Mercury Brochure Apr-Jun 2024

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What’s On

Apr-Jun 2024

Hello!

Firstly a slightly belated Happy New Year, we hope 2024 brings you and yours lots of joy, peace and happiness.

We’ve been hard at work putting together an incredible spring season for you. In May Midsummer, our next Mercury Production, hits the theatre, a musical rom-com, think Love Actually meets Trainspotting – if you’re looking for a great night out, this is the one for you! If you love new writing you must support our Mercury Original Bindweed, written by Martha Loader, it’s a shattering and darkly funny new play about responsibility and rehabilitation coming to the studio in June.

Don’t forget to check out our thriving Taking Part programme, where we’ve just introduced a Hip Hop dance class and of course our lovely Café Bar awaits – whether you want to use the free Wi-Fi or catch up over a tea, we’re here for you!

That’s all for now, sit down with a cuppa and have a flick through and we hope to see you again very 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 £5.

• 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.

• Standby tickets will be available for Mercury Productions on the day, after 4pm. Also for all Mercury Productions, under 30s will receive £5 off their ticket.

• 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)

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Mercury For All

Did you know…

The Mercury is a not-for-profit, registered charity. We rely on audience donations and funders to continue the work we do in your community. If you are ever able to make a donation towards the Mercury’s future, we would be extremely grateful –oh yes we would!

We are here to help…

We anticipate a lot of people have had to sacrifice theatre tickets and engagement activities to cover the rise in cost of living. We want to do everything we can to ensure that these families can still access these opportunities and that cost is not a barrier to theatre.

All donations made to the Mercury will allow us to continue delivering vital work to our communities including offering bursaries, free family events, early careers support and more.

Want more bang for your buck? Become a member and receive theatre goodies in exchange for your donation! Gift Aid can also be applied to all donations.

Become a Member…

£25 per year £60 per year

£200 per year

£500 per year

£1200 per year

Priority Member

Be among the first to book for any show at the theatre.

Friend

All Priority Member benefits plus event invites, behind the scenes newsletters and free ticket exchanges.

Supporter

All Friend benefits plus 10% café discount, membership card, drink and programme vouchers and exclusive event invites.

Ambassador

All Supporter benefits plus lapel pin, calendar, press packages and tickets to backstage tour opportunities.

Producers Club

All Ambassador benefits plus recognition in the public areas of the building, free car parking and two free tickets to every Mercury Production.

All memberships are giftable

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Donate Now!
Theatre 4

A Mercury Production

Midsummer (a play with songs)

David Greig and Gordon McIntyre

Fri 3 – Sat 18 May

A wild ride of love, laughs, and lost weekends

One Midsummer night in Edinburgh, two ill-matched thirtysomethings – a high-powered, hard-drinking lawyer called Helena, who’s stuck in a dead-end affair with a married man, and a small-time crook called Bob – collide with one another for one short night of wild abandon. It’s an unlikely coupling as both are all too aware, but it’s Midsummer and anything can happen…

Penned by award-winning playwright, David Grieg, and composed by songwriter, Gordon McIntyre, Midsummer is a rose-tinted musical rom-com, a fast-paced, funny look at love, life, and the ache of aging.

The Mercury’s creative director Ryan McBryde (Baskerville, The Comedy of Errors) will direct this riotously funny, touchingly romantic 90-minute tour d’amour in all its drunken, horny, heartfelt glory.

Director Ryan McBryde

Designer Libby Todd

Sound Designer Mark Melville

Musical Director Paul Herbert

Movement Director Chihiro Kawasaki

Casting Director Natalie Gallacher

Casting Consultant Pippa Ailion

Associate Casting Director Richard Johnston

Assistant Director Chani Merrell (Birkbeck Placement)

See website for times

Tickets from £15

Age guidance 16+

Jump straight to the show page

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Comedy

Tue 2 Apr

Friend (The One with Gunther)

7:30pm | £22 – £27 | 12+

One man, one hour, ten seasons. The entire 236 episodes of the hit 90s TV show, FRIENDS, retold through the eyes of Gunther, Central Perk’s very own ‘seventh Friend’. Settle down in Gunther’s café to hear the true insider story of what happened to Ross, Rachel, Phoebe, Chandler, Monica and Joey from the character who kept them caffeinated through all the highs, lows, love affairs and failed auditions along the way!

