What’s On Sep 2026 – Jan 2027
Hello!
We’re gearing up to round off a fabulous year with an exciting mix of literary favourites, new writing and festive fun!
This season, don’t miss Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, directed by RTST award-winner Lily Dyble, and our first collaboration with associate company, Fuse Theatre, The Only Brown Deaf Man in England.
This Christmas the creators of The Ho Ho Ho Christmas Show are back with their brand-new festive treat for little ones, The Boy That Got Turned into a Snowman and we’re delighted to bring back Santa’s Grotto with an all-new story and of course a chance to meet the man himself! Of course, our annual pantomime extravaganza returns – bigger, bolder, and more GIANT than ever before - as Mercury panto legends Antony Stuart-Hicks and Dale Superville star in Jack and the Beanstalk.
Also don’t forget our weekly Taking Part programme, offering plenty of opportunities for people of all ages to connect, create, and get involved. Head to page 24 to find out more.
Whether it’s for a coffee, a show, or to celebrate the festive season – we look forward to seeing you soon!
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 Theatre Colchester, Rose Theatre & Storyhouse co-production, in association with Northern Stage and supported by a grant from The Royal Theatrical Support Trust
Jane Eyre
Sat 26 Sep – Sat 10 Oct
“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me.”
One woman’s fight for a life that is worthy of her courage, and a love that is worthy of her heart.
Orphaned as a young girl, the passionate and sensitive Jane longs to escape the clutches of her cruel aunt.
Freedom beckons when she is offered the job of a governess in the house of the brooding and secretive Mr Rochester.
As intrigue turns to attraction, Jane finds herself drawn in by Rochester’s mercurial charm. But when the truth finally comes out, she will be forced to choose between the man she wants, and the woman she wants to be.
Nearly two centuries on, Charlotte Brontë’s groundbreaking story is as thrilling and relevant as ever in this bold production directed by 2025 RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award-winner Lily Dyble, based on Sally Cookson, Mike Akers and the original company’s trailblazing adaptation.
See website for times
Tickets from £15
Age Guidance 12+ Play
Jump straight to the show page
Thu 8 Oct 2:30pm Relaxed
Thu 8 Oct 7:30pm BSL Interpreted
Sat 10 Oct 1pm Touch Tour
Sat 10 Oct 2:30pm Audio Described
Sat 10 Oct 7:30pm Captioned
DEAF MAN IN ENGLAND
A Mercury Original in association with Camden People’s Theatre and in collaboration with Fuse Theatre
The Only Brown Deaf Man in England
Wed 14 – Sat 17 Oct
Written by & Starring Nadeem Islam
Directed by Harry Jardine
Movement Direction & Choreography by
Chris Fonseca
From 1970s Bangladesh - to Brick Lane - to the post-9/11 present, The Only Brown Deaf Man in England follows Rajkumar, a Deaf Bengali amateur batsman, as he navigates the chaos, comedy and contradictions of life in Britain - one ball at a time.
Fleeing genocide, dodging racists, losing loved ones, and somehow finding laughter in it all, Rajkumar plays each moment like a batsman at the crease - reading the spin, riding the bounce, and swinging when it counts. His story is funny, fierce, and deeply moving.
Told through a dynamic blend of British Sign Language and Visual Vernacular, the show transforms memory into vivid, cinematic storytelling - where whole worlds are built through the body, rhythm and imagination. It’s bold, inventive and visually striking, offering a rich theatrical experience for Deaf and hearing audiences alike. No prior knowledge of BSL is needed - the storytelling is immediate, intuitive, and universally felt.
The Only Brown Deaf Man in England was developed with the support of the National Theatre.
Play
See website for times
Tickets from £15
Age Guidance 14+
Jump straight to the show page
Chris Fonseca & Harry Jardine
A Mercury Production
Jack and the Beanstalk
Sat 21 Nov – Sun 17 Jan
This Christmas the Mercury Theatre present the pantomime spectacular you’ve all BEAN waiting for – Jack and the Beanstalk! Colchester panto legends Antony Stuart-Hicks and Dale Superville are back and ready to cause more mischief and mayhem in this GIANT adventure!
Join Jack, Trevor (Superville) and their Mum, Tilly (Stuart-Hicks) at Trott’s farm. Money is running low and when the ruthless landowner Augusta Bigbucks buys Trott’s farm for a steal, things get even more precarious! The family make the difficult decision to sell their beloved cow Pat at Culver Square market.
