Mercury Theatre Borchure: Mar-May 2023

What’s On

As always we stand by our Mercury For All pledge and this Spring is no different as we bring you another exciting few months of performances in the theatre and studio, as well as a packed programme of workshops, classes and events. There really is something for everyone!

We’re delighted to bring you our next two Mercury Productions, They Don’t Pay? We Won’t Pay! and Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, as well as a brand new Mercury Original for children in the studio, The Instrumentals.

We can’t wait to welcome you this Spring!

Welcome 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:

• You’ll always be able to get the Soup of the Day and a drink for £3.95, any day of the week.

• Every Wednesday is our Bargain Bites day where pensioners can get a hot meal and a drink for £5 and children get to eat for free with every paying adult.

• 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, Mercury Adult Company, Tots Twinkles and Stars and Senior Social Club. (Subject to availability)

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 may have 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 this winter will automatically go to our Mercury For All fund, which will help us continue delivering bursaries, free family events, SEND activities and more. You can contact us confidentially any time if you would like to discuss these options by emailing taking.part@mercurytheatre.co.uk

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.

£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 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 drinks reception invites.

Ambassador

All Supporter benefits plus lapel pin, calendar, press packages and exclusive theatre experiences.

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

A Mercury Production

They Don’t Pay? We Won’t Pay!

By Dario Fo and Franca Rame

Adapted by Deborah McAndrew

Fri 17 – Fri 31 Mar

The cost of living is out of control – and so is Anthea. Sick of scrimping and scraping to pay her energy bills, she starts a riot in the local supermarket resulting in a group of raging housewives looting the building.

Now, with a pile of freshly “liberated” groceries, Anthea and her best friend Maggie embark on a ludicrous, laugh-a-minute adventure, trying to keep their law-abiding husbands in the dark whilst staying two steps ahead of the crime squad.

They Don’t Pay? We Won’t Pay! is the work of Dario Fo, Nobel Laureate and the master of farce. Deborah McAndrew’s whipsmart adaptation mixes political satire, hilarious plot twists and wise-cracking dialogue to create a thrilling play about the lengths people will go to when they’re desperate.

This hilarious yet timely play will be brought to life by the Mercury’s Creative Director, Ryan McBryde (Baskerville, The Comedy of Errors, Oliver!)

Reviews for Deborah McAndrew’s script

‘Fast, furious and very funny, this is farce with a fire in its belly’ The Times

‘A farce for our times’ The Observer ★★★★

Thu 23 Mar 2:30pm Relaxed

Tue 28 Mar 7:30pm Post-show Q+A

Thu 30 Mar 1pm Touch Tour

Thu 30 Mar 2:30pm Audio Described

Thu 30 Mar 7:30pm Captioned

Comedy Play

See website for times

Prices from £15

Concessions available

Standby tickets available for £5 when purchased on the day after 4pm

Age guidance 14+

We will be holding charity collections for Colchester Food Bank after all performances of They Don’t Pay? We Won’t Pay! and we encourage our audience members to donate non-perishable food items at our Food Bank drop-off point in our Box Office when they visit for the show.

Jump straight to the show page

A Mercury Production Great Expectations

By Charles Dickens

Adapted by Gail Childs Daly

Fri 12 May – Sat 27 May

Charles Dickens’ best-loved novel is brought to life on stage in this thrilling adaptation from Gale Childs Daly, directed by the Mercury’s Creative Director, Ryan McBryde (The Comedy of Errors, Baskerville, Oliver!).

Pip, a blacksmith’s apprentice and orphan, dreams of becoming a London gentleman. When his wish is granted by a mysterious benefactor, his life becomes one extraordinary encounter after another. He is plunged into a world of dark secrets and cruel twists of fate, where beautiful girls are used as weapons and nothing is more important than knowing who you are and remembering where you came from.

Featuring some of the most iconic characters in literature, join us on a gripping journey as Pip unravels the truth behind his own great expectations in the gloomy corners of Miss Haversham’s Satis Hall.

Drama Play

See website for times

Prices from £15

Concessions available

Age guidance 12+

Wed 24 May 11am

Fri 26 May 7pm

Sat 27 May 2:30pm

Post-show Q+A

Captioned

Audio Described

A compelling and dramatic treat for a new generation of theatre lovers. Produced by special arrangement with DRAMATIC PUBLISHING, Woodstock, Illinois

Jump straight to the show page

Thu

Magic Shakespeare

The Greatest Magician

7:30pm | From £19, VIP £37 | 12+

James Phelan, the magician most infamous for jamming the BBC switchboard after correctly predicting the lottery, presents an all new show for 2023. This dazzling, five star rated magic show will leave you aching with laughter and dizzy in disbelief. Directed by the late Paul Daniels in his final theatrical project and rated 5 stars across the board - you’ll see why The List magazine called this show ‘one to watch in the world of magic’.

