LATES: Queer Diary Open Mic Session
2026-04-23 20:15 - 23:15 (Europe/London) | Mercury Theatre Colchester, Mercury Theatre Colchester
Would YOU read your Teenage Diary to a live audience?
Queer Diary is the night where queers share REAL teenage diaries, plus long-lost love-letters, fabulous fan-fiction, terrible tumblr posts, and the odd bit of cringey poetry.
We can’t promise to reunite you with your first crush, but we do aim to reignite that rush of adrenaline you got when they first noticed you!
Queer Diary is an ‘open mic’ style event. We’re always looking for new readers, and appreciate support from individuals and local LGBTQIA+ groups who may be able to help us make contact with folks who’d like to share something from their teens on our stage.
Up for sharing something from your youth? Our mic is open. Get in touch here: bit.ly/queerdiary.
This follows on from the Hasbian show in our Studio on Thu 23 Apr, 7pm.

Silent Disco: Pick your Decade!
2026-04-24 19:30 - 22:30 | JobServe Community Stadium, United Way, CO4 5UP Colchester, United Kingdom, JobServe Community Stadium, United Way, CO4 5UP Colchester, United Kingdom
Join us for an evening where you get to pick the soundtrack!
You will be given a pair of headphones on arrival allowing you to choose music from either the 80s, 90s or 2000s. Whether you prefer timeless classics, dance floor favourites, or nostalgic throwbacks, you’ll find the perfect soundtrack to match your mood.
Doors open 7.30pm, finish at midnight. Over 18’s only.
Parking is free at the stadium when attending one of our events. Simply enter your car registration number into the tablets in the reception foyer as you enter. Please note any vehicle onsite for longer than 10 minutes will need to validate.
If you wish to leave your vehicle overnight, you may do so and your parking validation will cover you until the following day. Please ensure that your vehicle is collected by 10am.

Myopia “What Happens Next” UK tour
2026-04-24 19:30 - 22:30 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
TWM Live presents Myopia, a genre-defying alternative rock band from near Colchester, Essex, performing live at Three Wise Monkeys, Colchester as part of their “What Happens Next” 2026 tour, promoting their upcoming EP.
Influenced by Muse, Radiohead and Keane, Myopia released their debut album Living on Sixes in 2020, followed by their second studio album Mind Party in August 2024. The project received radio attention and won ‘NMG Rock Artist of the Year’ 2024.
Supporting is A Different Kitchen, formed in 2023, who have received national radio coverage from Tom Robinson and Emily Pilbeam on BBC Radio 6 Music, and were tipped as ‘Ones to Watch in 2025’ by BBC Introducing. The band have released two EPs, played Sheffield’s Get Together Festival, and recently announced a debut UK tour culminating in their second self-produced EP ‘Revolt’.
Date: Friday, 24 AprilVenue: Three Wise Monkeys, ColchesterTickets: £8Doors: 7:30pmAges: 18+
Please note that access to the top floor of Three Wise Monkeys does not have a lift, but there are rest opportunities between each flight of stairs.
Viewer discretion is advised: This show may potentially contain flashing and strobing lighting effects.
Refund policy: We are unable to process any ticket refunds within 7 days of the event.

Amy Vs Adele (Tributes to Amy Winehouse and Adele)
2026-04-25 19:30 - 22:30 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
If you are looking for a truly outstanding tribute to Adele then look no further than Katie Wilson-Tribute to Adele. Katie will stun you with her haunting similarity to the outstanding vocals of the iconic singer herself.Performing many of your favourite hits from all of Adele’s multi-platinum selling albums. With her powerful vocals and down to earth wit, Katie, along with her live band, will take you on a musical journey and an unforgettable night of entertainment.Not only does Katie, and her band perform an incredible tribute to Adele but are also second to none when it comes to performing her well honed and seasoned tribute to the late, great British icon that is Amy Winehouse.Katie is highly regarded as the best Amy Winehouse Tribute in the business from the voice to the look and the mannerisms.Her testament to this accolade is proven by her many clients, repeat bookings and testimonials on her Facebook platform:- Amy Alive-Tribute to Amy Winehouse. Katie has proven to be a multi-talented artist delivering spot-on performances every time. You will not be disappointed.Doors Open: 7:30 PM, Saturday 25th AprilLocation: Three Wise Monkeys Top FloorTickets: £15 + booking feeGrab your tickets now and get ready to dance the night away!
Please note that access to the top floor of Three Wise Monkeys does not have a lift, but there are rest opportunities between each flight of stairs.Viewer discretion is advised: This show may potentially contain flashing and strobing lighting effects.We wanted to inform you of our refund policy regarding event tickets. Please note that we will be unable to process any ticket refunds within 7 days of the event. We understand that circumstances may arise that prevent you from attending the event, but unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate refund requests within this timeframe.

