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WHATâ€™S ON GUIDE AUTUMN / WINTER 2016

Call 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

STORY SHARING MEMORY MAKING LIFE CHANGING MERCURY RISING Transforming the Mercury Theatre • A bigger, lighter Front of House with much more space and a new roof terrace • More toilets, two new lifts, improved access for disabled people • All-day café with spaces to meet and work – plug in and recharge! • Fully accessible and flexible spaces for community activities • Improved backstage facilities to create even better theatre • New spaces for talent development 2

We’re growing

Support Mercury Rising

With audiences growing by a huge 17% in the last year, the Mercury Theatre is at a tipping point – a moment of opportunity which will mean major improvements for you, your family and friends, and the artistic community in Essex in the years to come.

Go to mercurytheatre.co.uk/rising to find out how you can make a donation, offer your time, or even leave a legacy.

We’re raising £8.7m to completely rebuild large parts of the Mercury Theatre by 2020, making the building and surrounding area a place you can visit any time of day, all year round – and when you do visit, you’ll be able to see more of what happens behind the scenes than ever before.

Make an additional donation when buying tickets – tell us it’s for the Mercury Rising campaign, and opt in to Gift Aid which adds 25p to every £1 you donate, at no cost to you! Join us on Saturday 3 September from 11am for our local campaign launch, to look at the plans in more detail, take part in a workshop or tour the building!

With support from Arts Council England, Colchester Borough Council and Essex County Council we’ve already raised £7m, now we have £1.7m to go!

LOW PRICES, GREAT VALUE Most of our ticket prices have been frozen for the past two years, but costs have been rising, so this brochure includes some small increases, usually of 50p or £1.

To help create a new Mercury for Colchester and Essex, most tickets now also include a £1 restoration levy. This small increase will make a huge difference, raising almost £150,000 per year for the Mercury Rising campaign. Thank you.

If you are already a Gold season ticket holder you can add Much Ado About Nothing or Sweeney Todd to your Gold Ticket for just £13.33 (£12 for over 60s) per show – call us on 01206 573948.

– L U 29 J

G U A 21

Based on the Novel by Kenneth Grahame Book by

Willis Hall

KIDS & s OVER 60 £11

With Dale Superville (Wishee Washee in Aladdin, Centipede in James and the Giant Peach) as Toad

BOOK NOW AT MERCURYTHEATRE.CO.UK OR CALL 01206 573948

LIVE MUSIC

Mark Lundquist & Nicole Barden of MLM Concerts Ltd. present

THE JOHNNY CASH ROADSHOW Mon 19 Sep

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm The only show to be endorsed by the Cash family! Welcome back The Johnny Cash Roadshow featuring respected singer/songwriter Clive John. Also now an even bigger show than ever, introducing the ‘Carter Sisters’ and brass section the ‘JC Horns’ accompanied by emotive screen visuals. This is simply the best celebration of Johnny Cash in the world. “Clive’s resemblance is uncanny” Rosanne Cash, daughter of Johnny Cash “Extraordinary concert” Daily Record and Sunday Mail

TALK

LIVE MUSIC

Lakin McCarthy present

Roman River Music presents

Tue 20 Sep

Wed 21 Sep

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm TV presenter Joe Swift digs deep to reveal his fascinating story from his Rock ‘n’ Roll youth to becoming one of the country’s top Garden Designers. Hear what really happens behind the scenes at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Gardeners’ World, and find out what it takes to get a Chelsea Show Gold Medal!

3pm & 8pm FITKIN String Quartet

JOE SWIFT - A MAN ABOUT THE GARDEN

His TV credits include Gardeners’ World, and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and he is a regular columnist for The Times and Gardeners’ World magazine.

Recommended for 14+yrs

Joe will share all this with you, taking questions on his life and career, but warns that answering questions on dead plants isn’t going to be top of his list!

£23.50 (incl. £1 restoration levy)

£17 (incl. £1 restoration levy)

QUARTET IN THE DARK

STUDIO THEATRE

BEETHOVEN String Quartet No. 14 in C-sharp minor Op. 131 As part of the 2016 Roman River Music Festival, the dynamic young Sacconi Quartet, resident throughout Colchester Week, give an intimate and intense performance of this dramatic late-Beethoven String Quartet from memory in the dark and half-light of the recently-refurbished Mercury Studio. Preceded by Graham Fitkin’s intriguing String Quartet, which the composer himself describes as ‘unusual’. www.romanrivermusic.org.uk Performed in the dark. Recommended for 8+yrs

£18 - £12 / £6 UNDER 30s 5

TALK

Clive Conway Productions present

Sweeney Entertainments present

AN AUDIENCE WITH IAN LAVENDER AND CHRIS SERLE

Starring Ben and his incredible band & dancers

DON’T TELL HIM PIKE!

JACKSON: LIVE IN CONCERT

COMEDY

Off the Kerb present

MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE: WHY THE LONG FACE?

Wed 21 Sep

Thu 22 Sep

Fri 23 Sep

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Dad’s Army is one of the top TV comedy shows of all time, delighting audiences of 18 million between 1968-1977. The exploits of the hapless Capt. Mainwaring and his inept Home Guard platoon are still shown all over the world, including the recent Dad’s Army feature film.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Ben’s portrayal of Michael Jackson in his prime has to be the most vocally and visually accurate tribute to the King of Pop to have ever toured UK theatres. Ben is joined on the stage by his incredible band and dancers who work their way through all the hits. He’s got the look, the moonwalk and the voice! His renditions of Thriller, Beat It and Billie Jean are truly sensational. Jackson: Live in Concert features all-live vocals and superb musicians and dancers, fabulous costumes and of course all the signature dance moves associated so fondly with the undisputed King of Pop. Pure MJ!

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm I was born with a long face and now there’s UKIP, Putin, being single, Islamic State, George Osborne, tax dodging corporations and the bloody election and did I mention being single?

Ian Lavender starred in the original Dad’s Army as Private Pike, whose mum made him wear a scarf “to protect him from the croup”. He shares with writer and broadcaster Chris Serle a generous helping of anecdotes about making the series and about life on location with his fellow soldiers.

£18.50 (incl. £1 restoration levy) 6

LIVE MUSIC

One of Britain’s finest comedians, Marcus’s talent was noted early on when he won the BBC New Comedian Award (Edinburgh Festival). He is now regarded as a major comedy, writing and acting talent, performing nationally to sell out audiences around the UK and at international comedy festivals. “I’ve yet to see anything funnier” Daily Telegraph Contains strong language and adult content Recommended for 14+yrs

£26 (incl. £1 restoration levy)

£17 (incl. £1 restoration levy)

LIVE MUSIC

FOOD @ THE MERCURY

COMEDY

2016

COLCHESTER

COMEDY FESTIVAL

COLCHESTER MILITARY WIVES CHOIR

RBM presents

Sat 24 Sep

Mon 3 Oct

2.30pm & 7.30pm A musical extravaganza!

