Vampires beware (or &#8216;be aware&#8217;, you fang-toothed upside-down sleepers). <a href="https://towngatetheatre.co.uk/dracula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dracula</a> heads Basildon way (21-22 Jan) for a production of Bram Stoker’s&nbsp;thriller. With&nbsp;haunting soundscape and performances, get your garlic at the ready.



Towngate Theatre has also got in on adult panto with <a href="https://towngatetheatre.co.uk/sleeping-booty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sleeping Booty</a> (17 Jan-2 Feb). Taking a whole new meaning to &#8220;it’s behind you!&#8221;, it&#8217;s not for those easily offended. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/6-5-1000x667.jpg" alt="The Upbeat Beatles " class="wp-image-20463" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/6-5-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/6-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/6-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/6-5.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Thurrock&#8217;s Thameside Theatre has also been busy organising Jan shows. While the Fab Four are no more (you know what we mean) you can still enjoy their songs thanks to <a href="https://thameside-tickets.thamesidetheatre.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173656684" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Upbeat Beatles </a>(17 Jan). 



Psychic <a href="https://thameside-tickets.thamesidetheatre.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173656181" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tony Stockwell&#8217;</a>s also at the Thameside on 4 Feb (yes Feb, but it&#8217;ll sell out quickly). Believing that those who&#8217;ve passed can communicate with messages including names, dates and locations, it may also include psychometry, photograph readings and psychic prediction.&nbsp;



Members of the LGBTQ+ community should check out the <a href="https://thameside-tickets.thamesidetheatre.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173655691" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LGBTQIA+ Social Evening with Drag Bingo</a> (30 Jan). Bear in mind it&#8217;s ages 16+ – and ID may be requested at the bar.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/4-8-1000x667.jpg" alt="Dick Whittington Harlow Playhouse" class="wp-image-20464" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/4-8-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/4-8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/4-8-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/4-8.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



There&#8217;s still time to catch panto thanks to Harlow Playhouse and <a href="https://harlowplayhouse.co.uk/event/dick-whittington-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dick Whittington</a> (until 5 Jan). Lived under a rock and don&#8217;t know the tale? Join Dick (behave) as he seeks fame and fortune in London, with a few surprises on the way.



Next is another Feb one, with <a href="https://harlowplayhouse.co.uk/event/whole-lotta-shakin-the-shakin-stevens-story/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Shakin&#8217; Stevens</a> story (1 Feb). If it&#8217;s not for you someone in the fam will love it, with live band, rare footage and images which tell the story of his rise to superstardom.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/7-5-1000x667.jpg" alt="Dan Forshaw Saffron Hall" class="wp-image-20465" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/7-5-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/7-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/7-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/7-5.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Want to know what&#8217;s on in Essex this January Saffron Walden way? Saffron Hall&#8217;s your best bet, kicking off on 10 Jan with <a href="https://www.saffronhall.com/whats-on/view/foyer-jazz-10" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Foyer Jazz</a> and multi-award winning saxophonist Dan Forshaw.



The chills (for all the right reasons) continue with <a href="https://www.saffronhall.com/whats-on/view/baroquebusters" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orchestra of the Age of&nbsp;Enlightenment with Julia Bullock</a> (11 Jan). A star soprano, she&#8217;ll perform a selection of great baroque songs and arias, including Purcell and Strozzi.



There&#8217;s also classical pianist <a href="https://www.saffronhall.com/whats-on/view/paul-lewis-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paul Lewis</a> on 12 Jan, one of the leading musicians of his generation. Or why not opt for <a href="https://www.saffronhall.com/whats-on/view/foyer-folk-16" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Foyer Folk</a> with duo Honey &amp; The Bear (17 Jan)? You&#8217;ll enjoy a great evening of music with bar and a leading food truck.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/3-8-1000x667.jpg" alt="Harry Hill what's on in Essex this January" class="wp-image-20466" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/3-8-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/3-8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/3-8-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/3-8.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Still searching for more things to do in Essex this January? We&#8217;re liking your style. Braintree theatre The Institute has <a href="https://theinstitutebraintree.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173652186" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Simon &amp; Garfunkel Story</a> (11 Jan), described by Art himself as &#8220;what a great ****ing show&#8221;!



Brentwood residents – and those further afield – should book for An Evening with <a href="https://brentwood-theatre.co.uk/event/an-evening-with-florence-sommerville-friends/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florence Sommerville &amp; Friends</a> (26 Jan). Here watch the Orsett-born country singer with her show of music to suit all ages.



Last on our what&#8217;s on in Essex this January guide is over at Bishop&#8217;s Stortford&#8217;s South Mills Arts Centre. Expect a right old laugh thanks to Harry Hill and his <a href="https://southmillarts.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873665398" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Work In Progress</a> show (24 Jan) – go on, you know you want to.

New year, new fun! What’s on in Essex this January

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