Thu 4 Apr

Wed 3 Apr

Comedy Comedy Talks

An Evening With Aggers: Beyond The Boundry

7:30pm | £34 | 14+

Get ready to be bowled over by true cricket legend and renowned BBC correspondent, Jonathan Agnew.

Join Aggers for an evening that transcends boundaries as he takes centre stage in his solo show, regaling us with stories from his illustrious career both on and off the field. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the game, plunge into the world of cricket with an electrifying blend of highlights, anecdotes and side-splitting humour.

Seann Walsh: Back from the Bed

7:30pm | £17 | 14+

Hello, Seann here. I guess I can start with the fact I renamed the tour. Sticking with Same Again? felt a bit triggering after the last few years. So it is now called Back from the Bed. Some of the material will be the same and some of it will be new because it will be difficult to avoid mentioning the last few years in which millions of people tragically lost their lives to TikTok.

The previous leg of this tour got a lot of standing ovations, which was pleasing. Either that or they were leaving early. Come along if you like me. Cheers.

Adopt a Seat

We can’t promise your name in lights, but the next best thing is to adopt a seat in our auditorium. Add a name, quote or honour a loved one. Visit mercurytheatre.co.uk/adopt or speak to a member of our team to find out more.

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Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out

Sat 6 – Sun 7 Apr

See website for times | Tickets: Child £17, Adult £18 | ?+

Peppa Pig is back in her oinktastic brand new live show, Fun Day Out!

Join Peppa, along with her family and friends as they go to the zoo and also the beach for a special party – it’s going to be an exciting and fun packed day.

Prepare to sing and dance with colourful scarecrows, feed the penguins, build big sandcastles and even swim in the sea!

Packed full of songs, dance and muddy puddles, Peppa’s Fun Day Out guarantees giggles and snorts for all Peppa fans, and a perfect introduction to theatre.

Sat 6 Apr 4pm Relaxed

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Family
RP
Theatre

Tue 9 – Thu 11 Apr

See website for times | Tickets from £15 | 14+

Remember, that I am thy creature; l ought to be thy Adam; but I am rather the fallen angel…

A storm gathers outside as a couple pack up a room. Clothes and toys are carefully stored away in boxes and bags. Lightning flashes. Picking up a book, the woman reads aloud. It’s a story about ambition and playing God, and about what happens when we bring new life into the world. It’s also about rejection, horror and revenge. It’s the story of Frankenstein.

As the couple confront their own fears, they re-create a version of Frankenstein that erupts into life as everyday objects are transformed into glaciers, a ship at sea, a dissecting room, a house on fire…

The latest adaptation in a series of Gothic texts, imitating the dog and Leeds Playhouse’s multimedia exploration of Mary Shelley’s classic novel is a psychological thriller which dares to ask the question – what is it to be human?

8 CAP Wed 10 Apr 2:30pm & 7:30pm Captioned Theatre
Drama

Fri 12 Apr

Griff Rhys Jones: The Cat’s Pyjamas

7:30pm | £27 | 16+

Griff Rhys Jones is back on the road with his much-anticipated brand new stand-up tour for 2024. Join Griff as he shares more funny observations and comic stories.

The show always varies as Griff rambles on the developing national permacrisis. Age. Family. Fraud. Nostalgia. The Tik Tok generation. Travel, dogs, hotels, drink and midnight trains. He takes questions from the audience and lets rip as his associations wander.

Tue 16 Apr

Sat 13 Apr

Rude Science!

11:30am | £17 | 6+

The naughtiest, funniest, most revolting science show in the world.

Brace yourselves for TV Gastronaut Stefan Gates’ hilarious, high-tech, high-explosive new family show, packed with science stunts and spectacular experiments. Expect enormous bottoms, f*rt machines, pee-powered fireworks and vast whoopee cushions from this highoctane presenter of five CBBC TV series – and it’s all designed to inspire young audiences with science.

Wed 17 Apr Music Music

The Marvin Gaye Songbook

7:30pm | £32 | 12+

Wake up and let’s get down tonight. Brand new for 2024, hit producers Entertainers – The Magic of Motown, Lost in Music and Fastlove! – celebrate the Prince of Motown.

Starring West End and X Factor star Nate Simpson – fresh from playing Bob Marley in the West End’s Get Up, Stand Up! – joined by superb West End musicians. I Heard it Through the Grapevine, Sexual Healing, What’s Going On?, through to Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and more, it’s two hours of pure concert magic.