MAIN THEATRE

Following on from Gareth Malone’s success, the Colchester Military Wives Choir goes from strength to strength. 2015 saw the choir perform at the Dominion Theatre, London, alongside the country’s top military musicians and the best of the West End, raising thousands for Help the Heroes. Earlier this year, the choir was honoured to share the stage with LULU as she embarked on a UK wide tour. The choir was represented by several of our members, singing as part of a nationwide Military Wives Choir at Carnegie Hall, New York.

MILES JUPP: SONGS OF FREEDOM MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Astronauts. Regrets. The sexes. Social media. Hipsters. Poo. Rage. Medicine. Manners. Identity. Lost stuff. Other stuff. Miles Jupp (stand-up, actor, writer, thinker, father, husband, worrier, fool, star of Rev. and host of The News Quiz) hits the road in a freshly-ironed shirt and some robust trousers and tries to make some bloody sense of it all. Recommended for 16+yrs

Recommended for 12+yrs

£13 (incl. £1 restoration levy)

£19 (incl. £1 restoration levy)

DINNER AND A SHOW AT FOOD @ THE MERCURY Add a two or three course meal to your booking when you buy your tickets. Already bought your tickets and would like to add a meal? Please call our friendly team on 01206 573948. 7

MADE IN COLCHESTER SEASON 2016

COMEDY DRAMA

FRI 30 SEP – SAT 15 OCT Performance times pages 34 & 35

MAIN THEATRE

The war is over. The boys are coming home, and the girls can’t wait for a summer of games to begin!

And what is true love, anyway? Is all the romance and heartache just much ado about nothing?

The most talked-about young soldier, Claudio, falls instantly for innocent and beautiful Hero (the daughter of his Garrison commander!). Brilliant Beatrice and ladies’ man Benedick, pick up where they left off – warring with wit and words.

Director Pia Furtado’s saucy new production of Shakespeare’s comic battle of the sexes is staged in contemporary Essex.

As the soldiers return to civilian life, everyone seems to want to scheme – friends and enemies alike. Can Beatrice and Benedick be fooled into falling in love with one another? Can everyone’s favourite “perfect” couple – Claudio and Hero – be made to doubt their love and be taken down a peg or two?

Director Pia Furtado Designer Camilla Clarke Lighting Designer Jack Knowles Composer Rebecca Applin Movement Director Temujin Gill Casting Director Marc Frankum CDG Assistant Director Amy Trigg * *Three-month placement at Colchester Mercury Theatre through the Regional Theatre Young Director Scheme

Recommended for 13+yrs Approximate running time 2hrs 30minutes, including interval

Thu 6 Oct

1.30pm

Seniors’ Matinee pre-show talk

Sat 8 Oct

11am

Backstage Tour

Tue 11 Oct

7.30pm

Post-show Talk

CAP Thu 13 Oct

7.30pm

Captioned Performance

1pm

Touch Tour

2.30pm

Audio Described

Sat 15 Oct

AD Sat 15 Oct

£27 - £12 & DISCOUNTS (incl. £1 restoration levy). £12 PREVIEW PERFORMANCES ON 30 SEP & 1 OCT (7.30PM)

DRAMA

COMEDY

2016

COLCHESTER

COMEDY FESTIVAL

Colchester Comedy Festival present

Nimble Fish presents

Wed 5, Wed 12 & Thu 13 Oct

Sat 8 Oct

COLCHESTER NEW COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR

STUDIO THEATRE

8pm

Ten of the best new local comedians show off their comedy skills hoping to win a place in this year’s grand final. Come and vote for your favourites!

WED 5 OCT: HEAT 1

WED 12 OCT: HEAT 2

THU 13 OCT: HEAT 3

With headliner Carly Smallman

With headliner Jason Patterson

With headliner Charmian Hughes

“Smallman already has the presence of a 20-year comedy veteran. Her delightful appearance and cheery persona juxtaposed with wonderfully filthy songs make her the most exciting female act in the country right now” GQ Magazine

“Jason Patterson absolutely sounds the part. He’s got a rich, deep voice that oozes confidence, and a perfectly measured delivery that gives him instant authority” Chortle

“Charming ribaldry” The Guardian

£8 & DISCOUNTS PER HEAT (incl. £1 restoration levy) 10

“Obviously talented” Telegraph “A joy to watch” The Scotsman

LOST IN BLUE

STUDIO THEATRE 8pm A man, deep in a coma, hides out in his bedroom of Vincent Van Gogh while his teenage daughter struggles to understand her part in the accident that put him there. Paintings, pigeon racing and a family about to implode meet in this vital, gripping story, told using innovative sound technology and gatecrashed by Vincent himself. Moving and funny, Lost in Blue is a dynamic fusion of spoken word and performance storytelling created and performed by Dens Newbold, Storyteller for Shakespeare’s Globe, and directed by John Wright, co-founder of Told by an Idiot. Contains strong language and drug references

Recommended for 16+yrs

Recommended for 15+yrs

£13.50 (incl. £1 restoration levy)

PHYSICAL THEATRE

COMEDY

LIVE MUSIC

2016

COLCHESTER

COMEDY FESTIVAL

Off the Kerb present

RICH HALL LIVE 2016 Sun 9 Oct MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Rich Hall (Have I Got News For You, QI, Live at the Apollo) is an Emmy-Award-winning comedian whose grouchy, deadpan style has established him as a master of absurdist irony and the king of rapid-fire wit. The Montana native renowned for his expertly-crafted tirades, quick-fire banter with audiences and delightful musical sequences, saddles up and hitches his wagon to tour the British Isles once again. Hall has been described as a transatlantic messenger lampooning each country he visits with his common sense, and he is no less harsh to his homeland. “A comedy phenomenon” The Sun Contains adult content. Recommended for 14+yrs

£17 (incl. £1 restoration levy)

Fool’s Cap Theatre present

THE UNPARALLELED ADVENTURE OF ONE HANS PFAALL

Easytheatres present

ISLANDS IN THE STREAM The music of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers

Fri 14 - Sat 15 Oct

Mon 17 Oct

STUDIO THEATRE 8pm The fantastical story of a man escaping to the Moon on board a giant gas balloon. Where is the limit of the (im)possible? Hans Pfaall embarks on a solitary voyage with no guarantee of return.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Celebrating the queen and king of country, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers.

Adapted from Edgar Allan Poe’s tale, this multimedia solo performance mixes physicality, video projection, ad hoc-composed score and steampunk-inspired costumes to create a fascinating portrait of perseverance and rebirth. “Polished in every aspect” Everything Theatre

Stacked with country music’s greatest hits: Jolene, Ruby, 9 to 5, Lucille, Here You Come Again, The Gambler, I Will Always Love You, Coward of the County, Love is Like a Butterfly and Lady. Leave your 9 to 5 worries at the door... and sail away to another world... with the all-new thigh-slapping stage show blockbuster of 2016.

