Mercury Brochure Jun-Sep 2024

What’s On Jun-Sep

2024

Hello!

Welcome back to another Mercury brochure! This summer we’re packed to the rafters with drama, comedy, family shows and more…

We have a real focus on new writing with two Mercury Playwrights alumni taking over our Studio. First up is the award-winning and darkly funny Bindweed, written by Martha Loader followed by Kelly Jones’s My Mother’s Funeral, a powerful yet playful look at the inequalities of death. Over in the main house the world’s longest running and much-loved play The Mousetrap returns alongside a heap of music, comedy and entertainment shows – not forgetting excellent family titles including The Tiger Who Came To Tea, In The Night Garden, Dinosaur World Live and The Gruffalo. We’re also delighted to be showcasing our talented Mercury Young Company over the summer months with a show in the Studio and a takeover in our Café Bar.

So, as always, have a browse, see what takes your fancy and we’ll be ready and waiting to welcome you back to the Mercury very soon!

Fri 3 - Sat 18 May

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.

Donate Now!

All memberships are giftable

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)

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

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.

Sat 27 Jul

The Comedy Network

8pm | £13 | 16+ (under 18s accompanied by an adult)

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!

Nye

A new play by Tim Price Directed by Rufus Norris

Tue 23 Jul

Fri 30 Aug & Sun 1 Sep

7pm | £13.50 | 15+

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.

A Good Chance and Gecko co-production

Presented in Harwich in partnership with the Mercury Theatre

From Here On

See website for times | Free

Offsite Performance

Multi-award winning theatre companies Good Chance and Gecko present From Here On: a groundbreaking physical theatre performance about children’s right to safety, whoever they are, wherever they are from.

An exploration of displacement, movement and being forced to find a new home, From Here On marks the 85th anniversary of the Kindertransport, when 10,000 Jewish children were welcomed into the UK mainly through the port in Harwich on the eve of World War II. 40 young people from different communities across Essex will take to the stage alongside Gecko’s professional ensemble on the beach in Harwich to create a powerful new work crossing borders, cultures and generations. From Here On is a call for empathy, hope and unity that empowers new acts of solidarity and inspires a safer future for young people from across the world seeking sanctuary.

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

Open all day before a show 10am-Late

A Paines Plough,

My Mother’s Funeral: The Show

Tue 17 – Sat 21 Sep

Play

See website for times | Tickets from £10 | 16+ (under 18s accompanied by an adult)

Abigail’s mum is dead. But it turns out she can’t afford her to be.

Did you know how expensive it is to die? It’s £4000 for the funeral. Extra for flowers. And even more if you want sausage rolls. Otherwise, she will get a pauper’s burial.

Then, when a theatre suddenly pulls out of Abigail’s new project, she is asked to write about something else. Something that will bring in audiences. Something more raw, from her ‘unique working class lens.’

Yep. To afford the funeral, she has to write about her mum.

With power and playfulness, Kelly Jones’s new play tackles the inequalities around death, and the cost of turning your loved ones into art.

The commissioning of My Mother’s Funeral: The Show was enabled by a grant from the New Play Commission Scheme, a project set up by the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain, UK Theatre and the Independent Theatre Council, and funded by Arts Council England, the Theatre Development Trust and donations from actors, directors, playwrights and producers.

My Mother’s Funeral: The Show was developed with the support of the National Theatre’s Generate programme.

Thu 17 – Sat 19 Oct

See website for times | £18 | 12+

The year is 1943 and Bulgaria has just told Hitler where to stick it.

Europe’s major powers are at war and King Boris III must choose a side or be swept away. A raucous and poignant tale in which a bunch of underdogs use every trick in the book to outwit the Nazis and save nearly 50,000 Jewish lives.

Fresh from a New York run, the Edinburgh Fringe smash hit and Off West End Award-winner is now heading to the Mercury Theatre.

Award-winning Out Of The Forest Theatre’s irreverent comedyfeaturing live music inspired by Bulgarian and Jewish folk tunestells the incredible true story that the world forgot.

