On Sunday the 24th of July 2011, there’s some free theatre in Southend’s Priory Park, suitable for all the family. “The Anglo Saxon World of Beowulf” takes place from 4pm to 6.30pm This is a brand new work, set to an original score, inspired by the epic poem of Beowulf. If you’re not familiar with [...]

In November 2009, we reported on an exhibition of previously unseen images of celebrities who appeared in Southend and Romford back in 1963. The exhibition, called Unseen 1963, featured a selection of photos taken by press photographer Derek Cross. The never before seen images of stars such as Cliff Richard, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones [...]

Leigh-on-Sea will be featured tonight on ITV documentary “Countrywise at War”, looking at one cockle-boat, the Endeavour, and how it played its part in the Dunkirk landings. More on Countrywise. The documentary is on ITV1 tonight (Sunday 8th August 2010) at 7pm. If you miss it, it’s likely to be available via the ITV Player

This weekend, Old Leigh played host to the Leigh Folk Festival. although it was a swelteringly hot day on Sunday, the crowds turned out in force to watch a day of free live music, street theatre, dancing, concerts, comedy and a parade. If you’re interested, there’s a small selection of photos of the 2010 Leigh [...]

“Unseen 1963″ is an exhibition showcasing a collection of Black and White photos taken at Southend and Romford Odeon cinemas back in their heyday of theatre shows. Image © Derek Cross Artists include The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Dusty Springfield, Cliff Richard, The Kinks and many more. Image © Derek Cross “Unseen 1963″ starts on Saturday [...]

In case you’ve not been following the local press, the town of Southend-on-Sea is bidding to become the UK’s Capital of Culture 2013. So, what are Southend’s selling points? Events such as the Southend Airshow, Southend Carnival and Leigh Art Trail? Tourist attractions such as our 7 miles of beaches and our pier? Or perhaps [...]

A date for your literary diary… Saturday the 6th of June sees the third Southend Book Fair come to town. Writers Anonymous and South East Essex College are working together to make the 2009 Southend Book Fair the literary event of the local calendar. The free fair is open to all with an interest in [...]

Threelance Theatre Co. present Alan Bennett’s ‘Talking Heads’. These classic monologues from the writer of recent hit ‘The History Boys’ were first presented on Television in the late eighties. They became instant classics and are now being presented locally for the first time. Threelance Theatre Co. were set up in 2005, since then they have [...]

Information on the New Empire Theatre’s Spring and Summer 2007 schedule, has been added to our site. See http://www.sarfend.co.uk/newempire.html

Palace Theatre to re-open. It seems that we can expect the Palace Theatre in Westcliff to re-open in time for Christmas 2006. HQ Theatres has been names as the new management company charged with looking after the Palace as well as the Cliffs Pavilion.

Palace Theatre to close. Public protest Saturday 29th Jan, Southend High Street. More.