Then a giant beanstalk appears! And the town fears the ferocious giant will return to cause havoc. Will Jack be brave enough to climb up to Cloudland, defeat the giant and save Colchester before it’s too late?
Expect lots of laughter, marvellous music, spellbinding choreography and jaw-dropping sets in this unmissable festive extravaganza that promises fee-fi-fo-FUN for everyone!
See website for times
Tickets from £10
Family Shows: 5+
Adult Only: 18+
Jump straight to the show page
Thu 3 Dec 10:15am Relaxed
Sat 5 Dec 12:30pm Touch Tour
Sat 5 Dec 2pm Audio Described
Sat 5 Dec 7pm Captioned
Tue 5 - Sat 9 Jan
Adult Performances
Sat 9 Jan 7:30pm Adult & BSL Interpreted
Sun 10 Jan 12pm Relaxed & BSL Interpreted
Tue 12 - Fri 15 Jan
Adult Performances
Sat 16 Jan 2pm Captioned
Sat 16 Jan 5:30pm Touch Tour
Sat 16 Jan 7pm
Audio Described
Pantomime
Sat 5 Dec – Thu 24 Dec
See website for times | £15 | All ages Family
After last year’s incredible response to our Santa’s Grotto, the big man returns to the Mercury with an all-new interactive storytelling experience for 2026!
Join us for a heart-warming festive adventure as you and your group journey to Lapland, where the magic of Christmas comes alive in Santa’s cosy grotto.
Gather round for a delightful interactive experience with Santa himself, as he prepares for the big night on December 24th. He is full of festive cheer and ready to meet his young visitors. Once the story has ended, each family will then have the chance to meet him one-on-one for a photo and receive a magical gift - making it a seasonal outing to be remembered.
Sat 5 Dec – Sun 3 Jan
See website for times | £11 – £15 | 3+ Family
Meet our hero Jasper on a magical adventure into a winter wonderland!
Staring at his snow globe Jasper eventually dozes off as his radio plays… He awakes to discover that he’s turned into a snowman and arrived in a sparkling landscape.
Jasper has a great time exploring this snowy world, however it’s not long before he must solve a mystery and team up with new arctic friends.
From the creative team behind The Ho Ho Ho Christmas Show and The Ho Ho Ho Mrs Christmas Show comes a brand new production for 2026 about friendship, resilience and embracing change, that the whole family can enjoy together.
Join us for magic, crazy characters and amazing puppetry in the world of a snow globe!
Tue 8 Sep Music
Give Me The Night - A Tribute to George Benson
7:30pm | £30 – £34 | 8+
Get ready and step into the golden age of soul and jazz, as world-renowned singer and musician Nat Augustin pays homage to the legendary brilliance of George Benson. Feel the euphoria and be mesmerised by the great vocals, superb guitar playing with his phenomenal band celebrating the multimillionselling hits. If you love George Benson this is the night you’ve been waiting for, so come sing and dance along to George Benson’s classic gems. Presented by Chic n Soul.
Fri 11 Sep Music
The Bohemians - A Tribute to
Queen
7:30pm | £23.50 – £27.50 | All ages
The UK’s longest running and internationally renowned Queen tribute band take you on a high-energy roller-coaster ride of a concert, featuring the music, costumes, and showmanship of one of the world’s most popular and iconic rock acts of all time.
Whether it’s Killer Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody or We Are the Champions, you’ll be on your feet, singing, dancing and clapping along at this truly memorable live re-enactment.
Wed 9 Sep Music
The Mersey Beatles
7:30pm | £28.50 – £30.50 | All ages (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult)
The world’s favourite Liverpool-born tribute to The Beatles are back with an all-new show for 2026. The Mersey Beatles have been rocking sold-out audiences around the globe since 1999. Their unforgettable shows take you on a sensational ride through Beatlemania and the melodic wonder and energy of the Fab Four’s later work. New for 2026 – The Mersey Beatles celebrate the 60th anniversary of the groundbreaking Revolver album and the hits of 1966.
Grab a fancy gin, locally brewed beer or a freshly cooked meal before the show!
Open all day before a show 10am-Late
Sat 12 Sep Music
Crooners Uncaged
7:30pm | £27 – £29.50 | All ages
Superbly original, utterly hilarious & thoroughly entertaining, Crooners is the original comedy music show combining hilarious one liners, laugh out loud silliness and a splendiferous injection of big band swing.
Featuring their outrageous big band, watch them weave their way through an impressive back catalogue of hits, including Come Fly With Me, Fly Me to the Moon, Mack the Knife and many, many more...
