Yap & Craft ☕🧶💜

Events, Parties and Venue Hire Brochure

September

Saturday 26 September, from 2pm

Boozy, Bottomless Drag Afternoon Tea with Shar Cooterie

Bottomless ticket: £45

A drag show, afternoon tea and 90 minutes of bottomless teapot cocktails

Soft Drink ticket: £38

A drag show, afternoon tea and 90 minutes of bottomless soft or hot drinks

Mini brunch: £17

A drag show, a glass of Prosecco and a plate of nibbles

Viewing only tickets available on the door

Where the TEA is served piping hot! 🍰

Join us for our 'Dragonfly Lounge Boozy Bottomless Drag Afternoon Tea', featuring live performances from amazing drag artists every week. This is an afternoon tea with a twist of course…We’ll be serving sandwiches and scones, and you can enjoy selected bottomless cocktails (for 90 minutes) served in teapots!

This is a sweet treat you don’t want to miss! 🍨

Saturday 26 September, from 7.30pm

Join us for Dragaoke — the ultimate night of glitter, glamour, and good vibes!

Sing your heart out, dance the night away, and sip on delicious drinks crafted to keep the party going. With fierce performers, high-energy karaoke, and a crowd that knows how to have fun, it’s the perfect place to let loose.

We’re open ’til late, so the celebration never has to end!

And did we mention it's only £2 all night? No excuses, see you there!

Dragaoke Dance Party with Constance Struggle

Sunday 27 September, from 6pm

The world has ended... but the party's only just begun.

Drag Is Punk: Apocalypse is a high-energy drag spectacular where punk rock collides with post-apocalyptic glamour. Expect fierce performances, outrageous looks, anarchic comedy and a soundtrack of punk, rock and alternative anthems.

Dress to impress... or distress. Think leather, spikes, chains, glitter and DIY wasteland chic. There are no rules here, only attitude.

The apocalypse is here. Join the rebellion.

Drag Is Punk

October

Two events. One brilliantly bonkers night at Dragonfly Lounge!

BONKERS BINGO

Forget everything you know about bingo. Expect ridiculous prizes, plenty of laughs, outrageous moments and just enough chaos to keep you on your toes. Dabbers at the ready!

DRAG RACE VIEWING PARTY

Then we swap bingo balls for runway balls as we settle in for our Drag Race Viewing Party.

Watch every lip sync, look, twist and elimination together on the big screen, surrounded by people who take their Drag Race very seriously... until the cocktails arrive.

Come for the bingo. Stay for the queens.

Double the entertainment. Double the drama. One fabulous night at Dragonfly. 🦋

It's a Double Bill! 🎱👑

Thursday 1 October from 8pm

Join us for Dragaoke — the ultimate night of glitter, glamour, and good vibes!

Sing your heart out, dance the night away, and sip on delicious drinks crafted to keep the party going. With fierce performers, high-energy karaoke, and a crowd that knows how to have fun, it’s the perfect place to let loose.

And did we mention it's only £2 all night? No excuses, see you there!

Friday Dragaoke with Sirena Hart

Friday 2 October from 7.30pm

Saturday 3 October, from 2pm

Boozy, Bottomless Drag Afternoon Tea

Bottomless ticket: £45

A drag show, afternoon tea and 90 minutes of bottomless teapot cocktails

Soft Drink ticket: £38

A drag show, afternoon tea and 90 minutes of bottomless soft or hot drinks

Mini brunch: £17

A drag show, a glass of Prosecco and a plate of nibbles

Viewing only tickets available on the door

Where the TEA is served piping hot! 🍰

This is a sweet treat you don’t want to miss! 🍨

Dragonfly cabarets deliver a glamorous night of dazzling performances, with food and drinks brought right to your table as you watch the show. With a sparkling atmosphere and nonstop entertainment, they’re the perfect place to relax, indulge, and enjoy the experience.

Followed by dragaoke and dancing!

Saturday Cabaret

with Shar Cooterie, Kara Kature & Constance Struggle

Saturday 3 October from 7pm

Get ready for a fabulous night of fun, laughter and a little friendly competition at The Dragonfly Lounge!

Enjoy dazzling drag cabaret packed with show-stopping performances, fabulous vocals, outrageous comedy and plenty of audience interaction. Our fabulous performers will keep you entertained throughout the evening as you put your knowledge to the test in our fun-filled quiz!

Only £3 to play, with fab prizes up for grabs!

Grab your friends, bring your thinking caps and join us for a night of cabaret, cocktails and quiz-time chaos!

Cabaret & Quiz Night! 🎤✨

Sunday 4 October from 7pm

Bingo, but not as you know it! Join us for an outrageously fun evening of bingo with a fabulous drag twist!

Expect hilarious hosting, cheeky banter, unexpected surprises and plenty of laughs as our fabulous drag queens put their own bonkers spin on this classic game. With fantastic prizes up for grabs, every number could be your lucky one!

Just £3 per person to play!

Grab your friends, get your dabbers ready and prepare for a night of bingo, banter and brilliant drag entertainment!

Drag Bonkers Bingo! 🎱✨

Thursday 8 October from 7.00pm

Watch every lip sync, look, twist and elimination together on the big screen, surrounded by people who take their Drag Race very seriously... until the cocktails arrive.

All the tea with Sirena Hart!

Double the entertainment. Double the drama. One fabulous night at Dragonfly. 🦋

Drag Race Viewing Party

Thursday 8 October from 8.30pm

With Mia Mann and Flick

Friday 9 October from 8pm

Looking for a night out without the full-throttle chaos?

Join us at Dragonfly Lounge for a relaxed evening of drinks, good conversation and gorgeous live performances from Sara Khasm and Polly Glamerous.

