Theatre brochure Autumn 2012:Layout 1 - Chelmsford Borough ...

CIVIC THEATRE 

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS 

1 9 6 2 - 2 0 1 2 

CHELMSFORD 

theatres 

SEPTEMBER 2012 TO FEBRUARY 2013 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE CIVIC THEATRE

welcome... 

...to our 50th anniversary year edition of the autumn 

season brochure for the civic and cramphorn theatres 

Symbols used 

in this brochure: 

C 

LP 

GB 

Captioned performance 

Signed performance 

Audio-described performance 

Amateur performance 

Full-time (FE/HE) students 

and registered unemployed 

Leisure Plus cardholder discount. 

See booking information for details 

Group Booking discount available 

(One in every ten free) 

Contents 

OPEN DAY 4 

DRAMA 5-9 

MUSIC 10-16 

COMEDY 17-19 

BURLESQUE / CIRCUS 20 

MUSICALS 21 

FAMILY 22-25 

PANTOMIME 26-27 

LOCAL COMPANIES 28-29 

FILM 30 

COMMUNITY 31 

DIARY 32-33 

BOOKING INFORMATION 34-35 

Pick ‘n’ Mix 

Season Ticket Offer 

Book tickets for 3 or more shows, each from 

a different category and we will give you a 

10% discount off the total ticket price. 

Terms and Conditions: When booking, please 

quote ‘Pick ‘n’ Mix Offer’ to the Box Office 

Cashier at the start. Offer excludes: Pink Panther 

Strikes Again; Navacross; Musicals; Chris Ramsey; 

Jenny Eclair; Local Companies; Dick Whittington; 

Hapgood and Great Variety Jubilee Show. 

To qualify, your booking must be for the same 

amount of tickets over a minimum of 3 shows 

from at least 3 different categories. 

The offer is available for full-priced and 

concession tickets (group rates, £7 ticket and 

other discounts do not apply). Tickets to be 

booked at the same time in the same 

transaction. Subject to availability. 

Join Our Email List 

Sign up to receive our regular theatre e-newsletters and 

get the latest information on shows, offers and 

competitions straight to your inbox. Simply email your 

full contact details (including your address and account 

number if known) to boxoffice@chelmsford.gov.uk. 

Please write ‘Join Email List’ in the subject line. 

Follow Us 

Twitter.com/chelmstheatres 

Facebook.com/chelmsfordtheatres 

www.youtube.com/user/chelmsfordtheatres 

Leisure Plus 

Sign up and save money with Chelmsford City Council’s 

Leisure Plus card offering a range of benefits including 

reduced-price theatre tickets. See page 35 for details. 

welcome 

Booking tickets online 

just got a whole lot easier! 

Instantly book tickets online 24 hours a day, 

7 days a week. It’s simple and easy to do and 

available whenever you want. 

We listened to your feedback and we are 

very pleased to announce the launch of our 

new ‘online seat selection’ service. 

With our new online ticketing service, you 

can now benefit from being able to select 

your own seats online and sit where you 

want at the click of a button. 

Our new-look website has been 

re-designed to make your online 

experience more enjoyable and the 

information more accessible. 

Visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres 

for the latest news on shows and 

events at Chelmsford Theatres. 

2 Box Office 01245 606505 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres 3

welcome drama 

Chelmsford Theatres 

Heritage Open Day 

Saturday 8 September 10am – 5pm 

Ever wondered what it feels like to stand 

on stage and look out to your audience? 

Well you can find out at the 50th birthday 

celebrations of the Civic Theatre. This 

exclusive open day will show visitors the 

inner workings of the busy theatre. Back 

stage tours of dressing rooms and the green 

room will give away some of the 

extraordinary secrets of how a production 

comes together. Get involved with fun 

FREE 

ENTRY 

4 Box Office 01245 606505 

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS 

CIVIC THEATRE 

1 9 6 2 - 2 0 1 2 

activities, face painting and theatrical 

workshops or simply come in for a coffee 

to soak up the theatrical atmosphere whilst 

listening to live music in the Civic bar. There 

will be performances throughout the day 

from local performers on the Civic stage 

and a chance to see rarely seen historical 

archives from the last 50 years. 

Tours will be taking place every hour 

from 10.10am, meeting in the Civic foyer. 

Wednesday 5 – 

Thursday 6 September 

7.45pm. Thurs mat: 2.30pm 

After a tour to full houses and standing ovations in 2010, The 

Seagull Rep make their debut in Chelmsford with three new 

episodes of this classic BBC sitcom. Watch as Basil attempts to 

impress The Hotel Inspectors, battle with his car, a drunk chef 

and his culinary aspirations (“no Riff Raff”) in Gourmet Night 

and finally lose the plot completely in the all-time favourite The 

Germans. Join us and relive all the fun and mayhem of the original 

episodes, meticulously and lovingly recreated, live on stage. 

Book early to avoid disappointment and the “No vacancies” sign. 

Seventies dress actively encouraged with a prize for the best 

dressed on the night! 

“Two hours of unimpeachably enjoyable entertainment!” 

Eastern Daily Press 

Tickets: £13.00 Concessions: £11.00 Family: £40.00 

Civic 

Thursday 20 – Saturday 22 

September 8.00pm 

The Pink 

Panther Strikes 

Again 

Presented by 

Early Doors Productions 

Firing from the hip and hitting 

your funny bone, the world’s most 

infamous chief inspector Clouseau 

fights for his life and the future of 

mankind in the most bizarre, 

dangerous caper of his brilliantly 

successful / clumsy career. Dreyfus, 

once his long suffering boss now 

turned raving lunatic is out to 

get Clouseau, the man whose 

undeserved accomplishments 

have driven him crazy. 

Tickets: £12.00 

Concessions: £11.00 

Cramphorn 

www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres 5

drama drama 

Wednesday 10 

and Thursday 11 

October 7.45pm Nicholas Briggs Ian Sharrock 

Presented by Rumpus Theatre Company 

A gripping new play by John Goodrum based on the 

classic story The Final Problem by Arthur Conan Doyle. 

When Holmes arrives unexpectedly at the door of his old friend 

and colleague Dr Watson, at the beginning of this hugely 

entertaining new version of the classic Conan Doyle tale, he 

begs the good Doctor’s assistance for one final case and an 

exhilarating evening of mystery, chase, disguise and detection 

are the inevitable result, culminating in a breath-taking 

showdown at the tumultuous Reichenbach Falls. 

Starring Ian Sharrock (Emmerdale, Heartbeat, I’m Alan 

Partridge) and Nicholas Briggs (Doctor Who, Torchwood, 

The League of Gentlemen). 

Tickets: £16.00 Concessions: £14.50 

Civic 

6 Box Office 01245 606505 

Monday 15 October 

7.00pm 

Shakespeare 

Schools Festival 

The Shakespeare Schools Festival 

works in partnership with the 

National Theatre to help 700 

schools from across the UK to stage 

abridged Shakespeare productions 

in their local professional theatre. 

Family and friends are invited to 

celebrate an evening’s professional 

entertainment with four youthful 

half-hour productions of different 

Shakespeare plays. 

Details of participating schools can 

be obtained from the Box Office. 



