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The new programme of events has just been published by the Lakeside Theatre at the University of Essex. Once again it is a challenging, accessible and rather appealing schedule of theatre, film, exhibitions, music and comedy. Plus some afternoon kid friendly events also thrown in.

Trading as Arts on 5 (Square 5 - geddit?) the University is positioning itself comfortably in-between the Arts Centre and the Mercury Theatre as an out of town venue. With much of the highbrow expectation now shifted out to @firstsite, Arts on 5 can go about the business of putting on a schedule that offers something slightly different for art lovers in Sunny Colch.

The big news this season (seriously) is that the modern interweb age has come to the University. A new online booking facility has been put in place, making those trips up / down Boundary Road to secure your ticket now something of the past. But what of the schedule itself? The brochure requires a quiet morning alone to sit down and take it all in. Here are some selected highlights that just might tempt you to make more of the Town and Gown experience.

The Future is Unwritten present Way Out West on 26th January:

“Two men walk into a pub - and then it stops being normal. As the beer flows their conversation spans the creation of the universe, bar snacks, the meaning of happiness and a bizarre shared dream in which they’ve met Laurel and Hardy, and each other, before. An unnerving philosophical and spiritual world opens before them: has that great cinematic comedy duo returned?”

If you prefer a more kitchen sink style theatrical style, then Scenes from Communal Living on 9th February may be for you:

“Performed by an ensemble of the UK’s hottest improvisers, Scenes from Communal Living uses audience suggestions to create a unique night of entertainment. Completely new combinations of characters and stories are invented in each scene, all set in the rooms of shared accommodation. Witness the strangest characters who ever argued over a gas bill or taped a vaguely threatening note to the fridge in this show of fast paced invention.”

1 Beach Road on 24th February looks at the everyday metaphorical connection between Alzheimer’s disease and synchronised swimming:

“A tale of friendship, defiance, a shrinking island, synchronized swimming and trying to turn back the tide. 1 Beach Road explores the metaphorical connections between Alzheimer’s disease and coastal erosion and asks what is it like to lose everything – your home and your memories?”

The student shows on campus are the chance to catch young talent on the up, and all for the very reasonable price of £5 as well. Nostalgia 2012 from 29th February - 1st March includes that dreaded theatrical term of ‘audience participation.’ But sit safely in your seats - it all seems rather civil:

You are invited to donate pictures, music, clothing, letters or objects that mean something to you in relation to significant stages throughout your personal life for incorporation into the performance.”

Anyone want to volunteer a P45?

Meanwhile the SX Dance (yeah, yeah, geddit?) Annual Show is spoken of in esteemed terms each year, showcasing some of the amazing young dance talent that we have in the area. Taking place from 8th - 9th March, the performance will offer:

“A huge variety of styles ranging from pointe to hip hop and contemporary to Latin, and featuring guest appearances from the Essex Flame Cheerleaders plus live performances from various musicians and singers.”

The Music programme at Arts on 5 features left of centre artists that might be slightly off the radar of the Arts Centre. Locality is also important to. Colchester band The Lowriders - Stripped Back and Raw play the venue on 10th February:

“Colchester based rock band The Lowriders strip back their old school rock ‘n’ roll sound to its raw, soulful essence for this one night only concert. After the 2011 release of their debut album Fury, the four piece are riding confident on a wave of high acclaim for their reinvigoration of the classic British rock sound. This is a unique chance to hear the band prove they don’t have to turn everything up to eleven to make it rock and roll.”

Film also features with Inni on 30th January, All Tomorrow’s Parties [ACE] on 27th February and Spinal Tap [BLIMEY] on 5th March. Lick my Lovepump, Lakeside, etc…

Local poets might be attracted to the Poetry Workshop on 10th March. Performances by Simon Armitage and Glyn Maxwell take place the following day. After Byrd: Music in 18th Century Essex on 25th March sounds fascinating:

“Peter Holman will be discussing music in Colchester in the second half of the 18th Century…”

There’s enough comedy to shake a stick at, as a cliché comedian might say. But probably not at the Lakeside. And finally the Children’s Events cover puppetry, a family drawing day and an arty walk around the beauty of Wivenhoe Park.

So phew - that’s the Arts on 5 schedule through until spring condensed into one hit and miss blog post. The Lakeside alone would be a blessing in a town the size of Colchester as the main arts outpost. Add in the Arts Centre, the Mercury, and yep, the Golden Goose of @firstsite, and you can soon see why Comrade Moakes makes claim to Colchester: s*** the bed!

Blimey.