Activities for all
mercurytheatre.co.uk 01206 573948
Our brand new all-day café bar offers a warm, friendly welcome to everyone – whether you’re coming in to take a class, watch a show or visiting the town, day or evening. We serve a wide selection of cakes, pastries, snacks and light meals, alongside a range of teas, coffees, alcoholic and soft drinks, including options sourced from local suppliers and prepared by our in-house kitchen. We are accessible and have a stylish outdoor piazza to take in the historic surroundings that Balkerne Gate has to offer. You can also sample our new signature Mercury cocktail, an aromatic and refreshing drink featuring handcrafted gin, distilled in Colchester. Whether it’s a business meet, drinks with friends or bringing the children for an icecream, we’ve got it all. Mobile ordering is quick and easy, and you can pay from your table with no need to queue. Simply scan the QR code displayed at your table to view and order from the menu. Oh, and the WiFi is free!
Open 10am – Late Tuesday – Sunday 2
We are delighted to present to you our brand new programme of Taking Part activities and classes in our recently renovated theatre. The Mercury Rising transformation of the theatre was a vision for almost a decade and we are so proud of what we can now offer the town and surrounding communities. We hope to be a beacon of hope and light for Colchester as we emerge from such a challenging year, and we want to welcome everyone through our doors to enjoy our new ‘all under one roof’ opportunities in our fully accessible building – world class entertainment on the newly refurbished stage, outdoor dining on the piazza, a bigger and brighter foyer which will be open all day alongside our new café bar where people can meet, work and eat, and three brand new studio spaces!
Ryan McBryde Creative Director
Our programme of exciting activities and classes all take place in our state of the art facilities and are taught by experienced theatre professionals and practitioners. We’ve got everything from dance classes to choir groups to social clubs for seniors – and our popular Mercury Young Company returns too, with additional classes for young people looking to develop in dance and musical theatre. And at weekends we are introducing our Lates events - a tantalising selection of cabaret and comedy nights in our brand new café bar. There’s something for everyone, so come and get involved! We look forward to seeing you there. Ryan McBryde
Premier Partner
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Join the Mercury Young Company! We are excited to be offering more opportunities for young people to channel and release their creativity than ever before! The Mercury Young Company is our year round ensemble of young people training to be the theatre-makers of tomorrow. Our groups meet weekly to explore playful new methods of storytelling and create exciting pieces of theatre.
MYC Performers receive weekly training from our Mercury teaching artists, which will develop: • • • • • • •
Voice Movement Text analysis Creating a character Scene work Improvisation skills Acting techniques
Please find all dates for this 4-week summer term below: Age group
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Time
5-10yr olds
Tue 29 Jun
Tue 6 Jul
Tue 13 Jul
Tue 20 Jul
16:00
11-13yr olds
Tue 29 Jun
Tue 6 Jul
Tue 13 Jul
Tue 20 Jul
17:15
14-17yr olds
Tue 29 Jun
Tue 6 Jul
Tue 13 Jul
Tue 20 Jul
19:30
18-25yr olds
Wed 30 Jun
Wed 7 Jul
Wed 14 Jul
Wed 21 Jul
19:00
£28 for the four-week course Location: Creative Learning Space Accessibility All of our activities are accessible and inclusive and you are able to inform us of any additional requirements you have when booking or by becoming a member of our Access for All scheme. Through funding from Essex Short Breaks, we will also have youth assistants on hand to support our MYC groups up to 18 years, plus additional SEND-specific activities such as Move and Groove and Party Nights. See pages 7-8. 4
See mercurytheatre.co.uk for full listings and details
All Mercury Young Company members will have access to: • The Mercury’s dedicated learning space • Regular performance opportunities including an end of year performance • Open rehearsals for Mercury Productions • Free tickets for open dress rehearsals or preview performances for Mercury Productions • Mercury Connects – the theatre’s social network, which provides opportunities in the arts, information about events, tickets and work in the East of England. • Mentoring from theatre staff and exclusive backstage access
Mercury Young Company Musical Theatre
14-17s
Run by West End Professionals, Craig and Rosie Mather, this weekly, dynamic class provides young people with an introduction to musical theatre. Each term we explore songs and create ensemble numbers that develop how to integrate the singing, dance and acting techniques needed to perform on the West End stage. Don’t worry if you’re a little shy as most of the learning is done in groups with opportunities for solos when you feel more confident about being in the spotlight.
