Chelmsford Theatre launches membership scheme, café and 2023 panto
Chelmsford Theatre has announced a brand-new membership scheme, the opening of its first ever café, and the release of tickets for its 2023 pantomime production. The announcement follows the transformation of the theatre’s front-of-house spaces during a six-month refurbishment programme.
New membership scheme rewards theatre goers
The launch of the theatre’s very first membership scheme will allow all theatre goers to access some brilliant benefits while supporting the arts at their local theatre. Whether you visit Chelmsford Theatre twice a week or twice a year, the rewards on offer will give you better access to a world of entertainment.
There are two tiers to the membership scheme. At £35 annually, Chelmsford Theatre Members can be among the very first to snap up tickets with priority booking for selected shows. They’ll also get access to special member offers, free ticket postage, waived transaction fees and will receive exclusive membership newsletters.
For the most dedicated supporters, £55 a year grants Chelmsford Premium Members all the above benefits as well as a 20% discount in the theatre café, a 10% discount in theatre bars and flexible ticket exchanges.
How to join the membership scheme
Memberships help theatres to achieve more. They help support our productions, community events, and education workshops; allowing more people than ever before to access and enjoy the arts.
To purchase your membership, visit the Chelmsford Theatre website, call the box office on 01245 606 505 or visit the box office in person.
ourChelmsford Plus and ourChelmsford Premium membership holders can also benefit from £5 off Chelmsford Theatre membership. To find out how to access this discount, visit the theatre website.
First ever café to become ‘cultural living room’
The theatre’s new café is now welcoming customers daily from 10am–3pm, Monday to Saturday.
The opening marks a milestone in Chelmsford Theatre’s vision to become a ‘cultural living room’ for the city. The intimate and cosy café provides an additional space in the theatre for people to socialise while grabbing a drink and a bite to eat.
A varied menu of savoury delights and sweet treats will be available to satisfy you from breakfast through to mid-afternoon. Enjoy products locally sourced from Tiptree Patisserie and Brownbread Bakery, plus a range of vegetarian and vegan options.
The café will also offer a wide range of hot drinks, perfect for the current cold months. Throughout the summer, you can soak up the sun while enjoying refreshing drinks and salads on the new outdoor terrace.
Chelmsford City Council’s Deputy Leader, Councillor Marie Goldman, says that with these latest announcements, Chelmsford Theatre continues to evolve into a cultural venue that meets the needs of the city.
““With the café now open, Chelmsford Theatre has realised its ambition to become an all-day venue, ready to welcome people across the city and beyond for socialising, workshops, classes and shows.
Councillor Marie Goldman, Chelmsford City Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Connected Chelmsford
"With the new membership scheme, our most frequent visitors will also receive more value for money while getting the chance to support the city’s cultural heart.
"I’m looking forward to seeing Chelmsford’s cultural groups, residents and workers utilising the theatre’s new spaces in the coming years.”
Annual family panto now on sale
The new membership scheme has arrived just in time for the online release of tickets for Chelmsford Theatre’s much-loved annual panto.
The 2023 pantomime will be Jack and the Beanstalk. Previously due to be presented at the theatre in 2022, the show will now be performed on the main stage from 1 December 2023 to 7 January 2024. The traditional pantomime brings a classic adventure presenting sing-along songs, glitzy costumes, hilarious jokes and uplifting dance routines.
Book your tickets now to see hapless Jack, his mother the dame and their beloved cow discover a handful of magic beans and a larger-than-life beanstalk inhabited by a ferocious giant!
Lee Henderson, Theatre Director, is looking forward to hosting the long-awaited production of Jack and the Beanstalk.
““It’s been so great to welcome people back to our beautiful, refurbished theatre and to see some fantastic reactions to the makeover from our audiences.
Lee Henderson, Theatre Director, Chelmsford Theatre
"We’re thrilled to now be launching the return of our much-loved pantomime. The annual panto is such a big tradition at Chelmsford Theatre and the team have such fun hosting it and listening to families laugh, shout, and sing each year. We can’t wait to see another lively show this December.”
Subscribe to hear the latest from Chelmsford Theatre
While you wait with great anticipation for December to arrive, there’s lots to enjoy at Chelmsford Theatre in the meantime. Check out the latest season brochure for plenty of comedy, drama and music, as well as legendary murder mystery, Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap, coming to the theatre this summer. To be the first to hear of upcoming shows, sign up to the theatre’s mailing list.
Cherelle writes about Chelmsford Theatre, Hylands Estate, Chelmsford Museum, the Mayor of Chelmsford and culture and events in the city.