Entertainment in Stansted

With events spanning drama, dance, live music, magic, family events, tribute nights and comedy, the Harlow Playhouse is the leading theatre in the region. It is located in the Harvey Centre in Harlow, the town’s main shopping mall.

Opened in 1971, the main action takes place in the 400-capacity auditorium, while there’s a smaller 120-seat theatre for more intimate performances, alongside several studios, a popular café and bar. The theatre is around a 20-minutes drive from our London Stansted Airport hotel, with plenty of spaces available in the nearby Harvey Centre car park.

Take the 60-minute family challenge and try to escape from the North Pole and a panic room packed with presents. Alternatively, you can go a bit darker and deeper and dare to emerge from the Witch House intact. With three challenges on offer, The Panic Room Harlow offers plenty of twists and turns, with new concepts and ideas being added on a regular basis. Each challenge is open for teams of two to eight people, making it ideal for families or a works event, and the site is handily located inside Quasar Harlow, on the way into the Harvey Centre.

Closer to home in Bishop’s Stortford, Empire Cinemas is a six-screen complex located in the Anchor Leisure Complex. As well as screening all the latest big name films, the cinema also hosts special family events and themed nights.

You can choose from a wide range of fizzy drinks, popcorn and hot dogs onsite, as well as a large pick n’ mix collection. If that won’t satisfy your pre- or post-film hunger, then there are Indian, Chinese, Italian and Thai restaurants all just a short walk away.