Wed 14 Oct Comedy
Scummy Mummies - Hot Mess
7:30pm | £24 – £27 | 18+
MUMS’ NIGHT OUT!
Helen and Ellie are BACK with a brand-new comedy show that will have you laughing till you wee. From menopause to mansplaining, teenagers to Tinder, no subject is safe. Featuring brand new songs, sketches, standup, and of course, sparkly new catsuits.
Bring your mates, bring your mum, bring your partner if they’re feeling brave enough... It’s a big Scummy party!
Thu 17 - Sun 20 Sep Musical
CO2 - We Will Rock You
See website for times | £18 – £27.50 | 10+
Get ready to rock out with Colchester Operatic Society Second Edition (CO2) and their next production of We Will Rock You, the electrifying jukebox musical that’s taken the world by storm! Featuring over 20 of Queen’s greatest hits – including Bohemian Rhapsody, Somebody to Love, Don’t Stop Me Now, and, of course, We Will Rock You – this futuristic musical delivers a high-energy, feel-good night of unforgettable music and rebellion.
Set in a dystopian future where live music is banned and individuality is crushed, We Will Rock You follows a group of young rebels – the Bohemians – as they fight to bring back free thought, fashion, and rock ‘n’ roll.
Packed with laughter, rebellion, and rock anthems that shake the rafters, We Will Rock You is a musical celebration of freedom, identity, and the power of music to change the world. Are you ready... to break free?
Thu 15 – Fri 16 Oct Comedy
An Evening of Eric & Ern
7:30pm | £27.50 – £32.50 | 8+
Celebrate the Centenary year of the nation’s favourite comedy legends, Morecambe & Wise!
From the Olivier nominated duo behind the hugely celebrated critically acclaimed West End hit Eric & Little Ern. Join us for a brilliant homage crammed full of renditions of those famous comedy sketches, that hit all the right notes!
“A nostalgic evening of expertly performed classic comedy” British Theatre Guide
From Greig’s Piano concerto to Mr. Memory, and “Arsenal!” It’s an evening full of Morecambe and Wise’s most loved routines, songs and sketches. This wonderful show evokes memories of times when whole families would huddle around the TV to watch those fantastic Christmas specials. You’ll feel you’ve experienced the real thing and been taken back to a world of sunshine and laughter.
As seen on The One Show (BBC1) and The Alan Titchmarsh Show (ITV).
★★★★★ “Full of happiness, joy and sunshine” Manchester Theatres
Sat 17 Oct Music
The Dolly Show
7:30pm | £28 – £31 | All ages
As seen on TV and the West End - Kelly O’Brien is the world’s number one Dolly Parton tribute.
This theatrical concert experience, complete with live band, spans Dolly’s musical legacy from the 1960s to present day, with hits including Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream, and I Will Always Love You, as well as heatfelt storytelling, laughter, and Dolly’s signature warmth.
“The world’s no 1. Dolly Parton tribute.” The Daily Mail
Tue 20 Oct Dance
Adam Garcia’s Emerald Storm
7:30pm | £28.50 – £38.50 | All ages (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult)
When Riverdance and Stomp collide, a storm is born!
Produced by and starring for the first time, Adam Garcia (Coyote Ugly, Saturday Night Fever) leads this boundary-breaking production, fusing the fire of Irish dance with the grit of urban tap in a high-impact night of rhythm and spectacle. Featuring Britain’s Got Talent finalist Tom Ball performing live, the show blends dance, music and voice into one driving, immersive experience.
Thu 22 Oct Comedy
Flo & Joan - With Feeling
7:30pm | £30.50 | 16+
The time has come for critically acclaimed musical comedy duo Flo & Joan to write another bio. The pair will try and take up as much of the stage and as little of your patience as possible.
As seen on Live at the Apollo, The Royal Variety Performance, Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day Live 2023 and their own comedy special Alive on Stage for Amazon Prime.
★★★★★ “brilliantly written, superbly performed” The Stage
Need some space?
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
Fri 23 Oct Music
Rob Kingsley - A Vision of Elvis
7:30pm | £25 – £33 | 8+
Put on your blue suede shoes and come celebrate the music of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll with the UK’s supreme Elvis, Rob Kingsley, and his talented cast.
This breath-taking recreation of a live Elvis Presley concert takes you on an epic audiovisual journey through time. Including hits like It’s Now or Never, Burning Love, In the Ghetto, Suspicious Minds, The Wonder Of You and many more.