Legends: The Divas

7:30pm | £28 – £30 | 14+

Three icons of music. Six decades of hits. One amazing concert.

Celebrate the soundtrack of your life with this brand-new show featuring the music of three of the most acclaimed and beloved divas of modern times – Diana Ross, Whitney Houston and Beyoncé Knowles.

Accompanied by a full live band, take a journey through six decades of the trio’s biggest hits, along with some very special iconic classics. Book early for this truly spell-binding live music event.

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Theatre
Comedy Family

Theatre

Presented by Say It Again, Sorry?

by

King, Simon Paris and Say It Again, Sorry?

Thu 18 – Sat 20 Apr Comedy

See website for times | £22 - £27 | 12+

When a traditional production of Oscar Wilde’s classic play gets underway, everything seems to be going perfectly to plan… that is, until the lead actor fails to arrive on cue.

You might think you know this chaotic story of love, mistaken identity and double-lives, but you have never seen it like this before. Filled with wicked Wildean wit and bursting with Bunburying, join us for a hilarious and unpredictable twist on the world’s favourite comedy classic.

‘A magical, once-in-a-lifetime ephemeral experience’ ★★★★★ Theatre Scotland

‘Get this on the West End now, please!’

★★★★★ Lost in Theatreland

‘A masterclass in comedic theatre’

★★★★★ North West End UK

★★★★★ Broadway Baby

★★★★★ The Skinny

★★★★★ Mumble Theatre

★★★★★ Ask the Ushers

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Tue 23 – Wed 24 Apr Play

Julius Caesar

See website for times | £17 – £25 | 11+

Julius Caesar. A divisive leader who holds awesome power.

Concerned that Caesar poses a threat to democracy, revolutionaries take the violent decision to murder him. As the world spins out of control, chaos, horror, and superstition rush in to fill the void. Civil war erupts and a new leader must rise: but at what cost?

Shakespeare’s thriller exposes the ambiguous morality in trying to shift power. As we rage against the crises surrounding us, how far will each of us go for our beliefs?

Join Icarus Theatre Collective for a boldly modern re-telling, perfect for newcomers to Shakespeare. Set in the near future, we combine state-of-the-art digital technology, fully integrated Creative Captioning and classic theatrical magic to highlight parallels between the gossip and doom-mongers of Ancient Rome and the violence caused by fake news, celebrity culture, and conspiracy theories.

Directed by award-winning director Max Lewendel as the latest in a series of plays devised to unite theatre fans from the hearing, deaf community, as well as the online generation.

Performed in original verse, with Creative Captioning.

Fri 26 Apr

Music

Money for Nothing

7:30pm | £32 | 12+

Money For Nothing is a tribute to the Dire Straits like no other – a show of the highest quality. Meticulous attention is paid to every detail, to faithfully recreate the distinct sound of Dire Straits in this unforgettable sonic spectacular.

Performing Money for Nothing, Romeo and Juliet, Sultans of Swing, Private Investigations, So Far Away and many more of 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.

Sat 27 Apr Comedy

Joe Pasquale

7:30pm | £27 | 7+

40 years of cack…continued!

Joe Pasquale has been showing off on stage for over 40 years and he’s bringing his favourite things for another airing to show that things have never been normal… If you have ever wondered why chicken breasts don’t have nipples? Then this is the show for you… Show includes Q&A.

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Theatre

Wed 22 May

Music Music

Give Me The Night

7:30pm | £32 | 12+

It’s time to throw out all your blues and hit the city lights for a night of George Benson classics!

Brand new from Entertainers – who brought you The Magic of Motown, Lost in Music and Fastlove – this sensational production celebrates the life’s work of a true musical legend.

Give Me the Night brings you hit after hit: Never Give up on a Good Thing, In Your Eyes, Shiver, The Greatest Love of All, On Broadway, Feel Like Making Love and many more.

Fri 24 May Music

The Magic of the Bee Gees

7:30pm | £32 | 12+

Direct from London’s West End, now in their 9th spectacular year.

Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother, when the feeling’s gone and you can’t go on, it’s time to put on your dancing shoes, for the night out of the year you have been waiting for, as we celebrate the songs of music royalty, The Bee Gees.

Join us for this breath-taking concert spectacular, including all your favourite songs, including Night Fever, Stayin’ Alive, More Than a Woman and many more!