“It’s certainly a fascinating piece of work which keeps the audience drawn in” Views from the Gods Recommended for 7+yrs

Recommended for 14+yrs

£13 / £9 CHILD & DISCOUNTS

£26 - £11 (incl. £1 restoration levy)

(incl. £1 restoration levy)

COMEDY

Richard Darbourne Ltd presents the Two Bit Classics production of

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Jane Austen. Adapted by Joannah Tincey; directed by Abigail Anderson

NEW TALENT

Mercury Theatre Colchester’s Learning and Participation team presents

STILL I RISE

Nottingham Playhouse Theatre Company presents

TONY’S LAST TAPE by Andy Barrett

Tue 18 Oct

Wed 19 Oct

Thu 20 Oct

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm A highly praised and sparkling interpretation of one of the most loved and romantic stories of all time, this is a must for Austen fans and those looking for a fresh and surprising new piece of theatre. Fast and very funny – this chance to catch the five Bennett sisters and the whole world of Austen brought to life by just two actors is a treat not to be missed.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm A showcase of talented young performers from schools across East Anglia.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm (75 minutes, no interval) Tony Benn (Philip Bretherton) sits in a room faced with a collection of recording devices amassed throughout his eventful life. For more than fifty years he has recorded everything that has happened to him and, as the years have passed, so the burden of this documentation has grown. Today, he has decided to make his last tape.

“A uniquely theatrical experience... an acting tour de force” ★★★★★ Oxford Times “Witty, engaging and not to be missed” A Younger Theatre

Mercury Theatre’s Learning and Participation team have invited schools from across East Anglia to present innovative and challenging performances using dance, drama and music inspired by the poem ‘Still I Rise’ by Maya Angelou. The groups have been supported in their creative process by theatre makers and practitioners from the Mercury Theatre.

Presented in association with Preston Guildhall

£20.50 - £11 (incl. £1 restoration levy) 12

DRAMA

£7 (incl. £1 restoration levy)

This critically acclaimed play examines the struggle of a man who realises that maybe it’s time to withdraw from the fight, but just doesn’t know how. “Warm, sweet and consistently funny” ★★★★ The Observer Contains smoking. Recommended for 14+yrs

£16 & DISCOUNTS (incl. £1 restoration levy)

DRAMA

DANCE

Untold Arts presents

BalletBoyz presents

by Hannah Khalil Directed by Audrey Sheffield

Co-produced by Sadler’s Wells in association with artsdepot.

Thu 20 - Fri 21 Oct

Fri 21 - Sat 22 Oct

STUDIO THEATRE 8pm It is Bedford. 2016. A time you will know but a place you cannot... The Scar Test explores life inside immigration detention centres through the eyes of the ‘residents’. Based on verbatim interviews, it is played out by an ensemble cast.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm BalletBoyz are back! Following its triumphant premiere in London this spring, Life. is performed by an all-male company of ten amazing dancers and features two works by internationally acclaimed choreographers: Rabbit by Pontus Lidberg and Fiction by Javier de Frutos. Life. takes an elegant, powerful and provocative look at life and death presented in the inimitable BalletBoyz style. Come and find out why BalletBoyz have created generations of dance fans through their inventive, vivid and memorable shows.

THE SCAR TEST

“A breathless production placing the focus squarely on people. The entire cast delivered fantastic, understated performances” Bedfordshire News “Not only touched by the performance and glad to see such compelling live theatre, I am more informed about the plight of refugees seeking safe haven in the UK” Huffington Post Recommended for 12+yrs

£13 (incl. £1 restoration levy)

LIFE.

“Dazzling... Brilliant... Exhilarating” The Sunday Times ★★★★ Recommended for 7+yrs

DON’T HANG AROUND

L A V R E T IN DRINKSE CAN B ED PRE-ORDER

Did you know you can beat the rush for interval drinks and ice creams by placing your order at the bar or kiosk before the start of the performance? The service is free of charge. Your drinks and ice cream order will be ready for you outside the auditorium at the interval.

£26 - £11 (incl. £1 restoration levy) 13

FAMILY

Half Moon presents

THE GIRL AND THE GIRAFFE A Floods of Ink production

Mon 24 – Wed 26 Oct 11am & 2pm One day whilst Girl is playing in her garden, she spots something peculiar on the other side of the fence. Climbing up as high as she can to get a better view, she is surprised when she comes face to face with... Giraffe! As their friendship grows, Girl discovers that Giraffe isn’t very well. She tries everything she can to make him feel a bit better; putting on bandages, making a cup of tea, and even baking a truly magnificent cake, but she doesn’t get it quite right. Girl soon realises that Giraffe doesn’t need a plaster for a graze on his arm or a scratch on his knee. Giraffe is sad. Sometimes we need a different kind of plaster for the things you can’t always see.

£12 / £9 UNDER 16s (incl. £1 restoration levy)

STUDIO THEATRE Charming puppetry, an enchanting soundscape and beautiful storytelling combine in this sensitive show about wellbeing and friendship, told from a child’s perspective. “Very little noise was made as little bodies leaned forward to catch every sound and see it all. On the way out of the theatre they all rushed to say goodbye as they happily clambered out of the magical space created for them” Live Theatre UK, April 2016 #GirlAndGiraffe @halfmoontheatre @floodsofink Recommended for 3-7yrs

FAMILY

Half Moon presents

CURIOUS

A Tam Tam Theatre production

Fri 28 – Sat 29 Oct

The performance lasts 25 minutes (no interval), followed by an interactive free-play session where the children are invited to explore the tactile world of Curious.

Fri 11am, 1.30pm & 3pm; Sat 10.30am, 12pm & 1.30pm Soil, Water, Flour Pour, Stir, Bake Lots of mischief What a curious cake!

At the end of the performance, children are invited onto the stage to create their own recipes, by digging in soft, moist soil themselves.

Cake-making gets messy in this perfect introduction to theatre, guaranteeing giggles galore for the very young and young at heart.

This intimate, light-hearted play for under 3’s reunites award-winning theatre director Sarah Argent and performer Marleen Vermeulen following their highly acclaimed touring production Circles in the Sand.

Journey into a playfully imaginative world where kitchen meets garden, where dirt is good, and where messiness mischievously conjures the perfect birthday surprise. A play with few words, Curious is a laugh-out-loud experience for the very young and the curiously inquisitive – a perfect introduction to theatre that explores cake-making as you have never seen before.

£7 (incl. £1 restoration levy) / £4 CHILD (0-3yrs)

STUDIO THEATRE

“A fine example of theatre for the very young. This inventive production and the appealing performance, is intimate yet never patronising” Theatre Review Recommended for 0-3yrs

MADE IN COLCHESTER SEASON 2016 A Mercury Theatre Colchester and Derby Theatre Production

Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street A Musical Thriller

Music and lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM Book by HUGH WHEELER From an adaptation by Christopher Bond

Originally directed by Harold Prince Original orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) Ltd.

MUSICAL

WED 26 OCT – SAT 12 NOV Performance times pages 34 & 35

MAIN THEATRE

Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s multi-award-winning musical bursts onto the Mercury stage in a ‘razor-sharp’ new production.

