What’s
On Jan-May 2026
Hello!
We’re thrilled to kick off 2026 with a season bursting with world premieres and bold new stories from local voices – all right here at the Mercury.
First up The Manningtree Witches, adapted by Ava Pickett – winner of The Stage Debut Best Writer Award and Mercury Playwrights alumna. Hot on its heels comes Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape, a musical adventure based on Dermot O’Leary’s best-selling children’s book.
We’re also reuniting with the brilliant Mischief Theatre for Thespians their very first comedy musical about how theatre accidentally began. Rounding off our world premieres is Caroline – A New Musical by Vikki Stone, celebrating the radio rebels who rocked the airwaves.
Our community companies are stepping into the spotlight too! The Mercury Young Company will bring Anne Odeke’s brand-new adaptation of The Wind in the Willows to life in our Theatre, while the Mercury Adult Company take over the Studio with Caryl Churchill’s Love and Information.
And that’s just the beginning. Whether you’re part of the furniture or planning your very first visit, there’s a whole season of stories waiting for you!
Join us – and start your 2026 with a little Mercury magic.
Our promise
Times are tough and we’re here to help! As a community building we want to be there for those that might need a helping hand. We promise:
• Every Wednesday is our Bargain Bites day where pensioners can get a hot meal and a drink for £6.50.
• To offer savings when you book our hot desk workspaces regularly, or come and work in our Café Bar and make use of our free Wi-Fi if you prefer a busy environment.
• £5 standby tickets will be available for Mercury Productions at the box office, after 4pm on the day of the performance. There are also discounts for under 26s across all Mercury Productions.
• We’ll continue to offer ticket discounts for Military personnel and Emergency Services employees through our partnership with the Blue Light Card.
• Bursaries will continue to be available for Mercury Young Company. Please email taking.part@mercurytheatre.co.uk to find out more. (Subject to availability)
A Mercury Original
The Manningtree Witches
Adapted by Ava Pickett
Based on the novel by A.
K. Blakemore Director Natasha Rickman
Sat 28 Feb – Sat 14 Mar
“It does not matter what is true, or not true. All that matters is what is written down.”
Essex, 1643. A country divided. A town on it’s knees. A teenage girl with a dangerous secret.
As the Civil War rages on, in the quiet town of Manningtree, most of the men have gone off to fight. 17 year old Rebecca West is like any teenager, brimming with self-doubt, consumed with unrequited love, and in a never-ending cycle of arguments with her mother. As food runs out, and more men leave, Rebecca and her best friend Judith wait for something, anything, to happen in Manningtree.
But change is coming. When the mysterious Matthew Hopkins buys a pub, he brings questions. What does a young man like Matthew want with a town like Manningtree? Why has he come? And why is he so interested in Rebecca? But when an incident between Rebecca’s mother and a local boy plunges the town into discord, those questions are answered with horrifying frenzy.
This is a thrilling world premiere that tells the true story of England’s first Witchfinder General, and wrenches the women he killed out from the shadows of history and into the spotlight.
Adapted by award-winning Mercury Playwright and screenwriter Ava Pickett and directed by Natasha Rickman, this gripping historical drama is a fiercely modern exploration of fear, control, and what happens when women’s voices are silenced.
Thu 12 Mar 2:30pm Relaxed
Thu 12 Mar 7:30pm BSL Interpreted & Post Show Q&A
Sat 14 Mar 1pm Touch Tour
Sat 14 Mar 2:30pm Audio Described Sat 14 Mar 7:30pm Captioned
See website for times
Tickets from £15.50 Age Guidance 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult) Play
Jump straight to the show page
The Manningtree Witches was developed with support of the National Theatre’s Generate programme, through a Jerwood Workshop.
Fri 20 – Sun 22 Mar
See website for times | From £15.50 | 5+
Based on the original novel by Kenneth Grahame
Written by Anne Odeke
Directed by Sian Burford-Thomas
“Here today, up and off to somewhere else tomorrow! The whole world before you, and a horizon that’s always changing.”
Adventure, friendship and a whole lot of mischief await on the riverbank!
Join Mole, Ratty, Badger, and the irrepressible Mr. Toad in this magical world premiere adaptation of The Wind in the Willows. From acclaimed writer Anne Odeke and director Sian Burford Thomas, this production features the extraordinary talent of the Mercury Young
Family
Company. This joyful retelling brings fresh energy, Essex charm, and a contemporary twist to Kenneth Grahame’s beloved tale.
This heart-warming show celebrates the power of friendship, the beauty of nature, and the thrill of adventure.
This production is a celebration of local talent—from page to stage. With a vibrant young cast and an Essex-based creative team, The Wind in the Willows promises to be a feel-good family treat you won’t want to miss.
Come along and support the next generation of theatre-makers as they bring a classic to life with heart and humour.
Fri 20 – Sun 22 Mar
See website for times | From £16.50 | 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Written by Caryl Churchill Directed by Forest Morgan Assistant Directed by Chani Merrell
Join us for Love and Information, Caryl Churchill’s electrifying exploration of modern life, staged by the Mercury Adult Company and directed by Forest Morgan. This bold and fast-paced production delves into the ways we connect, communicate, and cope in an age of overwhelming data and fleeting intimacy.
