Editing Cliffs Pavilion

{{Short description|Theatre, concert and exhibition venue in Essex, England}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox venue
| name              = Cliffs Pavilion
| nickname          = 
| image             = [[File:The Cliffs Pavilion - geograph.org.uk - 734107.jpg|250px|Cliffs Pavilion, 2008]]
| image_caption     = 
| address           = Station Rd<br />[[Southend-on-Sea]], [[Essex]] SS0 7RA<br />[[England]]
| location          = [[Westcliff-on-Sea]]
| coordinates       = <!-- {{Coord|LAT|LON|display=inline,title}} -->
| type              = 
| genre             = 
| built             = 
| opened            = 1964
| renovated         = 2010; 2024-2025
| expanded          = 1991-1992
| closed            = 
| demolished        = 
| owner             = Southend-on-Sea City Council<br /><small>(operated by Trafalgar Entertainment<ref name=BBC15723/>)</small>
| construction_cost = 
| former_names      = 
| seating_type      = 
| seating_capacity  = 1,630<ref name=BBC15723>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-66207588|title=Southend's Cliffs Pavilion to undergo major revamp next year|website=BBC|date=15 July 2023}}</ref>
| website           = {{URL|https://southendtheatres.org.uk/Online/default.asp|Venue Website}}
}}
'''Cliffs Pavilion''' (locally known as the Cliffs) is a [[theater (building)|theatre]], sports, exhibition and concert venue located on Station Road in [[Westcliff-on-Sea]], [[Essex]], [[England]], a suburb within the city of [[Southend-on-Sea]]. It is the largest purpose-built arts venue in Essex,<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5YiIzxJT5o8C&dq=cliffs+pavilion+biggest+arts+venue+in+essex&pg=PA33|title=The Hidden Places of East Anglia. Including Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire|author=Barbara Vesey|date=2003|isbn=9781902007915|page=33|publisher=Travel Publishing }}</ref> and the largest capacity of any theatre in the [[East of England]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ftp.plasa.org/news/largest-theatre-auditorium-takes-in-a-legend--gddqe5|title=Largest Theatre Auditorium Takes in a Legend|magazine=Light & Sound International Online|date=14 March 2016}}</ref> In 2006, the operation of Cliffs Pavilion, along with the [[Palace Theatre, Westcliff-on-Sea|Palace Theatre]], were handed to HQ Theatres by [[Southend-on-Sea City Council|Southend-on-Sea Borough Council]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.palacetheatreclub.org.uk/content/palace-theatre/palace-theatre-history|title=Palace Theatre History|website=Palace Theatre Trust|access-date=25 August 2024}}</ref> HQ Theatres merged with [[Trafalgar Entertainment]] in 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.trafalgarentertainment.com/2021/03/30/te-and-hq-theatres-join-forces|title=TRAFALGAR ENTERTAINMENT & HQ THEATRES JOIN FORCES|website=Trafalgar Entertainment|date=30 March 2021}}</ref> In February 2022, the Cliffs played host to ''He Built This City concert'', a tribute to the murdered MP for Southend West Sir David Amess.

== The buildings history ==
===Early history===
Plans for a theatre, the Shorefield Pavilion,<ref name=star>{{cite news|url=https://pin.it/76sPPhtl9|title=The new pavilion is taking shape|newspaper=Southend Star|date=11 February 1964|page=84}}</ref> on the site started in 1935 when the borough council purchased the location to build a 500-seat theatre and concert venue, with work starting four years later on construction but was suspended by the outbreak of [[World War II]].<ref name=echodec23>{{cite news|url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/24009493.southend-cliffs-pavilion-history-much-loved-theatre-venue/|title=Southend Cliffs Pavilion: a history of the much-loved theatre venue|newspaper=Evening Echo|date=25 December 2023}}</ref><ref name=yearsley>{{cite book|title=Southend in 50 Buildings|author=Ian Yearsley|date=2016|publisher=Amberley Publishing Limited |isbn=9781445651897}}</ref> After the war, the site was known as Southend's white elephant, with the site laying empty due to budget constraints, until 1963, when work was started on a building that could host shows, concerts and private functions.<ref name=star/> The building was designed by the borough architect Patrick Burridge, who also designed [[Southend Civic Centre]].<ref>{{cite journal|title=The war with sludge and a seawall|journal=The Municipal Journal, Public Works Engineer and Contractors' Guide|volume=68|issue=3515–3528|date=1960|pages=2463–2466|publisher=Municipal Journal}}</ref><ref name=Essex>{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/essex0000bett/page/715/mode/1up?q=%22cliffs+pavilion%22|title=Essex|author=James Bettley, Nikolaus Pevsner|date=2007|page=715|publisher=Yale University Press|isbn=978-0-300-11614-4 }}</ref> The 1,100 capacity theatre was opened by the actor, writer and director [[Bernard Miles|Sir Bernard Miles]] in July 1964, with the first show opening the next day starring [[Norman Vaughan (comedian)|Norman Vaughan]] and his troupe of dancers, the Swinging Lovelies.<ref name=echodec23/><ref name=yearsley/> The hexagonal sunken forecourt that was at the front of the theatre (prior to the 2024/25 refurbishment) followed the line of the pre-war foundations.<ref name=yearsley/> The theatre won a commendation at the ''Come to Britain'' awards held by the [[VisitBritain|British Travel & Holiday Association]] 
in the same year.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://archive.org/details/sim_great-britain-board-of-trade-board-of-trade-journal_1964-10-30_187_3528/page/942/mode/1up?q=%22cliffs+pavilion%22|title=BHTA Come to Britain award to Ulster Avenue|journal=Board of Trade Journal|volume=187|issue=3528|date=30 October 1964|publisher=Her Majesty's Stationery Office|page=942}}</ref> The Cliffs was the venue for the annual ''Southend-on-Sea Festival of Music and the Arts''.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5IcYAAAAIAAJ&q=%22cliffs+pavilion%22|title=The Music Guide to Great Britain. England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland|author=Elaine Brody, Claire Brook|date=1975|isbn=9780396069553|publisher=Dodd, Mead|page=143}}</ref> In April 1974, extra seating that had been purchased for the summer season and stored in the underground car park under tarpaulin, caught fire, however the building was not damaged.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pin.it/8qkrWHKhZ|title=Show Goes on After Blaze Scare|website=Pinterest|date=26 April 1974}}</ref>
[[File:Statue at Cliffs Pavilion Southend.jpg|thumb|260px|Statue and forecourt at the Cliffs Pavilion]]

