Charter Hall is the main venue in Colchester for stand-up comedy and tribute bands to perform…read more Recent visitors have included Roy 'Chubby' Brown and other high-class acts. Although some performers are not to everyone's taste, the hall itself is well-equipped with padded seat and reasonable acoustics. The atmosphere is dragged down by the fact that the hall is attached to the town's only leisure centre badminton courts painted on the floor are one feature caused by this. Staff are usually quite helpful and parking is ample, although you now have to pay to park. In all, a reasonable venue three stars.

There is so much to do at the Leisure Centre. They have the main charter hall which is a massive…read morehall which has been used for concerts, exhibitions, sports events, bridal fayres etc. There is plenty of parking and it's really easy to get to.

A very good theatre that put on lots of different productions. They have lots of different groups…read morethat use the theatre so something for everyone. I've found that because it's not a main theatre that the prices are a lot more competative so you can afford for all they family to go. Plenty of parking and easy to get to.

This is a lovely little theatre in the West End of Chelmsford. The staff are friendly and helpful…read moreand there is a wide range of productions throughout the year. There is a bar plus they sell the usual icecream and sweets etc. The pantomime is normally pretty good each year although very rarely is anyone famous in it. This years (2008-9) was disappointing however. There is a carpark next door, but whereas it used to be free after 6pm, you now have to pay.

A really nice friendly, family theatre. We have been here several times for the smaller childrens…read moreshows which have taken place in the smaller theatre to the side - all have been fantastic and the children have enjoyed, resonably priced. We have also seen the pantomine for the last three years and again everyone has been brilliant. We find because it is a smaller theatre you feel more part of the show and the children can see more and not feel overwhelmed. The prices for ice-creams and sweets are also more resonable compared with large theatres/cinemas. Carpark to the side and if after hours is only £1.

It doesn't get much better than the Arts Picturehouse when it comes to watching a film in…read moreCambridge. Located slightly out of the city centre and up a flight of stairs, it feels like a hidden paradise - well, one you're sharing with everyone else in the know! The selection of films balances between arthouse independent flicks to the big blockbusters. My visit was with my parents to see Star Wars (yes, my second viewing!) on their anniversary. What better way to spend an afternoon? Pre-booked seats meant little stress on when to arrive and no trailers meant we were quickly into the film, reducing 'that' cinema feeling. Due to the centre being very busy pre-Christmas, my mum and I also decided to get lunch at the bar on the mezzanine level. Most tables were taken - think yummy mummys and groups avoiding the high street chains - but we managed to grab one of the last between us. The menu isn't very lunch light so don't expect sandwiches and the like but I would fully recommend the delicious coq au vin. Tender chicken on the bone doused in rich gravy, perfect! Especially when you add a side of salty fries and wash it down with a glass of white wine. One of the better cinema experiences I've had and one I am jealous I cannot recreate more often.

THE place to watch a film in Cambridge. Great cafe…read more Comfy seats Eclectic choice of films. What's not to love?

Is a great place for all the family, with history to boot. its welcoming even for children and show…read morefantastic patomines at christmas defently recomend this place!

with no cinemas in sudbury anymore its nice to have a theatre where one can go for a pleasant…read moreevening to watch a good play or listen to good live bands, in a quaint setting close to the river stour and nice place to visit.

well suitated and modern, can spend a few hours here, has some fantastic restaurants, a bowling…read morealley, cinema, I think I saw a nightclub too judging by the people staggering out after our film! Also an up to date modern gym, quite a nice area of Cambridge to visit

This is what Cambridge needed - a decent leisure park for the locals away from the hustle and…read morebustle of the historic centre. And at last, a bowling alley! It also very much compliments 'The Junction' nightclub which was stuck out on its own before this was built, but now it is perfectly situated next to the bars and restaurants. It also features an LA fitness gym, which is well equipped and also has a lovely swimming pool, and also a decent cinema which isn't too crowded like the 'Vue' in town. A shame that the video shop has closed down, but I suppose that's the credit crunch!

I've only ever been here once as a guest, and that was to watch football, play snooker and drink…read morecheap beer. For all of the above, this is the perfect place! The drinks are very cheap indeed, but don't go expecting salubrious surroundings, this is what a proper village club should be, down to earth and social! They have the odd event on, including an annual beer festival, and I think it's available to hire for private parties. There are two distinct areas of the club too, so you can sit and do the bingo with the olds or watch the footy and play snooker with the boys.

The Colchester Arts Centre is without a doubt the culture heart of Colchester. The intimate venue…read moreis in an old church, which is situated in the center of the town and easily accessed by both bus and train. The venue accomodates a range of shows including music, comedy, plays, film screenings, childrens days with activities and popular clubnights. The staff are very friendly and helpful with any queries you may have, and the security staff are strict but fair. The arts center often has widely-known music acts playing there including the killers, the strokes and placebo, and it is well worth keeping an eye on the website for upcoming shows whether you are local or not It is usually well worth the journey to see your favourite band or comedian in such an intimate and beautiful venue, particularly when the usual ticket price is so cheap!

The arts centre is a very lively place to go. I have only been to the music nights but they played…read moregreat music. It was good to go somewhere for individuals as opposed to the main clubs in Colchester so if you a bit different or older this is the place for you!