Star Wars Quiz (Colchester)
2026-04-26 18:40 - 21:40 | Three Wise Monkeys Colchester
Test your knowledge of every film and show from the Star Wars universe, and help raise money for an incredible cause!
– £3 a head (CASH ONLY)– Maximum 6 to a team– Food served throughout – Book by selecting the date of the quiz and choosing quiz booking: threewisemonkeyscolchester.com/book-a-table
If you book and then decide not to attend, please CANCEL YOUR BOOKING.
Please attend with the number of people you book for.
Please arrive at least twenty minutes before the quiz is due to start to place food and drink orders.

Mini Museum Explorers
2026-04-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Colchester Natural History Museum, Colchester Natural History Museum
Designed for children aged 2 1/2 to 4, along with their parents, grandparents, and carers, these monthly sessions offer an immersive journey of scientific or historical exploration and discovery.
Does your preschooler love animals? Join us on 28th April at 10 AM – 11 AM or 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM for this month’s Mini Museum Explorers session where we are going to be investigating baby animals. From looking at collection items, to story, craft and sensory play; it’s all happening in the Natural History Museum!
Mini Museum Explorer sessions are designed for pre-school children and their carers – they are unsuitable for larger nursery groups (although we are happy to organise these for you!)
Spaces cost £3 per child.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1545274796723830/?event_time_id=1545274803390496

Looking Outside The Frame - How Not to Take Competition Winners!
2026-04-28 19:30 - 22:00 | Ireton Road, CO3 3AT Colchester, United Kingdom, Ireton Road, CO3 3AT Colchester, United Kingdom
Talk by Martin Addison. If you want to win competitions you should study what is doing well and copy it in your own way. That is however a very poor way of improving your photography and not very satisfying. The aim of this presentation is to explore alternative ways of seeing photographs, looking at many different techniques designed to make you stand out from the other photographers around you. Taking a varied approach may not win you prizes, but will result in more diverse and interesting images which will give you greater satisfaction.
The subjects and techniques will be drawn from the following topics:Learning to See, A Snail’s Eye View, Bokeh, Lens-Less, Blurs, Using a Fisheye, Shooting from the Knee, Camera Movement, Subject Movement, Multiple Exposure, Mirroring, Post Production techniques and using your phone as a creative tool. (Visitors £5.00)
martinaddison.photography
Photo: Martin Addison, Intentional Camera Movement

Michaela Strachan - Not Just a Wild Life
2026-04-28 19:30 - 22:30 | Mercury Theatre Colchester, Mercury Theatre Colchester
Sale Dates and Times:

Swiftaloo – Abba vs Taylor Swift Club Night
2026-05-01 20:30 - 23:30 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
💃✨ Calling all Dancing Queens and Swifties! It’s ABBA vs Taylor Swift — a glitter-soaked, sing-your-heart-out kind of night where disco meets heartbreak anthems. Fancy dress? Totally optional, but why not go full sequins or sparkle era? Grab your friends, hit the floor, and get ready to dance, scream, and maybe cry (in a fun way). Let the battle of the bops begin!
Friday 1st May£5 advance (+ booking fee)Doors 8:30pmOver 18s only
This gig takes place on the top floor of Three Wise Monkeys Colchester
Access – There is no lift to access the top floor of Three Wise Monkeys. There are flights of hand railed stairs to reach the top floor with rest opportunities between each flight

Colchester Plant-Based Market
2026-05-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Firstsite Colchester, Firstsite Colchester
We are thrilled to announce our plant-based market is coming to Colchester on Saturday 2nd May, from 10am to 4pm! Explore a vibrant selection of artisan traders showcasing their unique creations, including freshly made street food, barista-crafted coffee, handmade crafts and delicious snacks.If you’re interested in attending, don’t forget to click ‘Going’ or ‘Interested’ on this event page and invite your friends and family to join you!Let’s make this event a resounding success for the amazing traders involved—help spread the word, show your support, and join us for a day filled with plant-based delights and community spirit! 😊