===1990s redevelopment and 2000s refurbishment===
From July 1991 to December 1992, the building was closed to be re-developed and enlarged, with funding from [[Southend-on-Sea City Council|Southend Borough Council]] and was designed by Tim Foster Architects. The stairs were rebuilt, a new Foyer Bar added and a balcony added to the auditorium increasing the capacity to 1,630.<ref name=echo26224>{{cite web|url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/24141478.cliffs-pavilion-major-8million-refurbishment-hit-delays/|title=Cliffs Pavilion major £8million refurbishment hit by delays|newspaper=Evening Echo|date=26 February 2024}}</ref><ref name=yearsley/><ref>{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/makespacedesignf0000burn/page/5/mode/1up?q=%22cliffs+pavilion%22|title=Make space! Design for theatre and alternative spaces|author=Burnett, Kate|date=1996|page=122|publisher=Society of British Theatre Designers|isbn=0952930900}}</ref> The new extension was completed in an Art Deco style.<ref name=Essex/> The total cost for the redevelopment was £3.4 million.<ref>{{cite book|title=Architects' Working Details|date=1997|publisher=Emap Construct|page=135}}</ref> The theatre re-opened with the pantomime ''The Pied Piper of Hamelin'' starring [[Wayne Sleep]], [[Peggy Mount]] and [[Richard Marner]].<ref>{{cite periodical|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZclBAQAAIAAJ&q=%22cliffs+pavilion%22|title=Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-Sea Opens after refurbishment|periodical=Plays and Players|issue=466–471|date=1993|publisher=Hansom Books|page=35}}</ref> The refurbished Cliffs Pavilion received a [[Civic Trust Awards|Civic Design Award]] in 1993.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abtt.org.uk/people/foster-wilson-size/|title=Foster Wilson Size|website=Association of British Theatre Technicians|access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref>

[[File:The Iconic Rossi's Ice Cream parlour - geograph.org.uk - 521542.jpg|thumb|The Art Deco style 1991-92 extension]]

In 1998, the [[Arts Council England|Arts Council]] allocated £850,000 of [[National Lottery (United Kingdom)|Lottery]] cash to Southend Borough Council to investigate a £20 million stage 2 redevelopment. The plans included building a new raked seating stall area, reducing the capacity to 1,601 seats, and a new stage house with dimensions for the stage and fly tower meeting the minimum requirements for major touring companies - an increase in the maximum height from 19 metres to 29 metres. The council brought in Levitt Bernstein Associates to oversee the design, however in 1999 the bid for £12 million of Lottery funding from the Arts Council was overlooked and stage 2 of the redevelopment was withdrawn.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/5527120.southend-cliffs-loses-lottery-bid/|title=Southend: Cliffs loses Lottery bid|newspaper=Daily Gazette|date=12 July 1999}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/archive/cliffs-pavilion-theatre-southend|title=Cliffs Pavilion Theatre, Southend|journal=Architects Journal|date=30 April 1998}}</ref>

In 2010, the Cliffs was closed for seven weeks while a refurbishment took place. The theatre's 1,630 seats that had been in the venue since the 1991-92 redevelopment were replaced, while the carpets in the Foyer were changed.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/local_news/8271720.cliffs-pavilion-refurbishment/|title=Cliffs Pavilion refurbishment|newspaper=Evening Echo|date=15 July 2010}}</ref>