Thu 23 May

The Carpenters Story

7:30pm | £34.50

A musical journey through the glittering career of pop’s most famous brother and sister duo. This highly acclaimed production continues to captivate audiences across the UK with its spectacular celebration of the classic songbook that made The Carpenters a legend in the world of popular music, selling over 100 million albums and singles. Featuring all of The Carpenters hit songs including Close To You, Top of the World, We’ve Only Just Begun, Rainy Days & Mondays, Goodbye to Love and many more!

Theatre Tours

Let us take you behind the scenes to explore the backstage secrets of what makes a spectacular Mercury production. Your guide will take you on a journey through our amazing spaces and you can even make the most of your trip by ending with a delicious afternoon tea in our Café Bar.

Head to mercurytheatre.co.uk for more information.

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Theatre

Tue 28 – Thu 30 May

See website for times | £15.50 – £25.50 | 8+

Camelot is in trouble. King Arthur knows that if he doesn’t turn things around, this civilisation will be forgotten, and be known as nothing more than a rather dull time in British history. But when three hapless squires approach him about changing that legacy… a legend is born.

Teaming up with one of UK theatre’s best comedy writers and directors, John Nicholson (Peepolykus), award-winning funny men Le Navet Bete (The Three Musketeers, Treasure Island, Dracula: The Bloody Truth) are back with a brand-new laugh-out-loud show for the ages.

A comedy for the whole family, this hilarious retelling of the Arthurian legends will have audiences crying with laughter and become part of the legend themselves!

Comedy 13 Theatre

A musical adaptation of the best-selling book by

Fri 31 May – Sun 2 Jun Family

See website for times | Tickets: Child £15, Adult £17 | 3+

Based on the original book Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book - written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.

Charlie loves reading. Especially books about pirates. But his sister hates it - it’s boring! Can Charlie convince her that reading is fun? Perhaps if she read a book about a pirate, who is reading a book about Goldilocks, who is reading a book about a knight…

Come and delve into a range of books with Charlie Cook, brought to life with puppetry and enchanting songs, and perhaps you will be able to help his sister discover the wonderful world inside a book…

Text © Julia Donaldson 2005

Illustrations © Axel Scheffler 2005

Published by Macmillan Children’s Books © 2005

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Theatre

Wed 5 Jun

Six Chick Flicks

7:30pm | £24 | 14+

Fresh from a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, this smash hit comedy parodies your favourite chick flicks in one hysterical, fastpaced show.

From the deck of the Titanic to the glittery pink halls of Harvard Law, watch as New York City comedians Kerry Ipema and KK Apple transform the stage with songs, dance breaks, and pop culture hilarity. If you love chick flicks, you’ll love this show. If you hate chick flicks... you’ll love this show!

Fri 7 Jun

Comedy Comedy

Thu 6 Jun

Rich Hall: Shot From Cannons

7:30pm | £19 | 14+

Fresh on the heels of his critically acclaimed memoirs, Nailing It, Montana’s transatlantic messenger returns with new rants, knife-edge observations, thrilling musical interludes and an ever-formidable knack for laughs on the fly. You’ll pay for the whole seat, but you’ll only need the edge of it.

‘Vital and incredulously angry. Hilarious.’ The Scotsman

‘Blissfully funny’ Guardian

Sat 8 Jun Music Comedy

Calling Planet Earth

7:30pm | £32 | 12+

Taking you back to a time when the music picked you out, shook you up and turned you into someone new…it’s the show that defines a decade!

Relive the best years of your life – to the greatest hits of Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Ultravox, ABC, Depeche Mode, OMD, The Human League, Tears for Fears, The Police, Soft Cell, Japan and many more.

Punt and Dennis

7:30pm | £32 | 12+

Hugh Dennis and Steve Punt are back on tour for the first time in 10 years. Older but not really much wiser, they are returning to what they do best; sitting in traffic jams wondering if a different route would have been better, and then in the evening, presenting their new live show. What have they learned from a decade of following the news for Mock the Week and The Now Show? What wisdom has experience taught them? And have they learned any new jokes? Let’s hope so. They promise they have.

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16 Studio

A Mercury Original co-production with HighTide & New Wolsey Theatre in association with the Royal Exchange Theatre.

Bindweed

Thu 13 – Sat 22 Jun

“Thursdays, curry night. Curry and a pint for a fiver. Go at five thirty, home by ten. Beat my mum up for a while. Bed by ten thirty.”