Pericles Adapted by Kelly Hunter

See website for times and prices | 12+

Nine performers take on all the roles and play music live on stage in this adaptation of Shakespeare’s lesser-known story. This romantic play tells stories of loss, storms and miraculous reunions in a timely experience for all audiences. Alongside two evening shows, Flute Theatre offer matinee performances specifically designed for autistic individuals where they will become participants on stage. Matinees are only available to book in person or over the phone.

The King of Reggae - The Man The Music

7:30pm | £15-£24.50

‘Let’s Get Together And Feel Alright’ as the company that brought you the acclaimed RUSH - A Joyous Jamaican Journey, bring you this brand new narrated musical charting the life of the King of Reggae, touching every aspect of the Jamaican superstar’s musical, spiritual and political journey. Featuring over 20 of his iconic hits like No Woman No Cry and One Love played live by the King of Reggae Band.

Europhoria

7.30pm | £25.50

Eurovision has provided a platform for artists such as ABBA, Celine Dion and Julio Iglesias as well as Britain’s Bucks Fizz, Bonnie Tyler, Cliff Richard and of course last year’s runner up Sam Ryder.

So, grab yourself a prosecco, lace up your dancing shoes and prepare to party to the glitz and the glamour of this fabulous juke-box musical and sing along to familiar hits from Katrina and the Waves, Johnny Logan, Conchita and Tik Tok sensation Duncan Lawrence.

Buffy Revamped

8pm | £21.50-£26.50 | 14+

Seventy minutes. Seven seasons. One Spike. Fresh from an award-winning run at Edinburgh Fringe, this fast-paced new production brings you the entire 144 episodes of the hit 90s TV show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as told through the eyes of the one person who knows it inside out… Spike.

Tue 11 – Wed 12 Apr Children’s Theatre

Funny, satirical and bursting with 90s popculture references, it’s the perfect parody for Buffy aficionados and those who never enrolled at Sunnydale High alike.

Tall Stories presents Room on the Broom

Based on the best-selling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Iggety ziggety zaggety zoom!

Jump on board the broom with the witch and her cat in Tall Stories’ fun-filled adaptation of Room on the Broom, the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

The witch and her cat are travelling on their broomstick when they pick up some hitchhikers – a friendly dog, a beautiful green bird and a frantic frog. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and – CRACK – it snaps in two... just as the hungry dragon appears!

Will there ever be room on the broom for everyone? Find out in the magical Olivier Award-nominated show for everyone aged 3 and up.

★★★★

Fri

Top Secret: The Magic of Science

2pm | £11.50-£13.50 | 10+

Thu Entertainment Family 9

Theatre

Tue 18 – Thu 20 Apr

Shakespeare

Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Retold by imitating the dog

Tue: 7:30pm, Wed/Thu: 2:30pm & 7:30pm | £15-£25 | 14+

It will have blood, they say.

Three mysterious figures enter the stage. They talk of the hurly-burly, of thunder and lightning and of a young couple who believe they can overthrow the old regime. They conjure the Macbeths, placing them in a dangerous new world where paranoia, betrayal and brutality rule.

Fri Sold Out!

Blood will have blood.

Fusing live action with innovative video technology, imitating the dog’s daring retelling of Macbeth is a neon noir thriller made for now, where Shakespeare’s original language collides with startling new scenes, stunning visuals and a powder-keg intensity.

21 Apr Sat 22 Apr Music Music

Whitney – Queen of the Night

Direct from the West-end, Whitney – Queen Of The Night is back for 2023 celebrating the music and life of one of the greatest singers of our time with a sensational cast and stunning live band.

Taking audiences on a magical rollercoaster ride through three decades of nostalgic hits that include: I Wanna Dance With Somebody, I’m Every Woman, I Will Always Love You and many more...

Northern Soul Live

7.30pm | £26-£28

The Signatures are the UK’s premier live Northern Soul act featuring Stefan Taylor and special guest Lorraine Silver, authentic Northern Soul artist of ‘Lost Summer Love’. A highly talented ten-piece band play an exciting authentic style of Northern Soul music - dance and sing the night away! The show is an absolute must for soul-loving fans.

