Essex is alive with culture this February, with stand-up stars taking the stage, ballet gracing the big screen, and a groundbreaking tribute to Elvis Presley. If you’re looking for things to do in Essex this February, there’s hilarious stand-ups from the likes of Harry Hill and Katherine Ryan, a ballet classic with Swan Lake, or a hands-on painting session with Jevan Watkins Jones and plenty more to spark your creativity.
For music lovers and nostalgia seekers, Elvis Evolution at London Excel promises a groundbreaking multi-sensory experience celebrating the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. With AI-driven visuals and immersive storytelling, this event will transport fans straight into the heart of Elvis Presley’s world.
From laughter-filled nights to artistic inspiration, this month’s cultural highlights invite you to experience Essex at its best.
Things to do in in Essex in February 2025
Jevan Watkins Jones
Dates: 7 February-7 March
Venue: Firstsite
Explore the techniques and styles of oil painting with the inspiring work of contemporary and historic artists in these fun and experimental sessions from Jevan Watkins Jones. Experience the versatility of the medium through set tasks and be inspired by looking at the work of contemporary and historic artists. These sessions can be attended as a course in which you will be encouraged to develop a painting or as a one off, picking up skills and confidence in this medium.
Harry Hill
Dates: 26 February
Venue: Mercury Theatre
The Badger Parade is back on! Join Harry Hill on his Diamond Jubilee lap of honour as he celebrates 60 glorious years (of being the planet) of fun, laughter and low-level disruption. Marvel as he offers new insights into the hot topics of the day such as the demise of the SCART lead, The Culture Wars, the differences between crabsticks and rhubarb, and the origins of Tiramisu. Guffaw with delight as Harry delves into his back catalogue using his patented ‘Old Bit Randomiser’ for old favourites like ‘Interspecies Tennis’, ‘The time I went up in the Space Shuttle’ and ‘When Nan got her hair caught in the knitting’. Being 60 has never been so funny.
Sophie McCartney
Dates: 27 February
Venue: Corn Exchange Ipswich
Award-winning comedian, podcaster and best-selling author Sophie McCartney heads out on tour with her new show, One Foot In The Rave. This brand-new laughter-packed show tackles the next stage in Sophie’s life and begins to ask the all-important questions as she enters a new era. What does life look like when you’re too old to be young, but too young to be old? Is it bad if you’re secretly thrilled when a friend cancels plans? Is growing old gracefully really better than a little synthetic help? And is a wild night out really any better than getting your bra and make up off by 9pm?
Chris McCausland
Dates: 20 February
Venue: Cliffs Pavilion
This event has been rescheduled from September 2024 when Chris was busy preparing to win Strictly Come Dancing. As well as this, you might have seen him on Would I Lie to You, Have I Got News for You, The Royal Variety, QI, and tons more as well. He’s been called an “overnight success” – even though he’s been doing this for yonks. Go see this masterclass in stand-up comedy that has literally been yonks in the making.
Swan Lake
Dates: 27 February
Venue: Everyman Chelmsford
Classical ballet’s most powerful tale of love, treachery and forgiveness comes to the screen via the Royal Ballet’s stunning production. Bringing together Tchaikovsky’s sensational score with the incredible imagination of choreographer Liam Scarlett and designer John Macfarlane, Swan Lake on the big screen will be an exceptional way to experience this ultimate ballet classic.
Katherine Ryan
Dates: 27 February
Venue: Charter Hall Colchester
Star of UKTV’s hugely popular series Parental Guidance, as well as Comedy Central’s Out of Order with Rosie Jones and Judi Love, TV’s beloved Katherine Ryan makes a hugely welcome return to the stage with her brand-new live show, Battleaxe. Katherine is the creator and star of Netflix’s smash hit The Duchess along with two global Netflix comedy specials: In Trouble and Glitter Room as well as 2022’s Missus on Sky / Now TV. This will be a chance to see a true masterclass in how to enter your Battleaxe era.
Editor’s Top Pick For This Month’s Must-See
Elvis Evolution: The King lives on, an Elvis tribute event
London Excel will be hosting an unforgettable experience for Elvis Presley fans
Elvis Evolution is set to dazzle Immerse LDN at London Excel’s Waterfront this May – where the King’s spirit will rock the Royal Dock. Brought to us by British company Layered Reality, state-of-the-art multi-sensory technology, inclusive of generative AI, will bring the musical icon to life using thousands of the global megastar’s personal photos and home-video footage.
Elvis Evolution is a high-energy, high-tech homage that promises to be an unforgettable night, where fans will get to walk in Elvis’ blue suede shoes, with the sights, sounds and even smells of his life and career. The experience centres on Elvis’ iconic ’68 special performance that captures the drama and triumph of what is described by many as the ‘greatest rock performance of all time’.
You will hear the spirituals in the crop fields of Tupelo, the Blues of Beale Street, Memphis, the famous ‘68 Special, and finally the Las Vegas residency. Elvis Evolution will use cutting-edge technology and generative AI to deliver intimate moments that offer an insight into the man behind the myth.
Layered Reality has crafted an extraordinary, multi-sensory experience charting Elvis’ meteoric rise to fame with unforgettable moments that shaped music history. Through a groundbreaking partnership with Elvis Presley Enterprises and Authentic Brands Group, the custodians of the Elvis Presley estate, Layered Reality has been granted access to thousands of Elvis’s personal photos and hours of the star’s home-video archive, using state of the art technology to bring the musical icon to life.
How Absolutely Picks the Best for You
At Absolutely Magazines, we pride ourselves on curating only the finest recommendations for our refined readers. Our editors leverage their extensive expertise in lifestyle journalism to ensure that every selection meets the highest standards of quality and relevance. From scouring local insider tips to understanding trends and feedback, we leave no stone unturned in identifying the most exceptional venues for you. Guided by an appreciation for your taste, we prioritise venues and events that epitomise luxury, style, and premium experiences. You can trust us to bring you the Absolute best, every time.
