Featured Events in Southend-on-Sea in May, 2024(January Updated)

Focal Point Gallery is pleased to announce ‘Principal Boy’, the first solo exhibition by Maz Murray, an artist filmmaker based in London and Basildon. Murray uses satire, surrealism, melodrama, and humour to talk about queer and trans identity, class, and the complexities of public life. They repurpose and subvert pop cultural tropes such as music video, TV documentary, talk show, social media content and cinema. This exhibition, part of FPG x Jerwood Presents, is made possible by a Jerwood Foundation grant, which has been awarded to Focal Point Gallery for 2024–25. The exhibition will include newly commissioned and recent work ranging from film to sculpture and installation. The focus of the exhibition is a new work titled Principal Boy, a film that follows the audition, rehearsal, and performance of the central character in British pantomime, known as the ‘principal boy’. Traditionally a young male protagonist, the character is conventionally played by a woman in drag. Murray’s satirical, comedic, and melodramatic take on the pantomime casting process is shaped by, in their own words, “the tropes of a showbiz satire vibes but applied to the naffness of English showbiz”. Drawing inspiration from cinema classics centred around theatre and the stage – such as 42nd Street, All That Jazz, Showgirls, Hail The New Puritan, and The Boyfriend – Principal Boy uses and subverts traditional British pantomime conventions to explore the presence and absence of trans and gender-nonconforming people in mainstream culture, including film and stage productions. The exhibition also marks the debut presentation of the film work Thigh Rise, 2023. The films will be shown alongside existing works, integrated into a new immersive installation looking at the theatricality of fabricated spaces, from stage sets to new towns. Spanning sets, props, and moving image works, the installation will use light as a key element to guide the visitor along multiple paths set out in the gallery. In the installation, as in their work, Murray aims to draw parallels between the right to roam and the right to self-expression by exploring journeys across time and place – from country to town to suburb to city – and the enclosure of ‘othered’ identities.

Experience an exclusive guided tour of the Energy Console exhibition, led by renowned artist Eva Sbaraini, at the Beecroft Art Gallery in Southend-on-Sea on May 11, 2024. Following the tour, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the captivating Grrl Zine Fair 2024 at the Old Waterworks. This unique event seamlessly combines art, culture, and zines for an unforgettable day of creativity and inspiration. The schedule includes a meet-up at 1.20pm in the gallery foyer, with the artist-led tour taking place from 1.30pm to 3pm. Participants will then proceed to the Old Waterworks at 3.15pm for the Grrl Zine Fair 2024. To secure your free ticket for the zine fair, please make a reservation in advance. For those traveling from London, catching the 12.15pm train from London Liverpool Street to Southend Victoria station at 1.14pm is recommended, as the gallery is just a short walk away. Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of art and zines.

Get ready for a captivating evening at A Night with Benny Elom and Sim in Southend-on-Sea. This extraordinary arts event is set to take place at The IronWorks on 90 High Street on May 18, 2024. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing performances by Benny Elom and Sim, as they showcase their talents and creativity on stage. The ticket price for this exclusive event is a steal at just £10.84. Don't miss this opportunity to experience a night filled with artistry and entertainment. Mark your calendars and secure your tickets to witness a remarkable collaboration between two exceptional artists. A Night with Benny Elom and Sim promises to be an unforgettable evening that will leave you in awe.

Big Up Southend! Makers market & free kids activities is a vibrant monthly event held at The Victoria Centre in Southend-on-Sea. It showcases the diverse talent present in the local community, featuring small business owners, creatives, and performers. This buzzing market on the first floor of the Victoria Centre offers a unique opportunity for small businesses to showcase their products, alongside engaging activities for children and live music performances. Organized by The Design Cabin Community C.I.C, this non-profit community initiative runs from 11am to 4pm every last Saturday of the month. Visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere with busking musicians and free crafting activities for kids. The lineup of traders changes monthly, ensuring a fresh experience each time. Families can look forward to creative activities tailored for young participants, making it an enjoyable outing for all. If you are interested in securing a stall, performing, or hosting a creative activity at this event, simply sign up to participate. Save the date for Big Up Southend! Makers market & free kids activities on May 25, 2024.