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Exhibitions

Free

Tim Noble & Sue Webster: Love and Hate at Firstsite

Thursday 09 November 2023 - Saturday 01 February 2025

In this presentation, seven light sculptures by Noble & Webster illuminate areas of the Firstsite building with pops of glimmering colour.

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Exhibitions

Free

Nicola Burrell: Concrete Dreams

Saturday 20 April 2024 - Sunday 20 April 2025

Discover Colchester-based artist Nicola Burrell’s vibrant three-dimensional artworks and sculptures inspired by New Towns in Essex.

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Exhibitions

Free

Jane Ostler: Finding the Hand of Kindness

Saturday 12 October 2024 - Sunday 23 February 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.

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Exhibitions

Free

Leonora Carrington: Avatars & Alliances

Saturday 26 October 2024 - Sunday 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.

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Community and Partners

Free

Colchester Library Rhymetimes at Firstsite

Wednesday 13 November 2024

More times available

While Colchester Library is closed for refurbishment, weekly Baby & Toddler Rhymetimes are continuing at Firstsite.

Find out more

Cinema

The Goldman Case

Wednesday 13 November 2024

11:00 am

More times available

November 1975, the second trial of The Goldman Case, a far left activist, sentenced in the first instance to life imprisonment.

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Cinema

My Old Ass

Wednesday 13 November 2024

2:30 pm

More times available

In My Old Ass, Elliott has been advised by her future self not to fall in love, which she thinks is easy, until she meets the boy.

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Big Festive Switch On

Community and Partners

Free

Folk & Bespoke Artisan Craft Market

Wednesday 13 November 2024

4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

More times available

Have a handmade shopping day. The people in your life deserves something special and for a totally unique gift, you cannot beat handmade.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Free

MiniCLIP Colchester

Wednesday 13 November 2024

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

More times available

MiniCLIP – a free weekly music club for young people age 11 to 14 at Firstsite Colchester, on term time Wednesdays from 4 – 5pm.

Find out more

Cinema

The Muppet Christmas Carol (Relaxed)

Wednesday 13 November 2024

4:45 pm

The Muppets tell their version of the classic tale of an old and bitter miser’s redemption on Christmas Eve in The Muppet Christmas Carol!

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Cinema

The Muppet Christmas Carol (Captioned)

Wednesday 13 November 2024

6:45 pm

The Muppets tell their version of the classic tale of an old and bitter miser’s redemption on Christmas Eve in The Muppet Christmas Carol!

Find out more

Cinema

Girls Will Be Girls (Captioned)

Thursday 14 November 2024

1:15 pm

In Girls Will Be Girls, 16-year-old Mira discovers desire and romance, but her sexual, rebellious awakening is disrupted by her mother.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Free

YAK | Young Art Kommunity

Thursday 14 November 2024

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

More times available

Young Art Kommunity (YAK) is Firstsite’s young-people peer led group which organises events and activities within the gallery and in the wider community.

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Community and Partners

Free

S&B Colchester

Thursday 14 November 2024

7:00 pm

Join local artists, Amy & Meg each month in S&B Colchester to try out different textile based techniques at our fun and free taster sessions!

Find out more

Cinema

Shakespeare’s Globe presents Othello

Thursday 14 November 2024

7:00 pm

Shakespeare’s Globe presents Othello, a critically-acclaimed production captured live during its run at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse!

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Community and Partners

Free

Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK Viewing Party

Thursday 14 November 2024

7:30 pm

More times available

Time to warm up your inner drag and start your engines! This year’s Ru Paul’s drag race viewing party is back with a bang at Firstsite!

Find out more

Cinema

A Different Man

Friday 15 November 2024

10:30 am

More times available

Edward undergoes a radical medical procedure to drastically transform his appearance but this turns into a nightmare in A Different Man.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Dance and Movement for Well-being

Friday 15 November 2024

10:30 am

More times available

A gentle session for over 60s to ease joint mobility, improve agility, balance and self-awareness in movement. Every Friday 10:30am during term times.