Sun 25 Oct Comedy
Rhys James: Chop Logic
7:30pm | £22.50 | 14+
Rhys has made a discovery that could fix everything. It’s been staring him in the face the whole time, in a mirror held behind his head. If he can ignore his own problems for long enough, he might just be able to solve yours. A fast, forensic show of big ideas and gag-dense overthinking from one of the nation’s sharpest stand-ups.
Star of TLC’s Mock The Week and BBC Radio 4’s Rhysearch, also seen furrowing his brow on QI and Live At The Apollo.
Tue 27 Oct Comedy
Andy Hamilton’s Night to Remember
7:30pm | £25 – £27.50 | 16+
In an evening of non-stop comedy, Andy Hamilton will do his best to recall the nights to remember from his own life, as a writer, performer, producer, director, failed quiz show contestant, choir boy, under-rated footballer and cartoon elephant dentist.
Get ready to enjoy an entertaining, thoughtful, but above all very funny evening with a veteran master of comedy.
Wed 28 Oct Music
Reflections - The Musical Legacy of Diana Ross
7:30pm | £27.50 – £33 | All ages
Hailing from the USA, Tameka Jackson is the most authentic tribute to Diana Ross, which has made her the official number 1 and most sought-after tribute worldwide.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to Diana’s magic, this show promises an exhilarating concert experience. Don’t miss your chance to relive the glory and glamour of Diana Ross. Get your tickets now!
Thu 29 – Fri 30 Oct Play
The Void
7:30pm | £25 – £27.50 | 13+
Dare you enter a world infected by fear?
Eight million miles from Earth, a mysterious distress call crackles through the ether and draws Flint, a haunted space ranger, towards the Odyssey – an ageing research vessel in the grip of a nightmare. Boarding the craft, he finds a failing ship, a missing crew, and a deadly force running out of control…
The Void is a chilling sci-fi horror created for the stage by Ryan Simons depicting a decaying future of desperate humans, all-seeing AI, and memories of a distant, dangerous past. Combining powerful illusions, atmospheric projections and a creeping sense of dread, this story asks… what are you afraid of?
★★★★★ “Completely gripping from the first moment” Hull is This
★★★★ “Theatre at its best” What’s Good To Do
Sat 31 Oct Music
An Evening from the West EndHeroes & Villains
7:30pm | £25 – £30 | 12+
Five West End stars. Legendary characters. One wickedly good night.
Step into a thrilling Halloween spectacular as Heroes & Villains brings together an extraordinary line-up of West End stars for a night celebrating the greatest good guys and most deliciously wicked villains from stage & screen. Expect powerful performances, dramatic showstoppers and a few devilish surprises along the way.
Hosted by special guest Antony Stuart-Hicks the line-up includes Craig Mather, Hugh Maynard, Jaimie Pruden, Rosie Mather and Vivien Carter. Whether you’re cheering for the heroes or secretly rooting for the villains, this is a Halloween night at the theatre you won’t want to miss.
Costumes encouraged and thrills guaranteed!
Sun 1 Nov Music
Money for Nothing
7:30pm | £29.50 – £32.50 | 14+ (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult)
A tribute to Dire Straits like no other before. Performing Money for Nothing, Sultans of Swing, So Far Away and many more muchloved classics drawn from six platinum albums.
Featuring all their legendary hits, audiences are treated to those soaring guitar solos and instantly recognisable riffs by an incredibly talented band in a musical encounter you will never forget.
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
Tue 3 Nov Music
Rave On - The Ultimate 50s & 60s Experience
7:30pm | £28.50 | All ages
Back for another year, jam-packed with more classic hits than ever before, enjoy note perfect renditions of the most loved sounds from the decades that gifted us rock and roll.
An exhilarating evening of toe-tapping, sing-along iconic classics, vibrant vintage costumes, colourful staging and dancing in the aisles. Featuring hits from the likes of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Little Richard, Lulu and many more.
Fri 6 Nov Comedy
Comedy Club on the Road
7:30pm | £22.50 – £26 | 18+
Join The Official Comedy Club, known for producing top comedy shows for over three decades, for a relaxed, high-quality night of live stand-up laughter locally. See four acclaimed comedians from television and online, each offering distinctively humorous perspectives on life, with expert timing, and confident delivery. Set after Bonfire Night, it’s an explosive comedy fix without the loud bangs to make you jump and no damp squibs in sight!