Wed 5 Jun

Six Chick Flicks

7:30pm | £24 | 14+

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

Watch as New York City comedians Kerry Ipema and KK Apple transform the stage with songs, dance breaks, and pop culture hilarity.

Six Chick Flicks (…or a Legally Blonde Pretty Woman Dirty Danced on the Beaches while writing a Notebook on the Titanic) is ‘★★★★★ not to be missed’ Daily Mail

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.

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

Punt

&

Dennis: We Are Not A Robot

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.

Tue 16 – Sat 20 Jul

See website for times | Tickets from £15.50 | 12+

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is the world’s longest-running play. This thrilling West End production is THE genre-defining murder mystery from the best-selling novelist of all time… case closed!

As news spreads of a murder in London, a group of seven strangers find themselves snowed in at a remote countryside guesthouse. When a police sergeant arrives, the guests discover – to their horror – that a killer is in their midst! Which one is the murderer? Who will be their next victim?

Can you solve this world-famous mystery for yourself?

Now celebrating 70 years, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has kept millions of people from every corner of the globe on the edge of their seats. COULD YOU BE NEXT?

Starring Todd Carty (EastEnders, The Bill) and Gwyneth Strong (Only Fools and Horses, EastEnders).

Wed 24 Jul

Music

One Night Only - Laura Wright

7:30pm | £25 – £40

ONE NIGHT ONLY - Laura Wright and special guests will put on a spectacular show featuring music from hit shows for local charity Open Road.

Laura shot to fame as Young Chorister of the Year at 15 and is one of our biggest selling classical artists, having also sung at almost every major UK sporting event.

Join us for this Gala performance and help transform lives.

Sponsored by Streets Whittles.

Thu 25 Jul

Comedy

La Voix - The Red Ambition Tour

7:30pm | £22.50 – £27.50 | 14+

This brand-new show promises an evening like no other, with huge live vocals, a live band and side-splitting comedy. Britain’s Got Talent finalist La Voix brings fans and first timers a unique evening of entertainment in the company of a true legend, guaranteed to bring audiences to their feet with music and laughter. La Voix’s shows are not to be missed!

“Wear thick pants because you’ll wet yourself laughing!” Jennifer Saunders

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

See website for times | £16

Direct from the West End, the Olivier Award nominated smash hit show, The Tiger Who Came to Tea returns on tour.

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger!

Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos. Don’t miss this stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem... expect to be surprised!

‘This Tiger is the cat’s meow’ ★★★★ The Times

‘A rare and grreat achievement’ ★★★★ Mail on Sunday

‘All the fun of the fur’ ★★★★ Daily Express

‘Perfectly pitched’ ★★★★ Daily Telegraph

‘Delightful’ ★★★★★ WhatsOnStage.com www.tigerstealive.com @tigerstealive

Wed 31 Jul

Don’t Stop Believin’

7:30pm | £24.50 – £32.50 | All ages

Jump aboard the midnight train – heaven is a place on Earth called Colchester as the greatest end-of-the-night anthems spectacular roars into town.

Non-stop, singalong favourites - Summer of ’69, I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll, Livin’ on a Prayer, Sweet Child O’ Mine, China in Your Hand – 30 anthems brought to life by a sizzling cast, fantastic costumes and amazing light show.

Brand-new for 2023-24, hold on to the feeling and…Don’t Stop Believin’!

Wed 7 Aug Music

The Magic of Motown

7:30pm | £24.50 – £32.50 | All ages

Seen by over a million people, now in its 18th year! Get ready for the biggest Motown party of the year. You will be going loco down in Acapulco as we take you back down memory lane with all the Motown classics from artists such as: Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Jackson 5 and many more.

Celebrate the sound of a generation with one very special night of The Magic of Motown!

Fri 2 – Sat 3 Aug Family

In The Night Garden Live

See website for times | £19 – £24

Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends are coming to Colchester in their funfilled live show Igglepiggle’s Busy Day! Join Igglepiggle as he looks for his friends in the Night Garden by following their funny sounds until he finds them all!

