Essex is packed with exciting events this month, from live comedy and theatre to top culinary experiences and electrifying tribute shows. See Rick Stein share his culinary secrets in Colchester, enjoy a stunning Whitney Houston tribute in Brentwood, or experience high-energy dance with Tap Factory at the West Cliff Theatre.
With live performances, celebrity chef showcases, and immersive theatre, there’s something for everyone. Explore the best things to do in Essex and start planning your perfect day out.
Things to do and Days Out in Essex this month
Rick Stein
Dates: 5 March
Venue: Colchester Charter Hall
An Evening with Rick Stein will see the culinary legend dish-up his favourite memories from nearly 50 years of gastronomic experience. Delving deep into his lifelong love affair with cooking, this live stage show will explore his unwavering devotion to the brilliance of great British produce. Revelations from the kitchen, musical delights, poetic interludes and stories of global adventures are all on the menu.
Queen of the Night
Dates: 8 March
Venue: Brentwood Centre
Queen of the Night: A Tribute to Whitney Houston brings the dancefloor hits, the soul-stirring ballads, and the show-stopping numbers you love – brought to life with all the glamour, drama, and electrifying energy of Whitney herself. From the joyous explosion of I Wanna Dance With Somebody to the heart-wrenching beauty of I Will Always Love You, and the anthems that defined a generation like How Will I Know and The Greatest Love of All, this fantastic production doesn’t just honour Whitney – it celebrates her.
Get your tickets at Everyone Events
The Women of Llanrumney
Dates: 19 March-12 April
Venue: Stratford East
Llanrumney plantation. Saint Mary Parish, Jamaica. 1765. Annie and Cerys are enslaved by the Morgan family from Wales. Their future hangs in the balance when Elizabeth Morgan is faced with losing her plantation. Fearing what could lie ahead, Annie does everything she can to secure her position in the Great House. But sooner or later, with a storm of rebellion building, Annie will have to face up to the horror and trauma, including her own.
Book tickets at Stratford East
Josh Berry
Dates: 30 March
Venue: Chelmsford Theatre
It’s clear what toxic masculinity is, but what does positive masculinity look like in a modern context? Josh Berry intends to provide some sort of answer to this question, through his many impressions and characters, as he tells the tale of being his best friend’s best man earlier this year. From routines on how to organise a ‘progressive stag do’, to the amusing difficulties men seem to face around positive emotional expression, the show is an opportunity for us to have a ruddy good laugh at a concept that could do with being taken a bit less seriously.
James Martin
Dates: 14 March
Venue: Cliffs Pavilion
Celebrity chef James Martin is heading back on the road with his all new LIVE tour for 2025 including this date in Southend. Following four sell-out tours, James Martin Live will see the popular TV chef and best-selling author visit 20 amazing venues across England, Scotland and Wales, combining the perfect ingredients of mouth-watering dishes with his warm Yorkshire wit – with some music thrown in too.
Book your spot at Trafalgar Tickets
Tap Factory
Dates: 15 March
Venue: West Cliff Theatre
Tap Factory is thrilled to make its return to the UK with its 10th Anniversary Tour. Prepare to be captivated as eight extraordinary male performers deliver a sensational blend of dance, acrobatics, music, and comedy, creating a show that appeals to audiences of all ages. Brace yourself for an electrifying display of high-energy dance, explosive percussion, and jaw-dropping acrobatics, seamlessly woven together with live music and mesmerizing choreography.
Book at the West Cliff Theatre
Jon Culshaw
Dates: 8 March
Venue: Palace Theatre
The star of BBC Radio 4’s Dead Ringers, BBC One’s The Impressions Show and Channel 4’s Partygate takes his brand new show on the road following a completely sold out and critically acclaimed season at the Edinburgh Festival. Join Jon for an evening of comedy and music as he conjures up an array of the best-known personalities from the worlds of entertainment, politics, and beyond in his trademark style.
Get tickets at Trafalgar Tickets
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.