Thu 5 Nov Music
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club The Ronnie Scott’s Story
7:30pm | £27.50 – £30.50 | All ages
Direct from London’s world-famous jazz club and combining world-class live jazz, narration, rare archive photos, and video footage, Ronnie Scott’s All Stars take to the stage to celebrate the ‘The Ronnie Scott’s Story’. Mixing classic music from the jazz greats who have performed at Ronnie Scott’s, alongside tales of old Soho, miscreant musicians, and police raids, this is a truly unique evening celebrating one of the world’s most famous venues.
Sat 7 Nov Music
Streisand Woman in Love
7:30pm | £25.50 – £29.50 | 18+
The only show of its kind in the UK celebrating the musical genius and unrivalled vocal talent of one of the world’s most iconic and adored artistes of our generation, Barbra Streisand.
Critically acclaimed for her amazing performance as Streisand, Keeley Smith (from ITV’s Starstruck Final) stars in this stunning show which fuses all the TIMELESS film, musical theatre and chart classics with a full orchestral sound.
Comedy Crackers
7:30pm | £32.50 | 14+
Off The Kerb has sled-loads of good cheer to share this Christmas.
Comedy Crackers is a perfectly-wrapped night of comedy taking place at the Mercury Theatre for one night only, featuring household names Rich Hall, Dane Buckley, Dinesh Nathan, Chantel Nash and Elliot Steel!
Get your tickets, and start your festive season with a bang.
Line up is subject to change. Wed 9 Dec
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.
Thu 28 Jan - Sat 6 Feb Musical
COS: Sunset Boulevard
See website for times | £18 – £27.50 | 12+
Set in 1950s Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard follows the story of Joe Gillis, a struggling screenwriter who becomes entangled with Norma Desmond, a former silent film star living in seclusion. As Norma’s obsession with reclaiming her past glory grows, and Joe becomes closer to her, dark consequences start to occur.
Exploring fame, obsession, love, and the exploitative nature of the film industry, this timeless musical will have your heart racing with its spine-tingling music and on the edge of your seat with its drama.
Take a trip to the Mercury Theatre to watch this enthralling story come alive onstage performed by the award-winning Colchester Operatic Society. Featuring well-known songs such as The Perfect Year, As If We Never Said Goodbye and With One Look, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s soaring score is sure to set your heart alight!
An amateur production by arrangement with LW Entertainment Limited.
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!
Fri 11 Sep, Fri 9 Oct
The Comedy Network
8pm | £14.50 | 16+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Book all three 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.
Thu 10 Sep Thu 24 - Sat 26 Sep Comedy Play
Menopause Party
7pm | £16.50 | 16+
Meet Dolly Slateman, an Essex East End pub landlady on a menopause mission. Leaving the pub for the night, she celebrates wherever she finds you, navigating midlife through her hilarious alter egos – Dr Meena Poors, Judge Mental and Boudilicious. With audience interaction, big laughs and heartfelt moments, Menopause Party Live invites you to share your own experiences in this bold, funny and uplifting one-woman show.
Dracula Begins
8pm | £18.50 | 14+
Bram Stoker arrives in Whitby to lick his theatrical wounds inflicted by the great Victorian actor of his generation Sir Henry Irving. While there he begins collecting local myths and legends which he hopes will form his first literary work. Then he meets Lucy and everything changes. Love, tragedy and revenge all boil over in this Gothic melting pot as Bram remembers where it all started, and ponders how it might end.
Presented by Castle Park Theatre, directed by Neil D’Arcy-Jones.
Colchester Fringe Festival returns to the city this October with more fun, bold and extraordinary performances. Stay tuned for the Mercury Studio line-up coming to our website soon!
Join us in the Studio for Mercury Reads - a chance to watch rehearsed readings of new plays, spotlighting the work of playwrights from our region, which are free to attend. Head to our website and book your tickets now!:
Sat 8 Aug – Trialling Bou(dica) by Jess Ashley and Bone Dice by Freddie Machin
Fri 14 Aug – Atomic Kitchen by
Tim Mac
Fri 2 Oct Play
Crush
7pm | £15 | 14+
As featured in Vogue, this British-Somali romcom is sure to warm your heart and hit you right in the feels.
A clinic waiting room. Two Somali teens. One awkward meet-cute. Najma has been in treatment for years. Zakariya’s just starting out. She sketches. He writes poems. Neither of them is ready to talk. Until they meet each other.
Crush is a tender, funny and honest story about identity, connection and the messy path to healing.
Sat 3 Oct Family
The Spooky Magic Show
See website for times | £14.50 | 4+
The creative team behind our much-loved festive studio shows The Ho Ho Ho Christmas Show and The Ho Ho Ho Mrs Christmas Show bring an all-new family adventure, perfect for spooky season!