You’ll see all your favourite characters beautifully brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, enchanting music and the amazing flying Pinky Ponk.

Now in its 15th year, In the Night Garden Live is one of the UK’s favourite family events. Over 1 million people have seen it so far and it gets 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 13,774 parents’ reviews.

Fri 9 Aug

Music

The Glam Rock Show

7:30pm | £24.50 – £32.50 | All ages

The costumes, the make-up, the biggest glam rock hits of T.Rex, Mud, Slade, Bowie, Suzi Quatro, Wizzard, Sweet and more, live on stage. From the producers of Lost in Music… come on feel the noise and dress to impress for the brand-new, feel-good show of the year!

‘If you love the 70s and love to be transported back…it really is for you’ BBC Radio Tees

Sat 10 Aug Music

Rat Pack Live

7:30pm | £24.50 – £32.50 | All ages

They were the definition of cool during their fifties and sixties Vegas heyday – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr. Rat Pack Live invites you to be part of the gang and features all the patter and razzamatazz of their infamous live shows. This brilliant production revives all-time-favourites such as New York, New York, That’s Amore, My Way, That’s Life and more. Come Fly with us...

Tue 13 – Thu 15 Aug Family

Dinosaur World Live

See website for times | £16

Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for all the family.

Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus!

A special meet and greet after the show offers all our brave explorers the chance to make a new dinosaur friend.

Don’t miss this entertaining and mindexpanding jurassic adventure, live on stage. Book now before tickets become extinct!

‘Great fun. Highly recommended for all ages’ ★★★★★ What’s Good To Do

‘A spectacular interactive show!’

★★★★ OK! Magazine

‘The perfect family show. Educational and entertaining’ ★★★★ The Reviews Hub

dinosaurworldlive.com @dinoworldlive

Fri 16 Aug Sat 17 Aug

The Westenders

7:30pm | £28 – £30 | 16+

A stunning show featuring the greatest songs from the top musicals in the West End of London including The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Evita, The Lion King, Mamma Mia! and West Side Story. These “hugely talented” stars of the West End bring these beautiful songs to life with “show stopping vocals that make their show so special” including the entire Act I finale of Les Miz showcasing this “vibrant cast in perfect harmony.”

An Evening of Burlesque

7:30pm | £30 – £32 | 18+

A night of laughter, cabaret, mystery and glamour!

Roll up, roll up…the UK’s longest running burlesque show returns – bigger than ever. The ultimate variety show blends stylish cabaret, comedy, music, circus and burlesque, featuring world-class entertainers and stars of the stage and screen in an extravaganza of glitz and glamour! It’s a sensational variety show for the 21st Century! Expect the unexpected - it’s cabaret o’clock!

Tue 10 – Wed 11 Sep Thu 12 Sep

Russell Kane: HyperActive

7:30pm | £32 | 14+

Whirlwind, FitBit-breaking comedian, presenter, actor and author Russell Kane is out on the road again, setting it on fire with his unique recipe of sharp wit and “storming physical comedy” Mail on Sunday.

The brand-new tour for 2024 comes with a safety warning: wear strong underwear - pants will be spoiled. Russell is high-energy, highoctane, and hyper-active!

‘Fierce, funny and heartfelt… a thrilling reminder of what comedy can do.’

The Guardian

Lee Mead: The Best of Me

7:30pm | £24.50 – £29.50

Lee Mead, star of television and award-winning West End leading man, embarks on his brand new UK tour. This production features Lee’s outstanding live band and stunning musical arrangements. Selected songs from his musical influences will celebrate a career lasting over twenty years. Join Lee for an evening of unforgettable music from the world of musical theatre, contemporary hits and his brand new EP. A voice not to be missed!

Fri 13 Sep Sat 14 Sep

Variety Music

Buffy Revamped

7:30pm | £22 – £27 | 14+

This fast-paced gem 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. Buffy Revamped tours the UK following its award-winning Edinburgh Fringe premiere in 2022 and two sold-out national tours. Funny, satirical and bursting with 90s pop-culture references, it’s the perfect parody for Buffy aficionados and those who never enrolled at Sunnydale High alike.

