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Coming up at the Headgate Theatre, Colchester
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14 Chapel Street North, Colchester, CO2 7AT
Box Office: 01206 366000
The theatre building is currently closed and we're operating an actively managed telephone answering service.
Book online 24/7 at www.headgatetheatre.co.uk (booking fee applies)

Like http://www.facebook.com/headgatetheatre on Facebook    

The show must go on… at some point!
Like so many theatres across the country, the Headgate Theatre closed its doors on the 16th March in response to the developing Coronavirus outbreak. The stage was set for the opening night of The Reject Theatre Company’s production of Abigail’s Party (pictured), but unfortunately the cheese and pineapple never made it onto the cocktail sticks. 

Our latest brochure, with details of another fantastic season of shows and events from April to September, was about to go to print, but it wasn’t to be. At the moment all public performances up until the end of June are being rescheduled or, unfortunately, have had to be cancelled. We've been contacting our patrons but if you’ve booked for an event that’s affected and haven’t heard from us please call the Box Office on 01206 366000. Thanks for your patience at this challenging time.

Since the closure the theatre volunteers and staff have been busy mothballing the theatre until we re-open. The theatre is extremely lucky to have a team of people to get everything in place and protect the future of the theatre.Thank you to everyone who has already donated to the The Headgate. Your help in these uncertain times is invaluable. As you may know, we are a registered charity called Theatre Arts Action Trust, and operate without grants from organisations like The Arts Council. For anyone who still wishes to make a donation you can do so HERE.

Details of the shows rescheduled so far are included below. We'll keep updating you each month and look forward to re-opening the theatre as soon as we can. We’ve also included details of how you might get your theatre fix (almost) live in your living room.


In the meantime, stay safe!

All dates are subject to Government and Public Health restrictions in place at the time
Sun 12th July from 10am to 4pm
Headgate Young Company - Launch Workshop
If you are between 16 and 21, then the Headgate Young Company is for you!
A chance to do the plays YOU want to do. To be treated as potential actors , directors or technicians - not as students. To learn about the production side - marketing, licences and other stuff.
Lead by industry professionals you'll learn all things theatre and industry. How to put on a show from start to finish - audition technique - all about practitioners - and much, much more.
Come to our launch workshop where we will hope to cast our first production: Punk Rock by Simon Stephens.  A mere £5 for a 6 hour creative experience!  The play will run in the week beginning 7th September, and rehearsals will be in the weeks of 17th/24th and 31st August. Places are limited and must be pre-booked online.
Weekly sessions will start in September.

