The easing of lockdown has given us all renewed hope that life may finally return to some kind of normality later this year.

The Prime Minister has said his road map out of lockdown remains on course ahead of the reopening of shops and beer gardens on Monday.

It also offers hope that all social distancing measures will be removed in the summer, meaning crowds are allowed at venues once again.

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If that is the case, then the Cliffs Pavilion has a bumper line in store for the summer months, with a host of top comedians and stars set to perform live on stage.

Here’s the big names coming to the historic theatre later this year:

Jack Dee

Echo: Jack Dee

Comedian and sitcom star Jack Dee is coming to the Cliffs on May 28 and 29 subject to Covid restrictions. The road map suggests a capacity crowd will not be allowed for the gig so their will only be limited tickets available.

Jack has starred in numerous tv shows such as Bad Move, Lead Balloon and Josh, as well as numerous programmes named after himself on ITV and BBC.

Tickets start from £28.

Al Murray

Echo: Al Murray, Komedia, Gardner Street, Brighton, Aug 11

The hilarious pub landlord is due to take to the stage at the Cliffs on June 24 – potentially three days after all social distancing restrictions are relaxed.

Al Murray is bringing his Hope of Land and Glory tour to Southend in an effort to wipe away those Covid blues.

He has starred in Sky One’s sitcom, Time Gentlemen Please and hosted chat show, Al Murray's Happy Hour, and makes frequent appearances on TV.

Tickets starts from £32.50

Russell Howard

Echo: Comedian Russell Howard will perform in Barnard Castle in November

Just six days after Al Murry, Russell Howard will be performing live at the Cliffs.

Following the critically acclaimed sold out arena leg of his tour ‘Respite’, the comedian returns with his biggest globe-spanning stand-up tour to date.

He is riding on a high after the success of his Sky One show, The Russell Howard Hour, and his global smash Netflix special, Recalibrate.

Tickets start from £34.50.

Jimmy Carr

Echo: Jimmy Carr

The comic with the distinctive laugh will be coming to the Cliffs on August 4.

Jimmy Carr remains a regular on Channel 4 and BBC, and will be bringing his Terribly Funny tour back to Essex due to popular demand.

Tickets start from £34.00.

Rob Brydon

Echo: Interview: Rob Brydon

Perhaps best known for his role as Uncle Bryn in Gavin and Stacey, Rob Brydon has been a regular on the BBC for more than a decade.

His show, A Night of Songs and Laughter, will see Rob tell his persona journey from South Wales to the West End and beyond – all through music.

He will be coming to the Cliffs on September 12.

Tickets starts from £37. 

Harry Redknapp

Echo: Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp says he would jump at the chance to manage England

The loveable Harry Redknapp will be recounting his best stories from a distinguished career in football when he comes to the Cliffs on September 15.

The nation fell in love with Harry following his successful stint on ITV’s I’m a Celebrity, and his live shows have been a big hit ever since they launched several years ago.

Fans will even get the choice to pay extra (£89.50) to grab a photo and chat with Harry before the show, as well as offered the best seat in the house.

Tickets start from £39.50.

Ben Fogle

Echo: Ben Fogle on his cycle ride

Modern day explorer Ben Fogle will be recounting his best adventures when he comes to the Cliffs on September 21.

Ben has climbed Everest, been swimming with crocodiles, saved elephants, dodged pirates, been marooned for a year on an uninhabited island, walked to the South Pole and rowed across the Atlantoc, so there will be plenty to talk about.

Tickets start from £31.