MYC Musical Performers will receive weekly training, which will develop: • • • • • • •
Vocal Technique Dance Technique Text and Song Analysis Creating a Character Scene Work Improvisation Skills Acting Techniques Summer Term Sessions: Sat 3 Jul
14:00 - 16:00
Sat 10 Jul
14:00 - 16:00
Sat 17 Jul
14:00 - 16:00
Sat 24 Jul
14:00 - 16:00
£40 for the four-week course Location: Creative Learning Space
See mercurytheatre.co.uk for full listings and details
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Mercury Young Company Dancers
10-15s
Budding young performers aged 10-15 can now join high quality, exciting and creative dance classes as part of MYC, delivered by Dance Network Association. MYC Dancers will ground young people in contemporary dance technique, explore movement and creativity and build on choreographic skills, as well as developing fitness and flexibility, building confidence and offering the chance to make new friends in a safe, fun and supportive environment. There will also be opportunities to take part in regular workshops and intensive sessions with guest artists and professional companies and to co-create performance pieces. You will have the opportunity to perform locally, regionally and nationally.
The Dance Network Association is a dance organisation that enables people to live more connected, joyful and aspirational lives through dance. Dancing with dna provides opportunities for people to improve their confidence and physical wellbeing, nurtures creativity and independent thinking and enhances friendships through social interaction. dna are based in Essex. Summer Term Sessions: Wed 30 Jun
16:30 - 18:00
Wed 7 Jul
16:30 - 18:00
Wed 14 Jul
16:30 - 18:00
Wed 21 Jul
16:30 - 18:00
£40 for the four-week course Location: Dance Studio
The programme provides additional opportunities for young people to gain qualifications and advice on pathways into a dance future.
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See mercurytheatre.co.uk for full listings and details
All of our MYC groups are inclusive, with youth assistants on hand to support young people with SEND, to ensure that no young person misses out on their favourite event. We also have new and returning activities for young people with SEND, including Move and Groove classes, SEND Summer School and our popular bi-monthly Party Nights.
SEND Move and Groove
7-11s
It’s time to get movin’ and groovin’ with our new weekly dance sessions for young people with SEND aged 7-11. Our weekly Move and Groove classes use dance, movement and music to develop physicality, self-confidence and create some friends along the way. In an accessible and supportive environment, our young people will work on a particular theme or skill, ending the term with a showcase. These sessions seek to: • Boost confidence • Develop a sense of body awareness • Create a platform for creative expression
Our Move and Groove sessions are £3* a week (spaces are purchased on a termly basis) and the activity is made possible thanks to funding from Essex Short Breaks. *Young people must have an Essex Short Breaks Passport Number. Summer Term Sessions: Wed 30 Jun
17:00 - 18:00
Wed 7 Jul
17:00 - 18:00
Wed 14 Jul
17:00 - 18:00
Wed 21 Jul
17:00 - 18:00
£12 for the four sessions Location: Creative Learning Space
Funded by Action for Children See mercurytheatre.co.uk for full listings and details
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7-14s
SEND Party Nights
Dance the night away and make new friends at our monthly, fun-filled party for young people aged 7-14. The evening takes place in a safe, positive environment and includes: • • • • •
Our resident DJ playing your favourite tunes Face Painting Group Games Snacks Loads of sensory toys to play with!
The party starts from 6:30pm and closes at 8.30pm, tickets are just £5* and parents/ carers go FREE!