Meanwhile, next door, Mrs Lovett has suddenly started serving up the most succulent meat pies in London.

In 19th-century London, Sweeney Todd is a prosperous and successful Fleet Street barber - that is until his life is torn apart by a shocking miscarriage of justice. Returning after 15 years with a thirst for revenge, he welcomes clients to his barber’s chair and dispatches them to the cellar below, as he bides his time for a chance to confront the Judge and right that wrong.

But will Todd’s insatiable lust for blood prove his undoing? Contains blood and gore Approximate running time 2hrs 45minutes, including interval

Director Daniel Buckroyd Designer Sara Perks Musical Director Michael Haslam Movement Director Cressida Carre Lighting Designer David W. Kidd Sound Designer Adam P. McCready for Poetical Machines Ltd. Casting Director Anne Vosser Originally produced on Broadway by Richard Barr Charles Woodward Robert Fryer Mary Lea Johnson Martin Richards in association with Dean and Judy Manos

Recommended for 12+yrs

MURDER MYSTERY DINNER Friends of the Theatre - £25 Full Price - £30 Includes three course meal and free cocktail Call us on 01206 573948 to book

Mon 31 Oct

6pm

Murder Mystery Dinner

Thu 3 Nov

1.30pm

Seniors’ Matinee pre-show talk

Sat 5 Nov

11am

Backstage Tour

Tue 8 Nov

7.30pm

Post-show Talk

CAP Thu 10 Nov

7.30pm

Captioned Performance

1pm

Touch Tour

2.30pm

Audio Described

Sat 12 Nov

AD Sat 12 Nov

£27 - £12 & DISCOUNTS (incl. £1 restoration levy). £12 PREVIEW PERFORMANCES ON 26 OCT (7.30PM) & 27 OCT (2.30PM)

DRAMA

Dawn State Theatre Company presents

TriForce Creative Network & Mercury Theatre present

Thu 3 - Fri 4 Nov

Mon 7 Nov

STUDIO THEATRE 8pm A tale of greed, adventure and ruin inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s classic mercenary yarn.

7.30pm MonologueSlam UK returns to the Mercury Theatre! The showcase takes place across the UK with an annual national final in London in December. The only industry showcase to be sponsored by casting directory Spotlight and Equity, MonologueSlam UK is renowned for offering a direct link between talent and the industry. Following a lengthy audition process, 22 actors are given the opportunity to perform for a welcoming audience and an industry panel. An added element of competition raises the stakes for the chosen performers. MonologueSlam UK brings you the most exciting new UK talent!

THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING

Dawn State combine searing text, bold physicality and original music to tell the story of Peachy Carnehan and Daniel Dravot: soldiers-for-hire amid the shifting borders of the Middle East. Tired of the mercenary life, Peachy and Daniel have come up with a plan: head to Northern Afghanistan, enslave the natives, and install themselves as kings. “Flawless” ★★★★ The Stage Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. www.dawnstate.co.uk Recommended for 12+yrs

£13 (incl. £1 restoration levy) 18

NEW TALENT

MONOLOGUESLAM UK 2016

Hosted by actress Chizzy Akudolu (Holby City).

£11 & DISCOUNTS (incl. £1 restoration levy)

MAIN THEATRE MonologueSlam UK Auditions: Auditions are open to all, with a youth round for 11-18yrs and two adult rounds for over 18s. Auditions are to be held on Fri 30 Sep (11-18yrs) and Sat 1 Oct (over 18s). MonologueSlam UK Masterclass: The Masterclass is open to all. Analyse the quality and control of your monologue performance in a fun, interactive and constructive session designed to bring out the best in you. The Masterclass will be held on Sat 22 Oct. monologueslamuk.com @MonologueSlamUK Recommended for 14+yrs

DRAMA

Cardboard Citizens present

CATHY

by Ali Taylor Directed by Adrian Jackson

DRAMA

Bated Breath presents

SHAKESPEARE, HIS WIFE AND THE DOG

Fri 11 - Sat 12 Nov

Wed 16 - Fri 18 Nov

STUDIO THEATRE 8pm Settled… Until suddenly you’re not…

8pm April 1616 - Shakespeare has returned to Stratford a rich and famous man but all’s not well. Why is he so unhappy? Why can’t he sleep? Why is his wife furious with him? Who is Will waiting for and why can’t Anne find the dog? A sleepless night in Stratford. The secrets, lies, resentments and passions of a marriage laid bare. The one hour traffic of our play.

STUDIO THEATRE “The play is wonderfully written and beautifully acted” Broadway Baby

Written by Philip Whitchurch. Performed by Philip Whitchurch and Sally Edwards. Directed by Julia St John.

“It’s a fine production founded upon two strong central performances” The Scotsman

Candid, poignant and intimate, this new play by award-winning playwright Ali Taylor offers a timely reflection on the social impact of spiralling rents and forced relocation. Acclaimed theatre company Cardboard Citizens presents this powerful and emotive Forum Theatre show, provoking discussion and debate, inspired by Ken Loach’s pioneering drama, Cathy Come Home. “Cardboard Citizens is a theatre company that must surely rank as being amongst the most genuinely life changing in the UK” What’s On Stage

“This piece is intelligent, witty and emotive, as well as being really good fun!” Three Weeks “There is something of an acting master-class to be found onstage” The Skinny

www.batedbreath.co.uk Recommended for 14+yrs

Recommended for 14+yrs

£13 (incl. £1 restoration levy)

£13 (incl. £1 restoration levy) 19

MADE IN COLCHESTER SEASON 2016

Writers Daniel Buckroyd and Fine Time Fontayne Director Daniel Buckroyd Designer David Shields Musical Director Richard Reeday Choreographer Charlie Morgan Lighting Designer Mark Dymock Sound Designer Chris Bogg

FAMILY

SAT 26 NOV SUN 8 JAN

Cast includes panto regulars Glenn Adamson, Ignatius Anthony, Gracie Lai, Antony Stuart-Hicks and Dale Superville, and we also welcome Lauren Alexandra, Millie Binks, Richard Earl, Barbara Hockaday and Shane McDaid.

Performance times pages 34 & 35

MAIN THEATRE

Mercury panto stars Dale Superville, Antony Stuart-Hicks and Ignatius Anthony, (Wishee Washee, Widow Twanky and Abanazar in last year’s Aladdin) are back to tell the rags-to-riches tale of Dick Whittington – the Essex boy who heads to London to find out if the streets are paved with gold.

When Dick arrives in the big city and meets Alice, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, he thinks all his dreams have come true – that is until the evil Ratty King decides that the boy is in the way of his plan to seize power and sniffs out a plot to get him thrown out of town! In a story that takes Dick and his trusty cat away from London, across the ocean to Morocco, and back again to save the day, this year’s Mercury panto promises high drama on the high seas, plus masses of slapstick comedy and spectacular effects. A treat for all the family!