MEFF-FEST 2026
2026-05-02 15:45 - 18:45 | Charter Hall, Charter Hall
YOU READY COLCHESTER? Things are gonna get loud.
In association with Black Cactus Studio, Colchester Events and Charter Hall, we’re bringing a massive line-up of punk, rock and ska heavyweights to the stage.
🎟️ TICKETS– Early Bird Tickets: ❌ SOLD OUT (in 48 hours)– General Admission: ✅ ON SALE NOW– Under 18s: ✅ ON SALE NOW– Carers: ✅ ON SALE NOW (free admission)
Ages 14+. Please note that those aged 14–16 must be accompanied by an adult.
🎵 THE LINE-UP– THE MEFFS– UK SUBS– STEVE IGNORANT BAND (performing CRASS)– THE SUBWAYS– RANDOM HAND
Opening the festival will be the “wild card” winners of TWM under 18’s Battle Of The Bands. Eyes peeled to see who.
Grab Tickets here-https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meff-fest-3-tickets-1397126064669?aff=oddtdtcreator

Beltane Women's Circle Celebration
2026-05-02 17:00 - 20:30 | The Tree Room, The Tree Room
Beltane Women’s Circle Celebration
Join us for a heart-warming evening to honour Beltane, the ancient Celtic festival celebrating the height of spring and the approach of summer. Together, we will gather as women to embrace the spirit of connection, growth, and renewal in a nurturing and sacred space.
What to Expect: • Opening Ceremony: We will begin by creating a sacred circle, setting intentions, and connecting to the vibrant energy of Beltane. • Guided Practices: Take part in meditative moments, grounding rituals, and activities to honour the turning of the seasons. • Shared Meal: Enjoy a lovingly prepared, nourishing dinner, along with snacks and herbal teas, crafted to support your body and soul. • Sisterhood Connection: Reflect, share, and laugh together, creating bonds and celebrating the power of women in community. • Closing Ritual: Release our intentions to the universe as we conclude our celebration under the magic of this sacred evening.
Details:📅 Date: Saturday, 3rd May⏰ Time: 17:00 – 20:30📍 Location: The Tree Room, Colchester 🏷️£55.00 per person 🍴 Includes dinner, snacks, and herbal tea
This circle is open to all women who wish to celebrate the turning of the wheel, nurture their inner light, and connect with like-minded souls.
Spaces are limited, so book early to secure your place!
Booking Information:
https://dharmabelle.co.uk/event/beltane-womens-circle/
Come as you are, and leave nourished in body, mind, and spirit. Celebrate the abundance of life this Beltane with us.

COLCHESTER: Steve White
2026-05-02 19:00 - 22:00 | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
AGMP Concerts presents
STEVE WHITE TRIO
Steve White – Chris Hague – Joel White
Legendary drum master Steve White of The Style Council, Paul Weller, Trio Valore and more announces tour dates with his new band launching his latest album ‘Soul Drums’ (Acid Jazz Records).
Steve White came to fame as drummer with The Style Council appearing on the majority of the band’s recordings throughout the 1980’s and touring around the world including appearing at ‘Live Aid’ in 1985.
When the Style Council broke up Steve White co-founded his own group with saxophonist Alan Barnes – The Jazz Renegades – who were one of the first bands from the ‘Acid Jazz’ movement. Steve went on to perform with Galliano, The Young Disciples, JTQ and more around that time.
Steve White joined the Paul Weller Movement in 1991 and continued to record and perform with Paul Weller throughout the first few decades of his solo career. Steve White has recorded albums with Mick Talbot from the Style Council as Talbot/White and the Players group with Mick Talbot and Damon Minchella. 2008 saw Steve form the highly acclaimed Trio Valore with Damon Minchella and in 2015 Damon & Steve formed The Family Silver with ex-Mother Earth vocalist Matt Deighton.
Steve White has also appeared live with Oasis, The Who, Ocean Colour Scene, Jon Lord, Ginger Baker, La Roux, Ian Dury and many more.