Grab a cocktail, settle in with friends or come along and make some new ones. Expect plenty of laughs, fabulous entertainment and that warm Dragonfly atmosphere, all at a much gentler pace.

Good drinks. Great company. A little bit of drag. 💜🦋

Fab Fridays

Dragaoke

Saturday 10 October from 7.30pm

Join us for Dragaoke — the ultimate night of glitter, glamour, and good vibes!

Sing your heart out, dance the night away, and sip on delicious drinks crafted to keep the party going. With fierce performers, high-energy karaoke, and a crowd that knows how to have fun, it’s the perfect place to let loose.

And did we mention it's only £2 all night? No excuses, see you there!

With Estella Safella & Scarlett Vigillante

Ruby's Mothertucking Quiz

Sunday 11 October from 6.30pm

A night of silliness and quiz fun with Rubella Vaxine.

Ruby’s Mother Tucking Quiz is the ultimate night of camp silliness and trivia chaos hosted by UK drag queen Rubella Vaxine. Known for taking to the stage with a clipboard and absolutely zero idea of what the topics or correct answers actually are, her events guarantee a healthy dose of laughter, camp songs, and total nonsense

Yap & Craft ☕🧶💜

Bring your latest craft project, grab your favourite drink, and join a friendly afternoon of creativity and conversation.

Yap & Craft is a community-led get-together. Dragonfly simply provides the space, the bar and a warm welcome. The evening belongs to you. Share ideas, chat while you craft, meet new people and enjoy creating together in a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere.

Whether you knit, crochet, sew, paint, draw, make jewellery or bring something completely different, everyone is welcome. Come on your own or with friends. There's no pressure, no lessons and no experience needed.

There's no ticket and no booking. Just pop in, buy a drink, and be part of our creative community.

Tuesday 13 October from 6.30pm

Details to be announced

Thursday 15 October from 7pm

Fundraising Quiz with BID

Friday 16 October from 7.30pm

Friday Dragaoke

Join us for Dragaoke — the ultimate night of glitter, glamour, and good vibes!

Sing your heart out, dance the night away, and sip on delicious drinks crafted to keep the party going. With fierce performers, high-energy karaoke, and a crowd that knows how to have fun, it’s the perfect place to let loose.

And did we mention it's only £2 all night? No excuses, see you there!

Saturday 17 October from 2pm

Boozy Bottomless Afternoon Tea

Bottomless ticket: £45

A drag show, afternoon tea and 90 minutes of bottomless teapot cocktails

Soft Drink ticket: £38

A drag show, afternoon tea and 90 minutes of bottomless soft or hot drinks

Mini brunch: £17

A drag show, a glass of Prosecco and a plate of nibbles

Viewing only tickets available on the door

Where the TEA is served piping hot! 🍰

This is a sweet treat you don’t want to miss! 🍨

Saturday 17 October from 7pm

Saturday Cabaret

with Jenna Saiz Abo-Henriksen

& Titi Anna Marie

Dragonfly cabarets deliver a glamorous night of dazzling performances, with food and drinks brought right to your table as you watch the show. With a sparkling atmosphere and nonstop entertainment, they’re the perfect place to relax, indulge, and enjoy the experience.

Followed by dragaoke and dancing!

🩵 We would love to have you in our audience so please buy an AUDIENCE TICKET

💙 To celebrate our history there will be an Open Mic throughout. If you wish to perform please buy an OPEN MIC TICKET

💜 If you can't make the event we are always open to donations so please buy a DONATION TICKET

🤎 We recomend booking in advance as on the door tickets will be £10 - See you there!

Sunday 18 October, from 5pm

Collidescope Second Birthday Bash!

Join us for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, crafts and community to celebrate two years of collidescope.uk being a CIC

🧡 We celebrate together to fund raise for these amazing local organisations - @caraessex, @openroadcolchester, @ramacolchester, @outhouse and @cens4homeless and COLLIDESCOPE.

💛 Every £1 from your £6 ticket will be donated to one of these vital community support groups.

💚 We have some amazing local legends on the line up including the stunning Haus of Slaye

🤍 COLLIDESCOPE is an Essex based non profit that promotes diversity, inclusion and creativity from LGBTQ+ and other minority communities

Roll the dice, gather your party and prepare for adventure!

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or you’ve never rolled a D20 in your life, our Dungeons & Dragons Night is open to everyone.

Bring your own game and your own party, or simply turn up and join one of ours. We’ll have games running for different experience levels, including complete beginners, so there’s no need to know the rules before you arrive.

It’s a relaxed, social night for meeting fellow gamers, trying something new and finding your next adventuring party.

New players welcome. Experienced players welcome. Heroes, villains, bards and questionable decision-making positively encouraged.

Grab a drink, roll for initiative and let the adventure begin! 🎲🐲

Tuesday 20 October, 7pm

🎲 Dungeons & Dragons Night 🐉

From the writer and producers of last year's sell-out show, Wonky Hearts Collective present a brand new collection of monologues

Four new women. Four new toilets. Four new stories. In the most private of public spaces the masks drop and from behind the cubicle doors the women reveal their innermost thoughts.

Once again, the stories will be bold, tender and unflinching, exploring challenging themes with warmth, wit and humour.

This is theatre that isn’t afraid to get messy, funny, awkward and real. Just like life.

