18 Jan What’s Coming Up at The Cliffs Pavilion Palace Theatre Southend?
The Cliffs Pavilion is the largest purpose-built performing arts venue in Essex which offers an incredibly broad program of events, covering almost every genre of entertainment from comedy to opera, and ballet to modern dance. The venue attracts big-name artists and excellent touring theatre productions.
After what has been a difficult period for the creative arts sector, this theatre has a packed and ambitious program. Here we are highlighting some events that we think are unmissable. While all sectors have been under incredible pressure since the start of the pandemic some artists were able to adapt more easily than others to online performances, podcasts, and studio appearances. Theatrical spectacles were not suited to this treatment and many actors and backstage crew alike have faced very straightened circumstances.
It’s fantastic to see theatrical shows return to the stage and the Cliffs Pavilion has tickets available for some knockout touring productions.
Madame Butterfly
This is one of the world’s most popular operas. Even if you are a novice to this kind of theatrical performance this is one of the most accessible and famous. Madame Butterfly is a powerful story of unrequited love, suffering and human pain. Opening with a dream-like wedding between a young Japanese girl and an American naval officer it is the story of abandonment and betrayal. The extraordinary, glorious music elevates the story to one of powerful emotion and drama.
This version is sung in Italian but there will be English subtitles, so you can keep up with the storyline while you are transported to Nagasaki by way of exquisite sets and spectacular costumes including antique kimonos – simple t-shaped garments fastened with a sash called an obi.
This is a cultural experience you will not forget.
For one night only on Friday 18th February – don’t miss out.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula
A gothic masterpiece where one man searches for the truth.
There have been so many interpretations of Dracula that the story permeates our culture. There are various films from early Hammer Horror black and white movies to a Disney animated version and the 1992 Francis Ford Coppola production starring Gary Goldman. In 1993 Sega produced and video game version and looking at an 888 casino review you will see there is even a Dracula slot game.
There are so many versions of the story, but this production is a twist on what has gone before. Starring James Gaddas and directed by Pip Minithorpe (UK Associate Director – Harry Potter and The Cursed Child).
Be prepared for illusion and intrigue.
This Transylvanian experience is on Thursday 10th March.
Singin’ In The Rain
If you are looking for a feel-good, sing-along spectacular – look no further than this high-energy, glorious production. Johnathon Church’s interpretation has been critically acclaimed and was a smash-hit at the Chichester Festival.
You are probably familiar with the film version starring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds splashing their way to our hearts with spectacular dance numbers.
The choreography in this stage version is high energy and the production qualities are epic. Prepare to be enthralled when over 14,000 litres of water are brought to the set each night – how can they do that without you getting soaked?
This is a romantic comedy with sensational dancing and the original MGM score features not only the legendary Singin’ In The Rain but also Good Morning (We’ve danced the whole night through), Moses Supposes (his toeses are roses) and Make ‘Em Laugh.
This is a show that will make you laugh and tap your feet. Don’t leave it for a rainy day.
Book your tickets for performances on Tuesday 5th to Saturday 9th of April.
This is just a small example of the full and varied program that is showing at the theatre in Southend-on-Sea. If these events don’t tickle your fancy, why not explore all the shows that are coming up at the Cliffs Pavilion.