Comprising a series of short scenes, Love and Information weaves together a tapestry of human stories some funny, some poignant, all deeply resonant. From whispered secrets to digital overload, Churchill’s razor-sharp
Play
writing captures the noise and nuance of everyday life with wit, insight, and emotional depth.
Forest Morgan brings a fresh and dynamic vision to this modern classic, guiding a talented ensemble from the Mercury Adult Company in a production that is both intimate and expansive. Whether you’re a Churchill aficionado or discovering her work for the first time, this performance promises to leave you thinking long after the final blackout.
Don’t miss your chance to witness this thought-provoking theatrical experience. Book your tickets now and immerse yourself in the chaos, humour, and heartbreak of Love and Information.
A Mercury Original
Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape
Thu 2 – Sat 18 Apr
Based on the book by Dermot O’Leary
Illustrated by Nick East
Adapted and Directed by Samantha Lane
Lyrics and Composition by Barb Jungr
Set, Costume & Puppets designed by Oliver Hyman
A brand-new family musical for everyone over the age of 5!
Meet Toto. She might look like an ordinary cat, but she’s no ordinary feline. Almost completely blind, Toto has incredible ninja skills, a big heart, and a nose for adventure. By day, she naps like any other pet… but by night, she’s out on daring missions with her cheeky brother, Silver.
In their very first adventure, a deadly King Cobra has escaped onto the streets of London, and it’s up to Toto to use every ounce of her courage and cunning to save the day.
Based on Dermot O’Leary’s best-selling children’s book, illustrated by Nick East, this purr-fectly thrilling tale is filled with original music, laugh-out-loud fun, and extraordinary puppetry, promising fun for the whole family.
A Mercury Theatre Colchester, Little Angel Theatre and Mayflower Southampton co-production Sat 18 Apr 2:30pm Touch Tour Sat 18 Apr 4pm Audio Described
See website for times
Tickets: Adult - £18, Child - £16.50
Age Guidance 5+ Family
Jump straight to the show page
A Mercury Production
Mercury Theatre Colchester, HOME Manchester & JPT Productions present the MISCHIEF production
Thespians
Sat 9 – Sat 23 May
Book & Lyrics by
Jonathan Sayer
Music & Lyrics by Ed
Zanders
By arrangement with Mischief Worldwide Ltd
MISCHIEF, the team behind the multi award-winning The Play That Goes Wrong, rewrite ancient history with a brand-new musical comedy, Thespians, the first musical created by “the funniest theatre troupe in Britain” The Telegraph.
534 BC. Greece’s smallest island is battling to avoid defeat in a nationwide prayer competition set up by a thin-skinned tyrantwhere the loser is put to death. All is going dreadfully until Thespis accidentally invents acting, leading to the world’s first play and the origins of theatre as we know it!
Step into the amphitheatre, leave your troubles in the foyer, and escape into Ancient Greece as it bursts into song, with a thrilling plot, a love story worthy of Aphrodite, and enough laughter to fill the Acropolis. Thespians is an uplifting, hilarious, and timely reminder of the power of empathy and stepping into someone else’s sandals.
Written
by
Jonathan Sayer
(co-writer of The Play That Goes Wrong, Peter Pan Goes Wrong and The Comedy About A Bank Robbery) and Ed Zanders (musical director Mischief Movie Night), do not miss this ancient prescription for modern day laughter packed with comedy, chaos and choreography that will have every mortal in your household aching with laughter.
If you thought something funny happened on the way to the forum, wait until you hear what happened enroute to the amphitheatre! Avoid tragedy, get comedy tickets today.
Thu 14 May 2:30pm
Relaxed & BSL Interpreted Sat 23 May 1pm Touch Tour
Sat 23 May 2:30pm Audio Described Sat 23 May 7:30pm Captioned
See website for times
Tickets from £15
Age Guidance 8+
Jump straight to the show page
by
Photo
Colm O’Laoi
A Mercury Production
Presented by the East Anglian
Touring Consortium
Caroline - A New Musical
Wed 3 – Sat 13 Jun
Written by Vikki Stone
Directed by Douglas Rintoul & Alex Thorpe
“A radio station for young people! Why do we need that? We both enjoy Housewives choice, don’t we Caroline?”
1964, Clacton-on-Sea.
Caroline and her best friend Mary spend their days stacking shelves and return home to their mothers listening to Housewives Choice on the BBC. Every night they escape to the pier to eat chips, laugh and talk about music with Caroline’s charismatic boyfriend Robbie.
But a music revolution is coming, and Robbie lands a shock gig with Radio Caroline – the pirate radio station blasting pop, soul and rock ’n’ roll into every home in Britain. Overnight, Caroline is hurled into a whirlwind of music, mischief, and a cultural rebellion that will rewrite history.
She’s not a DJ. She’s not a rock star.
But in the middle of Britain’s radio revolution, Caroline might just steal the show.