Winner of 'Spirit of the Fringe Award' 2025

Wednesday 21 October, 7pm

Colchester Fringe

The Toilet Monologues - Number Two

With one foot in stand‑up comedy, the other in TED‑style presentation, this one‑person musical ride dives into Eurovision’s history, queer joy, fandom culture, and identity. Expect big music, big humour and heartfelt reflections woven through slides and song.
- Edmonton Journal, * - Hamilton Hammer, 2025 Calgary Fringe Award Winner,

“McLean has broken the code to Eurovision and rises like a phoenix to share it with us in this wonderfully heartfelt stand‑up show.” - FringeReview.co.uk

“Matti skillfully weaves songs through his personal story as a gay man coming out ... a wonderful hour of musical performances and anecdotes about self‑discovery.” - The Vibe Hamilton

“McLean’s delivery often borders on stand‑up, full of sharp wit and campy charm. But he also allows space for quieter, moving reflections.” - The Hammer Monthly

Thursday 22 October, 7pm

Colchester Fringe

A Canadian Explains Eurovision to Brits

Thursday 22 October, 8.30pm

Colchester Fringe

Progress In Work

Paging all comedy lovers! Sister Brandy Bex is scrubbing in for three wild nights at Colchester Fringe. Expect riotous tales from the hospital floor – dating doctors, dodging disaster, and a generous dose of chaos. Outrageous stories, parody songs, and shameless camp spectacle. It's a cheeky, over-the-top peek behind the curtain – totally daft, delightfully unhinged, and absolutely hilarious. Nursing's never been so wild!

Pamela Anderson meets Pam Ayres... Brandy Bex is a real NHS hero, a siren with a sample pot and a most charismatic host for your time on ward one. ★★★★ Reviews Hub

Friday 23 October, 7pm

Colchester Fringe

Progress In Work

Paging all comedy lovers! Sister Brandy Bex is scrubbing in for three wild nights at Colchester Fringe. Expect riotous tales from the hospital floor – dating doctors, dodging disaster, and a generous dose of chaos. Outrageous stories, parody songs, and shameless camp spectacle. It's a cheeky, over-the-top peek behind the curtain – totally daft, delightfully unhinged, and absolutely hilarious. Nursing's never been so wild!

Pamela Anderson meets Pam Ayres... Brandy Bex is a real NHS hero, a siren with a sample pot and a most charismatic host for your time on ward one. ★★★★ Reviews Hub

Friday 23 October from 9pm

Late Night Cabaret

Dragonfly cabarets deliver a glamorous night of dazzling performances, with food and drinks brought right to your table as you watch the show. With a sparkling atmosphere and nonstop entertainment, they’re the perfect place to relax, indulge, and enjoy the experience.

Ticket prices:

Brunch - Cocktails and Mocktails - £45 (+booking fee) for Brunch and 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails.

Brunch - Soft and Hot Drinks - £38 (+booking fee) for brunch, bottomless soft drinks and hot drinks.

Mini Drag Brunch - £17 (+booking fee) for Mini Drag Brunch which includes a pastry, fruit, one glass of Prosecco, Mimosa, Soft or Hot Drink. Happy Hour is on during the event to keep you topped up!

Mini Drag Brunch tickets can be purchased on the door subject to availability.

Please note that this option is not bottomless however we will be running Happy Hour deals alongside the event.

Doors open at 10.30am event starts at 11am

Book Bottomless Here!

Saturday 24 October, 10.30am

Where the TEA is served piping hot! 🫖 🍰

Join us for our 'Dragonfly Lounge Boozy Bottomless Drag Brunch', featuring live performances from amazing drag artists!

This is a Brunch with a twist of course…We’ll be serving a buffet breakfast, and you can enjoy selected bottomless cocktails for 90 minutes.

This is a sweet treat you don’t want to miss! 🍨 🩷 🫖

Doors open at 10.30am event starts at 11am

Book Mini Brunch Here!

Bottomless Drag Brunch

Saturday 24 October, 4pm

Colchester Fringe

The Toilet Monologues – Number Two

From the writer and producers of last year's sell-out show, Wonky Hearts Collective present a brand new collection of monologues

Four new women. Four new toilets. Four new stories. In the most private of public spaces the masks drop and from behind the cubicle doors the women reveal their innermost thoughts.

Once again, the stories will be bold, tender and unflinching, exploring challenging themes with warmth, wit and humour.

This is theatre that isn’t afraid to get messy, funny, awkward and real. Just like life.

Winner of 'Spirit of the Fringe Award' 2025

Saturday 24 October, 5.30pm

Colchester Fringe

A Canadian Explains Eurovision to Brits

With one foot in stand‑up comedy, the other in TED‑style presentation, this one‑person musical ride dives into Eurovision’s history, queer joy, fandom culture, and identity. Expect big music, big humour and heartfelt reflections woven through slides and song.
- Edmonton Journal, * - Hamilton Hammer, 2025 Calgary Fringe Award Winner,

“McLean has broken the code to Eurovision and rises like a phoenix to share it with us in this wonderfully heartfelt stand‑up show.” - FringeReview.co.uk

“Matti skillfully weaves songs through his personal story as a gay man coming out ... a wonderful hour of musical performances and anecdotes about self‑discovery.” - The Vibe Hamilton

“McLean’s delivery often borders on stand‑up, full of sharp wit and campy charm. But he also allows space for quieter, moving reflections.” - The Hammer Monthly

Saturday 24 October, 7pm

Colchester Fringe

Progress In Work

Paging all comedy lovers! Sister Brandy Bex is scrubbing in for three wild nights at Colchester Fringe. Expect riotous tales from the hospital floor – dating doctors, dodging disaster, and a generous dose of chaos. Outrageous stories, parody songs, and shameless camp spectacle. It's a cheeky, over-the-top peek behind the curtain – totally daft, delightfully unhinged, and absolutely hilarious. Nursing's never been so wild!

Pamela Anderson meets Pam Ayres... Brandy Bex is a real NHS hero, a siren with a sample pot and a most charismatic host for your time on ward one. ★★★★ Reviews Hub

Saturday 24 October from 8.30pm

Dragaoke

Join us for Dragaoke — the ultimate night of glitter, glamour, and good vibes!

