Charity Barn Dance
May
3
7:00 pm19:00
Fundraising

Charity Barn Dance

With live music from the St George Barn Dance Band

Held at Chelmsford Social Club

ADULTS £16 / FAMILY £48 (2 ADULTS / 2 CHILDREN)

Includes Fish and Chip supper (children’s meals and veggie options available)

Contact Vanessa Hellier to book 07976 578868

All proceeds in aid of Grapevine Essex.

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Calendar Girls by the Blackmore Players
Jun
18
7:00 pm19:00
WINTER 24-25

Calendar Girls by the Blackmore Players

The death of a much loved husband prompts a group of ordinary women in a small Yorkshire Women’s Institute to do an extraordinary thing. Blasting away all preconceptions of what it is to be in a Women’s Institute, they decide to do an artistic topless calendar to raise money for charity.

Upturning preconceptions is a dangerous business and none of them expect the emotional and personal ramifications, but gradually the making of the fabulous and funny calendar brings each woman unexpectedly into flower.

The true story of the Calendar Girls launched a global phenomenon, a million copycat calendars, a record breaking movie, stage play and musical written by Tim Firth and Gary Barlow which coined the term ” craughing ” the act of crying and laughing at the same time.

With unforgettable songs, every performance continues to add to the millions already raised for charity and also prove that there is no such thing as an ordinary woman.

This very uplifting and life affirming show contains a slight amount of very discreet nudity, together with lots of humour and some fabulous songs.

Minibus transport

Arrange collection or Meet at: Blackmore Village Hall, Nine Ashes Rd CM4 0QR

Refreshments: Bring money for drinks & snacks, raffle tickets

Wheelchair access: Fully accessible but regrettably there is no space on the minibus for wheelchairs.



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Wicked
Jul
31
5:00 pm17:00

Wicked

Wicked is the enchanting musical by Winnie Holzman and Stephen Schwartz that has been capturing the hearts of audiences young and old. A magical prequel to Frank L. Baum’s classic novel, the Wicked musical tells the story of The Wizard of Oz as you have never seen – or heard – it before. Since opening on Broadway in 2003, the musical has travelled around the world, and has bewitched audiences in the West End for over 15 years at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.

Following Elphaba, an aspiring young witch who stands out because of her vibrant green skin, Wicked is the ultimate tale of friendship, love and acceptance. Inspired by Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel of the same name, the musical follows Elphaba as she begins school and meets fellow aspiring witch Galinda. Struggling to fit in because of her peculiar appearance, Elphaba’s powers soon begin to spiral out of control. As Elphaba and Galinda (who renames herself Glinda) join together, they soon begin to learn that everything in the land of Oz may not be as it seems. When the animals begin to lose their voice, Elphaba decides that she must take action.

The Wicked musical first premiered in New York in 2003, with Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Kristin Chenoworth as Glinda. It has played at the Gershwin Theatre on Broadway ever since. In 2006, the show transferred to the West End and has now celebrated over 15 years at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. With its stunning sets, bold costumes and exciting story of friendship, it is a global success with large-scale productions staged most notably in Germany and Australia. A film adaptation starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo is also in development – although nothing can quite beat the exhilarating thrill of seeing the story live on stage!

Wicked is adapted from Maguire’s book by Winnie Holzmann (My So-called Life) with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Schwartz is a hugely acclaimed lyricist and composer who has worked on Disney films including Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Prince of Egypt; and musicals including Pippin and Godspell. He has won three Grammy Awards, three Academy Awards and been nominated for six Tony Awards. His Wicked musical score is as soaring, quirky and magical as the characters themselves, ,with songs such as “The Wizard and I”, “Popular”, “No Good Deed” and the show-stopping “Defying Gravity” bringing this fantastical story to life. 

Two-time Tony Award winning director Joe Mantello (The Boys in the Band) directs, with glowing, inventive choreography by Wayne Cilento, and striking set design by Eugene Lee and Susan Hilferty. The creative team also includes designer Kenneth Posner and sound designer Tony Meola.

Wicked has won a huge number of awards including Tonys and Oliviers and has featured countless stars in the lead roles, including Kerry Ellis, Rachel Tucker, Louise Dearman, Emma Hatton and Willemijn Verkaik. 