Atom Heart Floyd (Pink Floyd Tribute)
2026-05-02 19:30 - 22:30 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
Join us for an extraordinary evening as Atom Heart Floyd pays tribute to one of the most iconic bands in history, Pink Floyd. This tour continues to celebrate the timeless classic The Dark Side of the Moon, arguably one of the most successful albums of all time. Attendees can look forward to a nod to Pink Floyd’s legendary performance at Wembley in 1974, a show many regard as one of their finest, and a revisit of their memorable concert at Earls Court in 1994.During the show, the band will perform a selection of beloved tracks, including “Wish You Were Here,” “Another Brick in the Wall Pt II,” “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” and “Comfortably Numb.” With fully programmed lighting and stunning visuals, the performance will transport the audience into an authentic Pink Floyd experience.Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Pink Floyd with Atom Heart FloydDoors open at 7:30 PM, Tickets £15 + booking feePlease note that access to the top floor of Three Wise Monkeys does not have a lift, but there are rest opportunities between each flight of stairs.Viewer discretion is advised: This show may potentially contain flashing and strobing lighting effects.We wanted to inform you of our refund policy regarding event tickets. Please note that we will be unable to process any ticket refunds within 7 days of the event.We understand that circumstances may arise that prevent you from attending the event, but unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate refund requests within this timeframe.

NOW! That's What I Call...DRAG! BINGO! Colchester!
2026-05-02 20:00 - 23:00 | Three Wise Monkeys Colchester
Shantay this way, Colchester, because “NOW! That’s What I Call…DRAG!” is coming to Three Wise Monkeys with DRAG BINGO this MAY! For the first time, they will be bringing you the latest edition of their fabulous DRAG BINGO show, expect a FABULOUS evening of games, drag performances, and camp chaos with a classic bingo twist!
Hosted by East Anglia’s dynamite drag duo, Knuckle Sandwich & Will Power, and with some ridiculous prizes up for grabs, you’ll be in for a camp night of big laughs, bigger hair and balls aplenty as we roll through our very own DRAG BINGO! So put on those heels, get those party frocks ready and let’s get ready for the drag mixtape to begin! Trust us, you won’t want it to end!
This is a seated event! The event space is UPSTAIRS in the restaurant space!
Doors at 8pm! Bingo from 8.45pm(ish)!
General Admission tickets – £12 each*
On The Door tickets – £14 each
(Booking fees apply)
Please note – we unfortunately do not offer refunds! Any questions, please just ask! Thank you!

The Rec Community Market - May Fair
2026-05-03 10:00 - 16:00 | Colchester old heath Recreation Ground, Colchester old heath Recreation Ground
The Rec Community Market – May Fair returns on Sunday 3rd May 2026 🌼
Join us for another relaxed and welcoming Sunday at The Recreation Ground, as the Rec Community Market celebrates its May Fair. Expect local traders, great food, and the friendly community atmosphere you know and love.
Browse a wide range of independent stalls including street food, fresh produce, handmade crafts, gifts, art, and locally made goods. Whether you’re popping down for lunch, meeting friends, or enjoying a sunny stroll, the May Fair is a perfect way to spend a Sunday.
As always, the market is free to attend, family-friendly, and open to everyone, supporting local businesses and bringing the community together.
📅 Date: Sunday 3rd May 2026📍 Location: The Recreation Ground🎟 Entry: Free👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly | Dog-friendly | Supporting local
We look forward to welcoming familiar faces and new visitors for another great day at The Rec.

Calm at the Castle
2026-05-03 15:00 - 17:00 | Colchester Castle, Colchester Castle
Join us on the first Sunday of every month from 3 PM to 5 PM for a quieter experience at Colchester Castle.
These sessions are designed for anyone who would benefit from a calmer environment, including visitors with autism or sensory sensitivities. During this time, we reduce sensory stimulation by turning off sounds and visual displays, and a dedicated sensory space is available away from the main galleries.
Ear defenders, visual guides, and twiddlemuffs are available free of charge at the museum’s reception.
For more information about accessibility and our sensory-friendly resources, visit our Access page. This event is included as part of Castle admission.
There is no need to book; just purchase general admission tickets to the Castle, or consider a Museums Pass to enjoy unlimited visits during the year!
https://www.facebook.com/events/4433490146938246/?event_time_id=4433490150271579

Phoenix Lake UK tour.
2026-05-03 18:30 - 2026-05-04 01:00 | Three Wise Monkeys Colchester
Time for some Sunday Service!!! Phoenix Lake on tour supported by Dacara, Arms To Oblivion and Neanderthal.Tickets available athttps://wegottickets.com/event/685200

