Chelmsford Theatre to co-produce two West End shows in 2026/27

Chelmsford Theatre is announcing two new co-productions that will see major West End shows launch their respective UK tours here in Chelmsford.  

The theatre will welcome back regency-era comedy Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) to Chelmsford in September 2026, while slapstick whodunnit A Shoddy Detective returns for three nights in January 2027.

Both shows will be produced in partnership with Chelmsford Theatre, with rehearsals taking place in the theatre’s studio spaces ahead of the official launch of each tour here in Chelmsford.

Chelmsford Theatre Director, Rhys Thomas, says these co-productions mark a shift in programming for Chelmsford Theatre:

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“I’m thrilled to confirm these two major co-productions for Chelmsford Theatre. We’ve traditionally been almost exclusively a receiving house here in Chelmsford, but these new co-productions mark a significant shift for us. We have ambitions to become a true creative powerhouse for the arts in Essex, and this is the next step on that journey for Chelmsford Theatre.

“These are very exciting collaborations, and we can’t wait to work with the renowned David Pugh, The Production Garden and the very talented (and Essex born) Shoddy Theatre.”

Rhys Thomas, Chelmsford Theatre Director

Reimagined Jane Austen classic returns to Chelmsford

Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of), is a unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story, written by the talented Isobel McArthur.

Featuring an all-female cast, it sees five young servants dressed in Georgian petticoats, marigolds and Doc Martens retell Jane Austen’s classic love story with wit, parody and even karaoke! It includes a string of pop classics including Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and You’re So Vain.

The multi-award-winning production ran in the West End in 2021, where it earned five-star reviews and won Olivier and Evening Standard awards for best comedy. In October 2024, the production came to Chelmsford Theatre as part of its first UK tour. It was well loved by local audiences, with standing ovations received each night of the run and audience reviews praising "the most incredible production" and its "energetic and talented cast".

Its latest UK tour is presented by David Pugh in association with Chelmsford Theatre, and directed by Isobel McArthur. It will launch in Chelmsford from Friday 11 until Saturday 19 September 2026, before touring major UK theatre venues, including Liverpool Playhouse and Mayflower Theatre, Southampton.

West End and Broadway award-winning theatre producer David Pugh said: 

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“I’m absolutely delighted to open this new production of Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) as a Chelmsford Theatre production, whose name will be seen around every other UK theatre as Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) tours around. In recent years I have been so impressed with how Chelmsford Theatre has gone from strength to strength to strength and they are an utter joy to be working with.”

David Pugh, Producer, Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of)

Olivier Award winning Writer and Director Isobel McArthur said:

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“The last time that we performed Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) at Chelmsford, I was moved beyond words at the unique welcome that we received from both staff and audiences. It's a truly special building with such fond memories for us and the perfect place to begin this fabulous tour.”

Isobel McArthur, Writer and Director, Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of)

Members' priority booking for Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) is now open. Booking for all opens at 10am on Wednesday 11 March: https://www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk/event/pride-prejudicestar-starsort-of

West End whodunnit to launch new tour in home county

Shoddy Theatre and The Production Garden in association with Chelmsford Theatre presents the laugh-out-loud comedy whodunnit, A Shoddy Detective.

It follows Detective Stuart Pidcock and his unlikely ally, who interrogate eccentric suspects and attempt to outwit a cunning thief when a priceless painting vanishes at a manor auction.

Featuring a cast of just four actors but plenty of chaos, A Shoddy Detective has enjoyed sell-out runs in the West End, at the Edinburgh Fringe, and across the UK including at Chelmsford Theatre in June 2025. With reviews dubbing it “a must-see for fans of farce and comedy” (North West End UK) this grand return to Chelmsford Theatre is not to be missed.

A Shoddy Detective comes to Chelmsford from Thursday 28 January 2027 until Saturday 30 January 2027. Following the Chelmsford launch, the production will embark on a nationwide tour, including venues such as Darlington Hippodrome and Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford.

Creative Director, Mitch Donaldson, is excited to launch this latest A Shoddy Detective tour in Shoddy Theatre’s home county of Essex:

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“We're so pleased to be producing A Shoddy Detective 2027 in association with Chelmsford Theatre – a venue in our home county of Essex that has been a part of Shoddy's journey for some years now. We're so thrilled that they're now a larger part of our story.”

Mitch Donaldson, Creative Director, Shoddy Theatre

Joshua Beaumont, Founder and Producer of The Production Garden, said:

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"We absolutely love bringing productions to Chelmsford Theatre and its fantastic audiences. We’re thrilled to be working together again to debut the newest and most exciting version of A Shoddy Detective before taking the show on a nationwide tour."

Joshua Beaumont, Founder and Producer of The Production Garden

Secure your seats for A Shoddy Detective at www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk/event/a-shoddy-detective-2027