Wicked’s current cast includes Alexia Khadime as Elphaba, Lucy St. Louis as Glinda, Ryan Reid as Fiyero, Sophie-Louise Dann as Madame Morrible, Michael Fenton Stevens as the Wizard, Caitlin Anderson as Nessarose, Joe Thompson-Oubari as Boq and Graham Kent as Doctor Dillamond. Laura Harrison is the standby Elphaba and Lisa-Anne Wood is the standby Glinda.

Still as “Popular” as it was when it first opened, the Wicked musical is a magical West End show that’s not flying away any time soon!

Coach transport

Pick up: Chelmsford College CM2 9DE

Refreshments: Packed Tea required. Money or payment card for drinks/snacks

Wheelchair access: Accessible but would have to be able to transfer to seat

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Six the Musical
Nov
12
7:00 pm19:00
Winter 25-26

Six the Musical

The crowning glory of Broadway, the West End and beyond, the international smash hit musical SIX makes its royal return to Southend following its previous sold out run! Winner of over 35 international awards including the Tony Award for ‘Best Original Score’ and ‘Best Costume Design’, double winner of the Whatsonstage Award for ‘Best West End Show’ and a Gold-Disk winning album, this sell-out Tudor take-off has ‘an incredibly strong and powerful message’ (The Australian) and is ‘pure entertainment’ (New York Times). From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. These Queens may have green sleeves but their lipstick is rebellious red. Think you know the rhyme, think again... Divorced. Beheaded. LIVE!

Coach transport

Pick up: Chelmsford College CM2 9DE

Refreshments: Packed Tea required. Money or payment card for drinks/snacks

Wheelchair access: Accessible but would have to be able to transfer to seat

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Cinderella
Dec
31
9:30 am09:30
Winter 25-26

Cinderella

You shall go to the ball this Christmas with award-winning television presenter, radio DJ, podcaster and number one best-selling author Rylan, who returns for another year to play the Fairy Godfather! Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients Cliffs Pavilion audiences expect, Cinderella features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses.  Book your tickets before the clock strikes midnight!  

Relaxed Performance

Coach transport

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Flatford Mill & Dedham Tour
Apr
17
10:00 am10:00
Easter 2025

Flatford Mill & Dedham Tour

Join us on a guided tour of Constable Country with a Blue Badge Guide, where the famous artist John Constable lived and worked. We will see the locations where the paintings were set as well visiting his birthplace at East Bergholt and enjoying a walking tour around Flatford. Our tour ends in Dedham where we’ll stop for a pub lunch.

Minibus transport

Pick up: Chelmsford College CM2 9DE

Refreshments: Lunch provided. Cash or payment card for drinks

Wheelchair access: Regrettably there is no room on the minibus for wheelchairs

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Romford Greyhound Stadium
Apr
16
5:00 pm17:00
Easter 2025

Romford Greyhound Stadium

Live greyhound racing with a great atmosphere; indoor and outdoor viewing areas. Maximum £2 bet per race please!

Pick up: Chelmsford College CM2 9DE

Refreshments: Snack meal provided. Cash or payment card for drinks & bets

Wheelchair access: Fully accessible but regrettably there is no room on the minibus for wheelchairs

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London Science Museum
Apr
15
9:00 am09:00
Easter 2025

London Science Museum

Explore the wonders of science at the Science Museum! Dive into fascinating exhibits, interactive displays, and fun learning opportunities that make science exciting for all ages. From space exploration to cutting-edge technology, there's plenty to discover.

We have booked sessions in a number of self-led and interactive galleries:

  • Energy Hall

  • Engineers

  • Wonderlab

  • Exploring Space

  • Flight

  • Who Am I

Coach transport

Pick up: Chelmsford College CM2 9DE

Refreshments: Packed Lunch required. Cash or payment card for drinks/snacks

Wheelchair access: Fully accessible

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Pottery Class
Apr
14
12:15 pm12:15
Easter 2025

Pottery Class

Unleash your creativity at Pardon Mill Pottery! This hands-on class will help you craft beautiful pottery pieces. From bowls to decorative items, you’ll be guided by a skilled instructor to shape, mould, and glaze your creation.

Pick up: Chelmsford College CM2 9DE

Refreshments: Not provided.