Powered by the sounds of the Sixties, Caroline is a bold, funny, and heart-filled new musical about love, ambition, and finding the courage to turn up the volume on your own voice.
See website for times
Tickets from £15
Age Guidance 15+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Jump straight to the show page
Thu 11 Jun 2:30pm Relaxed & BSL Interpreted Sat 13 Jun 1pm Touch Tour Sat 13 Jun 2:30pm Audio Described Sat 13 Jun 7:30pm Captioned
Thu 29 Jan - Sun 8 Feb
COS: Guys and Dolls
See website for times | £16 – £27.50 | 12+
The award-winning Colchester Operatic Society present Guys and Dolls. Follow Nathan Detroit, his long-suffering fiancée Adelaide, gambler Sky Masterson, and mission leader Sarah Brown in this Broadway classic. Will Adelaide get her wedding? And why is Sarah mixing with gamblers? Featuring iconic songs like Luck Be a Lady and Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat, this vibrant musical production is not to be missed. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.
Thu 12 Feb Variety
The Dazzling Diamonds: Comedy Drag Show
7:30pm | £21 – £26 | 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Fresh from London’s West End, The Dazzling Diamonds bring their smash-hit comedy drag show to the stage! Featuring three international queens, expect outrageous comedy, sensational live vocals, and jawdropping dance routines with hits from Tina, Gaga, Adele, Elton, and many more.
Grab your gang, dust off the sequins and get ready for a night of glitz, glamour and nonstop entertainment.
Wed 11 Feb Comedy
Judi Love: All About the Love
7:30pm | £32.50 | 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Judi Love is back with a brand-new show packed with home truths about the hustle of juggling parenting, work and everyday life.
Known for her honesty and humour, Judi offers fresh insights into how a big heart navigates a world full of surprises, struggles and transformations. But let’s be real - adulting? It’s no joke!
As seen on Last One Laughing (Amazon), Taskmaster (Netflix) and Loose Women (ITV).
Our building can be your home too! We have a range of spaces available to hire, whether it’s a class, a conference or even just a desk, we’ve got room for you! Get in touch to find your perfect fit... hires@mercurytheatre.co.uk Need some space?
Sat 14 Feb
Posting Letters to the Moon
7:30pm | £20.50 | 12+
A romantic, funny and touching portrait of life during the second World War featuring readings of letters between Oscar-nominated actress Celia Johnson (Brief Encounter) and her explorer and writer husband Peter Fleming (brother of James Bond creator Ian Fleming) working for Military Intelligence. The letters are read by their daughter Lucy Fleming (The Archers) and her husband Simon Williams (EastEnders).
Wed 18 Feb
Rude Science
See website for times | Adults: £19.50
Children: £17.50 | 6+
Brace yourselves for BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates’, high-tech, highly-explosive new show, packed with outrageous science stunts. On the surface it’s a riot of disgusting experiments built to delight young audiences but under the bonnet it’s a brilliantly-constructed curriculum-driven adventure designed to inspire Britain’s kids with a lasting fascination for science. Expect enormous bottoms, f*rt machines, snot cocktails, vast whoopee cushions, pee-powered fireworks and ear-waxoozing mannequins.
Tue 17 Feb Play
My Life with Kenneth Williams
7:30pm | £16 – £28.50 | 12+
In celebration of Kenneth Williams’ 100th birthday, David Benson revisits his acclaimed Edinburgh hit Think No Evil Of Us – a vivid, moving portrait of the Carry On star. With masterful stagecraft, Benson explores his extraordinary connection to Williams, forged when he was still a schoolboy. Blending hilarity and heartbreak, this unforgettable show offers a powerful glimpse into the tormented comic genius – and the performer who brought him back to life.
Fri 20 Feb
Comedy Club on the Road
7:30pm | £22.50 – £26 | 18+
Celebrate three decades of laughter with The Official Comedy Club, the nation’s comedy experts for 30 incredible years. Witness four phenomenal comedians from television and online, each bringing their unique style and unforgettable punchlines. From razor-sharp wit to outrageous storytelling, this laughtercharged showcase guarantees something for everyone. Why settle for just one act—enjoy four headline stars in one extraordinary evening of joy! Our incredible line-up includes Jeff Innocent, Rudi Lickwood, Kate Martin & Harry Pettit.
Sat 21 Feb
Play
Two Halves of Guinness
7:30pm | £16 – £29.50 | 12+
In an exceptional exploration of one of Britain’s greatest actors, Zeb Soanes brings the life of Sir Alec Guinness to stage, marking the 25th anniversary of his death. With nearly 70 plays, 50 films, over a dozen television dramas, and two Oscars to his name, Sir Alec Guinness’ career spanned Shakespeare, the beloved Ealing comedies, and Hollywood classics. Yet he feared he would only be remembered for one role: Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars.
Sat 4 Apr Music
The Mumford & Sons Story
7:30pm | £27.50 – £30.50 | 10+
The Mumford & Sons Story recreates the incredible tale of the floor-stomping folk-rock band who took the world by storm.
Four masterful live musicians come together in waistcoats, skinny jeans and bushy beards to celebrate the best of Mumford & Sons’ iconic music and their explosive rise to fame.