Sing your heart out, dance the night away, and sip on delicious drinks crafted to keep the party going. With fierce performers, high-energy karaoke, and a crowd that knows how to have fun, it’s the perfect place to let loose.

And did we mention it's only £2 all night? No excuses, see you there!

Sunday 25 October from 3pm

Colchester Fringe

The Toilet Monologues – Number Two

From the writer and producers of last year's sell-out show, Wonky Hearts Collective present a brand new collection of monologues

Four new women. Four new toilets. Four new stories. In the most private of public spaces the masks drop and from behind the cubicle doors the women reveal their innermost thoughts.

Once again, the stories will be bold, tender and unflinching, exploring challenging themes with warmth, wit and humour.

This is theatre that isn’t afraid to get messy, funny, awkward and real. Just like life.

Winner of 'Spirit of the Fringe Award' 2025

Are you feeling evil? Do you love a catfight? Well hot off the success of Sunday Roast @ Colchester Fringe Summer Weekender we’re bringing you a double helping of Sunday Roast across two weekends of the main Colchester Fringe festival!

We're gathering some of Colchester's funniest people to tear each other apart in a series of savage Roasts, performances and minigames where friendships will be tested and low blows are the standard!

We're opening the arena to a multitude of performers including drag artists, comedians, actors and guest performers to keep things fresh, and I know our cast of hateful miscreants is gagging to bring comedy back to it's edgy worst!

Audience participation is encouraged, and we'll be asking you to scream for your favourite burns of the night. By the end of each show we'll crown a new winner of our coveted 'Golden Turkey Award', who will also take a cash prize and earn the bragging rights of being Colchester's most despicable performer!

Nothing is off the table and bad blood is guaranteed, so grab a drink, take your seats and watch as the carnage ensues!

Sunday 25 October, 6pm

Colchester Fringe

Sunday Roast at Fringe!

Sunday 25 October, 7.30pm

Colchester Fringe

A Canadian Explains Eurovision to Brits

With one foot in stand‑up comedy, the other in TED‑style presentation, this one‑person musical ride dives into Eurovision’s history, queer joy, fandom culture, and identity. Expect big music, big humour and heartfelt reflections woven through slides and song.
- Edmonton Journal, * - Hamilton Hammer, 2025 Calgary Fringe Award Winner,

“McLean has broken the code to Eurovision and rises like a phoenix to share it with us in this wonderfully heartfelt stand‑up show.” - FringeReview.co.uk

“Matti skillfully weaves songs through his personal story as a gay man coming out ... a wonderful hour of musical performances and anecdotes about self‑discovery.” - The Vibe Hamilton

“McLean’s delivery often borders on stand‑up, full of sharp wit and campy charm. But he also allows space for quieter, moving reflections.” - The Hammer Monthly

Monday 26 October, 7pm

Colchester Fringe

The Toilet Monologues – Number Two

From the writer and producers of last year's sell-out show, Wonky Hearts Collective present a brand new collection of monologues

Four new women. Four new toilets. Four new stories. In the most private of public spaces the masks drop and from behind the cubicle doors the women reveal their innermost thoughts.

Once again, the stories will be bold, tender and unflinching, exploring challenging themes with warmth, wit and humour.

This is theatre that isn’t afraid to get messy, funny, awkward and real. Just like life.

Winner of 'Spirit of the Fringe Award' 2025

Monday 26 October, 8.30pm

Colchester Fringe

A Canadian Explains Eurovision to Brits

With one foot in stand‑up comedy, the other in TED‑style presentation, this one‑person musical ride dives into Eurovision’s history, queer joy, fandom culture, and identity. Expect big music, big humour and heartfelt reflections woven through slides and song.
- Edmonton Journal, * - Hamilton Hammer, 2025 Calgary Fringe Award Winner,

“McLean has broken the code to Eurovision and rises like a phoenix to share it with us in this wonderfully heartfelt stand‑up show.” - FringeReview.co.uk

“Matti skillfully weaves songs through his personal story as a gay man coming out ... a wonderful hour of musical performances and anecdotes about self‑discovery.” - The Vibe Hamilton

“McLean’s delivery often borders on stand‑up, full of sharp wit and campy charm. But he also allows space for quieter, moving reflections.” - The Hammer Monthly

Tuesday 27 October, 7pm

Colchester Fringe

A Canadian Explains Eurovision to Brits

With one foot in stand‑up comedy, the other in TED‑style presentation, this one‑person musical ride dives into Eurovision’s history, queer joy, fandom culture, and identity. Expect big music, big humour and heartfelt reflections woven through slides and song.
- Edmonton Journal, * - Hamilton Hammer, 2025 Calgary Fringe Award Winner,

“McLean has broken the code to Eurovision and rises like a phoenix to share it with us in this wonderfully heartfelt stand‑up show.” - FringeReview.co.uk

“Matti skillfully weaves songs through his personal story as a gay man coming out ... a wonderful hour of musical performances and anecdotes about self‑discovery.” - The Vibe Hamilton

“McLean’s delivery often borders on stand‑up, full of sharp wit and campy charm. But he also allows space for quieter, moving reflections.” - The Hammer Monthly

Wednesday 28 October from 6.30pm

It's A Triple Bill!

A workshop + performance for absolutely everyone

Ever fancied yourself a poet—secretly, loudly, or somewhere in between? Poetry Is a Drag is your chance to step into the spotlight (heels optional!) and play with words in the most joyful, welcoming space around.

Join a super-friendly group where creativity comes as you are. We’ll warm up with a relaxed poetry workshop—no experience needed, no pressure given—then bring the magic to life with an open, supportive performance session. Expect laughter, glitter, bold ideas, tender moments, and all the poetic chaos you can carry.

Poetry's A Drag

New Talent Night

Watch every lip sync, look, twist and elimination together on the big screen, surrounded by people who take their Drag Race very seriously... until the cocktails arrive.