SEND Summer School
7-12s
This 4-day multi-sensory storytelling workshop is not to be missed! For young people with SEND aged 7-12, our multi-sensory workshops will get you up on your feet exploring the world around you through drama and dance. The summer school will improve young people’s confidence, storytelling and social skills and ends with a sharing in the Mercury Theatre Studio for parents, carers and friends to enjoy.
What are you waiting for? Come and dance your socks off!
Designed to meet the needs of all participants in a fun, engaging and inclusive environment, this four-day summer school is just £20* per young person! This activity is made possible thanks to funding from Essex Short Breaks.
*Young people must have an Essex Short Breaks Passport Number.
*Young people must have an Essex Short Breaks Passport Number Summer Term Sessions:
Summer Term Sessions: Fri 27 Aug
16:30 - 18:30
Tue 10 Aug
10:30 - 15:00
Fri 29 Oct
16:30 - 18:30
Wed 11 Aug
10:30 - 15:00
Thu 12 Aug
10:30 - 15:00
Fri 13 Aug
10:30 - 15:00
£5 per session Location: Rehearsal Room
£20 for the four sessions Location: Creative Learning Space
Funded by Action for Children
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See mercurytheatre.co.uk for full listings and details
4mths-3yrs
Tots is an interactive, multi-sensory class for early years children and their grown-up friends. At the Mercury we believe imagination and creativity are a vital part of a child’s early life and these 45 minute sessions are designed to stimulate both. Through story-telling, dance and music, Tots is designed to provide parents and carers with an opportunity to explore creative play with nothing but home materials and a sprinkle of imagination. Each session is theatrically delivered by our wonderful teaching artists, and participants will be given a parent ‘play sheet’ so they can continue their adventure play at home.
Our first term of Tots is £6.50 per class, and there are four weekly sessions starting on Tue 29 Jun. There are two age groups available to book: Twinkles (4-18 months) and Stars (18 months to 3 years). Each space booked covers one small person and one parent/ guardian taking part. Summer Term Sessions: Date
4-18mths
18mths-3yrs
Tue 29 Jun
10:30 - 11:15
11:30 - 12:15
Tue 6 Jul
10:30 - 11:15
11:30 - 12:15
Tue 13 Jul
10:30 - 11:15
11:30 - 12:15
Tue 20 Jul
10:30 - 11:15
11:30 - 12:15
£26 for the four sessions Location: Creative Learning Space
See mercurytheatre.co.uk for full listings and details
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Drop In
8+
Family Sing-a-long
During the school holidays the Mercury will offer a variety of fun-filled Sunday afternoon workshops to introduce young people aged 8+ to the performing arts! In a lively, encouraging environment, participants can learn about the fundamentals of everything from dance and acting to improvisation and digital theatre.
Come and sing your heart out at our monthly musical celebration! It’s unplugged and spontaneous: it’s just the piano, the pianist, the show-tunes and you! We welcome guests of all ages and singing levels to come and sing at the top of your lungs or lip sync to your heart’s content! Songs will range from classic to cult, from both stage and screen.
Summer Term Sessions: Sun 1 Aug
14:00 - 15:00
Let’s get creative
Sun 8 Aug
14:00 - 15:00
Let’s get musical
Sun 15 Aug
14:00 - 15:00
Let’s get crafty
Sun 22 Aug
14:00 - 15:00
Let’s get moving
Sun 29 Aug
14:00 - 15:00
Let’s get mindful
Sun 5 Sep
14:00 - 15:00
Let’s get digital
£4 per session Location: Creative Learning Space No commitment needed, you can book for as many sessions as you wish for just £4 each, and as the name suggests, drop-ins on the day are also absolutely fine!