Wheelchair access: Fully accessible regrettably there is no room on the minibus for wheelchairs

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Residential: Darsham Country Centre
Apr
10
to 11 Apr
Easter 2025

Residential: Darsham Country Centre

We’re making a return visit to Darsham - a beautiful rural retreat nestled in the heart of Suffolk. We will have exclusive use of the self-catering kitchen, comfortable living and dining areas, and private garden. Outings include visits to Jimmy’s Farm, Landguard Fort, the Felixstowe Museum and Beth Chatto’s Gardens. We’ll have an evening meal at the local Kings Head in Yoxford and lunch on the way home at The Anchor Inn at Stratford St Mary.

A full itinerary will be provided.

Pick up: Chelmsford College CM2 9DE

Refreshments: Packed lunch for Day 1. Cash or payment card for extra drinks, snacks and souvenirs. Beth Chatto Gardens do not accept cash.

Wheelchair access: Venues are accessible but regrettably there is no room for wheelchairs on the minibus.

Polar Bear at Jimmy’s Farm

Beth Chatto Gardens

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Hackers
Apr
9
10:15 am10:15
Easter 2025

Hackers

Hackers is an interactive entertainment experience offering

  • AR Darts: A modern twist on traditional darts with interactive games and digital scoring.

  • Golf Simulator: Offers different courses and challenges.

  • Escape Rooms: Put your puzzle-solving skills to the test in a themed escape room.

    • The Tomb of the Wandering King

    • Blood Over Baker Street

Choose 2 activities to play…

Pick up: Chelmsford College CM2 9DE

Refreshments: Lunch provided. Money or payment card for drinks

Wheelchair access: Regrettably there is no room on the minibus for wheelchairs

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Geek Retreat
Apr
8
12:00 pm12:00
Easter 2025

Geek Retreat

Geek out at Geek Retreat…. Play board games, Pokemon, Doctor Who, Star Wars, jigsaw puzzles.

Lunch provided.

Meet at: Geek Retreat, 48 Cunard Square, Townfield St, Chelmsford CM1 1AQ

Refreshments: Lunch provided, money for drinks and merchandise

Wheelchair access: Fully accessible

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AirHop & Clip'n Climb
Apr
7
10:45 am10:45
Easter 2025

AirHop & Clip'n Climb

Chelmsford’s trampoline park has an awesome main court arena, Slam dunk, two Big Bags, two Dodge ball courts and two Wall trampolines within our performance area. Test yourself on our one and only Toxic Wipeout. 

 

 Clip’n Climb climbing centre where adults can enjoy some healthy, action-packed fun. 32 individual and unique multi climbing challenges varying in design and difficulty, testing agility and courage in different ways.

Choose trampolines or climbing wall



Meet at: Dukes Park Industrial Estate, 12 Richmond Rd, Chelmsford CM2 6UA

Refreshments: Not provided. Money or payment card required.

Wheelchair access: Fully accessible

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Pinocchio
Apr
6
1:00 pm13:00
Easter 2025

Pinocchio

Held at the Princes Theatre in Clacton this hilarious new Easter Pantomime has no strings attached! Join Pinocchio as he sets off on his adventure to Fantasy Island, where he hopes to learn right from wrong and fulfill his dreams of becoming a real boy. But will he follow his conscience or will the wicked Stromboli have other plans?

Starring Katie Price, Bobby Davro and Zippy & George!

Pick up: Chelmsford College CM2 9DE

Refreshments: Packed Lunch required. Money or payment card for drinks/snacks

Wheelchair access: Regrettably there is no room on the minibus for wheelchairs

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Butlins (Residential)
Feb
17
to 21 Feb
Butlins 2025

Butlins (Residential)

  • Butlin's Bognor Regis (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Butlin's Bognor Regis (Residential - 4 nights/5 days) Featuring The Masked Singer and Gladiators

APOLOGIES BUT THIS TRIP IS FULLY BOOKED

We have half-board accommodation for 4-nights in Silver Accommodation with Bathroom and Shower included.

Main entertainment and activities included: unlimited fairground rides, water world and evening shows.