Triple the entertainment. Triple the drama. One fabulous night at Dragonfly. 🦋

Drag Race Viewing Party

Low lights. High courage. Real art.

This night belongs to the brave, the curious, and the creatively restless. Dragonfly Lounge opens the stage to emerging artists ready to be heard. Original music, spoken word, stand-up, and surprises we didn’t see coming.

No shortcuts. No noise. Just raw talent and a room full of people rooting for you.

Thursday 29 October, 7pm

Colchester Fringe

SadoMusical

The sell-out festival favourite returns from an acclaimed tour spanning Wellington, New Zealand to Brighton, England. Now even better, harder, and art-er. It's updated, innovated, and, as always, no two shows are ever the same.

Art is pain. Pain is art. Two “definitely not masochistic” artists take on the challenge of a lifetime: to create musical comedy with feeling—while feeling the real pain of electrocution.

In what may be their worst idea yet, veteran musical improvisers Lee Apsey ('CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation,' 'Your Flaws: The Improvised Musical') and Jayda Fogel ('Bird & Tax Collector,' '¡Horario Estelar!') weave hilarious and sincere songs, sketches, and stories with the inspiration of the audience and the threat of being shocked, shackled, dunked, and beaten with a stick.

You’ll be shocked, and so will the players—literally.

From the award-winning co-creator of multiple Edinburgh Fringe sell-out hit 'CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation.'

“Astonishingly funny... brilliant concept.” ★★★★★ GJD REVIEWS

“Apsey and Fogel turn painful displays into some of the funniest improvised comedy you can find. You will be begging for more, and more, and more.” FRINGE REVIEW

"A very clever show by two outrageously intelligent and talented performers." THEATREVIEW

"Take someone you adore." SCENE MAGAZINE

Artist Accolades:

WINNER - The Comedy Award - Colchester Fringe 2024
WINNER - Best Improv/Musical - Leicester Comedy Festival 2023
NOMINATED - Simply the Best - Gothenburg Fringe 2024
NOMINATED - Most Innovative Work - New Zealand Fringe 2026

"A truly fantastic show that you will talk about for years to come" ★★★★★ THEATRE AND TONIC

"So funny it would be a crime to miss it!" ★★★★★ CURTAIN CALL REVIEWS

"Improv down to a fine art. A novel idea, executed superbly" ★★★★★ WEE REVIEW

Thursday 29 October, 8.30pm

Colchester Fringe

Happily Ever Poofter

Disney fan? Massive raging queer? Then Happily Ever Poofter is for you!

In fact, whether you love or loathe all things Disney, this show is NOT one to be missed.

Join Prince Henry (the only gay in the Kingdom) on his hilarious and heart-warming quest for true love!

From the acclaimed team behind ‘Reclaiming Harry’ (National Pick of the Fringe Award - Colchester Fringe 2022) this cult-hit cabaret spectacular has thrilled and entertained audiences all over the world! And now it's your turn.

Featuring brilliantly and hilariously reworked Disney favourites - such as "Part Of Your Scene", "Just Come Out The The King" and "Some Day My Prince Will Cum" - don't miss out on this wonderful and wild night of entertainment.

★★★★★ (Gay Times)
★★★★★ (What’s On Adelaide Winner - Best New Musical Offies)
★★★★★ (Boyz Magazine)
WINNER - Best New Musical London Off West End Awards
WINNER - Comedy Award London Pub Theatres
WINNER - Audience Choice Award Mumbai Fringe
WINNER - Big Gay Award Brighton Fringe

Colchester Fringe

A Canadian Explains Eurovision to Brits

Friday 30 October, 7pm

With one foot in stand‑up comedy, the other in TED‑style presentation, this one‑person musical ride dives into Eurovision’s history, queer joy, fandom culture, and identity. Expect big music, big humour and heartfelt reflections woven through slides and song.
- Edmonton Journal, * - Hamilton Hammer, 2025 Calgary Fringe Award Winner,

“McLean has broken the code to Eurovision and rises like a phoenix to share it with us in this wonderfully heartfelt stand‑up show.” - FringeReview.co.uk

“Matti skillfully weaves songs through his personal story as a gay man coming out ... a wonderful hour of musical performances and anecdotes about self‑discovery.” - The Vibe Hamilton

“McLean’s delivery often borders on stand‑up, full of sharp wit and campy charm. But he also allows space for quieter, moving reflections.” - The Hammer Monthly

When the clock strikes late, things get a little darker at Dragonfly…

Join us for a wickedly wild Late Night Halloween Cabaret, packed with devilish drag, killer performances and plenty of after-dark surprises.

Expect glamour, gore, camp chaos and creatures of the night taking over the stage. Grab a cocktail, dress to distress and settle in for a Halloween show that’s definitely not for the faint-hearted.

🎃 Costumes strongly encouraged. Bad behaviour almost inevitable.

🌙 Halloween Cabaret 🌙

Friday 30 October, 9pm

Saturday 31 October, 4pm

Colchester Fringe

Nana Funk’s Music Bingo

She’s back!! Dust off your dabbers and put on your sparkliest of sparkles because it’s Nana Funk’s Music/Musicals Bingo!
Join the Grand-dame of hi-jinks, Nana Funk for a fun-filled hour of bingo-tastic games and a few songs from Nana for good measure!
There’ll be no balls up at this bingo, only boss tunes to sing along to and have a bop if you so fancy.
Saturday 31 October – Music bingo
Sunday 1 November – Musicals bingo
Get yourselves to The Dragonfly and you might come away with more than a cheeky prize or two!
Nana cannot guarantee you’ll win a prize but she can guarantee a good fun time!

Saturday 31 October, 5.30pm

Colchester Fringe

Happily Ever Poofter

Disney fan? Massive raging queer? Then Happily Ever Poofter is for you!