Approximate running time 2hrs 20minutes, including interval Recommended for adults and families with children aged 3+yrs Contains flashes and loud bangs

Fri 9 Dec

2pm

Relaxed Performance

Sat 10 Dec

10.30am

Backstage Tour

CAP Wed 4 Jan

7pm

Captioned Performance

Thu 5 Jan

7pm

Relaxed Performance

Sat 7 Jan

12.30pm

Touch Tour

Sat 7 Jan

2pm

Audio Described

Relaxed Performances supported by Colchester Catalyst

£26.50 - £10 & DISCOUNTS TICKET PRICES PAGES 30-33

SAVE MONEY ON CAR PARKING

COMMUNITY

Colchester Operatic Society present

JEKYLL AND HYDE Wed 18 - Sat 28 Jan 7.30pm / Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm Based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic thriller, Jekyll and Hyde is the gripping tale of a brilliant mind gone horrifically awry, set to a powerful poprock score by Frank Wildhorn with book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. In an attempt to cure his ailing father’s mental illness by separating “good” from “evil” in the human personality, talented physician Dr. Jekyll inadvertently creates an alternate personality of pure evil, dubbed Mr. Hyde, who wreaks murderous havoc on the city of London. Struggling to control Hyde before he takes over for good, Jekyll must race to find a cure for the demon he has created in his own mind.

£20 - £13 22

MAIN THEATRE The music is haunting and has the feel of Les Misérables or Phantom of the Opera. This is a production not to be missed. Jekyll and Hyde is an amateur production presented by arrangement with JOSEF WEINBERGER LIMITED on behalf of MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL of New York.

WHEN YOU BOOK AHEAD Park at St. Mary’s car park, or Middleborough car park when St. Mary’s is full

ADD A PARKING TICKET TO YOUR ORDER FOR JUST £1.50 ADVANCE BOOKING ESSENTIAL Please note you can no longer purchase discounted parking from us on the day.

BEST NEW COMEDY WINNER WHATSONSTAGE.COM AWARD 2014

WINNER OLIVIER AWARD 2015

COMEDY

WINNER BROADWAY WORLD UK AWARD 2015

Kenny Wax Ltd and Stage Presence Ltd present A Mischief Theatre Production

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG Mon 30 Jan - Sat 4 Feb 7.30pm, Thu & Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm

MAIN THEATRE

Fawlty Towers meets Noises Off in this multi award-winning West End smash hit comedy.

Hailed “a gut-busting hit” by the New York Times, this sell-out West End comedy has won a host of celebrity endorsements from the likes of Joanna Lumley, “We laughed until the tears ran down our faces, it has to be seen”, to Ant & Dec, “The funniest show we’ve seen! If you can get a ticket, go!”

The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are putting on a 1920s murder mystery, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong… does! As the accident prone thesps battle on against all the odds to reach their final curtain call, hilarious results ensue!

N ON

E AS SE

OYAL THE RRIETY VA W SHO

“I feared I was going to hyperventilate”

★★★★★ The Daily Mail “Genuinely hilarious. Boy, does it hit the funny bone” ★★★★ The Daily Telegraph

Don’t miss this brilliantly funny comedy that’s guaranteed to leave you aching with laughter! “Exquisitely choreographed mayhem" ★★★★ Independent “A triumph of split-second timing”

★★★★ Metro Recommended for 8+yrs Contains flashes and loud bangs

£31 - £12 (incl. £1 restoration levy)

or develop le, learn new skills op pe t ee m to eatre’s newly Would you like , the Mercury Th IT E AK M t? ec n help! a creative proj atory activity, ca mme of particip designer, n, cia ni launched progra performer, tech g rin pi as an re e of Whether you’ a member of on acher, parent or mething so s ha writer, student, te IT ities, MAKE un m m co rse ve ming Colchester’s di IT logo in the co t for the MAKE h to find uc to in for you. Look ou l media, or get cia so on us w months, follo .co.uk t@mercurytheatre our more: makei

YOU T H T HE AT R E Mercury Youth Theatres are a place for young people to develop performance skills, make friends and build confidence. We run six Youth Theatre groups for those aged 5-18 years. All groups meet at the Mercury Studio Theatre on Monday and Tuesday evenings and work with professional actors, directors and a range of skilled theatre artists.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Page to Stage and Matinee Thu 13 Oct 11.30am-1.15pm (Performance at 2.30pm) This Autumn we will be running a Page to Stage workshop for schools and students. Led by the L&P team and the director of the play, students will work with the text and understand how to bring a play to life; this activity supports the technical learning and understanding on the new exam specifications. Tickets £8.50 per pupil with a free place for teachers.

SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS We offer numerous learning opportunities for school and college groups including skills workshops, career information advice and guidance events, and bespoke outreach projects. To support teachers we have launched our Teachers’ Network; it’s free to join and offers a range of benefits.

ACT V An active group for older adults to explore their creativity in a relaxed environment. Open to anyone over 50 with an interest in theatre arts, Act V takes place on Monday mornings with two different artistic workshops supporting physical well-being and good mental health, challenging stereotypes, and providing a space to try new things.

We also offer a full programme of CPD for Primary, Secondary & FE college teachers. These have been devised in collaboration with education professionals.

GET IN CONTACT To find out more please go to www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/get-involved, speak to a member of staff at Ticket Sales or email makeit@mercurytheatre.co.uk 25

Rebecca Applin Cameron Mackintosh Resident Composer

instead, while gunfire might be a microtonal drone on the cello. It was also great to work with Sound Designer Steve Mayo to try to achieve the blending of sound and music to create a multi-layered sound world where you were never quite sure what was ‘sound’ and what was ‘music’.

Some of our latest in-house productions have benefited from music written especially for Colchester, thanks to the Cameron Mackintosh Resident Composer The six months of my residency are spread scheme. We asked Rebecca Applin to over a year, during which time the Artistic reflect on her journey so far. Directors of both theatres are mentoring me through creating a musical of my choice. The I am incredibly fortunate to be resident in resulting show (currently called My Life) is two theatres jointly; the Mercury Theatre, a contemporary adaptation of the Faust Colchester and the New Wolsey, Ipswich, legend. I’m not using one specific version and the projects that I am working but taking the concepts from multiple on are spread across both theatres versions of Faust and relating it to an and involve working with a number of (albeit heightened) contemporary scenario. different directors. This has been exactly Following inspiring and fruitful workshops, what I hoped for - creating multiple new the complete draft is underway, nearly ready relationships which have stretched both my for further creative consultation. creative and collaborative muscles in new directions. In the coming Autumn season I am really The residency started with Bully Boy, Sandi Toksvig’s hard-hitting play about contemporary warfare which re-opened the Mercury Studio after its refurbishment. Director Dan Sherer’s creative approach meant that I considered music as metaphor in different ways than perhaps I had done previously; for the literal sound of a bomb explosion we may hear a serene Nocturne

excited to be working on the music for Much Ado About Nothing. The play is rich with themes that are relevant today and I am very much looking forward to working with Director Pia Furtado, and creating a sound world which places Much Ado in our contemporary world. What a year!