Civic 

Tuesday 16 – Saturday 20 October 

7.45pm. Sat mat: 2.30pm 

Starring: Leslie Grantham (EastEnders), Graham 

Cole (The Bill), Louis Emerick (Brookside), Michelle 

Gayle (EastEnders), Hattie Hayridge (Red Dwarf), 

Lee Otway (Hollyoaks), with Kev Orkian and 

Robert Pearce and Laura Jane Matthewson. 

‘Hollyenders Street’ has been on air for fifteen years 

and viewing figures are the worst they’ve ever been. 

So a new, hard nosed producer is brought in to mix 

things up and save the show. 

Characters are cut, stories are sexed up and new blood 

is brought in. Even the theme tune is re-written. Before 

long, the cast are at war, the writers are on strike and 

everyone ends up unhappy. And then, somebody 

snaps. Blood is spilled and a body is discovered. 

The detective in charge of the investigation, who is a 

life-long fan of the show, arrives to solve the case. 

Will the show be saved? Will the murderer be 

found? Will Detective Emmerside get a full set of 

autographs? The answer to all these questions and 

more is… probably. 

Thursday 18 October 7.45pm 

C 


Group: £12.00 (Tuesday's performance only). 

Call Box Office for details. 

Civic 


drama 

Tuesday 23 October 

8.00pm 

Fagin’s Last Hour 

Based on the novel Oliver Twist 

Following on from the incredible 

record-breaking success of A 

Christmas Carol – As told by Jacob 

Marley (deceased), celebrated 

production company, Brother Wolf, 

and multi award-winning 

actor/writer James Hyland return 

with Charles Dickens’ classic tale of 

crime and punishment. Stunningly 

re-imagined and told from the point 

of view of Fagin the Miser, one hour 

before his execution, this unique 

and powerful one-man show offers 

a fresh insight into literature’s most 

controversial villain. 

There will be a post show 

discussion. 

Recommended age: 12 years + 



Cramphorn 

8 Box Office 01245 606505 

Friday 26 and Saturday 27 October 


Hapgood 

by Tom Stoppard 

Presented by Full Circle Theatre, 

the team that brought you Habeas 

Corpus 

Hapgood plays chess without a 

board, and breaks all the rules, but in 

a world of intrigue she needs 

certainty. Her ‘Joes’ are more 

important than any mission, but 

when spying is all you know, how do 

you ever get out? Tom Stoppard uses 

the world of MI5 to explore love, 

loyalty, betrayal and quantum 

physics. Can you solve the riddle of 

who’s who and on which side? Is the 

double-agent really a triple, or is it 

just a trick of the light? If you liked 

BBC’s Spooks and enjoy intriguing 

thrillers, you’ll love Hapgood! 



Cramphorn 

Monday 29 October 

8.00pm 

Seconds Out 

by Nick Lane 

(World Premiere) 

Presented by Reform Theatre 

Company in association with 

Harrogate Theatre 

Tom and Simon have been mates 

since school and have shared 

everything. But whilst Sy has always 

played it safe, Tom likes to push 

things to extremes. After an illadvised 

evening with the wife of a 

local nutcase, Sy is starting to worry 

if Tom might have bitten off more 

than he can chew. He needs 

protection. He needs to get out of 

town. And then he meets Foster. A 

former boxer with a left hook to die 

for (or from). But is there more to his 

interest than meets the eye? 



Cramphorn 

Saturday 3 November 

8.00pm 

Count Magnus 

Two Ghost Stories by 

MR James performed by 

Robert Lloyd Parry 

Presented by 

Nunkie Theatre Company 

2012 is the 150th anniversary of the 

birth of Montague Rhodes James, the 

master of the English ghost story 

whose creations thrill, amuse and 

terrify as powerfully today as they 

ever did. In Count Magnus a travelwriter’s 

over-inquisitiveness leads to 

a breathless, diabolical chase from 

darkest Sweden to rural Essex. 

Denmark is the setting for Number 

13, where a hotel room with the 

famously unlucky number, conceals a 

ghastly and baffling secret. 




Cramphorn 

drama 

Wednesday 21 November 7.45pm 

Mother Courage 

And Her Children 

By Bertolt Brecht 

Presented by Blackeyed Theatre, in association with South Hill Park 

Two ideologies collide in a conflict that stretches across a 

continent and threatens the balance of world power. In its midst, 

one woman, her three children by her side, sees an opportunity to 

survive, a way to profit from the slaughter by selling goods to 

both sides. And the time is about to come when, in her quest for 

material gain, she must make the ultimate sacrifice. 

Regarded by many as the greatest play of the 20th century and 

even the greatest anti-war play of all time, Mother Courage And 

Her Children asks fundamental questions about the effects our 

beliefs have on the world and the role of ideology in society and 

world affairs. 

Lee Hall’s (Billy Elliott, The Pitmen Painters, War Horse) brilliant 

translation of Brecht’s masterpiece is accessible, bang up to date 

and full of dark comedy. 

There will be a post show Q&A. 



Concessions: £13.00 Family: £48.00 Schools: £9.00 

Civic 


music 


7.45pm 

Blake 

Love Lifts Us Up 

Brit Award-winning superstar 

vocalists Blake, as seen on BBC 

Breakfast, Daybreak, and Loose 

Women, amongst others, return 

with their spectacular 2012 show. 

Famous worldwide for creating 

unique harmony versions of pop, 

classical and West End anthems, the 

four charismatic British singers take 

audiences on a musical rollercoaster. 

The evening features the most 

uplifting and romantic love songs of 

all time, plus exclusive new material 

from their hugely anticipated fourth 

album. 



Civic 

10 Box Office 01245 606505 

Friday 21 September 

7.30pm 

Great Variety 

Jubilee Show 

This fun packed show includes some 

of the best variety acts, starring Phil 

Meacham (The Only Way Is Essex, 

Strictly Come Dancing) as your host. 

Plus singers, dancers and entertainers 

from all corners of the UK including 

Phil Cavill from the West End, Josh 

Dubovie from the Eurovision Song 

Contest, Helen Robertson from Song 

for Europe, Scott Conrad and Strictly 

Come Dancing Dancers. Also local 

singers and musicians Jaymz May- 

Sinclair, Destiny Michelle, Gemma 

Louise Edwards, Jakob Deist, Andy 

MClean, Laura Jepp, Mat Barden and 

Adrian Warwick, accompanied by 

Elizabeth Swan’s Dance School and 

new talent Laura Broadway and 

Charlotte Hardy. All subject to 

change. 

All tickets: £16.50 

Civic 

Friday 5 and Saturday 6 October 

7.30pm 

The Sensational 

’60s Experience 

Starring The Tremeloes, Herman’s 

Hermits, The Union Gap UK and 

The Ivy League 

Don’t miss the ultimate sensational 

’60s show of 2012 with over 25 hits 

performed by four of the most 

influential bands of their time. Step 

back in time and relive the past 

during an evening true to the ’60s 

when pop music was at its very best. 

This quintessential ’60s line up is 

packed with nostalgia and hits such 

as, Silence Is Golden, Twist And 

Shout, Do You Love Me, I’m Into 

Something Good, Something Is 

Happening and Young Girl. 



Civic 

Sunday 7 October 

7.45pm 

Mugenkyo Taiko 

Drummers 

Thundering rhythms on huge taiko 

drums interweave with layers of 

percussive soundscapes and delicate 

bamboo flute in a spellbinding 

display of precise choreography and 

sheer athleticism. 