Tue 25 – Sat 29 Apr

Play

See website for times | £15-£26.50 | Age: 5 – 105!

Join our raggle-taggle band of travelling circus performers as they embark on their most daring feat yet: to recreate the adventures of Phileas Fogg as he sets off on his race around the world.

But wait...who is this Nellie Bly biting at his heels? We can’t have an actual, real life woman win this race!

Sit back and enjoy as our skilled performers traverse every country, embrace each character and navigate each mode of transport as fact clashes with fiction in this madcap adventure around the globe.

‘Best family theatre...captivates young and old’ ★★★★ The Stage

‘Rip-roaring drama’ ★★★★ York Press

Thu 04 May

A Vision of Elvis

7.30pm | £26.50

Put on your blue suede shoes and come celebrate the music of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll with the UK’s supreme Elvis – Rob Kingsley – and his talented cast. This breath-taking recreation of a live Elvis Presley concert takes you on an epic audio-visual journey through time. Including hits It’s Now or Never, Return to Sender, GI Blues, Suspicious Minds, The Wonder Of You, American Trilogy and many more!

Fri 05 May

Music Talk

Sadie’s Nine Lives

7.30pm | £15 - £18

Join the iconic BBC Essex radio host Sadie Nine as she takes you through hilarious times, her crazy tours and true stories from her amazing radio career that has spanned over 25 years. She’ll talk of stories of stars she’s graced the stage with, hilarious memories as a singer and actor, and talk movingly about her battle with cancer and what it means to be a survivor.

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!

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!

Thu 18 May Read Through

Mercury READS

7pm | Free

Sit back and listen to a reading of a brand new play for the very first time! Join us at the Mercury as we discover fresh new writing from some of the country’s most exciting emerging artists and playwrights.

Mercury READS is a free event that allows you to experience some new shows at their earliest stages, a real behind the scenes opportunity!

Check out our website for the next READS. Book early to avoid disappointment!

Tue 28 Feb – Thu 02 Mar Play

The City and the Town

8pm | £13.50 | 14+

By Anders Lustgarten

Directed by Dritero Kasapi

When Ben returns home to his father’s funeral after 13 years away, he is confronted with uncomfortable truths about the past, present and future of the community and the family he grew up in and left behind.

Tricky thing memories – not always the way you remember them.

Anders Lustgarten’s new play is a funny, eclectic and uniquely political piece of theatre that brings a fresh perspective to some of the political divides and problems facing our country today.

Produced by Riksteatern and Matthew Linley Creative Projects

Fri 17 Mar Play

Making Headway by Peter Barrett

3pm & 8pm | £13.50 | 16+

In Essex alone, every 58 minutes, somebody is admitted to hospital with an acquired brain injury. Making Headway tells the extraordinary stories of just some of those people whose head injuries have upended their lives.

Working with Headway Essex (The Brain Injury Charity) award-winning playwright and Headway volunteer Peter Barrett serves up a heart-warming show that clears away the myths and reveals the brave, difficult, but also funny aspects of the lives they lead.

Tue 28 Mar – Wed 29 Mar Play

Sap 8pm | £15 | 16+

A contemporary thriller with ancient roots. When a woman tells a lie to her girlfriend, a seed is planted that starts to grow in the darkness. Direct from an award-winning run at the Edinburgh Fringe this is a new play based on an old myth about passion, power and photosynthesis.

Presented by Atticist, Ellie Keel Productions and MAST Mayflower Studios

Thu 06 Apr Children’s

Breathe

11:30am & 1:30pm | £10 | 5+

An extraordinary journey from the perspective of an acorn; the hectic forest floor, thrumming underworlds and dazzling heights of icy branches. Beautifully realised through puppetry, folk music and live camera work. Find the epic in the tiny in this celebration of trees, nature and finding space in a buzzing community.

Sat 15 Apr Play

A Shoddy Detective & The Art Of Deception

7:30pm | £12

When a priceless painting goes missing at Lord and Lady Raeburn’s private auction, it’s down to bumbling Detective Stuart Pidcock to uncover the mystery. However, when he cannot solve it himself he is forced to enlist the help of an old nemesis to interrogate the many characterful suspects that reside at the manor, in order to catch the conniving culprit and solve the crime of the century!

A multi-rolling, slapstick comedy inspired by the classics.