Becky

MERCURY THEATRE TALENT INITIATIVES 2016-17 The Mercury Talent Programme 2016-17 consists of 4 strands: 1

Mercury Playwriting Prize / Essex Playwriting Competition

Building on the success of the Essex Playwriting Competition 20152016, run in conjunction with The University Of Essex, the Mercury Theatre Colchester will be launching its inaugural Mercury Playwriting Prize for 2016-2017. This prize will be for an outstanding playwright from the Eastern Region, writing for the Mercury Studio Theatre.

Mercury Theatre Associate Artists Scheme

For 2017-18 the Mercury Theatre will be taking on a number of Associate Artists. Each Associate Artist will receive a bespoke package of support, for a timelimited theatrical project. This scheme is primarily intended for mid-career artists, including playwrights.

For full details of all the Mercury Theatre Talent Initiatives, including information on how to apply, please go to www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/get-involved/mercurytalent or email dan.sherer@mercurytheatre.co.uk

Mercury Theatre Early Career Programme

Building on the success of this year we will be recruiting up to 20 diverse theatre artists (actors, writers, directors, designers, musicians, movement directors) to participate in a 9-month programme of master-classes, professional development, sharings, and performances. The programme is intended for artists who have made a firm commitment to a career in the professional theatre. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from artists who have not had traditional routes into the industry available to them.

The Essex Theatre Artists Network

The Essex Theatre Artists Network is a community (online and practical) of professional theatre artists who look to the Mercury as their local theatre. Originally initiated as an independent Facebook group, the Mercury Theatre brought it under its auspices in January 2016. Through the Network, the Mercury provides access to workshops; community theatre opportunities; and specific acting and audition opportunities at the Mercury Theatre.

! E C N E R E F F I D A MAKE

AS A REGISTERED CHARITY YOUR SUPPORT HELPS US TO KEEP HIGH QUALITY THEATRE IN COLCHESTER.

FRIENDS

YOUR GENEROSITY REALLY HAS AN IMPACT! £30 pays for one of our friendly bar staff to be on call during a performance £40 pays for ten sheets of coloured filters for the stage lights – (we use around 20 per Made in Colchester show!)

£120 pays for a drama workshop in our of local schools £200 provides a touch tour for the visually impaired £400 pays for a captioned performance for the hearing impaired £1000 pays for a pantomime dame costume 28

BENEFITS INCLUDE: • Regular newsletter • Priority booking – new shows on sale 13 July • Invitation to a Supporters’ event • Drinks voucher • Membership card • Up to six free ticket exchanges

Young Friend: (16 to 25-year-olds) £4 Friend: from £26 Premier Friend: from £130 Ambassador: from £500

S R E T R O P P U S E T A R CORPO OUR CORPORATE COMMUNITY Bang and Olufsen of Colchester Best of Colchester Birkett Long Solicitors Citi Business Systems Colchester Institute

THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS We are grateful to the following for their support of the Mercury Theatre Arts Council England Colchester Borough Council Essex County Council Big Lottery Awards for All Charles S French Charitable Trust Colchester Catalyst Charity Colne Community Builders Fund Essex Community Foundation

Essex County Council Chairman’s Fund Equity Trust Fund Fowler Smith and Jones Trust Hervey Benham Charitable Trust John Paul Getty Jnr Trust Mike Williamson Memorial Fund The Royal British Legion Samphire Trust

DK Moriarty Limited Scrutton Bland The Workplace Depot WRS Insurance Brokers Ltd

FOR £275 + VAT PER YEAR BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Two complimentary tickets to at least five guest nights of Made in Colchester productions with pre-show drinks reception. An ideal networking opportunity. • Priority booking on all shows and theatre events. • 10% off top-price tickets for all Made in Colchester productions – excluding Christmas Panto. • Your company name included in all Made in Colchester programmes. • Your company name listed in our foyer, with footfall of over 200,000 people p/a, and website, which receives over 400,000 visits p/a.

FOR £550 + VAT PER YEAR

YOU GET ALL OF THE ABOVE PLUS: FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 01206 573948 EMAIL SUPPORTERS@MERCURYTHEATRE.CO.UK OR VISIT WWW.MERCURYTHEATRE.CO.UK/SUPPORT-US

• Invitations to exclusive Mercury Theatre events throughout the year. • 10% discount on Mercury Theatre Venue Hire. • Your company name included in our season brochures.

BOOK AT WWW.MERCURYTHEATRE.CO.UK BOOK AT WWW.MERCURYTHEATRE.CO.UK TICKET SALES Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester CO1 1PT

WEBSITE EMAIL TEL FAX

www.mercurytheatre.co.uk tickets@mercurytheatre.co.uk 01206 573948 01206 769607

Ticket Sales is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm (10am to 6pm when there is no evening performance). For performances on Sundays and bank holidays Ticket Sales will be open 90 minutes prior to the show.

BUYING YOUR TICKET Book online at www.mercurytheatre.co.uk Print@home – You can collect your tickets from the ticket counter at least 45 minutes prior to the performance, or we can post them to you (charges apply). We would recommend however that we email your tickets to you to print yourself at home. Don’t have a printer? No problem! Show us your tickets on your phone. Just call, email or write to us – tickets can be bought by cash, cheque, theatre tokens, Mercury Theatre gift vouchers, and credit and debit cards. Tickets can be reserved without payment for five days.

BOOKING AND INFORMATION

Exchanging tickets – We will exchange tickets for another performance or give you a credit to the value of your seats for use at a later time up to five days prior to the date on the ticket. Tickets must be returned to the ticket sales counter. Unfortunately we cannot give refunds. We charge £1 per transaction for this service. There is no charge for season ticket holders, Friends or supporters. Babes in arms – We can accommodate up to 15 under 2s, sat on laps, at select performances. Tickets are £2.50 each and can be booked in person at our ticket desk or over the phone.

WITH NO BOOKING FEE DISCOUNTS These discounts are available for Much Ado About Nothing and Sweeney Todd. £12*/£14* concessions available in most seats for over 60s, jobseekers, students and under 26s offered Monday to Friday and matinees. * Includes £1 restoration levy

Job Seeker Standby £1 Job Seeker Standby tickets on matinees from one hour before performance. ID required.

Food @ the Mercury Open two hours before show starts. Pre-show set menus and a selection of drinks. Call 01206 573948 to book or email food@ mercurytheatre.co.uk.

Interval Drinks – Avoid the rush by purchasing your drinks or ice creams at the bar or the kiosk before the show – then at the interval they will be waiting for you. And don’t worry – the ice cream will still be frozen and your wine chilled!

Cloakroom

Mercury Gift Vouchers & Theatre Tokens

Bags and coats can be left in a supervised cloakroom – payment by donation. Booster seats for children are also available.

We sell Mercury Theatre Gift Vouchers and National Theatre Tokens. Please speak to the ticket sales team or see www.mercurytheatre.co.uk for details.