Through years of rigorous touring as 

Europe’s leading taiko drum group, 

Mugenkyo have developed a gritty 

passionate style that is uniquely 

their own, retaining the traditional 

spirit of taiko yet creating a 

contemporary sound and a modern 

stage show that has captivated 

audiences everywhere. 


Conc: £16.50 Family: £62.00 

Civic 

Saturday 13 October 

7.45pm 

The Barron 

Knights 

Soundtrack Of Our Lives 

‘The Guvnors’ are back with their 

sound of the ’60s and ’70s and 

promise to have you rockin’ and 

laughing as well as rolling to songs 

like Call Up The Groups, plus their 

inimitable version of the William 

Tell Overture and their flamenco 

party piece Malaguana. Don’t miss 

this one, you will walk out the 

theatre with nothing but happy 

memories. 

“Great harmony, great humour, 

great musicianship.” The Stage 



Civic 

music 

Friday 19 October 

8.00pm 

The Jeff Wilson 

Quartet – 

Dedications 

A concert of dedications to some 

great jazz soloists such as Louis 

Armstrong, Johnny Hodges, Ray 

Brown, Art Blakey, Miles Davis, Stan 

Getz, Slam Stewart, Philly Jo Jones, 

Artie Shaw and more. 

This concert features Jeffrey Wilson, 

organiser of the Lunchtime Concert 

series. 



Cramphorn 


music 

Wednesday 31 October 

7.45pm 

The Johnny Cash 

Roadshow 

Respected singer/songwriter Clive 

John and The Spirit Band, re-create 

with astounding accuracy the 

essence of what it was like to be at 

a real Cash show! Featuring Jill 

Schoonjans as June Carter, all 

aspects of Cash’s life are covered 

with impeccable taste. Expect Ring 

Of Fire, Walk The Line as well as the 

Johnny and June duets Jackson and If 

I Were A Carpenter, accompanied by 

an amazing video back drop with 

evocative images and shots from 

Johnny Cash’s life. 



Civic 

12 Box Office 01245 606505 

Thursday 8 November 

7.45pm 

Think Floyd 

Regarded as the UK’s number one 

Pink Floyd tribute, Think Floyd have 

been successfully touring the world 

for over 15 years and fans travel to 

see them play again and again. The 

band’s brand new 2012 show 

celebrates the 40th anniversary 

of Floyd’s ground breaking movie 

Live At Pompeii. Expect a whole 

range of classic Pink Floyd tracks 

including Dark Side Of The Moon, 

Wish You Were Here and The Wall. 

All the atmosphere, visual 

magnitude and musical excellence 

of Pink Floyd, faithfully recreated 

live on stage by Think Floyd – 

The Definitive Pink Floyd Experience! 



Civic 

Tuesday 20 November 

7.45pm 

Joe Brown 

in Concert 

Premier rock ‘n’ roll legend Joe 

Brown goes from strength to 

strength as his contemporary 

achievements continue to gather 

momentum. He has continued to 

break box office records and 

recently received MOJO magazine’s 

coveted Outstanding Contribution 

to Music Award as well as a much 

deserved MBE. 

Packed with timeless classics, 

rockabilly, gospel, country, folk, and 

rock ‘n’ roll and all interwoven with 

Joe’s effervescent delivery and 

humorous reminiscences, this 

sensational show is a musical 

journey not to be missed. 



Civic 

Friday 23 November 

7.45pm 

The Big Chris 

Barber Band 

Chris Barber and his 10-piece band 

will play a wide selection of his 

favourite music: from his roots in 

the New Orleans style, as seen on 

Bourbon Street Parade, to the early 

music of Duke Ellington with Black 

and Tan Fantasy and Jubilee Stomp. 

A rendition of Sidney Bechet’s Petite 

Fleur, plus the blues infused songs 

Cornbread, Peas And Black Molasses 

by Sonny Terry and Brownie 

McGhee are perfectly washed down 

with a touch of soulful blues from 

Miles Davis’ classics All Blues and 

When The Saints. 



Civic 

Saturday 15 December 

8.00pm 

Xmas Jazz Night 

Larry Berkovitz and Zak Barrett 

present a special night of Xmas Jazz 

Larry and Zak have collaborated for 

many years in the much-acclaimed 

Jazz band Email Special, bringing 

fresh and unique arrangements to 

enthusiastic audiences. In a 

programme designed to get you in 

the festive mood including many 

seasonal Jazz favourites, Larry and 

Zak will be joined by members of 

Email Special, together with two 

very special and unique guests – 

multi-instrumentist Adam Mader, 

renowned for stunning audiences 

throughout the world with his 

effervescent stage presence and 

mastery of instruments and amazing 

beatboxer Andy Frost on drums and 

voice percussion. 



Cramphorn 

music 

Friday 18 January 

7.45pm 

The Magic of 

Motown 

Ain’t no mountain high, no valley 

low, no river wide enough to keep 

The Magic of Motown from getting 

to you. Direct from the States, the 

UK’s biggest Motown concert tour 

presents 36 massive hits from The 

Supremes, Temptations, Four Tops, 

Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Marvin 

Gaye and Lionel Richie. An all-new 

show, all-star cast, that original 

Detroit sound, stunning costumes, 

amazing choreography: the Magic of 

Motown will be getting to you in 

2013. 



Civic 


music 

Saturday 19 January 

7.45pm 

Beyond the 

Barricade 

Brand new production for 2013 

Recreating original West End/ 

Broadway musical hit songs with 

amazing authenticity, ‘Beyond the 

Barricade’ features a cast of past 

principal performers from the West 

End production of Les Miserables, 

and the 25th Anniversary Concert at 

the 02 Arena. 

This production will include songs 

from Miss Saigon, The Lion King, 

Phantom Of The Opera, Love Never 

Dies, Mamma Mia, Blood Brothers, 

The Jersey Boys and many more hit 

musical productions, climaxing with 

a spectacular finale from, of course, 

Les Miserables. 

Tickets: £21.00 & £19.00 

Concessions: £19.00 & £17.00 

Civic 

14 Box Office 01245 606505 


8.00pm 

Navacross – 

Album Launch 

Support from James Clarke 

Local rock/soul/blues band 

Navacross are launching their new 

album with a concert in their home 

town. The band is now a six piece, 

with bassist John Culleton joining 

Dean Baker (vocals), Noel Gander 

(guitars, harp, vocals), Mike Skinner 

(guitar, banjo, vocals), KC (sax, harp, 

percussion) and Andy Pilgrim 

(drums). The first CD was very well 

received in the press and led to a 

nomination in the British Blues 

Awards. The songs on the new CD 

have been integrated into their set 

over the last few months and this 

concert will showcase the new 

recording in its entirety. It will rock! 


Cramphorn 

Sunday 20 January 

6.00pm 

The Glenn 

Miller Orchestra 

Directed by Ray McVay 

Ray McVay presents the world’s 

greatest Big Band show, live, in 

concert! The show features the 

fabulous harmonies of the Moonlight 

Serenaders, the sublime vocals of 

Catherine Sykes and Colin Anthony as 

well as the swinging jazz band, The 

Uptown Hall Gang presenting classic 

musical moments from Sinatra, Dean 

Martin, Louis Armstrong and the late 

great Ted Heath. You’ll hear the 

original arrangements of classic 

wartime chart toppers including: In 

The Mood, Moonlight Serenade, 

American Patrol, Little Brown Jug and 

Tuxedo Junction to name but a few. 