Guests are encouraged to dress up as their favourite musical characters, so feel free to release your inner Elphaba and come along to our stagey celebration. (Because everyone deserves the chance to fly!) These events will take place in our café bar and there’s no need to book, just join us on the last Sunday of each month at 4pm for an hour of musical mayhem! 2021 Sessions: Sun 25 Jul
16:00 - 17:00
Sun 26 Sep
16:00 - 17:00
Sun 31 Oct
16:00 - 17:00
Sun 28 Nov
16:00 - 17:00
Free event – No booking required Location: Café Bar 10
See mercurytheatre.co.uk for full listings and details
Senior Social Club 55+ Our Social Club is an opportunity for anyone aged 55 and over to connect with other members of our community, learn new skills and take part in fun activities. This is an opportunity for participants to get involved creatively and will be a safe inclusive space to forge new friendships. The Social Club meet up every Thursday from 12 - 2, and the activities rotate on a monthly basis so the first session of each month will be the Meet Up, the second the Dance Group and so on… You can participate in as many of the activities as you wish – oh and the best part – brews and biscuits are included in the price! Monthly Meet Ups: Join us for tea and an audience with one of our in-house or visiting artists talking about their latest projects and career highlights.
Play Readers: Come and explore the greatest plays ever written in our good-humoured and sociable group. We’ll be looking at famous scenes, examining the lives of characters and exploring how writers create moments of dramatic genius. Creative Writing: Explore the craft of writing for live performance in a friendly, supportive environment. Learn about story, structure, dialogue, character and style. No previous experience of writing is necessary just come along and have a go! Summer Term sessions: Thu 1 Jul
12:00 - 14:00 Monthly Meet Up
Thu 8 Jul
12:00 - 14:00 Dance Group
Thu 15 Jul
12:00 - 14:00 Play Readers
Thu 22 Jul
12:00 - 14:00 Creative Writing
£7 per session Location: Creative Learning Space
Dance Group: Perfect for dancers of any ability, this class is designed to enable attendees to explore different dance styles in a fun and supportive environment. Guaranteed to improve self-confidence, body strength, balance and general wellbeing. See mercurytheatre.co.uk for full listings and details
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Musical Theatre Dance Class
18+
Community Choir
18+
Come and meet those dancing feet!
Come sing with us!
Each week our experienced choreographer will teach routines inspired by hit musicals in our brand new dance studio.
Our Community Choir is an evening gettogether for adults of all ages with a song in their heart and a spring in their step!
Incorporating energetic warm-ups, routines from classic and contemporary shows, you will be introduced to various styles such as Modern Jazz, Latin, Hip Hop and many more.
In partnership with Essex Music Service and led by a professional chorus leader, the choir will offer participants an opportunity to sing a dynamic and diverse repertoire of songs with regular performances at special events in Colchester, at the Mercury and beyond.
Staying active whilst dancing to your favourite show tunes? Who could ask for anything more! And why not join us in the bar after? All dancers can receive a 10% discount on their first drink in our all new bar! Summer Term sessions: Thu 29 Jun
19:00 - 20:00
Thu 6 Jul
19:00 - 20:00
Thu 13 Jul
19:00 - 20:00
Thu 20 Jul
19:00 - 20:00
£5 per session Location: Dance Studio
Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just looking to have a great time and make friends through song – our Community Choir welcomes you. This is a weekly session for a period of four weeks, and the term dates are: Thu 1 Jul
19:00 - 21:00
Thu 8 Jul
19:00 - 21:00
Thu 15 Jul
19:00 - 21:00
Thu 22 Jul
19:00 - 21:00
£32 for the four-week term Location: Creative Learning Space We will then take a summer break and we look forward to welcoming you back for fortnightly sessions in September!
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See mercurytheatre.co.uk for full listings and details
Acting 101
18+
Interested in acting but don’t know where to start? Then this is the perfect course for you! Acting 101 is a 10-week programme designed as an introduction to the craft, or as a refresher for those that have taken a break from the stage. Our tutor will guide you through: • Effective physical and vocal exercises – designed to engage and develop your voice and posture. • Script Analysis – to help you better understand the dynamics of a scene, your character and their purpose. • Improvisation techniques – to build confidence, encourage spontaneity and strengthen connection. Throughout the course you will receive personalised feedback and guidance to support your development as an artist. No matter where you are on your journey this course will give you the confidence to tread the boards! If you’d like to attend a trial before committing to the whole course you can book for our taster session on Fri 2 July for £8.