Phoenix Lake
2026-05-03 19:30 - 22:30 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
TWM Live presents Phoenix Lake, performing live at Three Wise Monkeys, Colchester for a night of heavy rock.
Originally formed as Descending Angels in 2018, guitarists Ash Wilson and Zak Smith recruited Lana Phillis as vocalist and later became Phoenix Lake, completing the line-up with drummer Joe Synnott. The band are described as a female-fronted melodic metal outfit, with comparisons to Within Temptation, Parkway Drive, and Evanescence.
Their debut EP, Beyond The Flames, was written before the COVID-19 pandemic and later re-recorded and released following several iterations.
Support: To be confirmedDate: Sunday, 3 MayVenue: Three Wise Monkeys, ColchesterTickets: £12Doors: 7:30pmAges: 18+
Please note that access to the top floor of Three Wise Monkeys does not have a lift, but there are rest opportunities between each flight of stairs.
Viewer discretion is advised: This show may potentially contain flashing and strobing lighting effects.
Refund policy: We are unable to process any ticket refunds within 7 days of the event.

Belle Chen
2026-05-05 19:30 - 22:30 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
Tickets £15 / £13 concessions.Doors open 7.30pm, starts 8pm.This gig is for a seated audience.
Notes fall like raindrops, quickening pace as the clouds gather. The piano melody splish sploshes into the electronic soundscape; the trees become denser, the journey more profound. Belle Chen’s unique show, Ravel In The Forest, leads the listener through imagined ancient woodland, quiet clearings and tropical canopies. We’re accompanied by birds, a chameleon, a dragonfly – the wonder of the natural world is imbued into this imaginary space. Fresh off the 2024 EFG London Jazz Festival, Belle is praised as an artist that is ‘Original and provocative… feels like the sense of discovery’ (Brian Eno). In this Australian Music Prize-nominated artist’s live shows, Belle takes a quirky, yet tender approach to musical storytelling. With the unmistakable influence of Maurice Ravel, the playfulness of Ryuichi Sakamoto and Joe Hisaishi’s melodic sweetness shining through, Belle blends sonic synth explorations, classical virtuosity, and free flowing improvisations that feel equally at home on concert hall, jazz, electronica and experimental stages.
“Original and provocative… feels like the sense of discovery” Brian Eno.

Festen a stage adaptation by David Eldridge, based on the Dogme film and play
2026-05-05 19:45 - 21:15 | Headgate Theatre, Headgate Theatre
A stage adaptation by David Eldridge Based on the Dogme film and play by Thomas Vinterberg, Mogens Rukov and Bo Hr. Hansen
https://www.facebook.com/events/25677055658631908/?event_time_id=25677055688631905

Things of Leon at the Three Wise Monkeys, Colchster
2026-05-08 19:30 - 22:30 | Three Wise Monkeys Colchester
🎸 Things of Leon are bringing the music of Kings of Leon to Three Wise Monkeys 🎶
Expect a night packed with the biggest songs from across the Kings of Leon catalogue — from gritty early tracks to the big sing-along anthems. Played live, loud, and with plenty of energy, this is a proper night out for fans who know the words and don’t mind using them 🎤🔥
Grab a drink, bring your mates, and get involved 🍻🎸

Things of Leon (A tribute to Kings of Leon)
2026-05-08 19:30 - 22:30 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
TWM Live presents Things of Leon – The UK’s Hottest Kings Of Leon Tribute Group at Three Wise Monkeys Colchester on Friday 8th May.
Advance tickets £12 +booking feeDoors 7:30pm
Please note that access to the top floor of Three Wise Monkeys does not have a lift, but there are rest opportunities between each flight of stairs.
Viewer discretion is advised: This show may potentially contain flashing and strobing lighting effects.
We wanted to inform you of our refund policy regarding event tickets. Please note that we will be unable to process any ticket refunds within 7 days of the event.
We understand that circumstances may arise that prevent you from attending the event, but unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate refund requests within this timeframe.