With all the very best hits, including Little Lion Man, I Will Wait, The Cave, Rushmere and many more, this is a stomp and holler not to be missed!
Sun 12 Apr Variety
The Mayor of Colchester’s Variety Show
7:30pm |
–
| 12+
The Mayor’s Variety Show will bring together some of the most talented performers in Colchester, to compete for a top prize, chosen by the Mayor.
Performances will include artists of all ages, including Colchester’s Comedian of the Year, some of the best young bands in Colchester (previous performers from Battle of the Bands), rappers, DJs, poets, dancers, filmmakers and acting performers. The event will raise funds for the Mayor’s Charities.
Access for All
We believe theatre and all of the activities and services we offer should be accessible to all! If you have any access requirements, please visit our Access for All page to find out how we can ensure your visit is as enjoyable as possible: mercurytheatre.co.uk/ enjoy-your-visit/access-for-all
Wed 25 – Sun 29 Mar
See website for times | £16 – £30 | 12+
A Claybody Theatre production in association with New Vic Theatre
Written by Arnold Bennett
Adapted for the stage by
Deborah McAndrew
Directed by Conrad Nelson
Nella Racksole wants steak and beer for her birthday treat, but these are not on the menu of the exclusive Grand Babylon Hotel – so her American railroad millionaire father obligingly buys the chef… the kitchen… the entire hotel.
However, The Grand Babylon is not all it seems, and Theodore Racksole soon discovers
Play
there’s more than a juicy steak on his plate –with kidnapping and murder for starters!
Have Theodore and Nella bitten off more than they can chew?
The Grand Babylon Hotel is a rollicking comedy thriller, with a virtuoso cast of five bringing you many faces, chases, glamour, intrigue, and a couple of German princes thrown in for good measure.
★★★★★ “one of the most amusing plays I’ve seen...” The HitMix
ED MCVEY BRUCE HERBELIN-EARLE & MAISIE SMITH
PRIOR TO THE WEST END
BY PATRICIA HIGHSMITH ADAPTED
AND
DIRECTED BY MARK LEIPACHER
THE FIRST MAJOR STAGE ADAPTATION OF THE BOOK THAT INSPIRED THE ACCLAIMED MOVIE AND NETFLIX SERIES
Tue 7 – Sat 11 Apr
See website for times | £16 – £47.50 | 16+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Play
TMR_NEW_Colchester_Generic_138x148.indd 1
Step into a world of deception, desire, and deadly ambition. How far would you go to become someone else?
Tom Ripley is a nobody – scraping by in New York, forging signatures, telling little white lies – until a chance encounter changes everything. When a wealthy stranger offers him an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy to bring home his wayward son, Dickie Greenleaf, Tom leaps at the opportunity.
But in the sun-drenched glamour of 1950s Italy, surrounded by shimmering waters and whispered secrets, Tom is seduced by the life Dickie leads – the freedom, the wealth, the effortless charm. Fascination turns to obsession, and as his grip tightens on Dickie’s world, the lines between truth and deception
begin to blur. What starts as an innocent opportunity spirals into a chilling game of lies, identity theft, and murder.
06/10/2025 11:59
The ten-strong ensemble cast is led by Ed McVey as Tom Ripley. Ed was one of the stars of the hit Netflix show The Crown. EastEnders regular and Strictly Come Dancing finalist Maisie Smith will star alongside him as Marge. This electrifying new stage adaptation of The Talented Mr. Ripley brings Patricia Highsmith’s iconic psychological thriller, which inspired the acclaimed movie and Netflix series of the same name, to life like never before. With razor-sharp dialogue, simmering tension, and a dangerously charismatic antihero, this gripping production will pull you into Ripley’s intoxicating world— where nothing is quite as it seems.
Tue 14 Apr Play
Murder, She Didn’t Write
7:30pm | £19.50 – £29.50 | 12+
Edinburgh Fringe favourites, Degrees of Error create a classic murder mystery on-the-spot in this ingenious improvised comedy. You, the audience, become the author as the cast act out your very own Agatha Christie-inspired masterpiece live on stage. At each show this extraordinarily talented company use audience suggestions to create a unique, original and extremely comical murder mystery just for you. All you have to do... is solve it!
Sat 18 Apr
West Ham Boys of ‘86
7:30pm | £27.50 – £72.50 | 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Get ready for an unforgettable night of West Ham nostalgia as three true claret and blue icons – Tony Cottee, Tony Gale and Frank McAvennie – take to the stage to share the highs, the heartbreaks and the hilarity from their unforgettable careers.
Hosted by the brilliant Bianca Westwood, this live event offers a rare look into the dressing room drama, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable match moments that defined an era at Upton Park. This is an evening every true Hammer won’t want to miss.
Fri 17 Apr Music
Arrival - The Hits of ABBA
7:30pm | £27 – £30 | All ages
50 years since ABBA’s iconic Arrival album first lit up the charts, the multi-award-winning show that shares its name is back with a brand-new production!