E-cigarettes

Hire the Mercury Theatre

School Groups

In line with World Health Organisation guidance we don’t allow the use of e-cigarettes or vaping indoors at the Mercury Theatre.

All tickets £8.50 Mon-Fri, plus one free additional ticket for every ten purchased.

Special Effects Warning

Group Discounts Groups of 10+ get £2 off per ticket on shows excluding the first two performances and the lowest priced tickets. Only one discount can be applied to each ticket transaction. Discounts may be available for selected other performances. For more details, visit our website or call the Ticket Office on 01206 573948.

YOUR VISIT Car Parking The Mercury Theatre offers discounted car parking for our patrons who park in St Mary’s car park or Middleborough car park. This must be purchased in advance.

If you are concerned about any special effects (strobe lighting, smoke, loud bangs etc.) sometimes used in productions, please call the ticket sales team on 01206 573948.

Refreshments Theatre Bar – the theatre bar is open one hour before the performance, during intervals and after evening performances. Tea, coffee and a wide range of drinks are on sale. You can avoid the interval rush by ordering your drinks before the show in the bar or at the kiosk. Kiosk – the foyer kiosk is open 45 minutes before the show, during intervals and after the show, selling a selection of ice cream and confectionary. Tea, coffee and soft drinks are also available. You can order your interval drinks from the kiosk, so no need to queue at the bar.

Did you know that the Mercury can be hired for children’s parties (from as little as £50), conferences, meetings and events including weddings? A range of spaces, packages and prices are available. Please contact us for more details: hires@mercurytheatre. co.uk or see www.mercurytheatre.co.uk for more information. T Post-show Talk Join the cast after a performance to ask your questions. For dates see diary pages 34-35. S Seniors’ Matinees Seniors’ Matinee ticket holders can enjoy a preperformance FREE talk and tea or coffee at 1.30pm. For dates see diary pages 34-35. P Page to Stage Performance Discover more about the creative process in this free workshop. For dates see diary pages 34-35. Call the Ticket Office on 01206 573948 for times and to book your free place.

BOOK AT WWW.MERCURYTHEATRE.CO.UK ACCESS

SEATING PLAN This is an example seating plan for Much Ado About Nothing and Sweeney Todd. Seating plans vary, see our website or speak to one of our friendly ticket sales assistants for details. Ticket prices usually vary by day of the week, and may change without notice. Please see our website or contact the Ticket Office for seating plans for individual performances. Q 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 Q P 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 O

7 N

38 38

G F

39 E

38 38 D

37 37 37 C

6 5

4 K

36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 F

37 36 36

36 36

G 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9

35 35 35 35

34 34 34 34

33 33 33 33

E 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9

D 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10

32 32 32 32

33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9

31 31 31

30 30

30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 B 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13

A 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 A

7 7 G

7 8 9

11 12 13

5 H

11 11

10 10

9 9

6 6

B A

Yellow

Purple

£21 £27*

£19 £24*

£17 £21*

£14 £16.50*

£12*

Sweeney Todd

£21 £27*

£19 £24*

£17 £21*

£14 £16.50*

£12*

£22.50 £26.50

* Includes £1 restoration levy

£19.50 £24.50

£16 £22

Blue

£12.50 £17.50

Red

£10

We welcome Assistance Dogs at all performances, please inform us when booking.

G F

Much Ado About Nothing

Dick Whittington

stage Green

6 5 L

36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9

J 37 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9

If you need to have a companion with you to enable you to visit us we will also discount their ticket to the Access price. There is limited disabled parking under the front canopy for blue badge holders which operates on a first come first served basis. A lift situated along the corridor to the right of the ticket sales counter is available for patrons who have trouble negotiating the stairs.

K 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 H

41 40 40

O 8

M 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 L

33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9

N 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9

Tickets for disabled customers including those with impaired sight or hearing are £9.50 (includes £1 restoration levy) for Much Ado About Nothing and Sweeney Todd. Please check online or call to book. For access ticket prices and availability for other shows please call 01206 573948.

The Mercury Theatre can accommodate up to six wheelchair users in the main theatre and two in the studio theatre, with additional spaces available for specialised performances. Please state that you require a wheelchair space when booking. An assisted listening system is available in the main auditorium and studio theatre at all performances. Our system is suitable for use with or without a hearing aid through our specialised equipment. Please mention when making your booking. Equipment should be collected from the cloakroom.

RP Relaxed Performance Relaxed performances are for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment including people with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder, sensory or communication disorders, or a learning disability. Audience members will be free to come and go as they please throughout the performance and make noise if they want to. For dates see diary pages 34-35.

WITH NO BOOKING FEE

Please let us know of any requirements you or anyone in your party may have. We will do all we can to make your visit as enjoyable and as straightforward as possible.

Call 01206 573948 For access information please contact Maria Harrison on 01206 573948 or Foremail a more detailed map please visit our website, access@mercurytheatre.co.uk www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

NORTH STATION

A12 LONDON

A134 SUDBURY

NORTH

WAY WEST

COLNE BANK AVENUE

A137 HARWICH M’TREE

MERCURY THEATRE

HIGH ST

FIRSTSITE

LEXDEN ROAD

B1022 TIPTREE

CO WD RA YA VE NU E

CASTLE PARK

JUMBO

A12 IPSWICH

COWDRAY AVENUE

MIDDLEBOROUGH CAR PARK

ST MARY’S CAR PARK

IPS WIC HR OAD

Do you or someone you know enjoy theatre but find it difficult to hear what is being said? Captioning converts the spoken word, songs and sound effects into text on a caption unit on on the stage. Please choose ‘Captioned’ ticket type when booking if you would like to use this service. For dates see diary pages 34-35.

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. If St Mary’s car park is full you may also park in Middleborough car park with a pre-paid voucher from the theatre.

HA RW ICH RO AD

Captioned

Mercury Theatre Balkerne Gate Colchester Essex CO1 1PT

A133 CLACTON

TOWN STATION SOUTH WAY

MAGDALEN ST

B1025 MERSEA

MERSEA ROAD

CAP

HOW TO FIND US

NOR THE RN APP RD

Audio described performances give you a live commentary about the action happening on stage through a pair of headphones. Please choose ‘Audio Description’ ticket type when booking if you would like to use this service. We also offer Touch Tours before each audio described performance, enabling you to explore the stage and get a feel for the costumes and set before the show starts. Touch Tours must be booked in advanced. For dates see diary pages 34-35.

