Leonora Carrington: Avatars & Alliances

26 October 2024 - 23 February 2025

Step into the magical and mystical world of Leonora Carrington, the British-Mexican painter and novelist, in her debut exhibition in the East of England.

Drag Life Drawing with Sirena Hart

04 January - 01 March 2025

Multiple times available

A one-of-a-kind life drawing class, where your tutor and model will offer multiple poses in fantastical settings.

Jane Ostler: Finding the Hand of Kindness

12 October 2024 - 02 March 2025

“Finding The Hand of Kindness” is inspired by Jane’s own life, reflecting on her roles as a caregiver, the impact of patriarchal expectations, and the everyday moments of kindness. Through her art, Jane invites us to see how creativity can be a source of comfort and connection.

Holiday Fun: December 2024 – Canteen

27 December 2024 - 04 January 2025

Multiple times available

Enjoy freshly made hot meals for all the family at Firstsite’s Holiday Fun Canteen in Colchester town centre.

The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker

27 December 2024

Multiple times available

Discover the enchantment of ballet with The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker, a sparkling festive treat for the whole family.

Introduction to Collage

24 January - 28 February 2025

Multiple times available

Sociable, creative and fun Introduction to Collage Workshop where you’ll learn new techniques, unwind and have a delicious lunch together.

Halla Groves-Raines: Life in Patterns

16 November 2024 - 20 April 2025

Discover fresh perspectives from modern Essex and Suffolk through the faces and stories of its residents in an intimate portrait exhibition by Essex-based artist Halla Groves-Raines.

Nature drawing workshop with Lisa Temple-Cox

19 January - 23 March 2025

Multiple times available

Explore observational drawing and discover your favourite medium with this nature drawing workshop.

Wicked

27 December 2024 - 03 January 2025

Multiple times available

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her unusual green skin.

Billy Elliot The Musical Live (20th Anniversary)

30 March - 02 April 2025

Multiple times available

Billy Elliot The Musical shows Billy’s journey from the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance.

Macbeth: David Tennant & Cush Jumbo

06 - 09 February 2025

Multiple times available

Witness this gripping tale in a brand-new production of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth staring David Tennant & Cush Jumbo.

Gladiator II

28 December 2024 - 04 January 2025

Multiple times available

After witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum in Gladiator II.

The Royal Opera: The Tales of Hoffmann

19 January 2025

2:00 pm

Four women: four curious love stories. Juan Diego Flórez leads a fantastic cast in the Royal Ballet and Opera: The Tales of Hoffman.

Paddington In Peru

28 - 31 December 2024

Multiple times available

Paddington In Peru takes Paddington home to the Peruvian jungle to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, now a resident at the Home for Retired Bears.

National Theatre Live: The Importance of Being Earnest

20 February 2025

7:00 pm

Sharon D Clarke is joined by Ncuti Gatwa in this joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy – The Importance of Being Earnest.

A Sudden Glimpse Into Deeper Things

16 - 19 January 2025

Multiple times available

A Sudden Glimpse to Deeper Things explores the pivotal 1949 experience that reshaped Wilhelmina Barns-Graham’s artistic perspective.

Moana 2 (Captioned)

31 December 2024

2:00 pm

After receiving a call from her wayfinding ancestors in Moana 2, our leading lady must journey to the far dangerous seas of Oceania.

The Art Café

04 - 13 February 2025

Multiple times available

The Art Café is our new unguided painting session! Come alone, with friends or that special someone for a fun and relaxing art activity.

A Night With Janis Joplin The Musical

13 - 16 March 2025

Multiple times available

A Night with Janis Joplin, The Musical is a multi award-winning extraordinary musical journey paying homage to Janis Joplin.

André Rieu’s 75th Birthday Celebration: The Dream Continues

12 - 13 April 2025

Multiple times available

André Rieu celebrates his 75th Birthday! The King of the Waltz invites you to a boat party with him and his beloved Johann Strauss Orchestra.

Conclave

03 - 09 January 2025

Multiple times available

Conclave follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events – selecting the new Pope and cardinal Lawrence is tasked with this…

Exhibition on Screen: Dawn of Impressionism: Paris 1874

25 - 29 March 2025

Multiple times available

Impressionists are the most famous in art history but they were once penniless outsiders, until the Dawn of Impressionism: Paris 1874.

Better Man

01 - 06 February 2025

Multiple times available

Better Man looks at the rise, fall and resurrection of Williams – one of the UK’s bestselling artists of all time.

All We Imagine as Light

04 - 09 January 2025

Multiple times available

All We Imagine as Light is a beautiful and emotional film exploring the complexities of friendship and the vibrant Mumbai atmosphere.

How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies

24 - 30 January 2025

Multiple times available

A man quits work to care for dying grandmother, motivated by her fortune. He schemes to show us How to Make Millions before Grandma Dies.

Layla

07 - 09 January 2025

Multiple times available

When Layla, a struggling Arab drag queen, falls in love, they lose and find themselves in a transformative relationship that tests them.

Life Drawing with Justine Moss – all levels

18 January - 15 March 2025

Multiple times available

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, gain confidence in drawing the figure, with these tutored life drawing sessions.

Inspirational Women Talk and Portrait Workshop

08 March 2025

10:00 am

Spend your International Women’s Day with illustrator Lily Hammond in a fun, empowering workshop celebrating iconic leaders and trailblazers.