===Pavilion refurbishment 2024-2025 ===
It was announced in November 2021 that the operator, Trafalgar Theatres and owner, Southend-on-Sea City Council had applied for planning permission for a major refurbishment of the Cliffs Pavilion costing £8 million, with £5.5 million provided by the UK government through the Levelling Up fund.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-59165618|title=Cliffs Pavilion: Plans approved for multi-million pound theatre refurbishment|website=BBC|date=4 November 2021}}</ref> The plan would see extensive improvements, with a major expansion of the restaurant, a new entrance and lobby to improve the customer experience, an upgraded ventilation system, a new outdoor piazza, bars, toilets, changing facilities and lifts. The redevelopment was due to begin in early 2024, with the building works to be completed by contractor [[Willmott Dixon]], and were planned to take a year to complete. The Cliffs managers said the venue would remain open throughout the refurbishments. However, by February 2024, it was announced that there would be a delay to the start of the refurbishment works as the price had risen above the original cost.<ref name=BBC15723/><ref name=echo26224/> It was announced in August 2024 that work was due to start later that month, with Auburn Group awarded the contract after a recommissioning of the tender process. Work officially started on the 22 August.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2nnnyp1v0o|title=Multi-million theatre revamp due to begin|website=BBC|date=5 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/24537568.cliffs-pavilion-works-begin-upgrades-renovation/|title=Cliffs Pavilion works begin for upgrades and renovation|newspaper=Evening Echo|date=26 August 2024}}</ref>

== Maritime Room ==
The Maritime Room is a smaller venue than the main theatre, and is located on the lower level. The venue was originally opened as a restaurant, but after a short trial negotiated by local musician Peter Morris, the venue was used for [[jazz]] music events, before expanding into [[Country music|country and western]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationaljazzarchive.org.uk/explore/jazz-in-essex/1277617-peter-ponjo-morris?|title=Peter 'Ponjo' Morris|website=National Jazz Archive|date=17 December 2018 |access-date=25 August 2024}}</ref> From 1986 until 2014, the venue was home to the Joker Comedy Club, and it was at the club that local boy [[Lee Evans (comedian)|Lee Evans]] started his comedy career.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://jokercomedyclub.com/|title=The Joker Comedy Club. Celebrating the best in standup since 1986|website=Joker Comedy Club|access-date=25 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://archive.org/details/NewsUK1990UKEnglish/May%2021%201990%2C%20The%20Times%2C%20%2363711%2C%20UK%20%28en%29/page/n18/mode/1up?q=%22cliffs+pavilion%22|title=Outside London|newspaper=The Times|date=21 May 1990|page=19}}</ref> The club hosted [[Frank Skinner]], [[Stewart Lee]] and [[Bob Mills (comedian)|Bob Mills]] among others.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=liCgDwAAQBAJ&dq=%22cliffs+pavilion%22&pg=PT356|title=March of the Lemmings. Brexit in Print and Performance 2016–2019|author=Stewart Lee|date=2019|isbn=9780571357048|publisher=Faber & Faber}}</ref> Jazz remains a staple, with both the Jazz Mix and Open Mic club nights taking place at the venue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southendjazz.co.uk/|title=What's On|website=Southend Jazz|access-date=25 August 2024}}</ref> The venue is currently home to the Balls Out Comedy Club<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/24210491.southend-cliffs-pavilion-shows-events-april-2024/|title=Southend Cliffs Pavilion shows and events April 2024|newspaper=Evening Echo|date=31 March 2024}}</ref> as well as Tropicana 80s nights.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://trafalgartickets.com/cliffs-pavilion-southend/en-GB/event/other/tropicana-nights-13-sep-tickets|title=Tropicana Nights|website=Trafalgar Tickets|access-date=25 August 2024}}</ref>

[[File:Cliffs Pavilion - geograph.org.uk - 12321.jpg|thumb|The Maritime Room from the exterior]]