Rufus the Dog has taken Uncle Cadabra’s powerful magic wand and hidden in the attic. Accidentally Rufus has caused the whole audience to be magically transported there too.
It is up to sorcerer Sam, and helpers in the audience, to make a magic spell that will get everyone home!
A magical story for young families, which is spooky but not scary. With lots of fun, illusions, puppets and joining in!
Tue 6 Oct Play
Fire Fire
7pm | £14.50 | 12+
Eddie is holding a memorial for his brother. Paige closes the road to it in a climate protest. Insults are traded then they expect never to see each other again. But they do. Again and again. Until there’s no option but to take action together.
Fire Fire is an exciting, moving drama by Mercury Playwright John Webber, about people taking big risks to protest, people who love to hate them, and how some people discover they have a deeper purpose in common.
Thu 8 Oct Play
Lightstreams
7pm | £16.50 | 14+
Maurice and Hermia, a migrant married couple make their home in the UK. During a period of global crisis Maurice is forced to choose between his family and having to live in the care home where he works.
A passionate play by Mary Mazzilli inspired by real life testimonies voices the human stories behind migration when the world is against them.
Wed 7 Oct Play
That Knave, Raleigh
7pm | £16.50 | 12+
The award-winning Dyad Productions are back, and returning to the Elizabethan era. To the famous and fabulous explorer, sailor, dandy, and warrior, Sir Walter Raleigh. Elizabeth I’s favourite and James I’s knave.
Father, husband, writer, poet, adventurer, philosopher, soldier, tyrant, lover, traitor, alchemist, visionary, victim. This is a journey through the astonishing highs and lows of one of Britain’s most famous historical figures. But there’s so much you don’t know…
Are you a creative based in the east of England? Want to develop and grow your creative business/practice? Keep an eye on our website for upcoming workshops, sessions and Masterclasses running at our Theatre and across our partner venues in Essex and beyond. You can also join our Mercury Creatives Directory! Set up your free profile today and open yourself up to new artistic opportunities! Scan here to find out more
Fri 30 Oct – Sat 7 Nov
See website for times | £21.50 | 16+
“Welcome to this, our temple of bliss, our theatre of the depraved.”
In these dying days of the 19th Century, let The Mistress and her company of outcasts take you on a journey into the darkest depths of the human heart. Every sordid detail of Oscar Wilde’s classic tale is presented in musical form for your delight and delectation.
But our performance tonight comes with a warning! As you travel into the soul of this cruel and heartless creature, you might just discover at its centre lies a mirror that shows you your own.
This world premiere production is presented by Louche Bouche Productions, from the writer of the sell-out smash-hit Liberty Hall (Mercury Theatre Studio, 2025).
Musical
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!
5-17s
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 £105 - £119 per term*
MYC Musical Theatre
12-17s
Run by West End professionals and experienced performers, this weekly dynamic class provides young people with an introduction to musical theatre. Each term we explore songs and create ensemble numbers that explore how to integrate the singing, dance and acting techniques needed to perform on the West End stage.
See website for dates, Saturdays 2-4pm £140 per term*
Tots Twinkles & Stars
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
MYC
Mercury Adult Company
18+
Mercury Adult Company (MAC) is a weekly practical and innovative theatre group for anyone aged 18+ with a shared passion for creating exciting theatre – both on-stage and behind the scenes. MAC take part in regular, professionally produced performance opportunities and have the chance to explore a range of bold texts varying from Shakespeare to Caryl Churchill and many more.
Whether you are a beginner or seasoned performer – if you want to express yourself, perform, laugh, meet new people and develop creative skills, we want to create with you!
See website for dates, Thursdays 7-9pm
£122.50 per term
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 £8 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?
Why not join us for a drink afterwards? All dancers receive a 10% discount on their first drink in our café bar.
See website for dates, Tuesdays, 6:15pm-7:15pm £6.75 per session 18+
Zumba Gold ®
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 £7.50 per session
Education at the Mercury
Working with the education sector and young people.
Each year we work across the region with learners of all ages and a diverse range of educators spanning the sector, who benefit from the transformative power of theatre in their school and local community.
Our aim is to provide young people with the opportunity to develop skills in creativity, collaboration and communication through our
extensive education offer with a firm focus on interactive, inclusive and engaging activities.
For a full overview of activities and events we can offer for schools and teachers, scan the QR code below.
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
Access Sponsor
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 £3.70. 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.