In fact, whether you love or loathe all things Disney, this show is NOT one to be missed.

Join Prince Henry (the only gay in the Kingdom) on his hilarious and heart-warming quest for true love!

From the acclaimed team behind ‘Reclaiming Harry’ (National Pick of the Fringe Award - Colchester Fringe 2022) this cult-hit cabaret spectacular has thrilled and entertained audiences all over the world! And now it's your turn.

Featuring brilliantly and hilariously reworked Disney favourites - such as "Part Of Your Scene", "Just Come Out The The King" and "Some Day My Prince Will Cum" - don't miss out on this wonderful and wild night of entertainment.

★★★★★ (Gay Times)
★★★★★ (What’s On Adelaide Winner - Best New Musical Offies)
★★★★★ (Boyz Magazine)
WINNER - Best New Musical London Off West End Awards
WINNER - Comedy Award London Pub Theatres
WINNER - Audience Choice Award Mumbai Fringe
WINNER - Big Gay Award Brighton Fringe

The sell-out festival favourite returns from an acclaimed tour spanning Wellington, New Zealand to Brighton, England. Now even better, harder, and art-er. It's updated, innovated, and, as always, no two shows are ever the same.

Art is pain. Pain is art. Two “definitely not masochistic” artists take on the challenge of a lifetime: to create musical comedy with feeling—while feeling the real pain of electrocution.

In what may be their worst idea yet, veteran musical improvisers Lee Apsey ('CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation,' 'Your Flaws: The Improvised Musical') and Jayda Fogel ('Bird & Tax Collector,' '¡Horario Estelar!') weave hilarious and sincere songs, sketches, and stories with the inspiration of the audience and the threat of being shocked, shackled, dunked, and beaten with a stick.

You’ll be shocked, and so will the players—literally.

From the award-winning co-creator of multiple Edinburgh Fringe sell-out hit 'CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation.'

“Astonishingly funny... brilliant concept.” ★★★★★ GJD REVIEWS

“Apsey and Fogel turn painful displays into some of the funniest improvised comedy you can find. You will be begging for more, and more, and more.” FRINGE REVIEW

"A very clever show by two outrageously intelligent and talented performers." THEATREVIEW

"Take someone you adore." SCENE MAGAZINE

Artist Accolades:

WINNER - The Comedy Award - Colchester Fringe 2024
WINNER - Best Improv/Musical - Leicester Comedy Festival 2023
NOMINATED - Simply the Best - Gothenburg Fringe 2024
NOMINATED - Most Innovative Work - New Zealand Fringe 2026

"A truly fantastic show that you will talk about for years to come" ★★★★★ THEATRE AND TONIC

"So funny it would be a crime to miss it!" ★★★★★ CURTAIN CALL REVIEWS

"Improv down to a fine art. A novel idea, executed superbly" ★★★★★ WEE REVIEW

Saturday 31 October, 7pm

Colchester Fringe

SadoMusical

It’s Dragaoke… but make it spooky.

Grab the mic and raise the dead with a Halloween night of killer tunes, devilish drag and frighteningly good fun.

Come dressed to impress, distress or possess, pick your favourite song and sing your heart out. Whether you’re serving pop princess, rock monster or full-on creature of the night, the stage is yours.

Dead good tunes. Drop-dead performances. You bring the vocals, we’ll raise the spirits.

Saturday 31 October, 8pm

🎃 Halloween Dragaoke Party 👻

November

Sunday 1 November, 3pm

Colchester Fringe

Sunday Roast at Fringe!

Are you feeling evil? Do you love a catfight? Well hot off the success of Sunday Roast @ Colchester Fringe Summer Weekender we’re bringing you a double helping of Sunday Roast across two weekends of the main Colchester Fringe festival!

We're gathering some of Colchester's funniest people to tear each other apart in a series of savage Roasts, performances and minigames where friendships will be tested and low blows are the standard!

We're opening the arena to a multitude of performers including drag artists, comedians, actors and guest performers to keep things fresh, and I know our cast of hateful miscreants is gagging to bring comedy back to it's edgy worst!

Audience participation is encouraged, and we'll be asking you to scream for your favourite burns of the night. By the end of each show we'll crown a new winner of our coveted 'Golden Turkey Award', who will also take a cash prize and earn the bragging rights of being Colchester's most despicable performer!

Nothing is off the table and bad blood is guaranteed, so grab a drink, take your seats and watch as the carnage ensues!

She’s back!! Dust off your dabbers and put on your sparkliest of sparkles because it’s Nana Funk’s Music/Musicals Bingo!
Join the Grand-dame of hi-jinks, Nana Funk for a fun-filled hour of bingo-tastic games and a few songs from Nana for good measure!
There’ll be no balls up at this bingo, only boss tunes to sing along to and have a bop if you so fancy.
Saturday 31 October – Music bingo
Sunday 1 November – Musicals bingo
Get yourselves to The Dragonfly and you might come away with more than a cheeky prize or two!
Nana cannot guarantee you’ll win a prize but she can guarantee a good fun time!

Sunday 1 November, 4.30pm

Colchester Fringe

Nana Funk’s Music Bingo

Disney fan? Massive raging queer? Then Happily Ever Poofter is for you!

In fact, whether you love or loathe all things Disney, this show is NOT one to be missed.

Join Prince Henry (the only gay in the Kingdom) on his hilarious and heart-warming quest for true love!

From the acclaimed team behind ‘Reclaiming Harry’ (National Pick of the Fringe Award - Colchester Fringe 2022) this cult-hit cabaret spectacular has thrilled and entertained audiences all over the world! And now it's your turn.

