By Jake Brunger and Pippa Cleary
A warm, witty and uplifting night out that captures all the charm of the beloved TV programme. Bursting with catchy songs, delightful humour and larger-than-life characters, this delightful show whisks you into a world of cakes, competition and camaraderie. If you’re a fan of the TV show or simply love a good musical, this is a treat that promises to rise to the occasion.
Join Peter Bleksley, a founding member of Scotland Yard’s undercover unit and former star of Channel 4’s Hunted, as he lifts the lid on the most dangerous and hidden aspects of murder investigations. From the gritty realities of infiltrating criminal gangs to his own terrifying experience of becoming the target of a murder plot, Peter shares the untold stories of the most high-stakes cases.
For over a decade, Peter worked undercover, posing as everything from drug dealers to contract killers. His double life gave him access to the darkest corners of humanity, uncovering secrets that would save lives - but at the cost of his own safety. Forced into witness protection by an FBI-uncovered assassination plot, his career as a detective came to an abrupt end, leaving him with chilling memories of murderers and the justice system that hunts them.
Prepare for an unforgettable evening of true crime as Peter Bleksley reveals the harrowing reality behind solving murders and battling the criminal underworld. This is crime-fighting as you’ve never seen it before.
18 plus advised
By Beth Steel
It's Sylvia and Marek's wedding. Over the course of a hot summer's day, a family gathers to welcome a newcomer into their midst. But as the vodka flows and the guests hit the dance floor, passions boil over and the limits of love are tested in Beth Steel's hilarious, heartbreaking portrayal of a larger-than-life family struggling to come to terms with a changing world.
The Best in Comedy returns to Witham Public Hall in December with a stacked line-up featuring the hilarious Marcus Brigstocke, Jack Skipper, Josh Baulf & Ian Smith!
Multi-award-winning comedian Marcus Brigstocke is one of the UK's most accomplished stand-ups, celebrated for his intelligent satire, sharp political observations and effortless storytelling. A familiar face on Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You and QI, Marcus has enjoyed a hugely successful career on stage, television and radio.
One of the UK's fastest-rising comedy stars, Jack Skipper has built a huge online following thanks to his hilarious sketches, relatable observations and everyday storytelling. With millions of views across social media and a rapidly growing live audience, Jack is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about new names in British comedy.
Fast-rising comedian Josh Baulf has quickly become one of the most exciting new acts on the UK comedy circuit, combining sharp stand-up with the crowd work that has earned him millions of views online. A regular at the country's leading comedy clubs, Josh is rapidly building a reputation as one of Britain's brightest new comedy talents.
Acclaimed comedian Ian Smith has earned a reputation as one of the UK's most original stand-ups, delighting audiences with his inventive storytelling, quick wit and brilliantly offbeat humour. A regular on Live at the Apollo, The News Quiz and The Now Show, Ian has also enjoyed multiple critically acclaimed runs at the Edinburgh Fringe.
NOTE: Over 18s only.
Line-Up subject to change without notice.
By Luke Coldham
The Essex Group are delighted to be bringing this Giant of a pantomime to Witham Public Hall for Christmas 2026. Full of Laughter, colourful costumes, toe-tapping musical numbers and plenty of interaction and humour. This timeless fairytale promises to be a fantastic, funny and fabulously magical evening for the entire family.
This February, the Best in Comedy show returns to Witham Public Hall for a night of live stand-up. Chris McCausland leads a line-up of four comedians, each bringing their own style to the stage.
Chris McCausland has spent more than two decades performing stand-up and is now one of the most recognisable faces in British comedy. A regular on Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News for You, Would I Lie to You? and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, he also won Strictly Come Dancing in 2024. His quick wit and brilliantly observed stories have made him a firm audience favourite.
Sean McLoughlin is an acclaimed stand-up comedian and writer whose sharp, often gloriously exasperated comedy has taken him around the world. He has appeared on Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week, and has supported Bill Burr at the Royal Albert Hall and Ricky Gervais at the Hollywood Bowl.
Peter Brush is a master of finely crafted jokes, delivering clever one-liners and wonderfully odd observations with his unmistakably awkward style. A BBC New Comedy Award finalist, he has written for BBC Radio 4 and supported acts including Alexei Sayle, Jason Manford and Fern Brady on tour.
Jimmy McGhie is an experienced stand-up who has performed across the UK and at comedy festivals around the world. With ten solo festival shows to his name, he combines easy charm with thoughtful, sharply funny material. He is also a regular TV studio warm-up act, including for The Graham Norton Show.
NOTE: Over 18s only.
Line-Up subject to change without notice.
By Tom Snow and Dean Pitchford
Footloose the Musical follows Ren McCormack, a city teen who moves to the small town of Bomont, where dancing and rock music are banned by the local minister, Reverend Shaw Moore, after a past tragedy. Ren rebels, falls for the Reverend's daughter Ariel, and rallies the local youth to challenge the town council and throw a prom. Packed with hit '80s songs like Footloose and Holding Out for a Hero, the story is a high-energy battle between youthful expression and generational grief.
This April, The Best in Comedy returns to Witham Public Hall for another fantastic night of live stand-up. Paul Sinha leads a brilliant line-up alongside Felicity Ward, Keith Farnan and Kevin Daniel, bringing quick wit, hilarious stories and plenty of big laughs.
Paul Sinha is best known as the white-suited Sinnerman on ITV’s The Chase, but he has also enjoyed a long career as an award-winning stand-up. A former doctor, Paul combines quick wit with thoughtful, brilliantly funny storytelling. His credits include Taskmaster, QI and Would I Lie to You?, alongside his acclaimed BBC Radio 4 comedy series.
Felicity Ward is an award-winning comedian, writer and actor known for her infectious energy, sharp observations and brilliantly candid stand-up. Her television credits include Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week and Russell Howard’s Good News, alongside her starring role in the Australian version of The Office. An Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee, Felicity brings a gloriously unpredictable stage presence.“
Keith Farnan is an acclaimed Irish comedian whose stand-up blends clever observations, compelling storytelling and plenty of charm. A former solicitor, he has performed around the world and appeared on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow. His acclaimed Edinburgh shows combine the personal and the political, finding big laughs in thought-provoking subjects.
Kevin Daniel is an award-winning Scottish comedian whose commanding stage presence, relatable stories and well-crafted jokes have made him a rising favourite on the UK comedy circuit. Winner of the Leicester Comedy Festival’s Silver Stand Up competition in 2024, he has also supported Fiona Allen, Nathan Caton and Jack Gleadow on tour.
NOTE: Over 18s only.
Line-Up subject to change without notice.
A thrilling sequel to "The 39 Steps", Hannay Stands Fast sees our dashing hero, Richard Hannay back in the fray on a mission to thwart a new and deadly threat to his beloved England. Engaged on this top-secret case by MI5, Hannay makes his way down to Cornwall to infiltrate a secretive organisation and learn their dastardly plans.
Can he save the day to keep the nation safe?
Hannay Stands Fast is taken on by four actors playing dozens of characters - 53 to be precise! Set in various locations created through quick and innovative uses of trunks, crates, suitcases, ladders, you name it!
A rip-roaring comedy for the whole family to enjoy - another of John Buchan's classic Hannay stories re-told for the stage through laughs, daring-do and utter chaos!