For further details call 01206 366000 or email volunteers@headgatetheatre.co.uk
Sun 19th July
Open Auditions: Jack and the Beanstalk
Headgate Theatre Productions
This year's Headgate pantomime is Jack and the Beanstalk and production week is the 30th November to 6th December.
For further information email volunteers@headgatetheatre.co.uk
Postponed until August. Dates to be confirmed.
Wind in the Willows by Griff Scott
A four day workshop for young people aged 8 to 16
Poop Poop! Join Mr Toad, Ratty, Badger, Mole and their friends in this madcap riverbank adventure this Easter holiday. Our carefully crafted script gives each participant the chance to shine and have fun, and days are filled with music and dance. Our tutors work to help everybody to develop confidence and teamwork and to use their own particular talents - and our presentations at the end of the week give the youngsters chance to work in a theatre environment.
For further details call 01206 366000 or email boxoffice@headgatetheatre.co.uk
NEW DATE: Monday 3rd August at 7.30pm
An Evening of Clairvoyance
Ronnie Buckingham
If you're not already convinced about an afterlife, why not come along, listen to Ronnie and let him help you decide?
Tickets: £15
NEW DATES: Wed 16th to Sat 19th September at 7.45pm. Sat Matinee at 2.30pm
The Diary of Anne Frank Dramatised by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett
Headgate Theatre Productions
Anne Frank was 13 years old when she went into hiding in a secret apartment in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam in 1942. She was a young girl, jubilant, hopeful and honest - and with most of the traits expected in a teenager! The tensions of confinement and the tedious business of staying alive unfold in agonising detail as emotions unravel and human relationships are tested in the most extraordinary and dire circumstances.
Tickets: £14, £12 (OAP, FTS, under 16's)
NEW DATES: Wed 30th September to Sat 3rd October at 7.45pm. Sat Matinee at 2.30pm
Abigail's Party by Mike Leigh
The Rejects Theatre Company
Suburbanites Laurence and Beverly are entertaining their neighbours, Angela,Tony and Susan. Susan's teenage daughter, Abigail, is throwing a party and Susan is not invited. Over the canapés, fatuous small talk abounds. As tensions escalate, the strains in Beverly and Laurence's marriage surface and Susan's anxieties intensify. Eventually, the suburban smugness is shattered...
Tickets: £15, £14 (OAP, FTS, under 16's)
NEW DATE: Sunday 26th October at 7.30pm
Eastern Swing
Fourteen of East Anglia's finest and most versatile musicians just love getting together to play big band music. Their enjoyment is infectious and you will be swept away by classics from Glenn Miller and jazz standards down the years to some unexpected and modern tunes that arranger John Chillingworth has given a swing twist. Maybe a few originals thrown in too. All this in the intimate setting of the Headgate where you are close enough to feel part of the fun. No opera glasses required!
Tickets £14
NEW DATES: Thur 12th to Sun 15th November
Colchester Fringe Festival
The Headgate Theatre will be one of several venues in the town hosting performances as part of the inaugral Colchester Fringe Festival.
Over one extra-long weekend the Festival will feature diverse world class fringe acts in pubs, shops, streets, cafes, theatres and mystery locations all over our ancient and wonderful town. 4 days of theatre, comedy, family shows, burlesque, music and more!
Follow the Festival on social media and stay up to speed with developments.
NEW DATES: Thur 19th to Sat 21st November at 7.45pm. Sat Matinee at 3pm
The Sound of Rodgers & Hammerstein
Platform Musicals
Celebrating the songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein in a special concert performance that features selections from some of the greatest musicals ever written, including “Oklahoma”, “South Pacific”, “The King and I” and “The Sound of Music”. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Tickets: £13
NEW DATE: Wed 25th November at 7.30pm
Strictly Sherlock by Jonathan Goodwin
Don't Go Into The Cellar!
Based on the characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Jonathan Goodwin returns as Sherlock Holmes, in a one-man show. Join the king of the detectives as he brings to life those three startling cases, 'The Sussex Vampire', 'The Creeping Man' and 'The Devil's Foot!'. Don't Go Into The Cellar! were formed in 2010, and have toured the United Kingdom ever since with their unique brand of original and authentic stage thrillers, chillers and comedies. Victorian Theatre with Bite! Suitable for age 11 and above.
Tickets: £10, £8 concessions (OAPs, students, unemployed)
Postponed to next year (dates to be announced)
Jumpy by April de Angelis
Colchester Theatre Group
Hilary is 50 years old and once protested at Greenham Common. She is now a married, middle class mum with a shop-owner husband and a stroppy 15-year-old daughter who dresses like a prostitute and treats her mum with cruel contempt. A classic mid-life crisis play, Jumpy is funny, deliciously rude and at times piercingly moving. Warning: the show includes a gunshot and occasional adult language.
Beautiful Thing
Colchester Pride Players
Beautiful Thing is a gentle and hugely optimistic play. Teenagers Ste and Jamie are next door neighbours on the Thamesmead Estate in south London: Jamie is being bullied at school, and Ste is being bullied at home. When it all gets too much Ste seeks refuge at Jamie's and their awkward but joyous relationship develops. Underscored by a Mama Cass soundtrack, this play perfectly captures the wonder of first love.
Ages 12+ as several uses of strong language
Chicago by John Kander and Fred Ebb
Ingeni Productions
Roxie kills her boyfriend, invents her defence, manipulates everyone including her trustworthy husband, the media and the unsuspecting public with help from a sleazy lawyer. All set to a classic soundtrack featuring showstoppers such as “All That Jazz”, “I Can’t Do It Alone” and “Razzle Dazzle”. This amateur production of Chicago is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd.
The show includes flashing lights, loud noises and adult themes.
Pan's Return by Penny Cuthew-Herrett
Dynamite Drama
This story is told to you by the beautiful Neverland fairies. Did you know Peter Pan really did grow up and had children of his own? Peter and his family have come back to London on a family holiday to stay with Great Granny Wendy. But will the vengeful Captain Hook let Peter get on with his life or will he finally somehow get his revenge on the flying boy who cut off his hand? Please join us and see.
Can We Have Your Liver Then? A Terry Jones Tribute
The Crunchy Frog Players
Monty Python star, Terry Jones, shuffled off this mortal coil, ceased to be, expired and went to meet his maker in January 2020. Here he is remembered as he would have wanted: with great affection and extreme silliness. Including scenes from the Python films and some of their most famous sketches and songs, the show contains adult language, implied animal cruelty and implied male nudity. Suitable for age 15+.
She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith
Headgate Theatre Productions
First performed in 1773 in London, a lighthearted farce, set over the course of single, eventful night, full of entanglements and misunderstandings. An immediate success for Goldsmith and his last literary triumph. Popular with performers and audiences ever since, the play contains many farcical situations and a social commentary that could well be included in any modern comedy.
This production has the added attraction of colourful costumes and wigs to enhance the wit! (Our production won't feature Liza Goddard)
Getting your theatre fix
While the Headgate Theatre can't bring you live performance here's just a few of the many online ways to get your theatre fix. (You'll just need to get your own ice cream!)

National Theatre Live: From this week some of the NT's greatest hits will be streamed online on Thursdays at 7pm and then be available for seven days.

Wind in the Willows: This classic 'tail' will be the subject of our next children's workshop.

Royal Shakespeare Company: You'll soon be able to watch six past productions on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer.
We often add new events to the programme. 'Like' the Headgate Theatre on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or visit our website for more information on these and all upcoming events.
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