Featuring brilliantly and hilariously reworked Disney favourites - such as "Part Of Your Scene", "Just Come Out The The King" and "Some Day My Prince Will Cum" - don't miss out on this wonderful and wild night of entertainment.

★★★★★ (Gay Times)
★★★★★ (What’s On Adelaide Winner - Best New Musical Offies)
★★★★★ (Boyz Magazine)
WINNER - Best New Musical London Off West End Awards
WINNER - Comedy Award London Pub Theatres
WINNER - Audience Choice Award Mumbai Fringe
WINNER - Big Gay Award Brighton Fringe

Sunday 1 November, 6pm

Colchester Fringe

Happily Ever Poofter

Back by popular demand for ONE NIGHT ONLY - 'An Evening with Nana Funk' is a character led comedy starring Nana Funk, a whoknowshowoldanarian cabaret star, burlesque icon and political firebrand in sequin slippers. An hour long One Nana cabaret studio show with stadium ambitions.

The time has come for Nana to get intimate. She's sick of the stadium life and is now touring to smaller scale venues so she can get up close and personal with her army of fans. Get taken on a hilarious and emotional roller coaster as Nana challenges ageism and gives her not so subtle opinions on what it means to be "age appropriate".

Sunday 1 November, 7.30pm

Colchester Fringe

An Evening With Nana Funk

Wednesday 4 November, 7pm

Creative Series: details tba

Free entry.

Bingo, but not as you know it! Join us for an outrageously fun evening of bingo with a fabulous drag twist!

Just £3 per person to play!

Grab your friends, get your dabbers ready and prepare for a night of bingo, banter and brilliant drag entertainment!

Drag Bonkers Bingo! 🎱✨

Thursday 5 November from 8pm

Friday 6 November from 8pm

Looking for a night out without the full-throttle chaos?

Join us at Dragonfly Lounge for a relaxed evening of drinks, good conversation and gorgeous live performances from Sara Khasm and Polly Glamerous.

Grab a cocktail, settle in with friends or come along and make some new ones. Expect plenty of laughs, fabulous entertainment and that warm Dragonfly atmosphere, all at a much gentler pace.

Good drinks. Great company. A little bit of drag. 💜🦋

Fab Fridays

Writers often need guidance, assistance and Q&A's with those already doing it. Our speakers will share what it is like doing their jobs and help you decide if you want to write as a hobby, as a side gig or as a career.

Saturday 7 November, 10am-3pm

Write Fest!

Book Now!

Free entry.

The festival for writers

Speakers and book stalls throughout the day

Grass roots advice!

Opportunity to network.

Saturday 7 November, from 7.30pm

Join us for Dragaoke — the ultimate night of glitter, glamour, and good vibes!

Sing your heart out, dance the night away, and sip on delicious drinks crafted to keep the party going. With fierce performers, high-energy karaoke, and a crowd that knows how to have fun, it’s the perfect place to let loose.

We’re open ’til late, so the celebration never has to end!

And did we mention it's only £2 all night? No excuses, see you there!

Dragaoke Dance Party

Ticket prices:

Brunch - Cocktails and Mocktails - £45 (+booking fee) for Brunch and 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails.

Brunch - Soft and Hot Drinks - £38 (+booking fee) for brunch, bottomless soft drinks and hot drinks.

Mini Drag Brunch tickets can be purchased on the door subject to availability.

Please note that this option is not bottomless however we will be running Happy Hour deals alongside the event.

Doors open at 10.30am event starts at 11am

Book Bottomless Here!

Sunday 8 November, 10.30am

Where the TEA is served piping hot! 🫖 🍰

Join us for our 'Dragonfly Lounge Boozy Bottomless Drag Brunch', featuring live performances from amazing drag artists!

This is a Brunch with a twist of course…We’ll be serving a buffet breakfast, and you can enjoy selected bottomless cocktails for 90 minutes.

This is a sweet treat you don’t want to miss! 🍨 🩷 🫖

From 11am to 1.30pm

Doors open at 10.30am event starts at 11am

Book Mini Brunch Here!

Bottomless Drag Brunch

Monday 9 November, from 7pm

London’s award-winning LGBTQ+ literary salon comes to Dragonfly Lounge.

Founded in 2007 by author Paul Burston, Polari has appeared at the Southbank Centre, The British Library, Heaven nightclub and at book festivals, bars, museums, nightclubs and theatres across the UK and beyond.

Inspired by the gay slang of the same name, Polari is a celebration of LGBTQ+ words and voices – whether written, spoken or sung. The salon also runs The Polari Prize awards – the UK’s book awards for LGBTQ+ writing.

Hosted by Paul Burston, with guest performers TBA.

POLARI LITERARY SALON

Wednesday 11 November, from 7pm

details tba

Live At The Lounge

Get ready for a fabulous night of fun, laughter and a little friendly competition at The Dragonfly Lounge!

Only £3 to play, with fab prizes up for grabs!

Grab your friends, bring your thinking caps and join us for a night of cabaret, cocktails and quiz-time chaos!

Cabaret & Quiz Night! 🎤✨

Thursday 12 November from 7pm

Friday 13 from 8pm

Friday Cabaret

Dragonfly cabarets deliver a glamorous night of dazzling performances, with food and drinks brought right to your table as you watch the show. With a sparkling atmosphere and nonstop entertainment, they’re the perfect place to relax, indulge, and enjoy the experience.

Followed by dragaoke and dancing!

It's Greek Night at Faulty Towers!

Inspired by one of Britain's greatest ever comedy series, this 2-hour interactive production is set in a restaurant where you the audience are the diners.

If you love the original show, you'll find Faulty Towers The Dining Experience a unique, novel pleasure and unmissably great fun. It doesn't replicate the TV scripts. Rather, its three performers inhabit the spirit of Torquay's most inept hoteliers Basil, Sybil and Manuel to a 'T', and you'll be caught up in their madcap melee even as you dig in to your 3-course lunch or dinner.

