From comedy legends to Bootleg Beatles, check out the great variety of acts coming to Southend's Cliffs Pavilion in April.

April 2: Paddington in Concert

Enjoy watching the award-winning 2014 film on a giant HD screen, accompanied by the London Concert Orchestra playing Nick Urata’s calypso-infused score live. 

Boasting an all-star ensemble cast including Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent and Nicole Kidman, with Ben Whishaw and Imelda Staunton as the respective voices of Paddington and Aunt Lucy, Paddington was a beloved award-winning critically acclaimed box office hit on its release.

The show starts at 3pm.

Ticket prices range from £15 to £67.90.

More info here.

April 4: Balls Out Comedy Club

A comedy mash-up night featuring some of the newest and freshest comedy acts around.

Be entertained by a blend of stand-ups, comic poets, sketch groups, musical comedy acts and much more.

If you’re looking for big laughs for little cost, visit Balls Out Comedy Club - the hippest new comedy club in town.

The evening starts at 8.30pm.

Tickets cost £7.50.

More info here.

April 5: Kidz Bop

Kidz Bop is back for its first UK live concert tour since 2019. 

Sing and dance along with the Kidz Bop kids as they perform today’s biggest hits, live on stage including “As It Was,” “About That Time,” “Anti-Hero,” “Green Green Grass,” “Trustfall,” and many more. 

The show starts at 6pm.

Tickets range from £29.75 to £45.25.

More info here.

April 6: Michael Starring Ben

Michael Starring Ben is a hit theatre production starring the UK's ultimate Michael Jackson tribute star, Ben Bowman. Not only does he look and sound like the King of Pop, but he's honed his routine so carefully that audiences truly believe they are watching Michael Jackson himself.

The show features a live band, dazzling costumes and the performer's iconic dance routines. It also showcases the greatest hits of Michael Jackson and also of The Jackson 5 including Beat It, Billie Jean, Thriller and Man in the Mirror.

It starts at 7.30pm.

Ticket prices range from £28 to £35.

More info here.

April 7: Happy Mondays with special guests Inspiral Carpets and Stereo MCs

Echo: You're twistin' my melon man - the Happy Mondays will head to Southend.You're twistin' my melon man - the Happy Mondays will head to Southend. (Image: Happy Mondays)

Legendary Manchester band Happy Mondays is set to land in Southend as part of their first headline tour in five years.

Billed as “The Been There Done That Tour”, Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder, will perform alongside Bez, Rowetta, Mark Day, Gary Whelan, and Dan Broad. They will play the band’s classic hits such as 24-Hour Party People, Step On, Hallelujah, Loose Fit, Judge Fudge, W.F.L. and Kinky Afro, among many others.

They will be supported by fellow 1990s icons Inspiral Carpets and Stereo MCs.

The show starts at 7pm.

Tickets cost £45.25.

More info here.

April 8: Paul Weller

The Jam legend is excited to announce a full UK tour for 2024 with 14 dates lined up through April.

This year has seen Paul’s tour schedule taken up with extensive travels around Europe peppered with a handful of UK Forest Live shows and a special guest slot with Blur at Wembley Stadium.

The show starts at 7pm.

Ticket prices range from £52.75 to £54.75.

More info here.

April 12: Tropicana Nights

Transport yourself back to the neon-soaked era of the 1980s with "the ultimate 80’s party night". 

As the beats of iconic artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna and Duran Duran fill the air, guests don their legwarmers, acid-washed jeans, beads and oversized blazers and the venue will be a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours, disco lights and theming that creates that nostalgic 80’s atmosphere.

As the night unfolds, the DJ mixes in all your favourite 80s dance floor classics, ensuring that every guest experiences the full spectrum of 80s musical magic.

Doors open at 8pm.

Tickets cost £10.

More info here.

April 13 and 14: Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out

Join Peppa, along with her family and friends as they go to the zoo and also the beach for a special party - it’s going to be an exciting and fun packed day.

Prepare to sing and dance with colourful scarecrows, feed the penguins, build big sandcastles, and even swim in the sea.

Packed full of songs, dance and muddy puddles, Peppa’s Fun Day Out guarantees giggles and snorts for all Peppa fans, and a perfect introduction to theatre.

Shows are at 10am, 1pm and 4pm.

Ticket prices range from £17 to £22.

More info here.

April 16: Seven Drunken Nights

Echo: Enjoy the ultimate feel good Irish show.Enjoy the ultimate feel good Irish show. (Image: Seven Drunken Nights)

Direct from the West End and having sold out venues worldwide, Seven Drunken Nights - The Story of the Dubliners returns to theatres in 2024.

In partnership with Tourism Ireland and in association with legendary Irish pub O’Donoghue’s, Seven Drunken Nights tells the story of a career spanning 50 years and invokes the spirit of Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Barney McKenna, John Sheahan, Ciaran Bourke and Jim McCann.

This hugely talented cast of musicians and singers bring the music of this iconic group back to life and will have you singing and dancing in the aisles.

The show starts at 7.30pm.

Ticket prices range from £22.50 to £30.50.

More info here.

April 19: The Bootleg Beatles in Concert

Regarded the world over as being the Gold standard of Tribute, the Bootleg Beatles return for another nostalgic whirlwind trip through the sixties.
  
With fastidious attention to detail, the band manage to spectacularly recreate the sound and look of the Fab Four through each iconic phase of their illustrious career, with what can only be described as uncanny authenticity. Their rave reviews say it all.

With a little help from their ever-popular orchestral ensemble this magical multi-media show is an absolute must-see for Beatle fanatics of all ages.

The show starts at 7.30pm.

Ticket prices range from £36.75 to £43.75.

More info here.

April 26: Frank Skinner - 30 Years of Dirt

Following a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe and seven nights at the Lyric Theatre in London’s West End, comic legend Frank Skinner is back with his critically acclaimed new show "30 Years of Dirt".

The show starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £33.

More info here.

April 25: Alexander O'Neal - Time To Say Goodbye Farewell Tour

After nearly five decades in the business, it is with great excitement that legendary singer Alexander O’Neal heads out on his "Time to Say Goodbye" Farewell World tour. The star is hitting the road one final time.

"Time to Say Goodbye" takes the audience on a wonderful journey through his incredible career with never before seen photos, testimonies and tributes, all set to the tune of Alex’s most  beloved songs from his legendary catalogue including Criticize, Fake and If you were here tonight.

Accompanied by his exemplary nine-piece live band, there won’t be a dry eye in the house as audiences come together to celebrate the legacy of Alexander O’Neal.

The show starts at 7.30pm.

Ticket prices range from £29.50 to £39.50.

More info here.

April 28 and 29: Romesh Ranganathan - Hustle

Echo: Romesh Ranganathan will return to Southend's Cliffs on April 28.Romesh Ranganathan will return to Southend's Cliffs on April 28. (Image: Romesh Ranganathan)

After a sell-out tour in 2022, Romesh is back with a brand-new show examining the human condition. 

Best known for The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, The Ranganation, Rob & Romesh Vs, A League Of Their Own, Avoidance, Romantic Getaway, host of Weakest Link and his own BBC Sounds and Radio 2 show For The Love Of Hip Hop.

The show starts at 8pm.

Tickets cost £34.50.

More info here.