BALKERNE HILL

AD Audio Description

For a more detailed map please visit our website, www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

DIARY September

Mon 19 7.30pm Tue 20 7.30pm Wed 21 3pm 7.30pm 8pm Thu 22 7.30pm Fri 23 7.30pm Sat 24 2.30pm 7.30pm Fri 30 7.30pm

The Johnny Cash Roadshow Joe Swift: A Man About The Garden Quartet in the Dark Don’t Tell Him Pike: An Audience with Ian Lavender and Chris Serle Quartet in the Dark Jackson: Live in Concert Marcus Brigstock: Why The Long Face? Colchester Military Wives Choir Colchester Military Wives Choir Much Ado About Nothing

October Sat 1 7.30pm Mon 3 7.30pm Tue 4 7.30pm Wed 5 7.30pm 8pm Thu 6 2.30pm S 7.30pm Fri 7 7.30pm Sat 8 2.30pm BT 7.30pm 8pm

Much Ado About Nothing Miles Jupp: Songs of Freedom Much Ado About Nothing Much Ado About Nothing Colchester New Comedian of the Year Much Ado About Nothing Much Ado About Nothing Much Ado About Nothing Much Ado About Nothing Much Ado About Nothing Lost in Blue

Sun 9 7.30pm Rich Hall Live 2016 Tue 11 7.30pm Much Ado About Nothing Wed 12 7.30pm Much Ado About Nothing 8pm Colchester New Comedian of the Year Thu 13 2.30pm Much Ado About Nothing 7.30pm CAP Much Ado About Nothing 8pm Colchester New Comedian of the Year Fri 14 7.30pm Much Ado About Nothing 8pm The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall Sat 15 2.30pm AD/TT Much Ado About Nothing 7.30pm Much Ado About Nothing 8pm The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall Mon 17 7.30pm Islands in the Stream Tue 18 7.30pm Pride and Prejudice Wed 19 7.30pm Still I Rise Thu 20 7.30pm Tony’s Last Tape 8pm The Scar Test Fri 21 7.30pm Life. 8pm The Scar Test Sat 22 7.30pm Life. Mon 24 11am The Girl and the Giraffe 2pm The Girl and the Giraffe Tue 25 11am The Girl and the Giraffe 2pm The Girl and the Giraffe Wed 26 11am The Girl and the Giraffe 2pm The Girl and the Giraffe 7.30pm Sweeney Todd Thu 27 2.30pm Sweeney Todd 7.30pm Sweeney Todd Fri 28 11am Curious 1.30pm Curious 3pm Curious 7.30pm Sweeney Todd

Sat 29

10.30am Curious 12pm Curious 1.30pm Curious 2.30pm Sweeney Todd 7.30pm Sweeney Todd

November Off Peak / Peak / High Peak Tue 1 7.30pm Sweeney Todd Wed 2 7.30pm Sweeney Todd Thu 3 2.30pm S Sweeney Todd 7.30pm Sweeney Todd 8pm The Man Who Would Be King Fri 4 7.30pm Sweeney Todd 8pm The Man Who Would Be King Sat 5 2.30pm BT Sweeney Todd 7.30pm Sweeney Todd Mon 7 7.30pm MonologueSlam UK 2016 Tue 8 7.30pm Sweeney Todd Wed 9 7.30pm Sweeney Todd Thu 10 2.30pm Sweeney Todd 7.30pm CAP Sweeney Todd Fri 11 7.30pm Sweeney Todd 8pm Cathy Sat 12 2.30pm AD/TT Sweeney Todd 7.30pm Sweeney Todd 8pm Cathy Wed 16 8pm Shakespeare, His Wife and The Dog Thu 17 8pm Shakespeare, His Wife and The Dog Fri 18 8pm Shakespeare, His Wife and The Dog Sat 26 2pm Dick Whittington 7pm Dick Whittington

Sun 27 3pm Wed 30 2pm

Dick Whittington Dick Whittington

December Thu 1 Fri 2 Sat 3 Sun 4 Mon 5 Wed 7 Thu 8 Fri 9 Sat 10 Sun 11 Mon 12 Wed 14 Thu 15 Fri 16 Sat 17 Sun 18 Mon 19 Wed 21

10.15am 2pm 7pm 2pm 7pm 11am 3pm 2pm 10.15am 2pm 10.15am 2pm 2pm RP 7pm 2pm BT 7pm 11am 3pm 10.15am 2pm 10.15am 2pm 10.15am 2pm 2pm 7pm 2pm 7pm 11am 3pm 10.15am 2pm 7pm

Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington

Thu 22 Fri 23 Sat 24 Mon 26 Wed 28 Thu 29 Fri 30 Sat 31

2pm 7pm 2pm 7pm 11am 3pm 2pm 7pm 2pm 7pm 2pm 7pm 2pm 7pm 11am 3pm

Wed 25 Thu 26 Fri 27 Sat 28 Mon 30 Tue 31

7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

Jekyll and Hyde Jekyll and Hyde Jekyll and Hyde Jekyll and Hyde Jekyll and Hyde The Play That Goes Wrong The Play That Goes Wrong

February Wed 1 Thu 2 Fri 3 Sat 4

7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm

The Play That Goes Wrong The Play That Goes Wrong The Play That Goes Wrong The Play That Goes Wrong The Play That Goes Wrong The Play That Goes Wrong

January Sun 1 Mon 2 Wed 4 Thu 5 Fri 6 Sat 7 Sun 8 Wed 18 Thu 19 Fri 20 Sat 21 Mon 23 Tue 24

2pm 7pm 2pm 7pm 7pm CAP 2pm 7pm RP 7pm 2pm AD/TT 7pm 11am 3pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Dick Whittington Jekyll and Hyde Jekyll and Hyde Jekyll and Hyde Jekyll and Hyde Jekyll and Hyde Jekyll and Hyde Jekyll and Hyde

KEY Post-show Talk with Cast/Director BT Backstage Tour S

Seniors Matinee (With FREE Talk at 1.30pm & tea / coffee)

CAP Captioned Performance

AD Audio Described Performance TT Touch Tour of the set RP Relaxed Performance

See www.mercurytheatre.co.uk for more information 35

Theatres are at the heart of our communities. Let’s shout about how much that matters. www.facebook.com/mercurytheatre

KEEP IN TOUCH

When our Councillors are taking tough decisions about how to spend our taxes, they need to know how much we value our local theatre’s work and role in the community.

Twitter @mercurytheatre mercurytheatrecolchester

My Theatre Matters! invites you to shout about how important your theatre is. We’ll be gathering your stories and building a collective voice to influence decision makers.

Theatres are at the heart Call 01206 573948 of our communities. your voice heard. www.mercurytheatre.co.uk Add your voice to the UK-wide campaign Let’s shout about how Join our mailing list: mytheatrematters.com much that matters. tickets@mercurytheatre.co.uk Let’s tell them - my theatre matters!

Join the campaign and find ways to make

When our Councillors are taking tough decisions about how to spend our taxes, they need to know how much we value our local theatre’s work and role in the community. My Theatre Matters! invites you to shout about how important your theatre is. We’ll be gathering your stories and building a collective voice to influence decision makers. Let’s tell them - my theatre matters! Join the campaign and find ways to make your voice heard.

Add your voice to the UK-wide campaign

mytheatrematters.com

All details in this brochure are correct at the time of going to press. Colchester Mercury Theatre Ltd reserves the right to make alterations where necessary.

Brochure design by Poulsen Selleck Printed by Precision Marketing Group Reg charity no 232387 Registered in England no 441035