4 July 2024

The Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-On-Sea opened its doors on Saturday 4 July 1964.

IT IS always showtime at the Cliffs Pavilion, but this week, for once, it is the building itself that is the star of the show.

The story of the Cliffs actually began 110 years ago, on a July day in 1914 – the last month of peace before the outbreak of the First World War.

A temporary stage had been erected on the cliffs at Shorefields, entertaining the holiday crowds was the great variety performer Clarkson Rose.

The theatre has since played host to a wide variety of performances, even from stage to screen…

On 19 July 1991, Paul McCartney performed one of his six “secret” shows at the Pavilion during his 1991 Unplugged Summer Tour.

The Oasis concert film Live By The Sea was filmed at the Cliffs Pavilion on 17 April 1995.

Bottom Live 2003: Weapons Grade Y-Fronts Tour was the fifth and final live stage show based on the UK TV series Bottom. It was recorded for VHS and DVD release at the Cliffs Pavilion Theatre.

On Friday 6 May 2011 – Micky Flanagan filmed The Out Out Tour DVD on the Southend stage.

After a 16-month closure due to the pandemic in 2020, the Cliffs played host to Jimmy Carr filming his Netflix stand-up special His Dark Material.

Also, been graced with showbiz legends, Rod Stewart, Kasabian, Paloma Faith, One Direction, McFly, Lee Evans, Michael McIntyre and even David Hasselhoff.

Nick Parr, Theatre Director commented: “Since actor Sir Bernard Miles officially opened the Cliffs in July 1964, our beloved venue has played hosted to thousands of performances and events over its 60 year history. We want to thank everyone who has played a part in the Cliffs’ success as we prepare to start work on our 60th anniversary refurbishment over the coming months.”

Photo credit: Kim Tobin