Studio

With 98 seats, the Studio is an intimate space where anyone can be entertained, it’s a space for all! It’s our home of new writing, inspiring adaptations and the best of theatre festivals. We encourage you to bring your little ones for the first time, or try something brand new!

Fri 16 Jun, Fri 28 Jul Comedy

The Comedy Network – Fringe Previews

8pm | £13 | 18+

Fringe Previews are back! Our monthly standup comedy nights return to the Studio this summer with the best and brightest stars of the circuit testing out new material before heading to the Fringe! Grab some friends for a great night out, you never know which big new name you’ll see next!

Previous guests have included Sophie Duker (Taskmaster), Jayde Adams (as seen on Strictly Come Dancing), Simon Brodkin, Rob Auton, Sara Barron, Eleanor Tiernan and many more.

18 – 30 Jul

Festival

Mercurial Takeover

See website for details | All tickets £10

Our brand-new theatre festival arrives this summer!

Join us in the Studio as we introduce the Mercurial Takeover, a two-week festival of new writing from East-based artists – homegrown talent at its finest, right here in Colchester!

Expect rehearsed readings of new scripts, scratch performances of fresh writing and performances of stage-ready shows.

Love theatre? Come and support creatives as they build their new shows!

A Mercury Original in co-production with Blouse & Skirt!, Goblin Theatre & Little Angel Theatre

The Instrumentals

Wed 31 May – Sun 04 Jun

Get ready to groove with The Instrumentals

When Belle is feeling down she slips into her Grandfather’s basement and discovers his old dusty instruments. But far from being junk, The Instrumentals are pure funk and they teach Belle to ‘get down’ in a whole new way. Bursting to life with brilliant puppetry and bold seventies grooves, The Instrumentals is full of love and laughter, about the memories we hold and how we celebrate life.

This is a show for all children with characters, story and inspiration from the African-Caribbean diaspora. With innovative puppetry and lots of comedy, this fun musical journey will have audiences dancing in the aisles!

‘A powerful piece of children’s theatre that is moving in every sense of the word’ ★★★★ Broadway World

Grab a delicious picnic from our kitchen for £5.25 when you book your tickets.

Gluten free and vegan options available

Children’s

See website for times

Prices from £10

Age guidance 4+

The Instrumentals is aimed at ages 4-11. The story deals with the different feelings (sadness, confusion and anger) associated with grief and the loss of a family member (Grandpa) – all in a way that is appropriate for this age group and is ultimately joyful and uplifting, celebrating his life.

Please see our website for resources, aimed at adults, that may help you to support your child and discuss death with them.