Course Dates for this 10-week programme: Fri 2 Jul
19:00 - 21:00
Fri 9 Jul
19:00 - 21:00
Fri 16 Jul
19:00 - 21:00
Fri 23 Jul
19:00 - 21:00
Fri 30 Jul
19:00 - 21:00
Fri 6 Aug
19:00 - 21:00
Fri 13 Aug
19:00 - 21:00
Fri 20 Aug
19:00 - 21:00
Fri 27 Aug
19:00 - 21:00
Fri 3 Sep
19:00 - 21:00
£80 for 10-week course Location: Creative Learning Space
See mercurytheatre.co.uk for full listings and details
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18+ New this season is Lates, funded by Adeste+. Join us every weekend for a whole host of free, exciting after-hours events, including cabaret, jazz, comedy and more, all performed by talented top professional acts. See mercurytheatre.co.uk for full listings and details.
The Femmes | Sat 10 Jul | 9pm Oozing with Golden Age Hollywood Glamour, this trio of starlets whisk you back to the glory of the 1940s, take you through the years and bring vintage right up to date. With more fizz than a glass of champagne, these gals will ensure you jump and jive the night away!
West End Live | Sat 17 Jul | 9pm Join West End star Craig Mather for an evening of musical magic! Craig’s stage credentials include starring roles in Les Misérables, Sweeney Todd, The Wind in the Willows – as well as scene-stealing performances in Pieces of String and Jack and the Beanstalk here at the Mercury. Expect laughter, stunning vocals and brilliant backstage stories as each month we host an intimate evening with the sparkling stars of the West End.
Cocktail Cabaret | Sat 24 Jul | 9pm Join us for a brand new night championing local queer talent that promises to be entertaining, engaging and explosive! Expect splashes of drag, dashes of dance, sprinklings of comedy, drama, and poetry making up the cocktail for the night. Hosted by the King and Queen of Colchester, Cyro and Flick. 14
See mercurytheatre.co.uk for full listings and details
ARTIST DEVELOPMENT
Our Artist Development programmes support ground-breaking, east-based theatre-makers on their creative journey. Through a variety of exciting professional development opportunities and by providing time and space for researching, exploring and testing ideas, the programmes aim to nurture and grow the innovators of tomorrow.
You won’t want to miss Reads, a reoccurring series giving you the first glimpse at exciting new work in its developmental stages! An informal session which provides playwrights with an opportunity to hear their plays read aloud by actors in front of a supportive audience. We are thrilled to be able to present readings of fresh new writing from some of the East of England’s most exciting wordsmiths! Previous Reads have included work from Ava Pickett, Kenny Emson, Colchester playwright Paul T. Davies, Tom Ratcliffe, and the Olivier Award winning Morgan Lloyd Malcolm.
Connects is a regular rendezvous for arts professionals looking to make contacts, share ideas, brainstorm, collaborate, develop their careers, promote their work and chat with like-minded people about their passion, at the theatre. Come and join the discussion. Network with your peers. And Connect. Signing up to Connects will give you access to: • A monthly rendezvous that will give you a chance to meet each other and the Mercury team • A newsletter full of opportunities and information for local creatives • Resources and support from the Mercury Creative Engagement team Next Connects monthly meet up Thu 29 July | 19:30 | Free
How To How To is the Mercury’s very own series of masterclass style events with creative professionals from across the industry sharing their specialist skills and knowledge on a variety of topics.
How To – Write for Beginners | Tue 6 Jul | 19:30 | £6 Join Guleraana Mir, Executive Director of award-winning theatre company The Thelmas as she shares tips on how to write for beginners. See mercurytheatre.co.uk for full listings and details
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Ken Ludwig’s A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY
NEW SEASON ON SALE NOW mercurytheatre.co.uk 01206 573948 Balkerne Gate, Colchester CO1 1PT