Upcoming dramas at Chelmsford Theatre
If you’re a fan of drama, you’re sure to be interested in some sensational shows coming soon to the newly refurbished Chelmsford Theatre.
Lee Henderson, Theatre Director, says Chelmsford Theatre is committed to developing the much-loved drama genre.
““We have some brilliant dramas coming up at Chelmsford Theatre this year, including very well-established and beloved plays with outstanding casts. We’re focused on continuing to develop our drama offering at the theatre, ensuring we provide a great selection of exhilarating shows to suit all tastes.”
Lee Henderson, Theatre Director, Chelmsford Theatre
Abigail’s Party
If you enjoy tragicomedy you won’t want to miss Abigail’s Party, which comes to Chelmsford Theatre for three days between 9 and 11 March.
Set in 1977, the backdrop to this classic play is the Queen’s Silver Jubilee and Saturday Night Fever. The Sex Pistols were massively popular, skateboarding was the latest craze, and Angela Rippon danced with Morecambe & Wise.
The play takes place over one night, in Beverly and her husband Laurence’s suburban living room. As their neighbours arrive and drinks are passed round, personality clashes, political talk and laughter follows.
Rebecca Birch, who plays lead character Beverly, says Abigail’s Party explores some big issues while retaining an achingly funny tone:
““Abigail’s Party is a tragicomedy focusing on class, relationships, gender roles and ‘doing the done thing’. Without giving too much away, the night doesn’t end how the audience (or the characters) might think.
Rebecca Birch, Beverly, Abigail’s Party
“I would love people to come and sit in our living room with us. Come on this journey and let us entertain you, make you laugh but also make you think. Do you hold others to account based on their class? Do you love freely and unapologetically? Do you like olives?”
Come along and escape into the 1970s, whilst enjoying the company of various satirical characters talking anything and everything 70s-related. It will make you think, cringe, and most importantly laugh! Get a sneak peek of what to expect with the below teaser trailer.
To book tickets, visit the Chelmsford Theatre website.
Wodehouse in Wonderland
Emily Atack’s uncle Robert Daws stars as P.G. Woodhouse in this fabulous one-man show. The touring production of William Humble’s play is brought to you by Cahoots Theatre Company. It is already getting great reviews!
Based on the life of P.G. Wodehouse, you experience a taste of his bittersweet life. Despite the gaiety of his works, you get a glimpse of how the hailed British author’s life was damaged by tragedy as a child during World War Two.
Star of the show is none other than Robert Daws, who played Tuppy Glossop in Jeeves and Wooster. Daws also starred in Poldark, The Royal, Rock and Chips and How the Other Half Loves.
The play is set in Wodehouse’s study at his American mansion, where he lived after the Second World War. You can expect passionate singing from Daws, intriguing tales, and an emotional finale.
Wodehouse in Wonderland runs for three nights only, between 17 and 19 April. Find out more in this trailer:
Sound like your cup of tea? Book tickets via the Chelmsford Theatre website now, before it’s too late!
Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap
The world’s longest-running play, Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap, celebrated its 70th anniversary in October 2022. To mark this milestone year, the play is visiting more than 70 venues around the UK, including Chelmsford Theatre.
A murder in London.
A group of strangers snowed in at a remote countryside guesthouse.
A police sergeant’s unexpected arrival.
One by one, each character reveals truths about their despicable pasts…
But which one is the murderer?
And who will be their next victim?!
What is so unique about this play is that as an audience member, you don’t just sit back and take it all in. You get to really immerse yourself by trying to figure out who the murderer is!
The timeless British classic premiered in October 1952 at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal, with Richard Attenborough in the original cast. Since then, it has broken every record in the history of theatre. Now, you could be lucky enough to join the countless theatre goers who have enjoyed this beloved tale, which is as enthralling today as it was 70 years ago.
The show comes to Chelmsford Theatre for six days from 3 July 2023. Make sure you don’t miss out on this iconic and gripping whodunnit, book your tickets now.
Discover more shows via the website
Want to find out what other shows you can enjoy this year? You can do so by visiting Chelmsford theatre’s official website.
Lia writes about what’s on in Chelmsford.