Civic 

Thursday 24 January 

7.45pm 

Halfway 

To Paradise 

The Billy Fury Story 

A shy young boy from Liverpool is 

re-christened Billy Fury and 

becomes one of Britain's best loved 

rock stars. Now in its 16th year and 

still furiously rockin', his own band, 

Fury’s Tornados, re-live his timeless 

hits, Last Night Was Made For Love, 

I Will, Jealousy, Halfway To Paradise 

and many, many more. Set to a giant 

nostalgic moving backdrop of this 

wonderful era and including 

personal movie footage of Billy. 



Civic 


7.45pm 

A Tribute to the 

Swing Legends 

with Matthew Ford 

and his band 

Presented by Terry Dash Music 

Matthew Ford, who is widely 

regarded as the finest big band 

singer in the UK, presents a tribute 

to the songs of Frank Sinatra, Matt 

Monro, Bobby Darin, Tony Bennett, 

Nat King Cole and more of the great 

popular singers. Matt has toured 

with the Syd Lawrence Orchestra 

and has worked with the BBC 

Concert Orchestra. This tribute to 

the Swing Legends includes songs 

such as Mack The Knife, Portrait Of 

My Love, For Once In My Life, Birth 

Of The Blues and Feeling Good. 



Civic 

Composers 

in Focus 

Friday 25 January 8.00pm 

Miyuki Kato 

An evening of pieces by 

Chopin, a poet of the piano, 

and one of the great masters 

of the romantic tradition. 

Saturday 26 January 8.00pm 

Christopher Weston 

A programme focussed on the 

work of Debussy, in particular 

the first book of Préludes 

which was written between 

1909 and 1910. 

Sunday 27 January 8.00pm 

Alisdair Hogarth 

A versatile pianist combining a 

robust technique with a fresh, 

contemporary edge – he will 

perform the Dante Sonata by 

Liszt, one of the most difficult 

pieces in the repertoire. 


(for each concert) 


Cramphorn 

music 


music 

Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 January 

7.45pm 

That’ll Be 

The Day 

Prepare yourself for a party as the 

nation’s favourite rock ‘n’ roll variety 

show returns by popular demand 

with a ‘Brand New 2013 Production’. 

This hugely entertaining rock ‘n’ roll 

spectacular features an all new line 

up of knock-out hits from the 1950s, 

’60s and ’70s, mixed with loads of 

new zany comedy routines to 

produce a show with a real feel 

good party atmosphere. 

Tickets: £24.50 & £22.50 

Concessions: £22.50 & £20.50 

Civic 

16 Box Office 01245 606505 

M&G Civic Concerts Series 

2012 – 2013 

Discover a musical landscape that inspires and engages then 

experience a selection of performances that will indulge your senses. 

Sunday 18 November 7.30pm 

London Mozart Players 

Programme includes: Mozart, 

Grieg, Beethoven. 

Piano/Director: Howard Shelley 

Sunday 3 February 7.30pm 

Sinfonia ViVa 

Programme includes: Schubert, 

Haydn, Mozart. 

Trumpet: Tine Thing Helseth 

Conductor: Duncan Ward 

Sunday 14 April 7.30pm 

European Union 

Chamber Orchestra 

Programme includes: Elgar, 

Mozart, Handel, Haydn. 

Director: Hans-Peter Hofmann 

Soprano: Lesley Garrett 

Trumpet: Crispian Steele-Perkins 

Pre-Concert Talk: 6.30pm (free to ticket holders) 

Tickets: £23.00, £19.00, £15.00 

Concessions: £20.50, £16.50, £12.50 

Season Saver: M&G Season Saver Buy the same amount of tickets for 

all three concerts in one transaction and save 15% off the total price. 

Offer not available online. 

(Programme subject to change. Check website for details) 

Civic 

Performing with the European 

Union Chamber Orchestra 

Thursday 4 October 

7.45pm 

Lee Hurst 

Too Scared To Leave The House 

Acid Rain, Global Warming, Bird Flu, Mad Cow Disease. 

Just a few of the things Lee Hurst ponders as he takes to 

the road with his latest stand up comedy tour. He takes 

us through the ‘disasters’ that have been predicted to 

destroy us along with the dangers facing us from 

everyday life. Ultimately you choose your own fate... You 

can stay indoors, hoarding cans of beans, clutching a Ray 

Mears book or you can go out and laugh in the face of 

doom. 



Civic 

comedy 

Saturday 13 October 8.00pm 

Saturday 17 November 8.00pm 

Friday 14 December 8.00pm 

Saturday 12 January 8.00pm 

Comedy Showcase 

Chelmsford's favourite comedy club returns for more of 

the UK's best stand-up. High-profile TV favourites, 

acclaimed Edinburgh sell-out performers, major award 

winners, and Comedy Store headliners – they’re all here, 

ready to give you a night of unbelievable hilarity that 

won’t soon be forgotten! 

Recent acts include: Terry Alderton, Seann Walsh, Sean 

Hughes, Doc Brown, Carl Donnelly, Tom Wrigglesworth, 

Dan Antopolski, Tony Law and Tom Allen. 



Cramphorn 


comedy 


8.00pm 

Piff The Magic Dragon in... 

Jurassic Bark 

Presented by David Johnson and John Mackay 

Piff the Magic Dragon embarks on his first major UK tour 

accompanied by Mr Piffles the World’s First Million 

Dollar Chihuahua. Will Piff find his princess? Will Mr 

Piffles defy the Cannon of Certain Death? Will you be 

able to say you were there if he doesn’t? 

“A stunningly good magician.” Penn & Teller 




Cramphorn 

18 Box Office 01245 606505 


8.00pm 

Chris Ramsey – 

Feeling Lucky 

As seen on Celebrity Juice, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, 8 

Out of 10 Cats, Russell Howard’s Good News, Argumental 

and soon to be playing the lead role in brand new BBC 

Two sitcom Hebburn, Foster’s Comedy Award Nominee, 

Chris Ramsey, brings his hugely anticipated new show to 

venues nationwide on his biggest ever live tour, following 

his complete sell-out 2012 spring tour, ‘Offermation’. 

How did we get here? Elaborately laid plan, or just pure 

fluke? Who knows… do you feel lucky? Perhaps you 

should. 



Cramphorn 

Saturday 10 November 

7.45pm 

An Evening with 

Richard Digance 

Richard Digance, described by Bob Harris as a National 

Treasure, recently enjoyed his 40th year of touring and 

he continues to maintain his unique position in 

entertainment as a top singer, comedian and poet. His 

new one-man show features new songs from his latest 

album Old School Photograph and poems from his new 

book, My Words. 



Civic 

Wednesday 21 November 

8.00pm 

Jenny Eclair: Eclairious 

Welcome to Jenny Eclair’s new stand-up show. After 

thirty years in the business she should vaguely know 

what she’s doing? Professional Grumpy Old Woman, 

writer and panto star; Eclair has been round the block 

that many times she’s lost count. 