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Cinema

Joker: Folie À Deux

Friday 15 November 2024

1:15 pm

More times available

Joker: Folie À Deux finds Arthur Fleck institutionalized at Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker.

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Talks & Events

Matt Forde: End Of An Era Tour

Friday 15 November 2024

8:00 pm

We’re taking you out for a night of laughs with leading political comedian and satirist Matt Forde in his Matt Forde: End Of An Era Tour!

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Exhibitions

Free

Halla Groves-Raines: Life in Patterns

Saturday 16 November 2024 - Sunday 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.

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Community and Partners

Free

Colchester Record Fair

Saturday 16 November 2024

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

More times available

Colchester’s Record Fair returns to Firstsite, a treat for both enthusiasts and casual collectors alike. Come browse through stall holders’ collections of vinyl and CDs from a vast range of genres. Grab yourself a bargain – or perhaps something a little rarer.  

Find out more

Cinema

Buffalo Kids (Relaxed)

Saturday 16 November 2024

11:00 am

In Buffalo Kids, Mary and Tom are parentless Irish siblings who arrive in New York City and quickly find themselves on a wild journey.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Life Drawing with Justine Moss – all levels

Saturday 16 November 2024

1:30 pm

More times available

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

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Cinema

National Theatre Live: Prima Facie

Saturday 16 November 2024

4:30 pm

More times available

Tony award-winning Prima Facie, shows Tessa a brilliant barrister who is forced to confront the lines of patriarchal power.

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Cinema

Exhibition on Screen: Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers

Saturday 16 November 2024

7:30 pm

A century after acquiring its first Van Gogh works, the National Gallery is hosting Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers.

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Cinema

Seven Samurai (4K Restoration)

Sunday 17 November 2024

10:00 am

16th-century farmers whose village is repeatedly attacked by merciless bandits ask an elderly, masterless Seven Samurai for help.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Nature drawing workshop with Lisa Temple-Cox

Sunday 17 November 2024

10:30 am

More times available

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

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Cinema

Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration

Sunday 17 November 2024

2:45 pm

More times available

Tuscany, Italy, bursts to life with enchanting melodies at the Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration featuring surprise guest appearances!

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Cinema

A Different Man (Captioned)

Tuesday 19 November 2024

10:30 am

Edward undergoes a radical medical procedure to drastically transform his appearance but this turns into a nightmare in A Different Man.

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Talks & Events

TASAF Lecture Series: Surrealism

Tuesday 19 November 2024

2:30 pm

Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful session by Lucrezia Walker in The Arts Society at Firstsite (TASAF) Lecture series!

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Mini Movers & Makers Toddler Group

Thursday 21 November 2024

10:00 am

More times available

This brand new artist-led toddler group provides a safe and fun environment for children under 5 and parents/carers to be curious and explore interactive, sensory storytelling and experiment with a range of art activities and materials.

Find out more

Cinema

Buffalo Kids (Parent & Baby)

Thursday 21 November 2024

11:30 am

In Buffalo Kids, Mary and Tom are parentless Irish siblings who arrive in New York City and quickly find themselves on a wild journey.

Find out more

Cinema

Joker: Folie À Deux (Captioned)

Thursday 21 November 2024

4:00 pm

Joker: Folie À Deux finds Arthur Fleck institutionalized at Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker.

Find out more

Cinema

Girl From The North Country

Thursday 21 November 2024

7:00 pm

More times available

Girl From The North Country meets a group of wayward travellers whose lives intersect in a guesthouse filled with music, life and hope.

Find out more

Cinema

Timestalker

Friday 22 November 2024

11:00 am

More times available

The hapless heroine Agnes reincarnated every time she makes the same mistake: falling in love with the wrong man in Timestalker.

Find out more

Cinema

Dahomey (Captioned)

Friday 22 November 2024

1:00 pm

More times available

Dahomey is a poetic and immersive work of art that delves into real perspectives on appropriation, self-determination and restitution.

