Events for everyone at The University of Essex!

Natilly Macartney reports on the upcoming shows at the University of Essex campus theatre. [caption id="attachment_1511" align="aligncenter" width="454" caption="Polar Bear"][/caption] Recently a National Student Survey completed by around 265,000 students in higher education placed the University of Essex within the top 20 mainstream universities in England, for student satisfaction! However it comes as no surprise that the Essex students are impressed. As well as the outstanding education provided, there is always something to do. The campus facilities include an array of places to eat and drink, shops, a nightclub and a theatre! However these aren't all just exclusive to the students! The theatre on campus known as The Lakeside Theatre regularly hosts a variety of live music, theatre, comedy nights and films, which the public are welcome to come and enjoy! The theatre is run by a small dedicated team known as Arts On 5. They work closely with internationally renowned and emerging performers and students to bring together an excellent and culturally diverse programme of arts events to Colchester. With many upcoming shows this spring for all ages, there is no better time to go! [caption id="attachment_1513" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Voyage Of The Nutjellynana"][/caption] On Monday 27th February the British experimental jazz band Polar Bear will be taking centre stage at the Lakeside Theatre. The group is led by the BBC award winning drummer, Seb Rochford, and has been previously nominated for a Mercury Prize and for "best band" at the BBC jazz awards. It is sure to be an unforgettable evening! For something more suitable for young children, on Sunday 4th March the theatre is hosting a fun filled puppet show entitled Voyage Of The Nutjellynana! The show is based on three toys who are forgotten about in a dusty old attic, and decide to build a spaceship and embark on a remarkable adventure. It is definitely a show which the whole family will enjoy! [caption id="attachment_1512" align="aligncenter" width="255" caption="Simon Armitage"][/caption] On Sunday 11th March the Lakeside Theatre is proud to present an evening of readings from two of Britain's foremost and award winning poets, Simon Armitage and Glyn Maxwell. The evening will be relaxed and inspiring, and Simon Armitage is sure to bring some of his renowned dry humour to the stage. If you are looking for a light hearted evening full of witty comedy and non-stop laughter, then don't miss Comedy Central Live on Friday 16th March. Acts will include the original and brilliant comedian  Tom Wrigglesworth, who won the prestigious newcomer award 'So You Think You're Funny,' and the multitalented magician/comedian/actor Ali Cook, best known for his comedy series 'Dirty Tricks And Monkey Magic!' Together they will put on a hilarious laugh out loud show which is not to be missed. So whether you like to sit back, relax, and listen to some soothing jazz, or spend your evening laughing till it hurts, with such a variety of shows on offer there is something for everyone at the Lakeside Theatre! For all events on at the theatre or for further information on any of the events mentioned visit www.essex.ac.uk/artson5