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30 Jan 2026

Last chance to get tickets for Barnstaple’s unmissable local musical

Barnstaple musical comedy by Mrs Animation creator Sarah Lee-Pettifer with live songs and animation at Queen’s Theatre 30 January 2026

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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