⚠️ Book early to avoid missing out
Colchester Fringe Festival – (a play in a) DARK ROOM
Join us for Colchester Fringe Festival – (a play in a) DARK ROOM at Colchester Arts Centre in Colchester. This live event is part of the venue’s varied programme of live entertainment, culture and community events.
Tickets £12 23rd October: Doors 8.15pm, show 8.30pm 1st November: Doors 5.45pm, show 6pm Age Guidance: 18+ Content Warnings: (A PLAY IN A) DARK ROOM CONTAINS VIOLENT, FRIGHTENING, AND SEXUALLY-EXPLICIT CONTENT THAT WILL DISTURB AND UPSET MOST VIEWERS INCLUDING: Strong Language Graphic portrayals of mass violence and hate crimes Self-harm and suicidal ideations Explicit sexual situations (including those involving every type of bodily fluid including piss, vomit, feces, cum, spit, and blood.) Full Frontal Nudity Fake bodily fluids Pornographic imagery Homophobia Sexism Transphobia Drug Use Direct and confrontational themes and moments Long periods of total darkness or limited light Strobe Haze “Fuck you. Try all you want. We’re not going anywhere.” In this visceral, sensory-driven, psychological thriller, Davis the Janitor cleans up all sorts of bodily fluids at his night job in a dark room. Piss, cum, shit, vomit, poppers — no stain can scare off Davis, the self-proclaimed “pig of pigs”… until a lingering violent threat forces Davis to confront the only stain he cannot clean. (a play in a) DARK ROOM is an intense, disturbing, often funny, and unapologetically messy exploration of queerness. Written and performed by multi-award-winning-queer activist Dr.Pants, the show blends autotheory, multimedia visuals, dynamic movement, and an original electronic score to challenge respectability politics, confront trauma, and find hope. Performer and writer Dr.Pants is critically acclaimed worldwide for the “sheer bravery” (Watermark News) in his writing and performance. He is described by critics as being “immeasurably talented” (Broadway World), “sharp, quick, and uncompromising” (GSCENE), and “bold, brazen and stratospherically cheeky, concealing beneath the girth of energy a good heart and a probing mind.” (Lost in Theatreland). Dr.Pants has single-handedly raised over £1000+ for LGBTQ+ charities worldwide, including the WR1 Foundation, The University of Essex's Student Union, LGBT+ Health and Wellbeing Scotland, and the Center of Orlando. His play Pup Play won six international fringe awards and a further four nominations. Dr.Pants was runner-up for Activist of the Year at the National Queer Student Awards. Please be advised that, like all dark rooms, this play is strictly adults only. (a play in a) DARK ROOM contains extreme and grotesque violent, frightening, and sexually-explicit content that will disturb, gross, and upset most viewers. A full list of the extensive content warnings and the entire script are available to read upon request by direct messaging @pantsoffproductions. Content Warnings: (A PLAY IN A) DARK ROOM CONTAINS VIOLENT, FRIGHTENING, AND SEXUALLY-EXPLICIT CONTENT THAT WILL DISTURB AND UPSET MOST VIEWERS INCLUDING: Strong Language Graphic portrayals of mass violence and hate crimes Self-harm and suicidal ideations Explicit sexual situations (including those involving every type of bodily fluid including piss, vomit, feces, cum, spit, and blood.) Full Frontal Nudity Fake bodily fluids Pornographic imagery Homophobia Sexism Transphobia Drug Use Direct and confrontational themes and moments Long periods of total darkness or limited light Strobe Haze
Tickets are likely to be popular, so early booking is recommended. Secure your place and enjoy a brilliant live event at Colchester Arts Centre.
Venue
Colchester Arts Centre – Upcoming Events, Live Music & Visitor Guide
Colchester Arts Centre is one of the most unique and popular live entertainment venues in Essex, hosting an exciting programme of live music, comedy shows, theatre performances, spoken word events, community gatherings and alternative entertainment throughout the year.
Affectionately known as “the little church with the big attitude,” the venue is housed within the historic St. Mary-at-the-Walls church in the heart of Colchester. With its distinctive atmosphere, intimate setting and diverse range of performances, Colchester Arts Centre attracts visitors from across Essex, Suffolk and the wider East Anglia region.
Whether you are attending a live concert, stand-up comedy show, theatre production or community event, Colchester Arts Centre offers one of the most memorable live entertainment experiences in the area.
🎟️ Upcoming Events at This Venue
Scroll down to view the latest upcoming concerts, comedy nights, theatre productions, spoken word performances and community events taking place at Colchester Arts Centre.
📍 Colchester Arts Centre Address
Colchester Arts Centre
Church Street
Colchester
Essex
CO1 1NF
📞 Box Office: 01206 500900
📧 Email: info@colchesterartscentre.com
🎭 About Colchester Arts Centre
Colchester Arts Centre has built a reputation as one of Essex’s leading independent arts and live music venues, offering a packed calendar of events suitable for a wide range of audiences.