Tue 18 Apr

Too Much World At Once

8pm | £14

On his fifteenth birthday, Noble transforms into a bird. Thousands of miles away, his sister Cleo is stationed on a remote island with the British Antarctic Survey. The birds have disappeared. Noble needs to reach her. Lying low until it’s time to take flight, he finds solace in misfit Ellis while his mum Fiona desperately tries to stop their home from falling apart.

A lyrical, theatrical journey that spans continents and lives, Too Much World at Once is an urgent coming-of-age story for our times.

Wed 19 Apr

Play Family

To the Moon and Back

by Concrete Youth

11am & 1:30pm | £12, Carers free

Alex and Dad, Gareth, haven’t been getting on too well lately. With the help of Lena, their new babysitter, Alex and his Dad go on an adventure to the moon and back and together they save the world along with your help too! Travel through a meteor shower, make a wish upon a star and visit Mars and the moon!

An intergalactic sensory theatre show for audiences of any age with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).

Sat 22 Apr Dance

Underwater

by Xenia Aidonopoulou and Georgia Tegou

11:30am, 1pm & 3pm | £16.50 (admits one adult and baby) | 0-2 yrs

A dance theatre show for babies and their grown ups.

Come with us on a magical journey into the deep blue sea in this beautiful dance theatre piece, created especially for babies aged 0-2 and their parents or carers.

A ballerina wakes from a dreamy sleep and finds herself in the ocean, a comforting world of blue lights and bubbles. As she explores her gorgeous new home, she meets an octopus – and the pair quickly form a loving friendship beneath the waves, dancing a duet to a twinkling soundtrack that features some familiar melodies.

This multi-sensory show is sure to engage and stimulate your baby’s imagination – and there’s plenty for adults to enjoy too!

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.

5 Years

8pm | £12

Play

Fri 24 Mar, Fri 28 Apr, Fri 19 May

The Comedy Network

8pm | £13 | 18+

Would you exchange five years of your life for the perfect body?

Yasmin has decided that she would. She is about to undertake a radical procedure that promises to deliver the perfect body and the happiness that seems just out of reach. But at what cost?

5 Years is a new comedy–drama that asks, ‘what do we lose in the pursuit of perfection?’

Wed 24 May

Fri 12 May Play

Tapped by Katie Redford

7:30pm | £12 | 14+

Tapped is a heart-warming comedy that explores the importance of connection, fulfilment and (lack of) hope.

In Stapleford aka Stabbo, we meet Gavi, Jen and Dawn at an amateur self-help group who are all desperate for escapism. Gavi wants to inspire his community. Which is tricky when everyone would prefer to just stay at home and watch Bake Off. A garage. A flipchart. A pile of Club biscuits. T-shirts that don’t fit. And three people who are really stuck.

Comedy

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!

Grab a fancy gin, locally brewed beer, or a sharing platter of tasty snacks before the show!

Open all day before a show

10am-Late

A new Mercury Original ideal for ages 4+

Wed 31 May – Sun 04 Jun

11am & 1:15pm | Tue-Thu £10, Fri-Sun £14

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.

Children’s

This is a show for all children with characters, story & 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 Mercury Original in co-production with Blouse & Skirt!, Goblin Theatre & Little Angel Theatre.

Picnic

Packed Lunch

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

Gluten free and vegan options available

Sat 4 Mar

Screenings

We will be announcing further NT Live screenings in the coming months. Keep an eye on our website and newsletters for further information.

Othello

11am | £13.50

An extraordinary new production of Shakespeare’s most enduring tragedy, directed by Clint Dyer with a cast that includes Giles Terera (Hamilton), Rosy McEwen (The Alienist) and Paul Hilton (The Inheritance).

Wed in secret, Desdemona and Othello crave a new life together. But as unseen forces conspire against them, they find their future is not theirs to decide.

Othello is filmed live on the Lyttleton stage of the National Theatre.

The Crucible

7pm | £13.50

A witch hunt is beginning in Arthur Miller’s captivating parable of power with Erin Doherty (The Crown) and Brendan Cowell (Yerma).

Sat 25 Mar

Raised to be seen but not heard, a group of young women in Salem suddenly find their words have an almighty power. As a climate of fear, vendetta and accusation spreads through the community, no one is safe from trial.

Lyndsey Turner (Hamlet) directs this contemporary new staging, designed by Tony Award-winner Es Devlin (The Lehman Trilogy).

Captured live from the Olivier stage at the National Theatre.

GOOD

Thu 20 Apr 6:30pm, Wed 26 Apr 7pm, Tue 02 May 8pm £13.50

David Tennant (Doctor Who) makes a much-anticipated return to the West End in a blistering reimagining of one of Britain’s most powerful, political plays.