With even more songs, the addition of interactive video projection and on-screen lyrics, you can sing along at the top of your lungs and become part of the performance. With sensational vocals, expert musicianship, dazzling costumes and breathtaking visuals, every song will have you dancing in the aisles and singing along!
all day before a show 10am-Late
Tue 21 – Sat 25 Apr
See website for times | £27.50 – £30 | 11+
Presented by Blackeyed Theatre in association with Theatre Royal Winchester and South Hill Park
Adapted by Nick Lane from the work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Composer – Tristan Parkes
“When you have one of the first brains of Europe up against you, and all the powers of darkness at his back, there are infinite possibilities”
London, 1901. As the British Empire wages war in the name of a Queen whose health is failing, a series of mysterious events reveals a crack in the high corridors of power. A crack that threatens to destabilise monarchy, government and Empire. And at its centre, controlling the flow of information and influence, a shadowy figure plans a final deadly move.
Play
Drawn into the game and unsure who to trust, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson find themselves confronting figures from their past in a desperate race against time, aware that the most powerful person in the world could be in the pocket of one of the most corrupt. But just how much is Holmes willing to sacrifice as he faces ‘checkmate’?
A thrilling adventure based on the work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty is a world premiere combining powerful performances, a haunting soundscape and innovative design for an exhilarating theatrical experience.
“One of the most innovative, audacious companies working in contemporary English theatre” The Stage
Tue 28 Apr Talk
Michaela Strachan - Not Just a Wild Life
7:30pm | £33.50 | All ages
TV wildlife legend Michaela Strachan takes to the stage in a laugh-out-loud, high-energy celebration of 40 years on our screens. From The Really Wild Show to Springwatch, penguins to ice dancing, Michaela shares the behind-thescenes chaos, unforgettable animal moments, and personal stories from a career that’s been anything but ordinary.
Thu 30 Apr
Lipstick On Your Collar
7:30pm | £27.50 – £32.50 | All ages
Step back in time to the golden era of music where the jukebox roared and feet didn’t touch the floor. Get your dancing shoes at the ready, grab yourself a milkshake and relax –you are in for an evening of back to back hits from the 1950s and 60s!
From the birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll through to the British Invasion and beyond, the show is packed with hits from Brenda Lee, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, The Ronettes, Cliff Richard and many more.
Wed 29 Apr Comedy
Clinton Baptiste - Spectral Intercourse
7:30pm | £30 – £32 | 16+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Hot on the heels of his fourth sell-out UK tour, the nation’s favourite clairvoyant medium, from Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights, Clinton Baptiste is back with a new live show for 2026 and beyond!
In a rudderless world, mankind needs an envoy to gather solutions from the all-knowing, all-seeing Afterlife. But who should it be? Of course, there’s only one man for the job –Clinton Baptiste.
Adopt Me! From £20 a month*
Leave your mark in our auditorium by adopting a seat. Add a name, quote or dedicate it in honour of a loved one. Visit mercurytheatre.co.uk/adopt or speak to a member of our team to find out more. Support the arts. Celebrate someone special. Be part of the story. *£20 a month for 24 months or onetime payment of £475.
Wed 27 May Family
Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Really Big Adventure
See website for times | Adults: £17.50, Children: £14.50 | 3+
Sir Charlie is bold, brave and brilliantly clever. He loves daring quests filled with wily witches, terrible beasties and fire-breathing dragons. And yes, he has a cat called Envelope! But who is this pint-sized hero and where did his story come from?
Find out in this fully interactive, inventive, and fast-paced family show that brings Sir Charlie’s tale to life while revealing the story behind it. Celebrating the power of children’s imagination and the importance of play, young audiences are invited to become storytellers themselves, helping a troupe of travelling players build a wild adventure. Together, they turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, transform the stage, and journey into mystical realms.
Based on the best-selling picture book by Kristina Stephenson, and created to mark the 20th anniversary of this much-loved, modernday classic, the show features LIVE music, glorious puppets, interactive storytelling, magical props and more laughs than you can waft away with a stinky sock.
Fri 29 May Play
Desperate Scousewives
7:30pm | £27.50 – £29.50 | 16+
Get ready for a riotous, fast-paced comedy following the lives of three loud, no-nonsense Liverpool women and one nervous newcomer, all navigating life, love, loyalty, and lipstick on a tightly knit street.
Starring TV comedy legend Crissy Rock (Benidorm, I’m A Celebrity) and the shows writer and director Lynne Fitzgerald. Desperate Scousewives is packed with unforgettable oneliners, high heels, heartbreak and hilarity. Not for the faint-hearted!
Sat 30 May
K-Pop Forever!
Music
7:30pm | £23.50 – £26 | All ages
K-Pop Forever! is here, LIVE on stage! Immerse yourself in the worldwide phenomenon that is K-Pop with this all-action tribute concert. Featuring all-live performances of smashhits including: Blackpink, BTS, Twice, Soda Pop, Golden and many more, this is the ultimate non-stop party! With breathtaking choreography, plus songs inspired by the record breaking film K-Pop Demon Hunters, this production is one not to be missed.
