This is a lovely little theatre in the West End of Chelmsford. The staff are friendly and helpful…read moreand there is a wide range of productions throughout the year. There is a bar plus they sell the usual icecream and sweets etc. The pantomime is normally pretty good each year although very rarely is anyone famous in it. This years (2008-9) was disappointing however. There is a carpark next door, but whereas it used to be free after 6pm, you now have to pay.

A really nice friendly, family theatre. We have been here several times for the smaller childrens…read moreshows which have taken place in the smaller theatre to the side - all have been fantastic and the children have enjoyed, resonably priced. We have also seen the pantomine for the last three years and again everyone has been brilliant. We find because it is a smaller theatre you feel more part of the show and the children can see more and not feel overwhelmed. The prices for ice-creams and sweets are also more resonable compared with large theatres/cinemas. Carpark to the side and if after hours is only £1.

The Central Theatre is Chatham's number one choice for theatregoer's…read more It has a great selection of musicals, plays and shows showing for the whole Season. There are even household names appearing on special occasions to mark the start of their tours at times. One example of this is Derren Brown who will be appearing at The Central Theatre in April 2009. Aside from the main function of the theatre there is also a cinema available in which there is often a afternoon matinee (perfect for the kids). So if you missed that film you wanted to see at the cinema, you may get the chance to see it here. They also have a sandwich bar if you get peckish.

A large local Theatre, that has lots of good musicaL shows,…read more as well as comedy and sone plays that have not got any music. They also have a nice Restaurant on site.

Churchill Gardens are gorgeous. You can get to them from off the high street, by the Churchill…read moreTheatre, or from the entrance located near Bromley Parish Church. The gardens are basin shaped with a rabbit warren of paths leading you down to the ponds where you can find duck, geese and some tame but neurotic squirrels. I really enjoy the views from higher up near the entrances; you can see over into the Shortlands area of Bromley. There's a whole load of benches dotted around the gardens and a kind of roman patio area too. This isn't really a picnic place; more of a ramble around spot. Really quaint and pretty.

For a local theatre, this is a great venue. Although ticket prices aren't cheap, you can get a…read morecultured night out and save on train fares and the expense of drinks in London. A huge variety of shows play here, from Christmas pantomimes to the comedy to opera. The seats are comfortable and spacious and the quality of the performances is usually high. Unfortunately, shows aren't on all year round but the website is kept up to date so it's always worth a look when planning a night out. Get on the mailing list for regular updates. Discounts are available for friends of the theatre.

Nice local theatre with good bar and decent productions. I took my daughter to see the owl and the…read morepussy cat last Christmas and she loved it. Reasonably priced. Parking isn't great but you can park in Sainsbury's down the road. If you do park there you must pay £3 but if you buy £5 worth of products you can claim your money back. I can always manage to spen £5 in a supermarket these days.

A pleasure to have a local theatre. Small but perfectly functional including a bar. Mainly local am…read moredram productions of good quality and school productions. Limited parking. Has lots of local support and always busy.

Staff were nice film was good but the large popcorn was totally stale and there was no toilet paper…read morein the downstairs baby changing toilet. As a member who hasn't been for a while I was really disappointed. Also the cinema was almost empty.

Fantastic cinema and host to Sci-fi London International Film Festival and other great events!read more

Great little theatre in honour of Bob Hope who was born in Eltham. Once a year it opens it's doors…read morefor free to locals for a free tour and historical information. We went on this tour in the summer and it really was worthwhile, it has a lot of memorabilia about Bob Hope, a great bar and coffee area with a bronze bust of Bob himself and a plaque on the wall to show he visited. The auditorium is light and airy, there's a small stage but it puts on great shows all year and is run by volunteers.

Lovely Theatre with an interesting connection to Mr Bob Hope. I've seen 3 plays and 4 pantos here…read moreand all have been good! Lovely building with friendly staff. Worth a visit for sure.

The Orchard theatre has very good disabled access and provide free parking for disabled around the…read moreback of the theatre. They put on a wide variety of shows all year long from pantos to concerts. It's very clean and modern and well worth a visit

This is within walking distance to my home, and although I haven't been there at all while living…read morein the area, I do remember coming here as a child. Last Saturday I went to see Evita with my family and due to an extra person I had to book a seat on the day, so it was in a different place to the rest. So while my family sat down in the stalls I sat up in the heavens in the very last row. There is a full bar here, but if you want ice cream in the interval you have to leave the theatre and visit the little shop in the entrance. The first thing that hits you when you enter the theatre is the heat. I was told that at the top they can open the doors, but if your sitting at ground level then the doors must stay shut. I was thankful to be at the top with some cool air coming in through the doors. My family who were at the bottom said it was very very hot. Such a shame because they do show some good things here. The seats are comfy and there is plenty of leg room. Also I think where ever you sit you would have good views. Evita was wonderful and I'm so glad I got to see it after being such a fan of the film! If visiting just make sure you wear layers!

An old theatre that's been saved by numerous people many times from bankruptcy, this venue adds a…read morenostalgic feel to it, (both as a performer, and audience member). Although small, the venue certainly gets in some good acts, including Andy Parsons, Russel Howard, and Showaddywaddy. Whilst all Russel Howard kept going on about was his boring family, he did have a start-up act, and also spent time afterwards signing merchandise and taking pictures with anyone who wanted one, which was set out in the modestly sized foyer area out front, which also includes a decorative grand piano. The only thing I don't like about the theatre itself is it always smells dusky and dirty, and the venue really needs a total renovation to justify prices akin to it's current owners, who are the same people who own the Cliff's Pavillion, though saying that, the prices are very reasonable, and do represent value for money. If they renovated the place, they could pull in more talent, and more audiences, and thus this would work out for everyone.

One of two theatres in Southend - this one is just a way up from the town centre on the main road…read moreA13 / London road. Easy to find but parking can be very difficult. The Palace often has interesting plays and a variety of shows on - I have managed to see The Vagina Monologues, The Circus of Horrors tour and a Wind in the Willows pantomime at Christmas. The prices are much cheaper than going to the west end and it can be just as enjoyable. I would advise checking the website a while in advance to see if there is anything you are interested in. Most show shave a very short run of a week or two.