Barnstaple’s Queen’s Theatre will host the debut of Essex to Barny, a new musical comedy by Mrs Animation, on Friday 30 January 2026. Tickets start at £22.95, with concessions and members discounts available.
The show follows Kevin, a hopeless romantic from Essex, and Lacey, a chaotic Barnstaple local with a colourful past, as their worlds collide in a whirlwind of romance, family interference, and unexpected encounters. Audiences can expect a mix of original songs, comedic set pieces, and larger-than-life characters, including a drag queen whose performances promise to steal the show.
Sarah Lee-Pettifer, who premiered a shorter version of the musical at last year’s Barnstaple Fringe Festival, said the production combines “small-town romance with big-time chaos,” featuring animated projections and a live DJ set to kick off the evening.
Essex to Barny explores themes of love, identity, and friendship, with a focus on humour and heart. The musical aims to offer a unique theatrical experience for fans of modern British comedy and musical theatre alike.
Performances begin at 6.30pm. Tickets are available via the Queen’s Theatre box office.
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