== Performances at the Cliffs ==
The Cliffs has been the venue for a mixture of music, variety and theatrical shows, hosting some of the biggest names in entertainment since it opened in 1964.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QUcamqYj56cC&dq=%22cliffs+pavilion%22+lee+evans&pg=PT342|title=The Life of Lee|author=Lee Evans|date=2012|isbn=9780718156190|publisher=Penguin Books, Limited}}</ref> Here is a selection of notable performances:
*[[Jimi Hendrix]] appeared in February 1967 at the Grand Pop Festival, though the top of the bill was [[Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TNA1DwAAQBAJ&dq=%22cliffs+pavilion%22&pg=PA211|title=Hendrix. The Illustrated Story|author=Gillian G. Gaar, Dave Hunter, Harvey Kubernik, Chris Salewicz, Jaan Uhelszki|date=2017|isbn=9780760352236|publisher=Voyageur Press|page=211}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=y1B1DwAAQBAJ&dq=%22cliffs+pavilion%22+rolling+stones&pg=PA127|title=Stone Free Jimi Hendrix in London, September 1966–June 1967|author=Jas Obrecht|date=2018|isbn=9781469647074|publisher=University of North Carolina Press|page=127}}</ref>
*On 19 July 1991, [[Paul McCartney]] performed one of his six "secret" shows at the Pavilion during his [[Paul McCartney's Unplugged 1991 Summer Tour|1991 Unplugged Summer Tour]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Paul McCartney concert at Cliffs Pavilion in Westcliff-on-Sea on Jul 19, 1991 |url=https://www.the-paulmccartney-project.com/concert/1991-07-19/ |access-date=2022-07-21 |website=The Paul McCartney project |language=en}}</ref> 
*The [[Oasis (band)|Oasis]] [[concert film]] [[Live by the Sea|''Live By The Sea'']] was filmed at the Cliffs Pavilion during their performance on 17 April 1995.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Live By The Sea |url=https://oasisinet.com/music/live-by-the-sea/ |access-date=2022-07-19 |website=oasisinet.com|date=5 July 2022 }}</ref> [[Tony McCarroll]] recalled in his book, ''Oasis. The Truth'' that ''"nobody had told him they were filming that night, but luckily they had a storming gig"''.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PyGtDwAAQBAJ&dq=oasis+%22cliffs+pavilion%22&pg=PT179|title=Oasis. The Truth|author=Tony McCarroll|date=2011|isbn=9781843588184|publisher=John Blake}}</ref>
*In 2003, the last show of the [[Bottom (TV series)|Bottom]] Live 2003: Weapons Grade Y-Fronts Tour was performed and recorded for VHS and DVD at the Cliffs. It was the final time that [[Rik Mayall]] and [[Adrian Edmondson]] played their characters Richie and Eddie.<ref name=trafalgar>{{cite web|url=https://www.trafalgarentertainment.com/2024/07/04/the-cliffs-pavilion-celebrates-its-60th-anniversary/|title=The Cliffs Pavilion celebrates its 60th Anniversary|website=Trafalgar Entertainment|date=4 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Guide |first=British Comedy |title=Bottom Live 2003: Weapons Grade Y-Fronts Tour - Dave Sitcom |url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/bottom_live_2003_weapons_grade_y_fronts/ |access-date=2022-07-21 |website=British Comedy Guide |language=en}}</ref>
*The track "[[Beetlebum]]" from [[Blur (band)|Blur's]] ''Live 2009'' CD  was recorded at the Cliff's Pavilion on 21 June 2009, a warmup gig to their reunion sets at [[Glastonbury Festival]] and [[Hyde Park, London]] (the CD was given away free with [[The Sunday Times]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Blur - Live 2009 - CD promo |url=http://www.vblurpage.com/discography/promos/uk/live09.htm |access-date=2022-07-22 |website=www.vblurpage.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/local_news/4305409.blur-to-play-cliffs-pavilion-westcliff/|title=Blur to play Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff|newspaper=Evening Echo|date=21 April 2009}}</ref>
*[[Micky Flanagan]] performed at the Cliffs in May 2011, which was recorded for his DVD ''The Out Out Tour''.<ref name=trafalgar/> Flanagan opened the show saying, ''"The tour people, they asked me. They said, Mick, where do you want to go for the DVD. Do you want to go East? Do you want to go West? And I said I want to go to Essex! The only way is Essex!"''.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OzitDwAAQBAJ&dq=%22cliffs+pavilion%22+micky+Flanagan&pg=PT104|title=Micky Flanagan - Funny Geezer|author=Abi Smith|date=2014|isbn=9781784181918|publisher=John Blake}}</ref>
*After the closure for the COVID pandemic, [[Jimmy Carr]] filmed his [[Netflix]] special ''His Dark Material'' as the first show at the re-opened venue.<ref name=trafalgar/>