Additional All-Action Activity Passes include:

Butlins, Bognor Regis

  • Adventure Golf

  • American Pool

  • Bowling

  • Go-Karts

  • Bungee Trampolines

Buffet style breakfast and dinner included in price



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Snow White and the Dwarves
Jan
22
7:00 pm19:00
WINTER 24-25

Snow White and the Dwarves

Every night, the Evil Queen’s Magic Mirror assures her that she is the fairest in the land – until one day it proclaims that the title has been taken by her own stepdaughter, the beautiful Snow White. Outraged, the Queen vows to kill Snow – but with the help of her best friend Luke and the palace cook, she escapes into the forest before any harm can befall her. The Queen plots her revenge from her palace – but will her evil schemes succeed?

Will Snow White score her ‘happy ever after’?

Just how many Dwarves are in this pantomime?

Arrange collection or Meet at: Blackmore Village Hall, Nine Ashes Rd CM4 0QR

Refreshments: Bring money for drinks & snacks, raffle tickets

Wheelchair access: Fully accessible but regrettably there is no space on the minibus for wheelchairs.



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Fawlty Towers Fundraiser
Jan
3
7:30 pm19:30
Fundraising

Fawlty Towers Fundraiser

The Fawlty Towers Comedy Dinner Show by Comedy Dinner Experiences. Starring Grapevine’s very own Simon Jones!  

 Friday 3rd January 2025 at 7:30pm held at The Billericay Theatre.

This is a tribute to the classic comedy series where you will be served a three-course meal with a difference. Hosted by Basil & Sybil Fawlty. And don’t worry about Manuel, he’s from Barcelona.

 The show starts in the bar at 7.30pm. A three course meal is provided.

 Please be aware there can be loud noise, bangs and violence as Manuel will get beaten up, a lot!

 Tickets are £35 per person.

To book contact: info@grapevineessex.org.uk or Vanessa Hellier 07976578868

Transport is available for members if required

Pick up: Chelmsford College CM2 9DE at 6:45pm

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Jack and the Beanstalk
Dec
31
9:30 am09:30
WINTER 24-25

Jack and the Beanstalk

This is the GIANT pantomime announcement we’ve all BEAN waiting for!

Starring award-winning television presenter, radio DJ, podcaster and number one best-selling author Rylan as The Spirit of the Beans, together with comedian Aaron James as Silly Simon, Neal Wright as Dame Trot and West End performers Nic Greenshields as Fleshcreep, Toby Miles as Jack Trot and Allana Taylor as Princess Jill.

Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jack and his family as they fight to outwit the evil giant, win riches beyond his wildest dreams and the hand of the girl he loves. Expect laughs, music, special effects, magic beans and bundles of audience participation in this giant of a pantomime!

Relaxed Performance


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A Christmas Carol
Dec
23
12:00 pm12:00
WINTER 24-25

A Christmas Carol

SOLD OUT

Ding, dong, ding, dong, the bells are ringing because Scrooge is coming to the theatre – and he’s meaner and greedier than ever. Bah Humbug!

Is it too late for Scrooge to change his miserly ways? Can a magical midnight visit to Christmases past, present and future help him to discover the true meaning of Christmas?

Charles Dickens’ classic story of ghosts, greed and goodwill will fill our stage with festive magic, music and merriment.

Performed by the Victoria Hall Performing Arts Association, Old Harlow

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Christmas at Wimpole Hall
Dec
20
10:30 am10:30
WINTER 24-25

Christmas at Wimpole Hall

Wimpole Hall is an impressive 17th century mansion on a large estate featuring parklands, gardens and a rare breeds farm. During the day, the Mansion House will be decorated for Christmas with local choirs singing Christmas carols.

After we’ve explored the house and gardens and fed the pigs at the farm, we’ll leave the estate for an early dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Following our meal, we’ll return to Wimpole for the magnificant after-dark Illuminations trail that brings the estate to life with over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds. Street food vendors along the trail will be providing tempting treats such as hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows


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Grapevine Christmas Party
Dec
13
7:30 pm19:30
WINTER 24-25

Grapevine Christmas Party

Held in the Claret Suite of Chelmsford City Football Club, with live music from The All New Blues and Soul - the UK's leading Blues Brothers Tribute band.

Award presentations, raffle, dancing and a buffet. Get into the Christmas spirit with all your friends at Grapevine. First drink free!

Meet at: Chelmsford City Football Club, Salerno Way, Chelmsford CM1 2EH

Refreshments: Buffet meal provided / bring money for drinks and raffle tickets

Wheelchair access: Fully accessible

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