You may recognise her from Loose Women where she is 

happy to be one of ‘The Coven’. She is also a Pilates Ninja 

and a disgrace in her own kitchen. 

Touring as a stand-up gives Eclair enormous pleasure. It 

also gives her dreadful varicose veins, but most 

importantly it gives her partner (St Geof) a bit of a break. 

Help him keep her out of the house, by supporting this 

show! 



Cramphorn 

comedy 


urlesque/circus 

Saturday 22 September 

7.45pm 

An Evening Of Burlesque 

Direct from London’s West End, the newest sizzling 

spectacular on tour returns with its brand new show 

featuring an all-star cast of elegant, beautiful girls. It’s all 

tease, no sleaze as corsets, killer heels, stockings aplenty, 

sultry vocals, breathtaking choreography, mischief, magic, 

frivolity and fun collide. Sparkling with couture costumes 

recalling the golden eras of glamour, enjoy the ultimate 

tease. 

“...enchanting, ethereal, elegant, captivating to watch.” 

Mail on Sunday 




Civic 

20 Box Office 01245 606505 

Monday 19 November 

7.45pm 

The Circus of Horrors 

The new sensation, which stormed into the finals of 

Britain’s Got Talent is packed with new shocks that will 

take you on a whirlwind journey like a bat out of Hell 

into 1927 Berlin. This was the roaring twenties, a 

decadent decade, the birth of the Cabaret and the home 

to the ‘Devil Doll’. 

The new phantasmagoria twists and turns, sending a 

shiver down your spine and the demonic dummy seems 

to take on a life of its own. Featuring fangtastic, Dare 

Devil and Bizarre Circus acts from all four corners of the 

world that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat 

when not falling off them with laughter. All of course 

blighted by The Curse of the Devil Doll. 

If Quentin Tarantino had directed Cirque Du Soleil then 

you would be only half way there. 


Contains scenes which some may find upsetting 

Tickets: £22.50 & £19.50 

Concessions: £20.50 & £17.50 

Civic 

Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 September 


Titanic 

The Musical 

Presented by Chelmsford Amateur 

Operatic and Dramatic Society 

Award-winning CAODS return with 

this true story of the great ship’s 

maiden voyage, from its departure 

in Southampton to its sinking in the 

Atlantic by an iceberg. In this, it’s 

centenary year, the musical touches 

on issues such as class, immigration 

and mankind’s vulnerability in the 

face of nature, and follows 

passengers and crew who actually 

existed and were aboard the fateful 

Titanic back in April 1912. 

C 

Thurs 27 September, 7.30pm 

Sat 29 September, 3.00pm 

Tickets from: £14.00 – £16.00 

(depending on performance) 

Civic 

Tuesday 6 – Saturday 10 November 


Seussical 

Presented by Springers Amateur 

Operatic Dramatic Society 

When the Cat in the Hat leaves the 

page for the stage an evening of 

delightful imagination is sure to 

follow. Come and join Horton the 

Elephant and the inhabitants of the 

Jungle of Nool on their adventures 

along with JoJo and the citizens of 

Whoville. This fun quirky musical is 

sure to appeal to all ages. 

“ I may not like green eggs and ham, 

but sure this show I’ll love I am.” 

Box Office: 07765 772059 

Tickets from: £11.00 


Cramphorn 

musicals 

Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 November 


Les Miserables 

Schools Edition 

Presented by Chelmsford Young 

Generation Musical Society 

This multi award-winning, recordbreaking 

phenomenon and epic 

story of two men, one in pursuit of 

the other for over two decades is 

told against a backdrop of 

revolution and romance. The awardwinning 

songs have been sung by 

the very best. Don’t miss this 

opportunity to see the talented and 

award-winning Chelmsford Young 

Generation raise the roof of the 

Civic Theatre with their amazing 

rendition of the most successful 

musical the world has ever seen. To 

be directed by Ray Jeffrey. 

Tickets from: £11.50 – £15.50 


Civic 


family 

Tuesday 23 – Saturday 27 October 

We all want to meet people 

from history – the trouble is 

everyone is dead! 

So it’s time to prepare yourselves for Horrible 

Histories live on stage! Using actors and ground 

breaking 3D special effects, these two astounding 

shows – Terrible Tudors and Vile Victorians – 

are guaranteed to thrill you and your children. 

Historical figures and events will come alive on 

stage and hover at your fingertips! 

Terrible Tudors – From the horrible 

Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the 

legend (and the lies!) about the torturing 

Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry’s 

headless wives and his punch up with 

the Pope. Survive the Spanish Armada 

as it sails into the audience! 

Vile Victorians – Could you be a 

Victorian historian? What exactly did a 

baby farmer do? Can you escape the misery of 

the mines of the filth of the factories? Do your 

best to dodge the rotten railway and prepare for 

the Charge of the Light Brigade. 

Don’t miss this horribly good chance to travel 

back in time! 

Recommended age: 6 – 13 years 


Schools: £9.00 Family: £45.00 

Civic 

22 Box Office 01245 606505 

Performance times: 

Tudors – Tues: 1.30pm; Wed: 7.00pm; Thurs: 

10.30am; Fri: 7.00pm; Sat: 10.30am & 2.30pm 

Saturday 27 October, 10.30am 

Victorians – Tues: 7.00pm; Wed: 10.30am; 

Thurs: 7.00pm; Fri: 10.30am; Sat: 7.00pm 

Horrible Histories books are published by Scholastic Ltd. 

Horrible Histories is a trademark of Scholastic Inc. and is used under 

authorisation. All rights reserved. Illustration © Martin Brown. 

Sunday 30 September and Monday 1 October 

Sun: 11.30am & 2.30pm; Mon: 10.30am & 4.00pm 

The Selfish Crocodile 

Presented by Blunderbus Theatre Company 

This is a funny, heart-warming tale with a very happy 

ending, which reminds us all that the smallest act of 

kindness often has the greatest impact. Our storytellers 

use song, music and a host of handcrafted puppets to 

bring this watery adventure to life. This is a must-see for 

3 – 7 year olds, their grown-ups, and of course, anybody 

with a pet crocodile! 

Deep in the forest, by the banks of a great river, lived a 

large crocodile. He was a very selfish crocodile and he 

wouldn’t share the river with any other creature. He 

thought it was his river! So, the animals stayed away. 

But, one day there was a terrible scream – the crocodile 

had a toothache. Nobody dared to help him, until a 

brave little mouse found a clever way to solve this 

snappy dilemma! 

Recommended age: 3 – 7 years 

Running time: 55 mins 


Concessions: £7.50 Family: £30.00 

Civic 

family 

Friday 2 November 

2.00pm 

Mr Gum with Andy 

Stanton 

Presented by Just Imagine Story Centre 

Well, shabba me whiskers! 

Just Imagine is delighted to present Andy Stanton author 

of the bestselling Mr Gum books for an hour of hilarity 

and Mr Gum mayhem. Get your loudest laughs and your 

grandest guffaws at the ready for this unmissable event 

with one of the funniest children’s authors around. 

After the show, pick up a copy of your favourite Mr Gum 

book at our special event price and Andy will sign it for 

you. 


Running time: 1 hour + book signing 



Civic 


family 

Illustration: copyright © Axel Scheffler & 

Macmillan Children’s Books 

Sunday 4 and Monday 5 November 

Sunday: 1.30pm & 4.00pm 

Monday: 10.30am & 1.30pm 

Room on the Broom 

Adapted for the stage from the best-selling book 

written by Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson MBE and 

Axel Scheffler. 