== Annual pantomime ==
The Cliffs hosts an annual [[pantomime]] with a big name celebrity cast, including [[Nick Berry]] and [[Melvyn Hayes]] in 1988,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pantoarchive.com/1988-handbills?lightbox=dataItem-jx9a1hjl|title=Jack and the Beanstalk handbill|website=Panto Archive|access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> [[Timmy Mallett]], [[John Virgo]] and [[Anne Nolan]] in 1993,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pantoarchive.com/1993-handbills?lightbox=dataItem-iq3hj9fu|title=Cinderella handbill|website=Panto Archive|access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> and [[Melinda Messenger]], [[Jonathon Morris]], [[Patrick Mower]] and [[Little and Large]] in 1997.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.diomedia.com/stock-photo-left-to-right--syd-little-patrick-mower-melinda-messenger-jonathan-morris-eddie-large-all-will-be-starring-in-the-panto-aladdin-at-the-southend-cliffs-pavilion-southend-on-sea-co-image17466020.html|title=Left to Right:- Syd Little: Patrick Mower: Melinda Messenger: Jonathan Morris: Eddie Large (All will be starring in the panto 'Aladdin', at The Southend Cliffs Pavilion, Southend On Sea)|website=Diomedia|access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> In 2018, [[Diversity (dance troupe)|Diversity]] were the celebrity performers for the production of  ''Aladdin'' and won the Best speciality/double act at the 2019 Great British Pantomime Awards.<ref name=Awards>{{cite web|url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/news/robert-lindsay-clive-rowe-and-more-among-great-british-pantomime-awards-2019-winners_48967/|title=Robert Lindsay, Clive Rowe and more among Great British Pantomime Awards 2019 winners|website=What's on Stage|date=29 April 2019}}</ref> [[Rylan Clark]] starred in the 2024 production of Jack and the Beanstalk, and was nominated for Best Newcomer at The Pantomime Awards 2025.<ref name=Rylan>{{cite news|url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/24146854.rylan-clark-star-cliffs-pavilion-pantomime-southend/|title=Rylan Clark to star in Cliffs Pavilion pantomime in Southend|newspaper=Evening Echo|date=27 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theatrefullstop.com/2025/03/06/the-uk-pantomime-association-announces-the-nominations-for-the-pantomime-awards-2025-celebrating-a-wealth-of-talent-across-the-uks-theatre-industry/|title=The UK Pantomime Association announces the nominations for The Pantomime Awards 2025 celebrating a wealth of talent across the UK's theatre industry|website=Theatre Full Stop|date=March 2025}}</ref> Rylan was confirmed as returning in the 2025 panto Cinderella.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://trafalgartickets.com/cliffs-pavilion-southend/en-GB/event/pantomime/cinderella-tickets|title=Cinderella|website=Trafalgar Tickets|access-date=29 March 2025}}</ref> Pantomimes since 1983 have included:

*1983 ''Dick Whittington'' - [[Davy Jones (musician)|Davy Jones]], [[Bryan Marshall]] and [[Denise Nolan]]<ref>https://denisenolan.co.uk/the-1980-s.html</ref>
*1984 ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'' - [[Ken Goodwin (comedian)|Ken Goodwin]]<ref>https://www.pantoarchive.com/1984-handbills?lightbox=dataItem-k9zo5de4</ref>
*1985 ''Aladdin'' - [[Johnny Ball]], [[Leni Harper]] and [[Glynn Edwards]]<ref>https://www.pantoarchive.com/1985-handbills?lightbox=dataItem-k9a36bbp</ref>
*1986 ''The Pied Piper of Hamelin'' - [[Vince Hill]], [[Melvyn Hayes]] and [[Jack Douglas (actor)|Jack Douglas]]<ref>https://www.pantoarchive.com/1986-handbills?lightbox=dataItem-jx9agnp5</ref>
*1987 ''Cinderella'' - [[Mike Reid (actor)|Mike Reid]], [[Helen Shapiro]], [[Jeff Stevenson (comedian)|Jeff Stevenson]], [[Ann Beach]] and [[Alison Bettles]]<ref>https://www.pantoarchive.com/1987-handbills?lightbox=dataItem-jsqdlbxi</ref>
*1988 ''Jack and the Beanstalk'' - [[Melvyn Hayes]] and [[Nick Berry]]<ref>https://www.pantoarchive.com/1988-handbills?lightbox=dataItem-jx9a1hjl</ref>
*1989 ''Dick Whittington'' - [[Suzi Quatro]], [[Ted Rogers (comedian)|Ted Rogers]], [[Alfred Marks]] and [[Linal Haft]]<ref>https://www.pantoarchive.com/1989-handbills?lightbox=dataItem-ir2eowb2</ref>
*1990 ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'' - [[Keith Harris (ventriloquist)|Keith Harris]], [[Hugo Myatt]], [[Denise Nolan]] and [[Cornelia Frances]]<ref>https://denisenolan.co.uk/the-1990-s.html</ref>
*1992 ''The Pied Piper of Hamelin'' - [[Wayne Sleep]], [[Peggy Mount]] and [[Richard Marner]]<ref>https://www.pantoarchive.com/1992-handbills?lightbox=dataItem-iqgwmu0q</ref>
*1993 ''Cinderella'' - [[Timmy Mallett]], [[John Virgo]], [[Richard Cadell]] and [[Anne Nolan]]<ref>https://www.pantoarchive.com/1993-handbills?lightbox=dataItem-iq3hj9fu</ref>
*1994 ''Dick Whittington'' -[[Bobby Davro]], [[Rod Hull]], [[Gladiators (1992 British TV series)|Bernadette Hunt]], [[Garry Bushell]] and [[Ross Kemp]]<ref>https://www.pantoarchive.com/1994-handbills?lightbox=dataItem-itvpn0h1</ref>
*1995 ''Peter Pan'' - [[Joe Pasquale]], [[Michaela Strachan]] and [[Leslie Grantham]]<ref>https://www.pantoarchive.com/1995-handbills?lightbox=dataItem-l62i2c8b</ref>
*1996 ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'' - [[Linda Lusardi]], [[Dave Benson Phillips]], [[Geoff Capes]], [[Kenny Baker (English actor)|Kenny Baker]], [[Malcolm Dixon (actor)|Malcolm Dixon]] and [[Nikki Kelly]]<ref>https://www.pantoarchive.com/1996-handbills?lightbox=dataItem-j4id2iu7</ref>
*1997 ''Aladdin'' - [[Little and Large]], [[Jonathon Morris]], [[Patrick Mower]] and [[Melinda Messenger]]<ref>https://www.pantoarchive.com/1997-handbills?lightbox=dataItem-iq3hexi9</ref>
*1998 ''Cinderella'' - [[Bobby Davro]], [[Bob Carolgees]],  [[Bella Emberg]], [[Sue Hodge]], [[Kerry Ellis]] and [[Ray Meagher]]<ref>https://www.pantoarchive.com/1998-handbills?lightbox=dataItem-ky4unjt7</ref>
*1999 ''Jack and the Beanstalk'' - [[John Inman]], [[Glen Murphy]] and [[Suzanne Cox]]<ref>https://www.pantoarchive.com/1999-handbills?lightbox=dataItem-jowz5mki</ref>
*2000 ''Peter Pan'' - [[Shane Richie]] and [[Jeremy Spake]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.its-behind-you.com/images/Panto-Peter-Southend.jpgr|title=Peter Pan handbill|website=It's behind you|access-date=24 August 2024}}</ref>
*2001 ''Dick Whittington'' - [[Hale and Pace]] and [[Clive Rowe]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.its-behind-you.com/images/01PanDickSouthendSpread.jpg|title=Dick Whittington|website=It's behind you|access-date=24 August 2024}}</ref>
*2002 ''Goldilocks and the 3 Bears'' - [[Frank Bruno]], [[Sooty]] and [[Sophie Lawrence]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.its-behind-you.com/images/02Southend.jpg|title=Goldilocks and the 3 Bears handbill|website=It's behind you|access-date=24 August 2024}}</ref> 
*2003 ''Cinderella'' - [[Chuckle Brothers]] and [[Hinge and Bracket|Dr Evadne Hinge]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.its-behind-you.com/diary20032004.html|title=Preview of Pantomime Dates and Details for 2003/4|website=It's behind you|access-date=24 August 2024}}</ref>
*2004 ''Peter Pan'' - [[Russ Abbot]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.its-behind-you.com/diary20042005.html|title=Preview of Pantomime Dates and Details for 2004/5|website=It's behind you|access-date=24 August 2024}}</ref>
*2005 ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'' - [[Linda Lusardi]], [[Samuel Kane]] and [[Gary Beadle]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://its-behind-you.com/diary20052006.html|title=Preview of Pantomime Dates and Details for 2005/6|website=It's behind you|access-date=24 August 2024}}</ref>
*2006 ''Dick Whittington'' - [[Cannon and Ball]], [[Paul Nicholas]] and [[Ben Richards (actor)|Ben Richards]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://comedykings.co.uk/index.php/pantomime/|title=Pantomime|website=Comedy King's. The unofficial Cannon and Ball website|access-date=24 August 2024}}</ref>
*2007 ''Cinderella'' - [[Joe Pasquale]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/essex/content/articles/2007/07/03/joe_pasquale_feature.shtml|title=Joe Pasquale to star in Cinderella|website=BBC|date=3 July 2007}}</ref>
*2008 ''Aladdin'' - [[Chuckle Brothers]], [[Robin Askwith]]<ref name=echo2020/>
*2009 ''Cinderella'' - [[Brian Conley]]<ref name=Echo2015/>
*2010 ''Peter Pan'' - [[Bradley Walsh]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bradleywalsh.co.uk/pantomime.php|title=Pantomime|website=Bradley Walsh.co.uk|access-date=24 August 2024}}</ref>
*2011 ''Aladdin'' - [[Shane Richie]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/local_news/9297405.shane-richie-to-star-in-cliffs-christmas-panto/|title=Shane Richie to star in Cliffs' Christmas panto|newspaper=Evening Echo|date=11 October 2011}}</ref>
*2012 ''Cinderella'' - [[Shane Richie]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/10156992.strictly-judge-craig-revel-horwood-to-star-in-southend-cliffs-panto/|title=Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood to star in Southend Cliffs panto|newspaper=Evening Echo|date=14 January 2013}}</ref>
*2013 ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'' - [[Craig Revel Horwood]] and [[Lisa Riley]], [[Paul Burling]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/news/snow-white-and-the-seven-dwarfs-southend_33018/|title=Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs review|website=What's on Stage|date=18 December 2013}}</ref>
*2014 ''Peter Pan'' - [[David Hasselhoff]] and [[Christopher Biggins]]''<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/comedy/features/us-stars-in-uk-panto-from-david-hasselhoff-to-jerry-hall-9940974.html|title=US stars in UK panto: From David Hasselhoff to Jerry Hall|newspaper=The Independent|date=22 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="echo2020">{{cite news|url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/18968511.pictures-stage-screen-a-listers-performed-cliffs-pavilion-pantos/|title=IN PICTURES: The stage and screen A-listers who have performed in Cliffs Pavilion pantos|newspaper=Evening Echo|date=25 December 2020}}</ref>''
*2015 ''Cinderella'' - [[Brian Conley]] and [[Lesley Joseph]]<ref name=Echo2015>{{cite news|url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/local_news/11885111.tv-legends-set-to-star-in-this-years-cliffs-pavilion-pantomime/|title=TV legends set to star in this year's Cliffs Pavilion pantomime|newspaper=Evening Echo|date=27 March 2015}}</ref>
*2016 ''Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates'' - [[Brian Conley]] and [[Gok Wan]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pantoperformances.info/productions/989|title=Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates|website=National Database of Pantomime Performance|access-date=24 August 2024}}</ref>
*2017 ''Jack and the Beanstalk'' - [[Lee Mead]], [[Bobby Davro]], [[Stacey Solomon]], [[Robin Askwith]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/leisure/whatson/15708604.bobby-davro-on-working-with-lee-mead-in-jack-and-beanstalk-panto-at-the-cliffs-pavilion/|title=Bobby Davro on working with Lee Mead in Jack and Beanstalk panto at the Cliffs Pavilion|newspaper=Evening Echo|date=8 December 2017}}</ref>
*2018 ''Aladdin'' - [[Diversity (dance troupe)|Diversity]]<ref name=Awards/>
*2019 ''Robin Hood and the Merry Men'' - [[Diversity (dance troupe)|Diversity]]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/robin-hood-and-the-merry-men-review-at-cliffs-pavilion-southend--bursting-with-talent|title=Robin Hood and the Merry Men|magazine=The Stage|date=19 December 2019}}</ref>
*2021 ''Cinderella'' - [[Brian Conley]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/19730525.brian-conleys-eastenders-break-appears-cliffs-pavilion-panto/|title=Brian Conley's EastEnders break as he appears in Cliffs Pavilion panto|newspaper=Evening Echo|date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
*2022 ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'' - [[Diversity (dance troupe)|Diversity]], [[Myra DuBois]], [[Pete Firman]]<ref>http://www.its-behind-you.com/images/22SouthendFinal.jpg</ref>
*2023 ''Peter Pan'' - [[Joe Pasquale]] and [[Rob Rinder]]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/peter-pan-review-cliffs-pavilion-southend-2023-joe-pasquale-rob-rinder-james-desmond-alan-mchugh|title=Peter Pan review|magazine=The Stage|date=20 December 2023}}</ref>
*2024 ''Jack and the Beanstalk'' - [[Rylan Clark]]<ref name=Rylan/>