Four men convicted of domestic abuse offences meet each week to undergo a perpetrator programme. But as Jen, the new group facilitator, starts to make progress with the men inside the room, their lives outside begin to buckle.

Bindweed is a shattering and darkly funny new play about responsibility and rehabilitation, which looks at what can be done to tackle abuse at its root.

Written by Martha Loader, Bindweed was first written as part of the Mercury Playwrights scheme and won the Judges Award at the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting 2022.

Writer Martha Loader

Director Jennifer Tang

Designer Lulu Tam

Assistant Director Chani Merrell (Birkbeck Placement)

Drama

See website for times

Tickets from £10

Age Guidance 16+ (under 18s accompanied by an adult)

Jump straight to the show page

Wed 19 Jun 7pm Captioned Thu 20 Jun 7pm Post-show Q&A

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CAP Studio

Sat 27 Apr, Sat 25 May, Sat 27 Jul

Comedy 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!

Pride Movie Nights

Join us in the Studio for a series of iconic queer films back on the big screen. We’re delighted to host a diverse selection of film screenings in partnership with Colchester Pride as we line up a variety of cult films through to modern classics.

Grab some popcorn and settle in for a great night out with some icons that celebrate the LGBTQ+ community!

See our website for the full schedule.

The Comedy Network

8pm | £13 | 16+ (under 18s accompanied by an adult) Save 10% when you book all 3 dates

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.

Avalon has an unrivalled reputation for finding new comedy talent and has many household names on their books, including Chris Addison, Rob Delaney, Jenny Eclair, Alex Horne, Chris Ramsey, Rosie Ramsey and Phil Wang - you never know, you might see the next big name in Colchester!

18+

Nights out at Mercury

Come and have a great night out with us. We host regular after-hours nights like Cocktail Cabaret, West End Live, Sing-a-longs and more!

All Lates are free!

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Speed Dial

7pm | £14.50 | 14+

Amongst the spires, spikes and sideburns of a 1970s university, a Professor is set a series of mysterious puzzles by an ominous caller and must fight to save his missing daughter. Dodgy deans, grumbling groundskeepers and swotty students are suspects as the Professor capers across campus to uncover whodunnit. Set to the sounds of 70s vinyl, multi award-winners Spies Like Us bring their explosively physical comedy-thriller.

Fri 26 Apr Sat 4 May

Surfacing

New Writing New Writing

Thu 9 – Fri 10 May

NASTY

6:30pm | £12.50 | 16+ (under 18s accompanied by an adult)

NHS Therapist Luc goes for a swim and feels a hand dragging her down to the bottom of the lake…

When she surfaces, her reality is different. She’s haunted by tormented mice, shape-shifting shadows and secrets she thought she’d buried. As she races through this upside-down world she comes closer to her past and the truth she’s desperately hidden.

A new neurodivergent thriller from Papatango Prize Winner Tom Powell.

New Writing

8pm | £13.50 | 16+ (under 18s accompanied by an adult)

Do you remember that time you pooed yourself in public? How about all those times you swore at your mum for asking you to tidy your pigsty of a room? Maybe you’re still blushing over the time someone pointed out your cellulite when you were getting changed for P.E. in year 11. The Nasty Girls are here to tell you about all their angriest, grossest and most shameful moments in full, uncensored detail. This autobiographical, confessional piece of theatre explores the hidden side of what it means to be a woman. SURPRISE! They’re just people. And people are pretty gross. Witness real-life theatre about what it felt like for two chubby girls who grew up in the thigh-gap worshipping, fart denying, skinny tea-peddling dumpster fire that was the 2010s. Through the use of monologues, duologues, movement and music, NASTY examines a range of different thoughts and fears about real-life experiences as women with regards to body image and bad habits. Breaking away from patriarchal notions of ‘femininity’ and normalising how women feel situated in their bodies and all its accompanying functions, is something that traditionally is not publicly discussed. NASTY wants to challenge that notion.

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Studio

Thu 4 – Fri 19 Apr

Now in it’s 2nd year, our exciting theatre festival is back this spring!

Join us in the studio for 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 all from the talented creatives on our Mercury Playwrights, Producers or Directors programmes.

Love theatre? Love new writing? Then come and support local artists at the start as they create their exciting new shows!