This 5-star, critically acclaimed production has been in constant demand throughout Australia, Europe, Ireland, Scandinavia, the United Arab Emirates and the UK ever since its Australian debut in 1997.

While it portrays the spirit of the TV characters and the atmosphere they create, please note that the performers are impersonators, and that the show has no connection to John Cleese, Connie Booth or their original scripts, or to the BBC.

The dining experience includes a 3 course meal with vegan, gluten free and dairy free options available. The main dish will be a classic Greek box with chicken/roasted aubergine, rice, salad, pitta*, and your choice of homemade tzatziki or chilli sauce.

*pitta removed for gluten free option.

Saturday 14 November

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience

Book Now!

Shows at 12.30pm and 5.30pm

Saturday 14 November, from 8.30pm

Join us for Dragaoke — the ultimate night of glitter, glamour, and good vibes!

Sing your heart out, dance the night away, and sip on delicious drinks crafted to keep the party going. With fierce performers, high-energy karaoke, and a crowd that knows how to have fun, it’s the perfect place to let loose.

We’re open ’til late, so the celebration never has to end!

And did we mention it's only £2 all night? No excuses, see you there!

Dragaoke Dance Party

Sunday 15 November, from 12pm - 5pm

Get into the festive spirit and discover a wonderful selection of handmade gifts, unique creations and seasonal treats from talented local makers!

Whether you're hunting for that perfect Christmas present, treating yourself to something special or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, our Christmas Makers Market is the perfect place to shop small and support local.

Enjoy a festive tipple, browse the stalls and celebrate the creativity of our fabulous community.

✨ Shop local. Support makers. Spread a little Christmas magic!

🎄 Christmas Makers Market at The Dragonfly Lounge! 🎄

Thursday 19 November

TBA

Friday 20 November, from 8pm

Dragonfly Cabaret

Dragonfly cabarets deliver a glamorous night of dazzling performances, with food and drinks brought right to your table as you watch the show. With a sparkling atmosphere and nonstop entertainment, they’re the perfect place to relax, indulge, and enjoy the experience.

Followed by dragaoke and dancing!

Saturday 21 November, from 2pm

Boozy, Bottomless Drag Afternoon Tea

Bottomless ticket: £45

A drag show, afternoon tea and 90 minutes of bottomless teapot cocktails

Soft Drink ticket: £38

A drag show, afternoon tea and 90 minutes of bottomless soft or hot drinks

Mini brunch: £17

A drag show, a glass of Prosecco and a plate of nibbles

Viewing only tickets available on the door

Where the TEA is served piping hot! 🍰

This is a sweet treat you don’t want to miss! 🍨

Dragonfly cabarets deliver a glamorous night of dazzling performances, with food and drinks brought right to your table as you watch the show. With a sparkling atmosphere and nonstop entertainment, they’re the perfect place to relax, indulge, and enjoy the experience.

Followed by dragaoke and dancing!

Saturday Cabaret

Saturday 21 November from 7pm

Hosted by the fabulous Arora!

The gloves are off, the wigs are on, and Colchester’s local legends are ready to battle it out!

Join us at The Dragonfly Lounge for a fabulous night of fierce lip syncs, outrageous performances and some seriously competitive sass, all hosted by the sensational Arora!

Watch our local legends take to the stage, serving attitude, energy and iconic moves as they battle for lip sync supremacy. Expect big tunes, bigger personalities and plenty of surprises!

Who will slay the stage and who will be left lip syncing for their life?

Come along, cheer on your favourites and let the battle commence! 💋

🎤 Local Legends Lip Sync Battle 2

Sunday 22 November from 7pm

Booking Coming Soon

Get ready for a fabulously festive night of bingo, belly laughs and a whole lot of Christmas cheer at The Dragonfly Lounge!

We're decking the halls, shaking the balls and bringing you a Christmas bingo extravaganza packed with outrageous fun, fabulous prizes and plenty of festive surprises!

Whether you're a bingo pro or a complete beginner, grab your friends, don your Christmas sparkle and join us for a night of festive fun with a Dragonfly twist.

Eyes down, drinks up and let the Christmas chaos begin! 🎅✨

🎄 Christmas Bonkers Bingo! 🎄

Wednesday 25 November from 7pm

It's A Double Bill!

A workshop + performance for absolutely everyone

Poetry's A Drag

New Talent Night

Low lights. High courage. Real art.

No shortcuts. No noise. Just raw talent and a room full of people rooting for you.

Thursday 26 November from 6.30pm

Friday 27 November, from 8pm

Dragonfly Cabaret

Dragonfly cabarets deliver a glamorous night of dazzling performances, with food and drinks brought right to your table as you watch the show. With a sparkling atmosphere and nonstop entertainment, they’re the perfect place to relax, indulge, and enjoy the experience.

Followed by dragaoke and dancing!

Saturday 28 November, from 2pm

Boozy, Bottomless Drag Afternoon Tea

Bottomless ticket: £45

A drag show, afternoon tea and 90 minutes of bottomless teapot cocktails

Soft Drink ticket: £38

A drag show, afternoon tea and 90 minutes of bottomless soft or hot drinks

Mini brunch: £17

A drag show, a glass of Prosecco and a plate of nibbles

Viewing only tickets available on the door

Where the TEA is served piping hot! 🍰

This is a sweet treat you don’t want to miss! 🍨

Saturday 28 November from 7pm

Saturday Cabaret

Dragonfly cabarets deliver a glamorous night of dazzling performances, with food and drinks brought right to your table as you watch the show. With a sparkling atmosphere and nonstop entertainment, they’re the perfect place to relax, indulge, and enjoy the experience.

Followed by dragaoke and dancing!