Find out more

Cinema

The Apprentice

Friday 22 November 2024

4:00 pm

More times available

The origins of Donald Trump are brought to life in a provocative, electrifying portrait of the man and his mentor in The Apprentice.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Surrealism Poetry Workshop with Derek Adams

Friday 22 November 2024

7:30 pm

New to writing poetry or an experienced poet? Our Surrealism Poetry Workshop with Derek Adams will help you to revitalise your writing!

Find out more

Cinema

Transformers One (Relaxed)

Saturday 23 November 2024

11:00 am

Transformers One is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but were once friends.

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Cinema

Timestalker (Captioned)

Saturday 23 November 2024

3:30 pm

The hapless heroine Agnes reincarnated every time she makes the same mistake: falling in love with the wrong man in Timestalker.

Find out more

Cinema

MET Opera Live: Tosca

Saturday 23 November 2024

5:45 pm

Puccini’s MET Opera Live: Tosca about a volatile diva, a sadistic police chief, and an idealistic artist has offended and thrilled audiences!

Find out more

Cinema

The Apprentice (Captioned)

Sunday 24 November 2024

11:00 am

The origins of Donald Trump are brought to life in a provocative, electrifying portrait of the man and his mentor in The Apprentice.

Find out more

Cinema

The Queen Of My Dreams (Parent & Baby)

Tuesday 26 November 2024

11:30 am

With a shared obsession of Bollywood fantasy, Mariam and her daughter Azra come of age in two different eras in The Queen of My Dreams.

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Community and Partners

Free

Art in the Community

Tuesday 26 November 2024

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

More times available

Art in the Community sessions are for people who use creativity to improve their well-being, and for recovery from mental and physical issues

Find out more

Cinema

Dahomey (Parent & Baby)

Thursday 28 November 2024

11:30 am

Dahomey is a poetic and immersive work of art that delves into real perspectives on appropriation, self-determination and restitution.

Find out more

Cinema

Sugarcane

Thursday 28 November 2024

1:30 pm

An investigation into abuse and missing children at an Indian residential school sparks a reckoning on the nearby Sugarcane Reserve.

Find out more

Talks & Events

EA Festival: Tattoos – Matt Lodder

Thursday 28 November 2024

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

EA Festival, Essex Book Festival and Firstsite are excited to present a talk with Matt Lodder, author of a new book entitled, Tattoos.

Find out more

Cinema

The Room Next Door

Friday 29 November 2024

10:30 am

More times available

Ingrid and Martha were close friends in their youth, but after years of being out of touch they meet again in The Room Next Door.

Find out more

Cinema

The Wild Robot

Friday 29 November 2024

1:30 pm

More times available

When The Wild Robot, Rozzum 7134, a futuristic robot washes ashore on a deserted island, tale of survival and discovery begins.

Find out more

Cinema

Emilia Pérez

Friday 29 November 2024

4:00 pm

More times available

Through liberating song, dance and bold visuals, this odyssey follows Emilia Pérez and remarkable women in Mexico, in pursuit of happiness.

Find out more

Cinema

Kiss Me, Kate: The Musical

Friday 29 November 2024

7:00 pm

More times available

Porter’s legendary Kiss Me, Kate: The Musical comedy has backstage shenanigans, Shakespearean sonnets, singing gangsters and a hot romance!

Find out more

Cinema

The Wild Robot (Relaxed)

Saturday 30 November 2024

11:00 am

When The Wild Robot, Rozzum 7134, a futuristic robot washes ashore on a deserted island, tale of survival and discovery begins.

Find out more

Cinema

The Black Pirate (1926) – with live piano accompaniment

Saturday 30 November 2024

2:30 pm

Experience The Black Pirate, one of the monumental accomplishments of the silent era, with a live piano accompaniment by Lillian Henley!

Find out more

Cinema

The Room Next Door (Captioned)

Saturday 30 November 2024

5:15 pm

More times available

Ingrid and Martha were close friends in their youth, but after years of being out of touch they meet again in The Room Next Door.

