THEATREGOERS are hoping major refurbishment works at the Cliffs Pavilion will help attract even bigger names and secure its spot as one of the best theatres in the East of England. 

The Cliffs Pavilion is set to undergo £8million refurbishment project from January 2024.

As part of the works, there will be a major expansion of the restaurant, a new entrance and lobby, upgraded ventilation, a new outdoor piazza as well as other improvements to the bars, toilets, and lifts.

Theatregoers are hoping these works will take the theatre to another level and help it become one of the leading sites in Essex and the East.

Lesley Taylor, a 59-year-old who lives near the Cliffs, said: “I love the Cliffs, and go there as often as I can.

“It is in a great position and is one of the biggest and best theatres in Essex.

“But I think the restoration ideas sound amazing and are well overdue to be honest. The piazza sounds like a great idea too.

“I think with this, and then higher profile shows, it would be a sellout. There is a massive car park too, so I can’t see why anyone wouldn’t want to go there.

“People come here from all over for the Christmas show every year - once we have the revamp, they need to just try and make every show as exciting.

“And have a variety to suit all types of people - from West End shows, Broadway shows, musicals, bands, and so on.

“Guests like Peter Kay and shows like Matilda and Magic Mike.

“You need to spend money to make money.

“The refurbishment sounds amazing, and Southend is on the up.”

The Cliffs Pavilion has had many huge names in its history with Oasis performing back in 1995 - who have since sold over 75 million records worldwide.

Depeche Mode also took to the stage in 1982, as well as One Direction in 2011 - just one year after coming third place on X Factor.

The popular theatre is also famous for its annual Christmas pantomime with last year’s being one of the most successful ever.