== He Built This City concert ==
On 13 February 2022, the Cliffs was the venue for the ''He Built This City'', a concert held in honour of murdered [[Southend West and Leigh (UK Parliament constituency)|Southend West]] [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MP]] [[David Amess|Sir David Amess]] and part of week of celebrations held in Southend-on-Sea which culminated in Charles, Prince of Wales, officially granting the borough city status.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pictures: 'Emotional' concert held at the Cliffs in honour of Sir David Amess|url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/19923898.pictures-emotional-concert-held-honour-sir-david-amess/|access-date=20 February 2022|website=Echo|date=14 February 2022 }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web|title=What you need to know about week long celebrations to mark Southend city status|url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/19903520.southend-city-week-start/|access-date=20 February 2022|website=Echo|date=7 February 2022 }}</ref> The concert included performers such as [[Digby Fairweather]], [[Lee Mead]], the [[Music Man Project]] and [[Leanne Jarvis]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stars of Amess memorial concert: "we're going to do a lot in the city in Sir David's name"|url=https://planetradio.co.uk/greatest-hits/essex/news/amess-memorial-southend-city-concert/|access-date=20 February 2022|website=Greatest Hits Radio (Essex)}}</ref>

== The BBC at the Cliffs ==
The [[BBC]] have completed live broadcasts or played recorded shows from the Cliffs over the years, including a special Silver Jubilee programme celebrating the first 25 years of the venue called ''Happy Anniversary!'' on 22 April 1989.<ref name=prog4>{{cite web|url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/a113688b8d5b403c8d46d5a4774c5f60|title=Programme Listings|date=22 April 1989 |access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> Other shows have included:
*[[Big Band Special]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/service_bbc_radio_two/2004-03-01#at-22.00|title=Programme Listings|website=BBC|access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref><ref name=prog2>{{cite web|url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/search/20/20?q=Cliffs+pavilion+#top|title=Programme Listings|website=BBC|access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref>
*[[Friday Night is Music Night]]<ref name=prog2/>
*[[BBC Symphony Orchestra]] concerts<ref name=prog2/>
*[[I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/search/0/20?q=Cliffs+pavilion+#top|title=Programme Listings|website=BBC|access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref>
*Saturday Night is Gala Night<ref name=prog2/>
*Vienna-City of Song<ref name=prog2/>
*Treble Chance<ref name=prog3>{{cite web|url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/search/40/20?q=Cliffs+pavilion+#top|title=Programme Listings|website=BBC|access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref>

== Sport at the Cliffs ==
The Cliffs, in addition to shows, comedy and music performances has hosted a variety of sporting events.