Ska Day Party: Colchester 🎺
2026-05-09 15:00 - 20:00 | Trilogy Colchester, Trilogy Colchester
The Ska Day Party is coming! 🎺🏁
Calling all rude boys, rude girls, and skankin’ legends! 🎶⚡
Get ready for an afternoon of brass-powered bangers, bounce-along rhythms, and high-energy tunes as we celebrate all eras of ska—from Jamaica to 2-Tone to modern ska revival. Expect good vibes, big beats, and nonstop movement!
What to Expect:
🎵 Ska Anthems All Day LongFrom The Specials to Madness, Toots & The Maytals to Reel Big Fish—we’re spinning classics, crowd-pleasers, and floor-fillers made for skanking.
🥁 2-Tone, Reggae, & Upbeat Ska Punk FlavoursA mix of vintage ska, mod-era 2-Tone, and modern high-energy ska to keep the dancefloor jumping from start to finish.
🏁 Iconic Ska AtmosphereThink checkerboard vibes, sharp style, brass in the air, and that unmistakable ska attitude—pure fun, zero pretence.
🌞 Feel-Good Energy All AfternoonCelebrate sunshine, friendship, and the rhythms that always bring people together.
Get ready to skank, sing, and lose yourself in the music!
The Ska Day Party is not to be missed! 🎺🕶️🕺

Enquire Within
2026-05-09 19:00 - 22:00 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
Enquire Within has announced the Blood and Rust Tour, taking place across the UK in 2026.

20th Century & Beyond
2026-05-09 19:30 - 22:00 | St Botolphs Church, Colchester, GB
Step into the bold soundworld of the 20th century and beyond, as our orchestra presents a vibrant programme that captures the spirit, struggles, and innovations of a new musical age. This concert is a thrilling journey through iconic and evocative works that defined the century.
Experience the wide-open landscapes of America in Copland’s Old American Songs and his Variations on a Shaker Melody, full of folk charm, simplicity, and warmth. These timeless pieces contrast beautifully with the razor-sharp wit and youthful energy of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 1 – a dazzling debut written when the composer was just 19 years old.
From Soviet satire to American optimism, this programme paints a rich musical portrait of the modern age. This concert promises a night of gripping contrasts, bold sounds, and unforgettable melodies.
Programme
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 1Copland: Variations on a Shaker MelodyCopland: Fanfare for the Common ManCopland: Old American SongsProkofiev: Montagues and Capulets
Tickets on sale until 12:00pm on Saturday, 9 May 2026. Tickets available on the door from 7:00pm (subject to availability).

Thespians
2026-05-09 19:30 - 2026-05-23 19:30 | Mercury Theatre Colchester, Mercury Theatre Colchester
THESPIANS – ANCIENT GREECE THE MUSICAL
MISCHIEF, the team behind the multi award-winning The Play That Goes Wrong, rewrite ancient history with a brand-new musical comedy, THESPIANS, the first musical created by ‘the funniest theatre troupe in Britain’ (The Telegraph).
534 BC. Greece’s smallest island is battling to avoid defeat in a nationwide prayer competition set up by a thin-skinned tyrant – where the loser is put to death. All is going dreadfully until Thespis accidentally invents acting, leading to the world’s first play and the origins of theatre as we know it!
Step into the amphitheatre, leave your troubles in the foyer, and escape into Ancient Greece as it bursts into song, with a thrilling plot, a love story worthy of Aphrodite, and enough laughter to fill the Acropolis. THESPIANS is an uplifting, hilarious, and timely reminder of the power of empathy and stepping into someone else’s sandals.
Written by Jonathan Sayer (co-writer of The Play That Goes Wrong, Peter Pan Goes Wrong and The Comedy About A Bank Robbery) and Ed Zanders (musical director Mischief Movie Night), do not miss this ancient prescription for modern day laughter packed with comedy, chaos and choreography that will have every mortal in your household aching with laughter.
Limited tour from May 2026 for only 12 weeks opening at Mercury Theatre, Colchester. If you thought something funny happened on the way to the forum, wait until you hear what happened enroute to the amphitheatre!
Avoid tragedy, get comedy tickets today!

Sundays on the Square
2026-05-10 10:00 - 16:00 | Colchester
Sundays on the Square returns on Sunday 10th May 2026!
Celebrate spring with Sundays on the Square in the newly built St Nicholas Square, featuring live music throughout the afternoon.
Browse a variety of independent local traders, including street food, drinks, crafts, gifts, and locally made products, all while enjoying performances from talented local musicians. Music will create a lively, welcoming atmosphere — the perfect way to spend a Sunday in the heart of the city.
Sundays on the Square is free to attend, family-friendly, and open to everyone, supporting both local businesses and local talent.
📅 Date: Sunday 10th May 2026📍 Location: St Nicholas Square🎟 Entry: Free🎶 Live music throughout the afternoon | Local traders | Community vibes
Join us for a Sunday filled with music, food, and local culture!