Find out more

Festive Workshops

Candle Decorating

Sunday 01 December 2024

10:00 am

Relax this season at our Candle Decorating workshop. Celebrate the occasion with an enjoyable morning decorating your own festive candles.

Find out more

Cinema

The Wild Robot (Captioned)

Sunday 01 December 2024

11:00 am

When The Wild Robot, Rozzum 7134, a futuristic robot washes ashore on a deserted island, tale of survival and discovery begins.

Find out more

Cinema

The Wild Robot (Parent & Baby)

Tuesday 03 December 2024

11:30 am

When The Wild Robot, Rozzum 7134, a futuristic robot washes ashore on a deserted island, tale of survival and discovery begins.

Find out more

Cinema

Lee

Thursday 05 December 2024

4:15 pm

Photographer Lee Miller is determined to document the truth of the Nazi regime in spite of the odds stacked against female correspondents.

Find out more

Festive Workshops

Wreath Making

Thursday 05 December 2024

7:00 pm

Join Firstsite this joyous season for a wreath making session where you will learn how to make an eco-friendly wreath for your front door.

Find out more

Festive Workshops

Wicker Star Workshop

Friday 06 December 2024

10:00 am

T’is the season to wicker! Feeling festive? How about lighting up your homes with a unique decoration in our Wicker Star workshop.

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Cinema

CBeebies Panto: Beauty and the Beast

Saturday 07 December 2024

2:00 pm

The annual CBeebies Panto is back this year to celebrate the joyous season with the CBeebies Panto: Beauty and the Beast!

Find out more

Cinema

Andre Rieu’s 2024 Christmas Concert: Gold and Silver

Saturday 07 December 2024

6:45 pm

More times available

Celebrate the holiday season with André Rieu’s 2024 Christmas Concert: Gold and Silver, exclusively in cinemas!

Find out more

Cinema

CBeebies Panto: Beauty and the Beast (Relaxed)

Sunday 08 December 2024

11:00 am

The annual CBeebies Panto is back this year to celebrate the joyous season with the CBeebies Panto: Beauty and the Beast!

Find out more

Festive Workshops

Festive Canal Folk Art

Sunday 08 December 2024

2:00 pm

Delve into the techniques of Canal Folk Art this season with a Festive Canal Folk Art session and take home your flowery bauble masterpieces!

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Boozy Brushes

Friday 13 December 2024

7:30 pm

More times available

Join Sirena Hart for Boozy Brushes at Firstsite – our New Multi-Art, Drag entertainment painting class extravaganza!

Find out more

Cinema

A Christmas Carol (2020)

Saturday 14 December 2024

2:00 pm

A Victorian family prepares a performance of the timeless story A Christmas Carol, in a magical world of dancers and stylised sets.  

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Cinema

The Royal Ballet: Cinderella

Sunday 15 December 2024

2:00 pm

Be transported into an ethereal world at the The Royal Ballet: Cinderella where a sprinkling of fairy dust makes dreams come true.

Find out more

Talks & Events

TASAF Lecture Series: The Christmas Story from London’s National Gallery

Tuesday 17 December 2024

2:00 pm

More times available

Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful session by Caroline Mcdonald-Haig in The Arts Society at Firstsite (TASAF) Lecture series!

Find out more

Cinema

The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker

Friday 20 December 2024

7:00 pm

More times available

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

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Drag Life Drawing with Sirena Hart

Saturday 04 January 2025

6:00 pm

More times available

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

Find out more

Cinema

The Royal Opera: The Tales of Hoffmann

Sunday 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.

Find out more

Talks & Events

TASAF Lecture Series: Arts Hidden Secrets

Tuesday 21 January 2025

2:30 pm

Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful session by Tony Rawlins in The Arts Society at Firstsite (TASAF) Lecture series!

Find out more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

Introduction to Collage

Friday 24 January 2025

10:00 am

More times available

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

Find out more

Cinema

MET Opera Live: Aida

Saturday 25 January 2025

5:15 pm

American soprano Angel Blue headlines in MET Opera Live: Aida as the Ethiopian princess torn between love and country.