Thu 4 Apr

Wed 10 Apr

Mercurial Scratch Night

7pm | £8.50

Scratch is back!

We’re delighted to present a variety of exciting new work from our talented Mercurial cohort, showcasing the very best homegrown talent from the East of England. Come along for an evening of rehearsed readings & worksin-progress, supporting our artists at the start of their journeys from page to stage.

The Olive Boy

8pm | £8.50 | 16+ (under 18s accompanied by an adult)

Produced & Directed by Mitch Donaldson

Written & Performed by Ollie Maddigan

A crude, compelling, coming of age comedy.

You’re 15 years old, struggling through school and coming to terms with the early stages of adolescence. Things are tricky when you’re growing up. You get dealt yet another devastating blow. But this time, it’s worse. Your mum’s passed away. Now what?

Based on Ollie Maddigan’s real life story, The Olive Boy is a crude but compelling comedy written and performed by Ollie himself.

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Thu 11 Apr

Fresh Knickers and a Gin and Tonic

8pm | £8.50 | 16+ (under 18s accompanied by an adult)

A rehearsed reading

Written & Directed by Heather Davis

Produced by Julia Pargin

Composed by Georgina St. George

A hilarious fast-paced comedy shines a light on real women in their 50s, telling personal stories that their mothers would not have told!

Cheryl, an active woman in her 50s, would go out out if she could, is trying to navigate her menopause alongside her close friends. To help her on her journey to selfempowerment, we encounter her muse: a flamboyant, cool and rapping hipster, who appears unannounced to guide her, as of course, Davina McCall was unavailable.

Thu 18 Apr

Fri 19 Apr

The Play Lottery

7pm | £8.50

A work-in-progress

Produced by Jamie Rycroft

The Play Lottery is a contest which any playwright in the East of England can enter, and the winning play will have their work staged at the Mercury.

The twist? The winning play will be chosen totally at random. The winning play will be performed as a rehearsed reading.

The Big Three: An Immersive Experience

8pm | £8.50 | All ages

A work-in-progress

Created and Produced by Lisa Wright

A fully immersive experience where the Mercury studio will be transformed into a 1950s time capsule. Inside, a performance awaits from one of the big three crooners; Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr.

However, as you sit back and enjoy their iconic songs, everything isn’t quite as it seems…you’ll start to discover how the artist’s personal lives come literally crashing through into their professional careers, in this uniquely immersive cabaret show.

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The Motive and the Cue

A new play by Jack Thorne

Directed by Sam Mendes

Wed 24 Apr, Sat 11 May

Nye

A new play by Tim Price

Directed by Rufus Norris

Tue 23 Jul

See website for times | £13.50 | 15+

Sam Mendes (The Lehman Trilogy) directs Mark Gatiss as John Gielgud and Johnny Flynn as Richard Burton in this fierce and funny new play.

1964: Richard Burton, newly married to Elizabeth Taylor, is to play the title role in an experimental new Broadway production of Hamlet under John Gielgud’s exacting direction. But as rehearsals progress, two ages of theatre collide and the collaboration between actor and director soon threatens to unravel.

Written by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) and designed by Es Devlin (The Crucible), the Evening Standard award-winning best new play was filmed live during a sold-out run at the National Theatre.

7pm | £13.50 | 12A

Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in a surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of the man who transformed Britain’s welfare state and created the NHS.

Confronted with death, Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan’s deepest memories lead him on a mind-bending journey back through his life; from childhood to mining underground, Parliament and fights with Churchill.

Written by Tim Price and directed by Rufus Norris (Small Island), this epic new Welsh fantasia will be broadcast live from the National Theatre.

Grab a fancy gin, locally brewed beer or a freshly cooked meal before the show!

Open all day before a show

10am-Late

22 Studio

Hire Us

Meeting Room Hire

& Team Away Days

Our modern meeting rooms are the perfect place for you and your team to problem solve and power through a day’s agenda whether you’re meeting in person or online. We can also make planning your day a breeze by adding catering packages, from tea, coffee and pastries or full finger buffets – we’ve got all angles covered.

Conferences & Events

Our fantastic, state-of-the-art facilities give us the ability to host an impressive conference or corporate event. Prize givings, graduations, networking events, celebrations – we’ve done it all and our experienced and enthusiastic team will take the stress out of the organisation and ensure your bespoke event is tailored to meet your every need.