Thu 20 Apr, Wed 26 Apr & Tue 02 May

As the world faces its Second World War, John Halder, a good, intelligent German professor, finds himself pulled into a movement with unthinkable consequences.

Olivier Award-winner Dominic Cooke (Follies) directs C.P. Taylor’s timely tale, with a cast that also features Elliot Levey (Coriolanus) and Sharon Small (The Bay). Filmed live at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London.

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

5-25s

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.

Our groups run on Tuesdays for ages 5-13’s and Wednesday evening for 13-25’s and Saturdays for MYC Musical Theatre for 14-17’s.

£95 per term*

See website for term dates

*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!

Thursdays, 7-9pm

First session taster £8 or £80 per term

See website for term dates

Tots Twinkles & Stars

4mths-3yrs

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

Through storytelling, dance and music, Tots is a 45 min session designed to provide parents and carers with an opportunity to explore creative play with nothing but household materials and a sprinkle of imagination.

Tuesday mornings

See website for times

£6.50 per session*

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

Pilates

Delivered in partnership with Le Barre, Pilates is a low-impact workout that comprises of 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.

Wednesdays, 1pm (55mins)

£7 per session

Musical Theatre Dance

Come and meet those dancing feet!

Each week our experienced choreographer will teach routines inspired by hit musicals in our gorgeous dance studio. Incorporating energetic warm-ups and 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 all-new café bar.

Due to popular demand, we now have two classes to fit around your schedule.

Tuesdays, 6pm & 7pm

£6 per session

Zumba Gold ®

Join us for a fun and relaxed dance fitness class combining Latin and World rhythms. This class is perfect for active older adults or someone looking for a more relaxed class that recreates the original moves you love at a lower intensity. The class introduces easyto-follow choreography that aims to improve balance, range of motion and coordination.

Come ready to sweat, have fun and prepare to leave confident and feeling strong!

Thursdays, 10:15am (45mins)

£6 per session*

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

18+

18+

18+

Senior Social Club

Our Social Club is an opportunity for anyone aged 50 and over to connect with other members of our community, learn new skills and take part in fun activities. This is an opportunity for participants to get involved creatively and is a safe inclusive space to forge new friendships.

Activities rotate on a monthly basis and you can participate in as many of the activities as you wish – oh and the best part? Brews and biscuits are included in the price!

For a full outline of the sessions please visit our website.

Thursdays, 12pm-2pm

£7 per session*

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

Drag Workshops with Tracey and Sugar Paper

Here’s your chance to join a fun and fabulous workshop led by professional drag and performance artists, Dan Deller-Thompson (Drag Queen) and Lisa Warnock (AFAB Queen). In a class open to all genders, come and create drag performances including lip sync, characterisation through movement and comedy skills. You’ll also get the chance to try some basic choreography to iconic music. Why not join us in the bar for a strut afterwards to enjoy our Lates: Cocktail Cabaret?

£15 per session

See website for dates and times.

Community Choir

Come sing with us!

Community Choir is a weekly get-together for people of all ages with a song in their heart and a spring in their step!

Led by our professional chorus leader the choir offers participants an opportunity to sing a dynamic and diverse repertoire of songs with performances in our theatre and at special events in Colchester and beyond.

Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just looking to have a great time and make friends through song - Community Choir welcomes you.

Thursdays, 7pm-8.30pm

£120 for term

We offer a payment plan, just ask our friendly Box Office team for details.

Working with Schools and Teachers

Each year, we work with hundreds of young people and teachers, who benefit from the transformative power of theatre in their school and local community. When working with schools we are impact focused and use a strategic approach, creating relevant and engaging learning experiences, empowering schools to embed culture and creativity across the national curriculum. Drama is a powerful tool that can bring any topic to life whether it be, Science, Social Studies, Literacy, Numeracy or Drama and our work is STEAM focused to complement the curriculum and contribute to the development of a range of young people.

For a full overview of the activities and events we can offer to schools and teachers please visit our website to find out more.

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.

Thank you to our Funders

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 / Asda Foundation / Colchester City Council / Colchester Borough Homes Community Fund / Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities / D’Oyly Cart Charitable Trust / Essex Community Foundation / Essex County Council / Essex Shortbreaks / European Regional Development Fund / FSJ Charities / National Lottery Community Fund / Sport England / Theatres Trust / The Wolfson Foundation

Premier Partners

Limelight Partners

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 £2.50. 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.