Find out more

Cinema

Les Misérables: The Staged Concert (40th Anniversary celebration)

Sunday 02 February 2025

1:00 pm

More times available

Les Misérables is one of the world’s most popular musicals. Experience this unique encore of the show to celebrate its 40th Anniversary.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

The Art Café

Tuesday 04 February 2025

10:30 am

More 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.

Find out more

Cinema

Macbeth: David Tennant & Cush Jumbo

Thursday 06 February 2025

7:00 pm

More times available

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

Find out more

Talks & Events

TASAF Lecture Series: A History of World Art in 5 Symbols

Tuesday 18 February 2025

2:30 pm

Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful session by Matthew Wilson in The Arts Society at Firstsite (TASAF) Lecture series!

Find out more

Cinema

National Theatre Live: The Importance of Being Earnest

Thursday 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.

Find out more

Cinema

The Royal Ballet: Swan Lake

Thursday 27 February 2025

7:15 pm

More times available

The Royal Ballet: Swan Lake combines Tchaikovsky’s score with incredibly creative choreography and designs.

Find out more

Cinema

Jesus Christ Superstar Live

Tuesday 04 March 2025

2:00 pm

More times available

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock classic Jesus Christ Superstar Live returns to its roots with this sensational performance in the UK.

Find out more

Cinema

MET Opera Live: Fidelio

Saturday 15 March 2025

4:45 pm

Following a string of awe-inspiring performances, Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen returns as Leonore in MET Opera Live: Fidelio.

Find out more

Cinema

The Royal Ballet: Romeo & Juliet

Thursday 20 March 2025

7:15 pm

More times available

In The Royal Ballet: Romeo & Juliet, love flourishes in Verona despite the shadow of an ancient family feud.

Find out more

Cinema

Exhibition on Screen: Dawn of Impressionism: Paris 1874

Tuesday 25 March 2025

2:00 pm

More times available

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

Find out more

Cinema

Billy Elliot The Musical Live (20th Anniversary)

Sunday 30 March 2025

2:00 pm

More 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.

Find out more

Cinema

The Royal Opera: Turandot

Sunday 06 April 2025

2:00 pm

The Royal Ballet and Opera: Turandot is puccini’s captivating opera of a cold-hearted princess and her mysterious suitor.

Find out more

Cinema

MET Opera Live: Le Nozze di Figaro

Saturday 26 April 2025

5:45 pm

Mozart’s timeless and profoundly humane comedy returns to Firstsite in MET Opera Live: Le Nozze di Figaro.

Find out more

Cinema

MET Opera Live: Salome

Saturday 17 May 2025

5:45 pm

Met Music Director Nézet-Séguin takes the podium to conduct Strauss’s one-act incendiary and powerful tragedy in MET Opera Live: Salome.

Find out more

Cinema

The Royal Opera: Die Walküre

Sunday 18 May 2025

2:00 pm

Gods and mortals battle in the second chapter of Wagner’s Ring cycle in the Royal Ballet and Opera: Die Walküre.

Find out more

Cinema

Exhibition on Screen: Michelangelo: Love and Death

Wednesday 21 May 2025

2:00 pm

More times available

Michelangelo’s spectacular works seem so familiar, but do we really know this renaissance genius? This is Michelangelo: Love and Death.

Find out more

Cinema

The Royal Ballet: Ballet to Broadway: Wheeldon Works

Sunday 25 May 2025

2:00 pm

The Royal Ballet: Ballet to Broadway: Wheeldon Works showcases the remarkable choreographic range of Christopher Wheeldon.

Find out more

Cinema

MET Opera Live: Il Barbiere di Siviglia

Saturday 31 May 2025

5:45 pm

MET Opera Live 2024–25 season comes to a close with MET Opera Live: Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Rossini’s effervescent comedy. 

Find out more
Welcome area at Firstsite. 'Big Hello' (2018) Peter Liversidge. Photo by Jayne Lloyd.

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