Elmer's Jazz Collective @ The Music Mix
2026-05-10 19:30 - 21:30 | Wivenhoe Congregational Church, 101 High Street, Colchester, CO7 9AB, GB
A stalwart of the Colchester jazz scene, followers of Jazz Audience Colchester will be well aware that drummer Elmer van der Hoek has been organising gigs and jams at various venues in the city for more than 15 years, the first 10 years at the Bull and subsequently at Patch, The Minories, the Foresters Arms, and Queen Street Brewhouse.
​Elmer’s events always feature top players of local and regional jazz talent and occasionally London-based musicians, so now he is bringing some of them to Wivenhoe!
For this special concert, he has assembled a stellar line-up to perform an exciting mix of swing, Latin, straightahead jazz, and jazz funk, by notable artists such as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Roy Hargrove, Wayne Shorter, Jeff Lorber, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Mongo Santmaria, and many more!
Carl Sterling (Saxophones) Ian Buzer (Trumpet) Alex Hearn (Guitar), Tony Gooderham (Keys) Simon Wood (Double Bass) Elmer van der Hoek (Drums).

Glenn Tilbrook // Colchester Arts
2026-05-12 19:30 - 22:30 | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
Glenn Tilbrook – The Voice of Squeeze + special guest Leon TilbrookGlenn Tilbrook – The Voice of SqueezeGlenn Tilbrook has more than earned his place at pop’s top table as one of our most cherished singers, guitarists and songwriters, not to mention an in-demand and endlessly endearing live performer. More than 40 years after first answering an ad placed by Chris Difford looking for like-minded souls to form the band that became the much-loved evergreen Squeeze, an ending remains nowhere in sight.
Such is the continuing work ethic of a musician who has never been far from the action since Squeeze made their recording bow with the Packet of Three EP in 1977. Those humble three tracks led to a catalogue of enduring pop classics—Take Me I’m Yours, Cool for Cats, Up the Junction, Another Nail in My Heart, Tempted, Labelled With Love, Black Coffee in Bed, Hourglass (this could indeed go on for a while…)—as well as landmark albums including Argybargy, East Side Story, Some Fantastic Place and Cradle to the Grave.
Following Squeeze’s demise in 1998 (a state of affairs that proved happily temporary), Glenn embarked on a parallel solo career that produced The Incomplete Glenn Tilbrook (2001) and Transatlantic Ping-Pong (2004), albums that showcased an ever-maturing melodic and lyrical voice. In 2009 came the fizzing energy of Pandemonium Ensues, recorded with his touring band The Fluffers, while Happy Ending emerged as his most personal solo statement to date—an evocative set of songs about time, people and places, featuring contributions from his sons Leon and Wesley alongside long-time collaborators Simon Hanson and Dennis Greaves.
Over the past decade, Glenn’s creative momentum has only intensified. Alongside continued global touring with Squeeze, and recent work on two new Squeeze albums, he has firmly established himself as a tireless and much-loved solo performer, undertaking extensive headline tours across the UK and the United States. These shows—often built around his celebrated Songbook format—have seen Tilbrook playing theatres, clubs and festivals on both sides of the Atlantic, reimagining Squeeze classics, showcasing solo material and fielding spontaneous audience requests with trademark warmth and virtuosity.
The 2020s in particular have found Glenn criss-crossing America on multiple solo runs, winning over new audiences while deepening his connection with long-time fans, before returning to the UK for equally well-received tours that underline his status as a consummate live artist in his own right. Whether performing alone with an acoustic guitar or fronting a full band, his solo appearances have become a vital and ongoing strand of his musical life, existing in perfect counterpoint to Squeeze’s continued success as a major live draw.
Anyone who has witnessed Glenn on stage can attest to the sheer rightness of his doings. Armed with ready wit, raucous energy and a seemingly inexhaustible supply of grin-inducing great songs, there are few musicians able to connect with an audience so immediately and warmly. Whether fronting Squeeze, headlining festivals, or fielding impromptu requests that might veer from Jimi Hendrix to Tony Orlando & Dawn, Glenn Tilbrook remains—by any measure—one of British pop’s most vital and life-affirming performers.