A spellbinding adventure from the creators of The 

Gruffalo! 

How the cat purred and how the witch grinned, 

As they sat on their broomstick and flew through the 

wind. 

The witch and her cat are flying happily along on their 

broomstick when a stormy wind blows the witch’s hat, 

bow and wand away into the night. With the help of a 

daft dog, a beautiful bird and a friendly frog, her 

belongings are retrieved. But this broomstick’s not meant 

for five and – CRACK! - it snaps in two! When a hungry 

dragon appears, who will save the poor witch? And will 

there ever be room on the broom for everyone? 





Civic 

24 Box Office 01245 606505 

Thursday 31 January – Saturday 2 February 

Thursday: 1.30pm; 

Friday and Saturday: 10.30am & 1.30pm 

The Gruffalo’s Child 

Following hot on the heels of the Gruffalo’s sell out tour 

and his monstrous West End success comes The 

Gruffalo’s Child – with attitude! Just how brave is she? 

The Gruffalo said that no Gruffalo should, 

Ever set foot in the deep dark wood. 

One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s child ignores her 

father’s warning and tiptoes out into the snow. After all, 

the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist... does he? 

Tall Stories Theatre Company returns, bringing Julia 

Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning sequel to 

life in this magical, musical adaptation. 

All adults must be accompanied by a responsible child. 





Civic 

All illustrations copyright © Axel Scheffler 2004, 

published by Macmillan Children’s Books. 

Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 February 

Tuesday 2.00pm & 7.00pm 

Wednesday 10.30am & 2.00pm 

Thursday 2.00pm & 7.00pm 

Friday 10.30am & 7.00pm 

Saturday 10.30am & 2.00pm 

Roald Dahl’s classic book tells the 

story of James, a lonely young 

boy who lives with Aunt Sponge 

and Aunt Spiker, two of the 

most revolting Aunts in 

England. They make him work 

and slave and never let him 

play with other children. 

Then one day he meets a 

mystical old man who 

gives him a bag that 

contains the strongest 

magic the world has 

ever known. When 

James accidentally 

spills the bag near an 

old peach tree, the 

most incredible 

things start to 

happen – and 

James’s 

adventure has 

just begun! 

The Birmingham Stage 

Company proudly presents Roald 

Dahl’s amazing story, following its acclaimed 

productions of George's Marvellous Medicine and 

Horrible Histories. If you’re looking for fruitfilled 

fun and wizzpopping wonders, then don’t miss 

James and his Giant Peach! 


Running time: 120 mins + interval 


Civic 

Half term 

treat for 

the whole 

family! 

family 


family family 

26 Box Office 01245 606505 


local companies 

Sunday 9 September 

5.00pm 

Dance Fusion 2 

Presented by 

Footwork Dance School 

A Fantastic merging of dance teams, 

styles and music. Featuring the 

Footwork Dance School, Dance 21, 

and the Grapevine Essex Dance 

Team. Back again to give our dancers 

a wonderful experience to entertain 

and have fun! Variety in abundance 

and a great show! Sit back and 

enjoy… 

For further details about the dance 

school please contact Jean Hunter 

on 01245 357893 

www.footworkdanceschool.co.uk 



Civic 

28 Box Office 01245 606505 

Saturday 15 September 

6.00pm 

Fantasy and 

Fairytales 

Presented by Chelmsford 

Theatretrain 

Join the pupils of this local 

performing arts school and be 

delighted by their wide repertoire as 

they explore the genres of horror, 

superhuman and fairytale. This 

exciting production will immerse 

you in the realms of fantasy, 

introducing you to new pieces and 

popular numbers as you join them 

on a colourful journey into their 

vivid imaginations. 

For further details about the 

theatre school contact Sharon 

Jones on 01277 224853 

www.theatretrain.co.uk 



Civic 

Saturday 6 October 

1.00pm – 9.45pm 

The Essex 

Poetry Festival 

Take three nationally acclaimed 

poets, three hand-picked Essex 

poets, add a human poetry jukebox 

plus an Open Mic at which to 

perform your own poetry and the 

Essex Poetry Festival Competition 

winners, mix together for the most 

entertaining day of spoken word 

events in Essex. 

Afternoon: doors open 1pm 

(sign up for Open Mic) 

Evening events: 7pm 

Tickets: £8.50 (Evening) 

£5.00 (Afternoon) 

Cramphorn 


7.30pm 

The Return of 

Joe Cornish 

Chelmsford Camera Club presents 

a photography lecture by Joe 

Cornish 

Joe’s passion for landscape 

photography is only matched by the 

quality and composition he 

produces in his images, sometimes 

waiting for days for the right light 

before pressing the shutter. Joe is 

the author of many photographic 

books, some in association with The 

National Trust. His first book as an 

author was First Light a Landscape 

Photographers Art, 2002. Joe uses 

mainly large format 5x4 and Digital 

field cameras, creating stunning 

images. 


Cramphorn 

Monday 17 December 

6.30pm & 9.00pm 

One Day More 

Award winning theatre school 

Tomorrow’s Talent presents a senior 

showcase featuring excerpts from 

West End classics such as Les 

Misèrables through to 

contemporary work from the RSC’s 

Matilda. Also showcasing scenes 

from recent plays in the National 

Theatre and Royal Court repertoire 

together with fierce street dance 

and stunning Glee Club vocal 

performances. Students have 

recently appeared in Eastenders 

(BBC1), The Woman In Black (feature 

film), West End productions of 

Matilda, Oliver, Singin’ In the Rain, 

Shrek and Priscilla and were recent 

finalists of BBC1’s Glee Club. 


On sale date: 28 September 

Cramphorn 

local companies 

Sunday 27 January 

2.00pm 

Slave to the 

Rhythm 

Presented by 

Chelmsford Dance Centre 

The annual show of the Chelmsford 

Dance Centre is back again, giving 

the schools pupils a wonderful 

opportunity to display their dancing 

talent. This year they will be 

incorporating a variety of dance 

styles such as Latin American, 

Ballroom, Argentinean Tango, Hip 

Hop and Salsa. With pupils ranging 

in age from “very young” to “young 

at heart” it is a wonderful 

experience for both performers and 

audience. 


On sale date: 3 September 

Civic 


film 

Cramphorn Film 

Cramphorn Film shows an exciting programme of the very best in cinema. 

Enjoy a wide selection of films, from black and white classics and 

Hollywood blockbusters to world and arthouse, all in the intimate 

surroundings of the Cramphorn Theatre. No adverts, no trailers and 

allocated seats. You may even take your drink into the auditorium to 

enjoy whilst watching your film! 

All films start at 8.00pm, unless otherwise stated. 

Advance booking recommended. Programme is subject to change. 

Join our film mailing list. Email your contact details, including postal 

address to boxoffice@chelmsford.gov.uk. 

In addition to Cramphorn Film there is a Film Club (see below for details). 


Concessions: £4.90, Full-time students and registered unemployed: £3.70 

Chelmsford Film Club works on 

a membership basis and aims to 

show the best of recent English 

language and foreign films. 

Please telephone 01277 622716 or visit 

www.chelmsford-filmclub.co.uk for further details. 