Studio
With 98 seats, the Studio is an intimate and welcoming space where everyone can enjoy live performance. It’s the home of bold new writing, exciting adaptations, and the very best of theatre festivals. Whether you’re introducing little ones to their first theatre experience or looking to discover something fresh and unexpected, the Studio is the perfect place to be inspired!
Tue 10 Feb
Fri 16 Jan, Fri 27 Feb, Wed 25 Mar, Fri 15 May
The Comedy Network
8pm | £13 | 16+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult) Book all four dates & receive 10% off!
Get ready to laugh out loud with an evening of great comedy as Avalon presents The Comedy Network.
Our popular comedy clubs have been making people laugh all year, so why not grab a drink with us, sit back and enjoy some of the best stand-up comedians on the circuit. Previous line-ups have included Sophie Duker, Jayde Adams and Simon Brodkin.
Tue 17 Feb Musical Play
Our Little Hour
7pm | £14.50 | 11+
Following its 2024 tour Our Little Hour, the critically acclaimed musical, comes to Colchester. It tells the inspirational story of how Walter Tull rose to prominence as the first black footballer to play at the highest level of the domestic game in the UK before achieving another historic breakthrough as the first man of his heritage to be commissioned as an Officer in the British Army. Written by award-winning playwright Dougie Blaxland and including 16 “hauntingly beautiful original songs” it is a show “not to be missed”.
Across The Square
8pm | £14.50 | 12+
On a cold December day 1917, Lady Ottoline Morrell crosses Bedford Square to call on Millicent Fawcett to express her condolences at the loss of a beloved sister.
As patroness of the Bloomsbury Group, Ottoline’s vast circle includes Prime Ministers and novelists, painters and philosophers, whilst Millicent has dedicated her life to the crusade for women’s suffrage. Two world views are about to collide over a glass of sherry.
Tree of Life
1pm | £11.50 | 7+
What do you see when you look at a tree?
Leaves and twigs and branches?
Aranyani, the goddess of forests and the wild, is dying. If the plants and animals that she supports are to thrive, she must have nourishment and balance in the world. Can a Sage and a Scientist – and you, the audience –discover how to save her?
A spectacular South Asian dance theatre show for children aged 7+.
Hay!
See website for times | £10 | 3+
“
Hay!” is the only word in our show but it means so much – the stuffing in Geenie’s scarecrow, the sound she makes when he comes to life and his first word when he sees all the natural wonders of the world. A show filled with puppetry, clowning, song and dance about growing up and discovering how to live your dreams, spread your wings and fly like the birds.
Play Play
Please Do Not Touch
8pm | £15 | 16+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
By Casey Bailey | Directed by Gail Babb
“… thoughtfully written, sensitively performed and beautifully staged.” British Theatre Guide
Mason is an activist who explores historic houses on TikTok to uncover the true stories behind the objects that lie within. After an incident with a Somali Afro comb, he is wrongly imprisoned in a Young Offender Institution. Can he find a way to survive this ordeal and navigate how to keep speaking up when everything is designed to silence him.
A romantic comedy, Miss Peggy’s Secret Holiday tells the true story of a woman rushing against the clock to make Princess Diana’s veil which will be seen by 750 million people, while dealing with a well-meaning husband who is bored to tears... How will Peggy cope with so many distractions? As the pressure builds on both Peggy and Ed, the entire institution of marriage is brought into question. A funny and poignant play from award-winning writer/producer/composer Jon Lawrence. Fri 20 Feb Sat 21 Feb Sat 28 Feb Thu 5 Mar
Miss Peggy’s Secret Holiday
7pm | £16.50 | 12+
Mrs. Warren’s Profession
By Bernard Shaw
Directed by Dominic Cooke
Sat 10 Jan
The Fifth Step
by David Ireland
Directed by Finn den Hertog
Sat 14 Feb
Hamlet
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Robert Hastie
Fri 6 Mar
5pm | £13.50 | 12A
Five-time Olivier Award winner Imelda Staunton (The Crown) joins forces with her real-life daughter Bessie Carter (Bridgerton) for the very first time, playing mother and daughter in Bernard Shaw’s incendiary moral classic. Vivie Warren is a woman ahead of her time. Her mother, however, is a product of that old patriarchal order. Exploiting it has earned Mrs. Warren a fortune – but at what cost?
Filmed live from the West End, this new production reunites Staunton with director Dominic Cooke (Follies, Good), exploring the clash between morality and independence, traditions and progress.
5pm | £13.50 | 15
Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk) is joined by Emmy and BAFTA-winner Martin Freeman (The Hobbit, The Responder) in the critically acclaimed and subversively funny new play by David Ireland.
After years in the 12-step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous, James becomes a sponsor to newcomer Luka. The pair bond over black coffee, trade stories and build a fragile friendship out of their shared experiences. But as Luka approaches step five – the moment of confession – dangerous truths emerge, threatening the trust on which both of their recoveries depend.
Finn den Hertog directs the provocative and entertaining production filmed live from @sohoplace on London’s West End.
5pm | £13.50 | 12A
Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.
Trapped between duty and doubt, surrounded by power and privilege, young Prince Hamlet dares to ask the ultimate question – you know the one.