The venue is particularly well known for hosting:
- 🎶 Live music concerts
- 😂 Stand-up comedy and alternative comedy shows
- 🎭 Theatre productions and performances
- 🎤 Spoken word and poetry events
- 👨👩👧 Community gatherings and local arts events
- 🎟️ Touring performers and independent artists
- 🎸 Indie, rock, folk and acoustic performances
- 🕺 Creative arts and cultural events
Its historic church setting creates a unique atmosphere that has made the venue a favourite among performers and audiences alike.
🚆 How to Get to Colchester Arts Centre
🚂 By Train
Colchester Arts Centre is approximately:
- A 15-minute walk from Colchester Town railway station
- A 20-minute walk from Colchester North railway station
Regular Greater Anglia train services operate from London Liverpool Street, Ipswich, Chelmsford and surrounding Essex towns.
Planning your journey by rail?
🚆 Check train times and ticket prices to Colchester
🚌 By Bus
Several local bus routes serve Colchester city centre, with stops located close to the venue. The High Street is approximately a 5-minute walk away and is served by multiple local and regional bus services.
🚗 By Car
Colchester Arts Centre is easily accessible by road and is located close to several public parking facilities within Colchester city centre.
🅿️ Parking Near Colchester Arts Centre
Visitors travelling by car can take advantage of several nearby parking facilities.
🅿️ St. Mary’s Car Park
Located on Balkerne Hill, this car park is approximately a 5-minute walk from the venue.
🅿️ Nunn’s Road Car Park
Situated off Middleborough, Nunn’s Road Car Park is around a 7-minute walk from Colchester Arts Centre.
🅿️ Osborne Street Car Park
Located approximately a 10-minute walk away and accessible via St. John’s Street.
Please note that parking charges may apply at these locations.
♿ Accessibility at Colchester Arts Centre
Colchester Arts Centre offers facilities designed to help make performances and events accessible for visitors.
Accessibility features may include:
- ♿ Wheelchair accessible areas
- 🚻 Accessible toilet facilities
- 🎟️ Accessible seating options
- 👂 Hearing assistance systems where available
- 🛗 Step-free access to certain areas
Visitors with specific accessibility requirements are encouraged to contact the venue ahead of their visit.
🍽️ Restaurants & Bars Near Colchester Arts Centre
There are plenty of restaurants, pubs, cafés and takeaway options located within Colchester city centre, making it easy to enjoy food and drinks before or after an event.
Nearby dining options include:
- Independent restaurants
- Cocktail bars and pubs
- Cafés and coffee shops
- Family-friendly dining
- Fast food and takeaway venues
- Late-night food options in the city centre
Colchester offers a wide variety of food and drink venues suitable for all tastes and budgets.
🏨 Nearby Accommodation
Nearby accommodation options include:
- City centre hotels
- Budget hotels
- Boutique stays
- Family guest houses
- Modern apartments
- Business and leisure hotels
Visitors attending concerts, comedy shows and special events often choose to stay nearby and enjoy more of Colchester’s nightlife and attractions.
🏛️ Explore Colchester Before Your Visit
A visit to Colchester Arts Centre is the perfect opportunity to explore more of Colchester.
Nearby attractions include:
- 🏰 Colchester Castle
- 🌳 Castle Park
- 🛍️ Colchester city centre
- 🍽️ Restaurants and nightlife
- 🎭 Other local theatres and arts venues
- 🏛️ Museums and historic attractions
Its central location makes Colchester Arts Centre ideal for combining live entertainment with a day or evening out in the city.
🎭 More Events in Colchester
Looking for more entertainment nearby?
Browse more:
- Live music events in Colchester
- Comedy shows in Essex
- Theatre performances in Colchester
- Alternative music events in Essex
- What’s On This Weekend in Colchester
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Colchester Arts Centre located?
Colchester Arts Centre is located on Church Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1NF.
What events are held at Colchester Arts Centre?
The venue hosts live music, comedy shows, theatre performances, spoken word events, community gatherings and cultural events throughout the year.
Is there parking near Colchester Arts Centre?
Yes, several nearby public car parks are located within walking distance of the venue, including St. Mary’s Car Park and Nunn’s Road Car Park.
How far is Colchester Arts Centre from the train station?
The venue is approximately a 15-minute walk from Colchester Town station and around 20 minutes from Colchester North station.
Is Colchester Arts Centre accessible?
Yes, the venue offers accessible facilities including wheelchair access and accessible seating areas where available.
Can I buy tickets at the venue?
Yes, tickets for many events can be purchased directly through the venue or online.
What is the Box Office number for Colchester Arts Centre?
The Box Office telephone number is 01206 500900.
🎟️ Discover Upcoming Events at Colchester Arts Centre
From live music and comedy to theatre productions and creative arts performances, Colchester Arts Centre continues to be one of Essex’s leading independent entertainment venues.
Check back regularly for the latest upcoming events, performances and live shows taking place throughout the year.
🌍 Looking for more events across East Anglia?
Discover thousands of upcoming events across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire on Dovetail Events .
Browse live music, comedy, theatre, festivals, family days out and more.
⚠️ Book early to avoid missing out