30 Box Office 01245 606505 

We have a fantastic selection of 

films coming to the Cramphorn 

this autumn. For full details of 

what’s on, please visit the website 

and browse the online film 

brochure. Films confirmed for the 

new season include: 

• Rampart (15) 

• The Best Exotic Marigold 

Hotel (12A) 

• Carancho (15) 

• In Darkness (15) 

• This Is Not A Film (TBA) 

• Tiny Furniture (15) 

• Monsieur Lazhar (12A) 

• Café De Flore (15) 

• The Angels Share (15) 

• Moonrise Kingdom (12A) 

• Woody Allen A Documentary (15) 

• A Royal Affair (15) 

• Salmon Fishing In The Yemen 

(12A) 

• Marley (15) 

Films are subject to change 

Copy of film brochure available to view and download at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres 

RSPB Talks 

Programme of speakers at the 

Cramphorn Theatre. 

All meetings start at 8.00pm 

Talks will take place on the 

following dates: 


Thursday 11 October 

Thursday 15 November 

Thursday 13 December 

For further information, 

contact Graham Webster on 

01621 843799 

Entrance: £3.50 

(no pre-booking necessary) 

community 

In support of 

National Trust 

Talks 

Cramphorn Theatre, 7.45pm 

Admission: £2.00 – £4.00 

(depending on membership) 

Talks will take place on the 

following dates: 

Wednesday 26 September 


Wednesday 14 November 

Wednesday 12 December 

Wednesday 9 January 

Call 01245 350955 for 

membership info. 

The Cramphorn Theatre 

hosts regular Jazz Club 

concerts, which are 

open to members and 

non-members alike. 

Please check diary 

pages for full listings. 

If you would like to find out more about the Jazz Club, please 

telephone 01245 251475 or 256510 for membership details. 

Lunchtime 

Concerts 

Wednesday 1 – 2pm 

For a toe tapping 

interlude to your day, 

why not visit the 

Cramphorn Theatre, 

where music is on the 

menu most Wednesday 

lunchtimes. 

Tantalise your musical 

tastebuds with a varied 

programme brought to 

you by talented local 

artists and professional 

musicians, from jazz to 

classical, woodwind to 

strings and a generous 

helping of fine vocals. 

The Cramphorn Foyer 

Bar offers drinks and 

bar snacks. 

For more details, contact 

the Box Office. 

Cramphorn 


autumn diary 2012 

SEPTEMBER 

Sun 2 7.45pm Chelmsford Jazz Club 31 

Tue 4 8.00pm Cramphorn Film 30 

Wed 5 1.00pm Lunchtime Concert 31 

Wed 5 – Thurs 6 Fawlty Towers 5 

Thurs 6 8.00pm Cramphorn Film 30 

Sat 8 50th Anniversary 4 

Theatre Open Day 

Sun 9 5.00pm Dance Fusion 2 28 


Wed 12 7.45pm Sandi Toksvig – SOLD OUT 

Thurs 13 8.00pm RSPB Talk 31 

Fri 14 8.00pm Cramphorn Film 30 

Sat 15 6.00pm Fantasy And Fairytales 28 



Thurs 20 – Sat 22 Pink Panther Strikes Again 5 

8.00pm 

Thurs 20 7.45pm Blake 10 

Fri 21 7.30pm Great Variety Jubilee Show 10 

Sat 22 7.45pm An Evening Of Burlesque 20 

Sun 23 8.00pm Cramphorn Film 30 

Tue 25 – Sat 29 Titanic The Musical 21 


Wed 26 7.45pm National Trust Lecture 31 


Sun 30 – The Selfish Crocodile 23 

Mon 1 Oct 

OCTOBER 



Thurs 4 7.45pm Lee Hurst 17 


Fri 5 – Sat 6 Sensational 60s Experience 10 

7.30pm 

Sat 6 Essex Poetry Festival 28 

OCTOBER (continued) 


Sun 7 7.45pm Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers 11 

Wed 10 1.00pm Lunchtime Concert 

Wed 10 – Thurs 11 Sherlock Holmes – 6 

7.45pm A Study Of Fear 




Sat 13 7.45pm The Barron Knights 11 

Sat 13 8.00pm Comedy Showcase 17 

Mon 15 7.00pm Shakespeare Schools 6 

Festival 

Mon 15 8.00pm Cramphorn Film 30 

Tue 16 8.00pm Piff The Magic Dragon 18 

Tue 16 – Sat 20 Soap Opera 7 



Fri 19 8.00pm The Jeff Wilson Quartet 11 


Tue 23 8.00pm Fagin’s Last Hour 8 

Tue 23 – Sat 27 Horrible Histories 22 


Fri 26 – Sat 27 Hapgood by Tom Stoppard 8 


Mon 29 8.00pm Seconds Out 8 

Tue 30 8.00pm Chris Ramsey – Feeling Lucky 18 


Wed 31 7.45pm The Johnny Cash Roadshow 12 

Wed 31 7.30pm The Return Of Joe Cornish 29 

NOVEMBER 

Thurs 1 – Fri 2 Nov Al Murray – SOLD OUT 

Fri 2 2.00pm Mr Gum With Andy Stanton 23 

Sat 3 8.00pm Count Magnus by MR James 9 

Sun 4 – Mon 5 Room on the Broom 24 

NOVEMBER (continued) 

Tue 6 – Sat 10 Seussical 21 


Thu 8 7.45pm Think Floyd 12 

Sat 10 7.45pm Richard Digance 19 



Tue 13 – Sat 17 Les Miserables 21 

(Schools Edition) 





Sun 18 7.30pm London Mozart Players 16 

Mon 19 7.45pm The Circus Of Horrors 20 

Tue 20 7.45pm Joe Brown In Concert 12 



Wed 21 7.45pm Mother Courage 9 

And Her Children 

Wed 21 8.00pm Jenny Eclair 19 

Fri 23 7.45pm The Big Chris Barber Band 13 

Fr1 23 8.00pm Cramphorn Film 30 

DECEMBER 

Wed 5 – Sun 6 Jan Dick Whittington 26 








Fri 14 8.00pm Comedy Showcase 17 

Sat 15 8.00pm Xmas Jazz Night 13 


autumn diary 2012 

DECEMBER 

Mon 17 One Day More 29 


Wed 19 8.00pm Cramphorn Film 30 

JANUARY 






Fri 18 7.45pm The Magic of Motown 13 

Sat 19 7.45pm Beyond the Barricade 14 

Sat 19 8.00pm Navacross 14 

Sun 20 6.00pm The Glenn Miller Orchestra 14 


Thurs 24 7.45pm Halfway To Paradise 15 

Fri 25 – Sun 27 Composers in Focus 15 

8.00pm 

Sat 26 7.45pm A Tribute To The 15 

Swing Legends 

Sun 27 2.00pm Slave To The Rhythm 29 

Mon 28 – Tue 29 That’ll Be The Day 16 

7.45pm 


Thu 31 – Sat 2 The Gruffalo’s Child 24 

FEBRUARY 

Sun 3 7.30pm Sinfonia ViVa 16 

Tue 19 – Sat 23 James And The Giant Peach 25 

APRIL 

Sun 14 7.30pm European Union 16 

Chamber Orchestra 

32 Box Office 01245 606505 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres 33

HOW TO BOOK 

In Person Chelmsford Theatres, Fairfield Road, 

Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1JG 

By Telephone Box Office 01245 606505 

Online www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres 

BOOKING INFORMATION 

Opening Times Monday – Saturday: 10.00am – 6.00pm 

and on most performance days until 15 minutes after 

curtain up. When there is no performance on a Saturday, 

the Box Office will close at 2pm. Please check with Box 

Office for details. 

