Experience stand-up, live screenings and immersive entertainment at Chelmsford Theatre Studio

Chelmsford Theatre Studio hosts a varied mix of productions, from interactive shows to classic Christmas tales. If you have never been to a show at the studio, expect a more intimate experience. There’s just 165 seats, compared to 502 in the main auditorium, so you can enjoy being closer to the action!

Here is our roundup of some brilliant shows coming to the studio in the next couple of months.

Looking For Me Friend – The Music of Victoria Wood

Brighten up the wintery months with this feel-good, nostalgic show that mixes stand-up and live music. Looking For Me Friend – The Music of Victoria Wood is at Chelmsford Theatre Studio next Wednesday 1 November, 7.30pm.

Join star of BBC1’s All Together Now, Paulus The Cabaret Geek and pianist Michael Roulston, as they celebrate 21 of Victoria Wood’s most beloved songs. You can expect to hear (and sing along if you fancy!) the gloriously funny ‘Ballad of Barry & Freda’, the classic ‘It Would Never Have Worked’ and other fantastic tunes.

Following its run at the Edinburgh Fringe, the show has had sell-out success at venues across the UK. It also received the seal of approval from Wood’s colleagues, school-chums, and fans! Check out a sneak preview of the show:

Springers presents Urinetown the Musical

Take a trip down to Chelmsford Theatre Studio between Tuesday 7 and Saturday 11 November to see Urinetown! Presented by local amateur theatre group Springers, Urinetown is a tongue-in-cheek musical satire.

Set in a strange utopian world, the water supply is governed by ‘Urine Good Company’, a corporation so evil it forces citizens to pay to pee! As the ruthless CEO plans to further strip the city of its rights, watch the action unfold when one brave citizen leads a fierce revolution to overthrow them once and for all!

Urinetown will not only make you laugh, but will have you questioning society and the future. 

Unleash your competitive side at WiFi Wars

WiFi Wars is an interactive comedy game show all ages can enjoy! All you need is a smartphone or tablet to take part in the ultimate modern-day competition, coming to Chelmsford Theatre Studio on Sunday 12 November.

Compete against other audience members in a set of light-hearted games, puzzles and quizzes to try and win the show. What’s more, there’s prizes up for grabs to help get you in the competitive mood!

WiFi Wars is hosted by comedian Steve McNeil, who was team captain on the UK hit TV show Dara O’Brian’s Go 8 Bit. Steve will be aided by Guinness World-Record-breaking tech whizz, Rob Sedgebeer, so you’ll be in good hands!

Watch the below trailer to get a feel of the buzz that this unique event creates:

If this sounds up your street, keep your diary free on Sunday 12 November and come along to play Wifi Wars at Chelmsford Theatre Studio! There are two performances on the day: a matinee aimed at families (6+) and an evening performance for ages 12+. 

Attend a screening of West End play Skylight

On Thursday 16 November, 7pm, you are invited to a special screening of David Hare’s play Skylight, featuring well-known actors Bill Nighy and Carey Mulligan.

On a miserably cold evening in London, schoolteacher Kyra receives a surprise visit from her past lover. As the evening goes on, both parties desperately try to rekindle their once passionate relationship, only to find themselves trapped in an impossible standoff of opposing views and mutual desires.

Filmed from Wyndham’s Theatre in London’s West End almost a decade ago, don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy the return of this critically acclaimed show to the big screen! Get your tickets here.

Watch on-screen documentary Pete Doherty: Stranger in My Own Skin

View a one-off screening all about British rock musician, Pete Doherty, at Chelmsford Theatre Studio on Friday 17 November, 7.30pm.

Pete Doherty: Stranger in My Own Skin is an honest, vulnerable, and emotional account of Pete’s darkest moments, as you learn about his drug addiction during his rise to fame. Filmed by his wife, Katia DeVidas, you’ll discover how Pete beat his addictions, and the struggles he faced along the way.

Fans of Pete Doherty should book tickets now to gain a deeper understanding of his life.

Laugh out loud with Kevin Bridges: The Overdue Catch Up

Come on down to Chelmsford Theatre Studio on Saturday 18 November, 7.30pm, to hear sharp-tongued comedian Kevin Bridges’ long overdue catch up with a live audience!

Recorded earlier this year in Cork, the screening takes you on a journey through Kevin’s shrewd and hysterical views on modern life.

Don’t miss this must-see comedy event of the year! Watch the teaser trailer here:

Book your tickets via the Chelmsford Theatre website.

Andre Rieu’s White Christmas takes over the big screen

Immerse yourself in a delightful screening of André Rieu’s winter wonderland concert at Chelmsford Theatre Studio, on Saturday 2 December, 12.30pm and Wednesday 6 December, 3pm.

The concert is filmed from a marvellously decorated Christmas palace, complete with snow, 150 chandeliers, and over 50 Venetian candelabras!

Allow yourself to be swept away with timeless Christmas carols, romantic waltzes and songs from around the world, including Jingle Bells, Ave Maria, Oh Holy Night, Hallelujah and Sleigh Ride – to name a few.

This extraordinary screening also gives you exclusive backstage access, as host Charlotte Hawkins talks to André about how he created his masterpiece.

Book your tickets now to avoid disappointment!

Enjoy a live re-telling of the classic tale: The Night Before Christmas

Of course, Chelmsford Theatre has its rip-roaring classic panto, Jack and the Beanstalk, running in the main auditorium from 1 December to 7 January – but they’ve not forgotten the younger theatregoer!

Sprinkle some magical Christmas fun into your life with The Night Before Christmas, live at Chelmsford Theatre Studio between Friday 15 December and Sunday 24 December (times vary).

When Woody and Milly go to bed on Christmas Eve, mystical events start to happen. Is that an elf they can see? Are those reindeer bells they can hear? Is it really Santa on his sleigh?

See the wonder of Christmas through a child’s eyes in this brand-new production aimed at three to eight-year-olds. Expect lots of audience interaction, Christmas songs and an appearance from Santa Claus himself!

Also, at the end of the show, families are welcomed on-stage for photographs with the cast – and of course Santa! See what’s in store for the kids here:

Experience a beautiful live screening of The Nutcracker

Join Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker for a wonderful post-Christmas screening on Sunday 7 January, 3pm at Chelmsford Theatre Studio. Watch on as Clara and the Nutcracker battle against the Mouse King and visit the Sugar Plum Fairy!

Presented by The Royal Ballet, this enduring story is told exquisitely through the medium of dance, set to Tchaikovsky’s epic score. Watch the below trailer to get a sense of this magnificent production:

Book your tickets now to experience the magic of The Royal Opera House without really being there!