Explore the top things to do in Essex, from captivating performances and art exhibitions to hilarious insights. And sample some of the best restaurants in Colchester for a fantastic Michelin-star dining experience before or after your outing. See our top picks for what’s on agenda in Essex this November.
Simon Reeve
27 November | Charter Hall
Simon Reeve is an author and TV presenter, and one of the world’s most adventurous travellers. His journeys have taken him to more than 130 countries, across jungles, deserts, mountains and oceans, and to some of the most beautiful, dangerous and remote regions of the world. On his new UK tour Simon will offer stories, surprises, thrills, deeper thoughts and hearty laughs. He wants to nudge and encourage audiences to get out of their comfort zone, take a few gentle risks in life, and embrace the great outdoors and the wider world.
Get your tickets at the Charter Hall
Lucy Porter
9 November | Colchester Arts Centre
Frank Sinatra had too few regrets to mention, but Lucy Porter’s got hundreds, and she’s prepared to go into graphic detail about all of them. Disastrous dates, professional calamities, ruined friendships and parenting fails. ‘No Regrets’ sees Lucy reveal all the mistakes she’s made, works out why they happened, and ponders how her life would have turned out if she’d acted differently.
Book at the Colchester Arts Centre
Russell Watson
9 November | St Mary’s Church, Prittlewell
Come join multi-award-winning tenor Russell Watson accompanied by world renowned pianist/arranger/writer Mike Moran in the magnificent setting of St Mary’s Church, Southend-on-Sea. The world-renowned tenor will be performing a special show with classic songs old and new, together with a selection of hits from his illustrious career. A truly spectacular concert experience is in the offering in the heart of Essex.
Get tickets at The Little Box Office
Nish Kumar
28 November | Palace Theatre Southend
In this election year – with the country in turmoil – there’s only one comedian who can kill the mood even further… Nish Kumar – one of The Guardian and The Telegraph’s 50 Best Comedians of the 21st Century – is back on tour with his brand new politically-charged stand-up show, Nish, Don’t Kill My Vibe. Expect jokes about climate collapse and income inequality over 80 minutes of sweet, sweet vibe killing.
Book your tickets at the Palace Theatre
Anton Du Beke
21 November | Cliffs Pavilion
Anton Du Beke, one of the country’s best-loved and most accomplished entertainers, is continuing his hugely popular nationwide tour this autumn. Showman – An Evening with Anton du Beke, is choreographed by Olivier Award-winning choreographer Bill Deamer and Anton is joined by singer Lance Ellington, as well as a live band and a company of dancers to create an evening filled with song, dance and a lot of laughter.
Get tickets at Cliffs Pavilion
Tim Noble & Sue Webster
9 November-31 December | Firstsite
Noble & Webster have created a remarkable group of anti-monuments in their 24-year career, mixing the strategies of modern sculpture and the attitude of punk to make art from anti-art. Their work derives much of its power from its fusion of opposites, form and anti-form, high culture and anti-culture, male and female, craft and rubbish, sex and violence. In this presentation, seven light sculptures by Noble & Webster illuminate areas of the Firstsite building with pops of glimmering colour.
Essex Open
16 November-9 February, 2025 | Beecroft Art Gallery
The 60th Essex Open is open to any artist, over the age of 16 living or working in Essex (including those London boroughs formerly part of Essex). Beecroft Art Gallery has a permanent collection of over 2,000 works, ranging from 17th-century Dutch paintings to contemporary works, and has a programme of ever-changing temporary exhibitions and displays presenting pieces from the permanent collection on rotation – and the Essex Open is one particular highlight.
Get tickets at the Beecroft Art Gallery
For more local insights, don’t miss rock icon Suzi Quatro’s favourite Essex spots