Sunday: open 1 hour prior to performance 

RESERVATIONS 

Are held for up to 4 days and must be paid for at least 

24 hours prior to the performance. 

BOOKING FEES/CHEQUES 

All credit card/debit card bookings are subject to a £1.50 

booking fee per transaction. Bookings made in person by 

debit card or by cash are not subject to the fee. Cheques 

are no longer accepted. 

POSTAGE 

Tickets can be posted for a charge of 60p or collected 

from the venue free of charge prior to the performance. 

THEATRE TOKENS 

Theatre Tokens are available from the Box Office in 

various denominations starting from £1. These can be 

used to pay for any performance at the theatres or even 

purchased as a gift. 

CONDITIONS OF SALE 

Exchanges can be made for another performance of 

the same show (subject to availability). Exchanges are 

subject to a charge per ticket and are only available on 

tickets purchased from the Civic Theatre Box Office. 

Original tickets will need to be returned 24 hours in 

advance of performance. Tickets booked online 

cannot be exchanged. Refunds are only available if 

a performance is cancelled. 

TICKETS ON SALE 

Please note that tickets do not necessarily go on sale 

at the same time that the brochure is issued. Visit 

www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres for full listings. The 

information contained within this brochure is correct at 

time of going to print, but may be subject to change. 

CONCESSIONS 

Available at most performances for: Under 16s (3-16yrs); 

people aged 60 years and over; students over 16 and in 

full-time (FE/HE) education; registered disabled; those 

receiving income support; Job Seekers Allowance; Incomerelated 

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA); 

Training Premium/Allowance and Modern Apprenticeship; 

Essex Carer Discount Card Holders; Carers Allowance; 

Foster Carer Relief and Council Tax/Housing Benefit. 

Registered unemployed and students in full-time (FE/HE) 

education can purchase a £7 concession on most 

performances. Proof of status is required and must be 

dated within the last 3 months. A limited number of 

tickets are available on shows that display the £7 symbol 

and are subject to availability. 

At many performances children under 2 years are free. 

Children aged 2 years pay £3. All children must have a 

ticket. Please check eligibility with Box Office. 

Family Tickets A ‘family’ comprises four people; either 

two adults and two children, or one adult and three 

children. 

BOOSTER SEATS 

Booster seats are loaned free of charge during events 

for young children. Availability is limited, so we advise 

patrons to bring a cushion/seat where possible to avoid 

disappointment. 

Chelmsford Civic Theatre Seating Plan 

This seating plan is intended as a guide only 

LEISURE PLUS SCHEME 

Leisure Plus (LP) cardholders are entitled to receive £1 

off full-priced and standard concessionary tickets to 

specified shows on production of a valid membership 

card. Group rates, £7 ticket, family tickets and other 

discounts do not apply. Tickets must be collected in 

person from the Box Office, where your card must be 

shown. The discount applies to shows that display the LP 

symbol. For full membership details go to 

www.chelmsford.gov.uk/leisurepluscard. 

GROUP AND SCHOOL BOOKINGS 

Discounts are available for school groups and for parties 

of 10 or more for some of our shows. Pre-theatre buffets, 

backstage tours and group talks are also available. Please 

call the Box Office for more details. 

VENUE HIRE 

Looking for a unique venue in Chelmsford? The Civic and 

Cramphorn theatres can be hired for a range of meetings, 

conferences and special events. Please visit the ‘venue 

hire’ section on our website for further details or contact 

the Theatre Operations Co-ordinator on 01245 606974. 

ACCESS FOR ALL 

Essential Companion Scheme Companions to patrons 

who need additional assistance to access the theatres’ 

services are eligible for a free of charge ticket. Contact 

Box Office for membership scheme details. 

Infra Red hearing headsets are available in both 

auditoriums. 

Audio described, signed and captioned performances 

are available for some shows. Check brochure for details. 

Advance booking is essential. Please inform Box Office 

when booking tickets. 

Wheelchair accessible toilets, level access to the Box 

Office and ramped access available for both auditoriums 

and bars. 

Wheelchair spaces are available in both auditoriums. 

Please let the Box Office know when booking in advance. 

Guide Dogs welcome. 

Blue Badge parking is available. Call the Box Office for 

details. 

If you would like a copy of our access leaflet or a copy 

of our access newsletter, please contact 01245 606302. 

The brochure is available in large print format. 

Call 01245 606302 

Fax 01245 606392 

Minicom 01245 606713 

RAINSFORD LANE A1016 

County 

Hotel 

PARKWAY 

RAINSFORD ROAD 

COVAL 

LANE 

BROOMFIELD RD 

The Ship 

Public 

House 

P 

DUKE ST 

PARKWAY A1060 

Viaduct 

GLEBE 

ROAD 

Railway 

Station 

Cathedral 

DUKE S 

MARK 

HOW TO FIND US 

The theatres are situated in the heart of Chelmsford’s 

West End and are a 5-minute walk from the train and 

bus station. The theatres can be accessed via Parkway 

(ringroad). Look for the turning via Rainsford Road. 

There are several car parks including Fairfield Road which 

can be accessed via Coval Lane (charges apply at all times, 

limited availability Mon – Fri, before 5pm). Alternative pay 

car parks, Townfield and West End are within walking 

distance of the theatre. See map for reference. 

Look out for the brown signs around Chelmsford 

directing you to the theatres. 

ABOUT THE THEATRES 

The Civic Theatre is a 505 seat auditorium which offers 

a varied programme of large scale professional, touring 

and amateur events throughout the year, from classical 

drama and dance to an eclectic musical programme and 

all-time family favourites. 

The Cramphorn Theatre (adjoining the Civic) is an 

intimate studio theatre seating up to 177 that presents 

a programme of smaller scale professional touring and 

amateur theatre, live music and lunchtime concerts, as 

well as being renowned for its innovative mix of art 

house, world and mainstream film screenings. 

Chelmsford Theatres are owned, managed and funded 

by Chelmsford City Council. The Council gratefully 

acknowledges the financial assistance received from 

Orchestras Live and the Chelmsford Theatres Association. 

We would also like to thank M&G Investments for their 

sponsorship support. 

34 Box Office 01245 606505 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres 35 

From Harlow 

& Bishop’s 

Stortford 

A1060 

P 

From 

A12/A414 

Brentwood 

& London 

From 

Cambridge 

& Braintree 

A130/A131 

CHELMSFORD 

THEATRES 

COV AL LANE 

RAILWAY ST 

P 

FAIRFIELD RD 

P 

VIADUCT ROAD 

TOWNFIELD 

STREET 

WELLS 

ST 

ROAD CLOSED 

PARK ROAD 

MARCO 

P 

VICTORIA RD STH 

From 

Billericay 

& London 

VICTORI 

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Theatre brochure Autumn 2012:Layout 1 - Chelmsford Borough ...

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