Strictly Confidential: Southend at Cliffs Pavilion

Cliffs Pavilion is situated on Station Road, Southend-On-Sea, close to Westcliff station. Built in 1964, this 1630 seat venue is the largest purpose-built performing arts compound in Essex. 

It provides a comprehensive selection of live entertainment throughout the year to appeal to a wide variety of community interests.

Among the many notable shows and performers to have graced this imposing venue’s stage are Paul McCartney, Oasis, Gloria Gaynor and The Drifters as well as a number of pantomimes including Snow White, Cinderella, Aladdin and Peter Pan.     

Like any long-serving institution, it’s experienced its fair share of changes over the years. Construction began on the original Cliffs Pavilion during the 1930s. The Pavilion was proposed as a 500 seat theatre incorporating the art deco style that was popular at the time. However, the outbreak of the Second World War froze construction for a number of years.

The site remained boarded up until 1959, when it was decided that the partially built venue was to be demolished in order to start afresh. When rebuilding of the Pavilion began the site was moved closer to the edge of the cliff, forming the basis of the current Cliffs Pavilion which first opened its doors in 1964.

In July 1991 Cliffs Pavilion was closed for extensive refurbishments. During this time the Foyer Bar was built, a balcony was added to the auditorium, a lift was installed and the circular staircase in the foyer was replaced with narrower stairs allowing for more floor space. The venue reopened in December 1992.

The layout, size and atmosphere of Cliffs Pavilion make it the perfect place to see musicals, pantomime, music concerts and stand-up comedy. Recent successes include Fatboy Slim, Boys II Men, Blur, Derren Brown: Svengali and Dreamboats and Petticoats.

Whatever you decide to see at Cliffs Pavilion, we wish you an entertaining and rewarding visit.