Scan the QR code to find out more and get in touch!

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The Mercury is a place where anyone, regardless of background, can take part in our exciting programme of weekly workshops and classes for adults and young people that are designed to develop performance skills, build confidence, meet new people and unleash your creative side!

MYC

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 £98 – £112 per term*

MYC Musical Theatre

13-17s

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 2pm-4pm £140 per term*

Twinkles & Stars

4mths-3yrs

Interactive, multi-sensory classes for early years children and their grown-up friends.

Imagination and creativity are a vital part of a child’s early life and these 45-minute sessions are designed to stimulate both. Through storytelling, dance and music, Tots provides parents and carers an opportunity to explore creative play with nothing but home materials and a sprinkle of imagination.

Tuesday mornings, see website for dates £6.50 per session

Tots Twinkles 10:30am for babies and crawlers

Tots Stars 11:30am for walkers

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*A limited number of bursary places are available. Contact taking.part@mercurytheatre.co.uk for more info.

MAC

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. The company makes bold work, championing unheard stories and undiscovered talent.

Whether you are a beginner or seasoned performer – if you want to express yourself, perform, write, laugh, meet new people or develop creative skills, we want to create with you in MAC!

See website for dates, Thursdays, 7-9pm £8.50 per session

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 1pm £7.50 per session

Musical Theatre Dance

18+

Each week our experienced choreographers, Rosie Mather (Matilda the Musical film) and Vivien Carter ( Anything Goes), 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, 6pm & 7pm £6.50 per session

Hip Hop Dance

18+

Forget ‘break-a-leg!’, it’s time to breakdance!

Come and join our new Hip Hop class for over 18s! Classes are for any level, whether you’re a regular Hip Hop-per or a complete beginner you are welcome to come and take part. Throughout the term you will explore various Hip-Hop styles and participant feedback will be instrumental in the focus of future sessions.

See website for dates, Wednesdays 7:30-9pm £7 per session

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Working with Schools and Teachers

Our latest Schools’ Brochure is now available online, and for the first time includes our Pre-School and Early Years offer.

Scan here to download our Schools’ Brochure

At the Mercury we work with hundreds of children and young people from across Essex every year. Our workshops and projects are designed to support teachers in delivering the National Curriculum as well as fostering creativity, confidence and problem-solving skills and improving children’s empathy and resilience. Our workshops cover a wide range of subjects including Literacy, History, Science, Social Studies and, of course, Drama. We also work with schools to develop bespoke programmes to meet their students’ specific needs. All of our offers can be tailored for SEND pupils.

Our Teachers’ Network and CPD workshops support educators to develop their professional and performance skills, with options including Unlocking Shakespeare, Physical Theatre, Cross-Curricular Development and Confidence in Delivery. Visit our website for a full overview of our educational offer or contact us on taking.part@mercurytheatre.co.uk

Supporters & Funders

Corporate Supporters

We’re proud to partner with these outstanding local companies. With all eyes on our new building, there has never been a better time to join us. Visit mercurytheatre.co.uk/support to learn more.

Premier Partners

Limelight Partners

Thank you to our Funders

Panto headline sponsor:

Our Upstairs Bar is generously supported by:

We are grateful to the following for their support of the Mercury Theatre:

Active Essex

Arts Council England

Colchester City Council

Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities

D’Oyly Cart Charitable Trust

Essex Community Foundation

Essex County Council

European Regional Development Fund

FSJ Charities

King Coel’s Kittens

National Lottery Community Fund

Sport England

Theatres Trust

The Wolfson Foundation

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insurance brokers incorporating J GOSLING

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 £2.75. 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 town, 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.

27 A12 IPSWICH NORTH A134 SUDBURY A12 LONDON
TIPTREE HIGH ST IPSWICH ROAD NORTHERN APP RD WESTWAY LEXDEN ROAD SOUTHWAY MAGDALEN ST MER SEA RO AD B ALKERNE HILL HARWICHROAD COWDRAY AVENUE COWDRAYAVENUE COLNE BANK AVENUE
MERSEA
HARWICH M’TREE A133 CLACTON CASTLE PARK ST MARY’S CAR PARK JUMBO MIDDLEBOROUGH CAR PARK TOWN STATION NORTH STATION FIRSTSITE NOR TH HILL
B1022
B1025
A137

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Tue 16 - Sat 20 Jul mercurytheatre.co.uk

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