*The first televised professional wrestling event shown by the BBC came from the Cliffs on the 4 January 1965 featuring [[Mike Marino]],  the World Mid-Heavyweight Champion v Harlem Jimmy Brown from the U.S.A.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/search/0/20?filt=bbc_two&q=wrestling|title=Professional Wrestling|website=BBC|date=4 January 1965}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://wrestlingheritage.co.uk/the-other-side-of-wrestling/|title=The Other side of Wrestling|website=Wrestling Heritage|date=21 October 2023 |access-date=26 August 2024}}</ref> The venue would continue to host wrestling.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nTJNAAAAYAAJ&q=%22cliffs+pavilion%22+%22wrestling%22|title=Cliffs Pavilion redevelopment|journal=The Architects Journal|volume=197|date=1992|page=28|publisher=Architectural Press Limited}}</ref>
*Boxing was previously a regular event at the Cliffs, including the 9 June 1971 [[Jack Solomons]] promotion featuring Dan McAlinden v Roberto Davila that was shown on the [[BBC]],<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tPZRAQAAMAAJ&q=%22cliffs+pavilion%22+boxing+match|title=TV schedule|magazine=Radio Times|volume=191|date=1971|page=35}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/cd0473b9e7f340b8a2e1d2cf205e4ef8|title=Programme Listing|website=BBC|date=9 June 1971 |access-date=28 August 2024}}</ref> and the 1987 [[Terry Lawless]]/[[Matchroom Sport]] promotion featuring [[Gary Mason (boxer)|Gary Mason]] v Andre van den Oetelaar.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KURiEAAAQBAJ&dq=%22cliffs+pavilion%22+boxing+match&pg=PT119|title=Barry Hearn: My Life Knockouts, Snookers, Bullseyes, Tight Lines and Sweet Deals|author=Barry Hearn|date=2022|isbn=9781529393323|publisher=Hodder & Stoughton}}</ref>
*The [[World Darts Federation]] hosted the [[1982 WDF Europe Cup]] at the Cliffs, with the men's singles won by [[Bobby George]], the women's singles by Sandra Gibb-Lee, the men's pairs by [[Stefan Lord]] and Bjørn Enqvist, while the women's pairs were won by Charlotte Eriksson and Carina Sahlberg.<ref name=WDFOverview>{{cite web|title=WDF Europe Cup 1980|url=https://dartswdf.com/tournaments/wdf-europe-cup/1980|publisher=[[World Darts Federation]]|access-date=3 April 2024}}</ref> 
*In [[1986 Matchroom Professional Championship|1986]], [[1987 Matchroom Professional Championship|1987]] and [[1988 Matchroom Professional Championship|1988]], the Cliffs was the venue for the invitation only snooker event, the [[Matchroom Professional Championship]].

== Party conferences and exhibitions ==
The Cliffs has hosted several political party conferences, with the National Conference of [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] Women taking place in 1967,<ref>{{cite periodical|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hUbyAAAAMAAJ&q=%22cliffs+pavilion%22+party+conference|title=National Conference of Labour Women 1967|page=13|periodical=Report|volume=44|date=1967|publisher=Labor Party (Gt. Brit.)}}</ref> while in 1993 it hosted the [[Young Conservatives (UK)|Young Conservatives]] annual conference.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://archive.org/details/NewsUK1993UKEnglish/Feb%2005%201993%2C%20The%20Times%2C%20%2364560%2C%20UK%20%28en%29/page/n11/mode/1up?q=%22cliffs+pavilion%22|title=What makes the Young Conservative?|newspaper=The Times|date=5 February 1993|page=12}}</ref>

The venue hosts a regular variety of exhibitions, from the Southend Art Club,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.southendartclub.org.uk/exhibition-gallery|title=Exhibitions|website=Southend Art Club|access-date=28 August 2024}}</ref> career fairs <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ukcareersfair.com/event/southend-careers-fair|title=Southend-on-Sea Careers Fair|website=The UK Careers Fair|access-date=28 August 2024}}</ref> to awards evenings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.southendunited.co.uk/news/2024/march/21/2023-24-end-of-season-awards-evening-/|title=2023/24 End of Season Awards Evening|website=Southend United|date=21 March 2024}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-Sea}}
*[http://theatricalia.com/place/110/cliffs-pavilion-southend Cliffs Pavilion on Theatricalia]
*[https://southendtheatres.org.uk/Online/about-cliffs-pavilion Cliffs Pavilion on Southend Theatres]

{{Authority control}}
{{Coord|51.5352|0.6969|display=t|type:landmark}}

[[Category:Art Deco architecture in England]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1964]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Southend-on-Sea]]
[[Category:Theatres in Essex]]
[[Category:Darts venues]]
[[Category:Snooker venues]]
[[Category:Boxing venues in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Wrestling venues in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Music venues in Essex]]
[[Category:Exhibition and conference centres in England]]
[[Category:Theatres completed in 1964]]
[[Category:Music venues completed in 1964]]
[[Category:Comedy clubs in the United Kingdom]]