National Theatre Deputy Artistic Director, Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Operation Mincemeat) directs this sharp, stylish and darkly funny reimagining.
Sat 7 Mar
Parody of The Rings
See website for times | £16.50 | 12+
At the local cinema, all hell breaks loose when the ushers misplace the DVDs of The Lord of the Rings trilogy! With only the soundtracks left, the team of hapless ushers must somehow improvise an entire three-film saga in front of a live audience. Get ready for an uproarious evening of comedy, chaos, and utter nonsense, as they attempt to recreate the epic tale of hobbits, elves, and orcs – without any visuals, any planning, or any clue what they’re doing.
Tue 21 - Wed 22 Apr Comedy Play Play
All The Happy Things
7pm | £16.50 | 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Direct from Soho Theatre, a dark comedy about the power of sisterhood and grief.
Sienna is trying to deal with her grief by clinging on tightly to what she knows - in short, she’s seeing her dead sister everywhere she goes. Not only seeing her… but having full on conversations with her. As Emily’s presence becomes more overwhelming, the line between happiness and delusion becomes blurred. How do you truly let go of someone when you imagined they’d be there forever?
Tue 28 - Wed 29 Apr
Albatross
7pm | £16.50 | 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
A compelling new play from award-winning writer Martha Loader takes us to the very boundaries of love and devotion in the age of climate catastrophe.
Alice returns from a gruelling Antarctic odyssey, to her daughter Alba and her mother Eve. Everything has changed. There’s been a flood, a funeral and a new romance. It’s 1.30am. Alba sleeps, while Eve has never been more awake. And Alice? Maybe those cracks she discovered in the Antarctic ice have followed her home...
Albatross examines mighty questions of motherhood, the explorer’s soul and how to be a hero in today’s world. Strong characters, sharp humour and an urgent story make for a unique clash of the epic and the domestic. Martha Loader’s riveting take on the family drama genre is about these intimate ties – do they make us act with more care or merely blind us to catastrophe?
From the writer of Bindweed
Sat 9 May
Clementine
7pm | £16.50 | 16+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Lady Clementine has until her 27th birthday to find The One.
When her latest beau goes missing, she embarks on a hilariously unhinged quest to solve the mystery of her ill fortune. But with neither sense nor sensibility, will our romantic heroine find love in time? Set roughly “in the past’’, this is a story about sickly sisters, selflove and Sylvanian Families. Bonnets at the ready, ladies, for the debut character comedy show of the (Scorpio) season.
Sat 23 May Play
Play
Funeral Teeth
6pm | £12.50 | 16+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
You’ll never change without losing something. Some losses we can laugh at, some we will cry about, but we all have to learn how to cope.
In this critically acclaimed and awardnominated piece of autobiographical work, Succulent Theatre dexterously guides you through their losses from cradle to grave, exploring what loss truly means to them - and to you.
Sat 16 May
Why God Created Lesbians
8pm | £13.50 | 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
A packed comedy and music show from “One of the funniest women in the country” (What’s On) with a keen fanbase across the UK (gay and straight!). Expect silliness, satire and self-deprecation from crowd-pleaser Clare Summerskill, dubbed “A lesbian Victoria Wood” (Woman’s Hour). Clare has written for BBC Radio 4’s Weekending and Heated Rollers, appeared on Richard and Judy (C4), and tours her shows in the UK and the US.
Mercury Creatives
Join the Mercury Creatives Directory! Are you a creative based in the east of England? Set up your free profile today and open yourself up to new artistic opportunities! Scan here to find out more
The Mercury is a place where anyone, regardless of background, can take part in our exciting programme of weekly workshops and classes for adults and young people that are designed to develop performance skills, build confidence, meet new people and unleash your creative side!
MYC
Mercury Young Company, or MYC, is our yearround ensemble of young people training to be the theatre-makers of tomorrow.
Our groups meet weekly to explore playful new methods of storytelling and to create exciting pieces of theatre. Our fun, friendly classes focus on training young people to work together as an ensemble.
See website for term dates, Tuesdays 4-5pm £77 per term*
Tots Twinkles & Stars
4mths-3yrs
Interactive, multi-sensory classes for early years children and their grown-up friends.
Imagination and creativity are a vital part of a child’s early life and these 45-minute sessions are designed to stimulate both. Through storytelling, dance and music, Tots provides parents and carers an opportunity to explore creative play with nothing but home materials and a sprinkle of imagination.
See website for dates, Tuesdays £6.50 per session
Tots Twinkles 10:30-11:15am for babies and crawlers
Tots Stars 11:30-12:15pm for walkers
Musical Theatre Choir
You Can’t Stop the Beat!
18+
For those 18+ who love to sing, our Musical Theatre Choir is for you. Come along, make friends with The Nicest Kids in Town and learn a bit of Broadway Rhythm with performance opportunities throughout the year.
Led by Musical Director Rob Miles, this new choir helps members build confidence and improve their vocal technique while exploring a whole repertoire of musical theatre classics.
See website for dates, Tuesdays 7:30-9pm.
