With an extensive central theatre hub, as well as a successful local dramatic society, you’ll be spoilt for choice when exploring Chelmsford’s arty theatre scene. Performance venues of various sizes attract great talent to the city, so whether you’re looking for an energetic jazz dance show, renowned comedy acts or a toe-tapping musical performance to enjoy at lunchtime, there will be something for you.
Theatre in Chelmsford
Civic Theatre
Chelmsford Civic
The Civic Theatre in Chelmsford is centrally located in the heart of the city centre, seating an audience of 500 and offering a fresh variety of shows to suit all tastes. For a smallish theatre, they attract a great selection of top events, especially when it comes to the comedy acts. You can also check out classic musicals, children’s plays, music acts, dance performances, talks and key speakers – not to mention the popular annual panto.
Contact the box office between 10am-6pm Monday to Saturday to see top performers in this intimate venue; you’ll feel part of the action with clear, unrestricted views from every seat. It’s easy to reach too – only a five-minute walk from our City Centre hotel and easily accessible by the train station or nearby car parks. Make a night of it by sampling some of the many restaurants and bars within walking distance. You can see our guide to restaurants in Chelmsford for more information on the city’s top dining spots.
Right next door, you’ll find the Cramphorn Studio, a smaller and more intimate setting which showcases local talent, as well as small-scale professional touring theatre. Check out the lunchtime concerts – which are on most Wednesdays throughout the year – for a musical addition to your day in Chelmsford, where anything from jazz to classical vocalists or a string quartet can be taking to the stage. This central theatre hub is also home to The Picture House, screening some alternative options to a traditional cinema, as well as the latest mainstream releases. Watch the live Royal Opera House performances without having to journey to the big smoke, and keep an eye out for its cool mix of art-house, world film and award-winning classics.
To round off Chelmsford’s mix of theatre and cultural hotspots, it’s important not to miss the city’s very own amateur theatre group, the Chelmsford Theatre Workshop. With their dedicated theatre space at The Old Court Theatre, the award-winning group put on six to ten plays and performances a year. Don’t be put off by the word ‘amateur’ – they’ve received great reviews for their wide variety of shows over their 40+ year history. And with affordable ticket and very reasonable bar prices, it’s easy to book a night to remember through the same box office as the Civic Theatre.