Lakeside Theatre launch autumn 2024 season

As the leaves begin to turn and a crisp breeze fills the air, we're thrilled to welcome you to our exciting autumn season at the Lakeside Theatre! 

This term, we are putting the spotlight on the incredible talent and creativity right here in our community, with a special focus on our brilliant student performers and creators.

Our new season celebrates the theme of ‘Homegrown Stories’, featuring multiple art forms that explore the rich tapestry of experiences that make our community unique. From thought-provoking dramas to a cabaret comedy, each performance promises to showcase the diverse voices and perspectives that thrive on our campus. 

Highlights of our autumn line-up

2 Minutes to Shine

An original play written and performed by Literature and Sociology student Wanjiku Wanyeki, 2 Minutes to Shine explores acting theory through improvised scenes, challenging two students to tackle social issues and theatrical dilemmas whilst pushing moral boundaries.

Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 November, 7pm. 

Windrush Secret

Rodreguez King-Dorset's explosive one-man drama Windrush Secret, three clashing ideologies collide over the Windrush scandal, as a shocking personal revelation threatens to upend everything.

Saturday 12 October, 7pm.

Laugh Out Proud

An electrifying celebration of LGBTQIA+ talent bursts onto the stage with side-splitting comedy, dazzling cabaret, and everything in between - hosted by the brilliant Mark Cram, it's the ultimate night out where everyone's invited to be fabulously themselves!

Thursday 17 October, 8pm.

Students get involved

We're also excited to announce expanded opportunities for student involvement this season. 

Our monthly Open Mic programme invites talent in our community to take the stage in our friendly cosy café, and our behind the curtains workshops will offer hands-on experience in various aspects of theatre production with expert theatre makers to build confidence and make theatre more viable.

As always, we're committed to making theatre accessible to all. We're proud to offer student discounts, and free workshops throughout the season.

Homegrown

You’ll see a lot more of Homegrown this year, with us expanding the programme that develops performing arts talent at Essex outside of the classroom. You don’t need to be studying theatre to hone your skills as an actor, producer, writer, director, or technician at Essex!

Applications for our Homegrown slots are open!

This year students, staff and alumni can apply for a First Steps slot which offers an opportunity for new or early-stage productions to feature on our Studio stage, or a Next Level slot for the more advanced productions or theatre companies to bring a show to our mighty Main Stage!

Join us in celebrating the power of storytelling and the incredible talent that grows right here at home.

Don’t be shy

The Lakeside Theatre is "the best university theatre in the country" (thank you Dr Cam Abbott-Betts, Director of Colchester Fringe!) and we can’t wait to welcome you all through our doors.

If you want to be the first to find out about new show announcements and discover what goes on behind the scenes at the Lakeside Theatre, please sign up to our mailing list or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and X.