£8.50 per session or £93.50 per term
*A limited number of bursary places are available. Contact taking.part@mercurytheatre.co.uk for more info.
Carers Workshops
8-15s & 18+
Thanks to Essex Carers funding, we are delighted to be providing workshops for local, unpaid carers. There are two weekly workshops; one for 8-15s and the other for 18+ held at Greenstead Community Centre.
Sessions are free and designed for carers who may have never taken part in drama sessions before. As well as theatrical skills, our workshops develop communication, confidence, teamwork and leadership.
See website for dates, Mondays 5-6:30pm FREE
Pilates
18+
Delivered in partnership with Le Barre, Pilates is a low-impact workout that comprises a variety of stretches achieved through precise poses to help you achieve a lean physique while challenging you mentally, physically and spiritually. Pilates is an effective stress release and mood booster, as well as being a brilliant way to keep fit.
See website for dates, Wednesdays 1-2pm £7.50 per session
Musical Theatre Dance
Each week our experienced choreographers will teach routines inspired by hit musicals in our gorgeous dance studio. With routines from classic and contemporary shows, you will be introduced to various styles such as Modern Jazz, Latin, Hip-Hop and many more.
Staying active whilst dancing to your favourite show tunes – who could ask for anything more?
See website for dates, Tuesdays 6:15-7:15pm £6.50 per session
Zumba
55+
Join us for a fun and relaxed dance fitness class combining Latin and World rhythms. This class is perfect for active older adults or someone looking for a more relaxed class, that recreates the original moves you love at a lower-intensity. The class introduces easyto-follow choreography that aims to improve balance, range of motion and coordination. Come ready to sweat, have fun and prepare to leave confident and feeling strong!
See website for dates, Thursdays 10:15-11am £7 per session
Working with Schools and Teachers
At the Mercury we work with hundreds of children and young people from across Essex every year. Our workshops and projects are designed to support teachers in delivering the National Curriculum as well as fostering creativity, confidence and problem-solving skills and improving children’s empathy and resilience. Our workshops in school and after school clubs cover a wide range of subjects including Literacy, History, Science, Social Studies and, of course, Drama. We also work with schools to develop bespoke programmes to meet their students’ specific needs. All of our offers can be tailored for SEND pupils.
Our Teachers’ Network and CPD workshops support educators to develop their professional and performance skills, with options including Unlocking Shakespeare, Physical Theatre, CrossCurricular Development and Confidence in Delivery.
Visit our website for a full overview of our educational offer or contact us on taking.part@mercurytheatre.co.uk
Supporters & Funders
Corporate Supporters
We’re proud to partner with these outstanding local companies. Join us today and enjoy the access, hospitality and profile offered by our partnership programmes. Visit mercurytheatre.co.uk/support to learn more.
Premier Partners
Limelight Partners
Our Creative Engagement activity has been made possible with the generous support of
We are grateful to the following for their support:
• Arts Council England
• Colchester City Council
• Colchester Town Deal
• Essex Activate
• Essex County Council
• Essex Youth Service
• European Regional Development Fund
• FSJ Charities
• Hervey Benham Charitable Trust
• King Coel’s Kittens
• Level Best
• National Lottery Community Fund & UK Government
• Philip Carne MBE and Christine Carne
• South East Local Enterprise Partnership
• Theatres Trust
Upstairs Bar in partnership with
Your Visit
Car Parking
Car parking can be found at St Mary’s car park (CO3 3AA), a short walk from the theatre.
When buying show tickets in advance of your visit, discounted parking tickets can be purchased for £3.30. Accessible parking spaces outside the theatre can be booked online by joining our Access for All scheme or via the Box Office.
Café Bar
We offer a warm friendly welcome to everyone –whether you’re coming in to book tickets, watch a show or visiting the city, our café bar caters for all. We serve a wide selection of cakes, pastries, snacks and light meals, alongside a range of teas, coffees, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. Where possible, our ingredients are sourced locally, our coffee is Fairtrade and our takeaway cups are recyclable.
If you’re watching a show don’t forget to preorder interval drinks and avoid the rush. We promise your ice cream will still be frozen and your drinks, chilled!
How To Find Us
The Mercury Theatre is only one hour from London by car or train. Following the theatre mask symbols on the road signs will take you to St Mary’s car park (CO3 3AA) which is a short walk across the Balkerne Hill footbridge to the theatre.
For a more detailed map please visit our website.
Your Tickets
Tickets can be booked online, over the phone, or in person. We offer e-tickets which can be printed or saved on your mobile phone to show our friendly ushers.
Book Tickets
mercurytheatre.co.uk tickets@mercurytheatre.co.uk 01206 573948
Our friendly team is available to assist you Tue to Sat 10am until 8pm. The box office will be open prior to performances on Sundays.
To find out more about your visit, view a seating plan, or for further booking information, please visit our website.
Disclaimer
All details in this brochure are correct at the time of going to print. Colchester Mercury Theatre Ltd reserves the right to make alterations where necessary. Brochure design by Poulsen Selleck. Printed by Brightsea Printing. Registered Charity No. 232387. Company Registered in England No. 441035.