Tue 24 Sep

Variety

Hancock’s Half Hour: The Lost TV Episodes

7:30pm | £19.50 – £24.50 | 8+

Experience the comedic genius of the Godfather of all sitcoms, Hancock’s Half Hour, live on stage! Presented by award-winning theatre company Hambledon Productions and commemorating 100 years of the legendary Tony Hancock as well as his all-star cast, join us for three classic TV episodes of this groundbreaking, timeless comedy that haven’t been seen since their original broadcast.

Rock For Heroes

7:30pm | £25 – £30

Classic rock anthems, incredible musicians, sensational vocalists and a ROCKTACULAR experience; with a lot of laughs thrown in! Performed by a superb 7-piece band, the show breathes new life into the music of Guns ‘N’ Roses, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Dire Straits, Fleetwood Mac, Queen and more!

Let Rock For Heroes take you back to the Summer of ‘69 and join us for the BIGGEST celebration of the Heroes of Rock!

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.

‘YOU’LL ROAR WITH LAUGHTER’ New York Post

THE SMASH HIT COMEDY RETURNS WITH AN A STAR CAST

A COMEDY BY YASMINA REZA

TRANSLATED BY C HRISTOPHER HAMPTON

Tue 17 – Sat 21 Sep

See website for times | Tickets from £17.50 | 14+

The smash hit comedy returns starring award-winning comedian Seann Walsh.

This multi-award winning play (winner of Best Comedy at the Olivier Awards, Tony Awards and Moliere Awards) is a razor sharp exploration of love and friendship and, of course, art.

Iqbal Khan (East is East, National Theatre and Othello, RSC) directs an all-star cast in a brand new production of Yasmina Reza’s fiendishly clever and hilariously funny play.

‘Funny, sophisticated, stylish, stimulating and moving’ The Independent

Wed 25 Sep Music

Singalong Musicals

7:30pm | £31 – £37 | 12+

See the show? YOU are the show!

Get ready to unleash your inner star and experience the magic of the musicals like never before! This isn’t your average sit-and-watch show – it’s a wild, interactive, and seriously rockin’ musical theatre experience. Featuring songs from Mamma Mia!, Grease, Frozen, The Greatest Showman, Dirty Dancing, SIX, Hairspray, We Will Rock You, The Lion King, Les Misérables, Hamilton, Moulin Rouge, Jersey Boys and much more.

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.

Fri 27 – Sun 29 Sep Family

The Gruffalo

See website for times | Child: £14, Adult: £16

Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Schefflercelebrating 25 years in 2024!

Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the high-spirited Snake. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures? After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there?

Songs, laughs and monstrous fun for children aged 3 and up and their grown-ups, in the much-loved show that’s toured Britain and the world!

‘A fine piece of children’s theatre.’ ★★★★ Sunday Times

‘This zesty show is just the ticket!’ ★★★★ Daily Express

Sun 29 Sep 11am Relaxed performance

MYC Summer Takeover

Thu 15 –Sat 17 Aug

See website for times | £12 | 12+

Across 33 interconnected scenes Buckets tells stories of time and how a lack of it affects our emotions and relationships. We follow young people who are all desperately trying to find ways to cope with the fact that time always runs out. This young cast guides you through a kaleidoscopic world of happiness and sadness, kissing and crying, singing and dying.

Laugh, cry, and love with your whole heart!

Thu 15 –Fri 16 Aug

See website for times | Free | 8+

The Mercury Young Company take over the Café Bar stage! Come and watch the young people of Colchester and Essex showcase monologues, comedy & music as they curate two entertaining shows.

Café Bar

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

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

See website for dates, Saturdays 2pm-4pm £140 per term* 5-17s 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.

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

Acting Up!

For beginners and those with vast experience, these workshops are for those aged 18 and over with an interest in acting. Within these fun and practical sessions you’ll get the chance to devise original work, improvisation, unlock texts, explore different techniques and develop performance skills. Through friendships and the networking of likeminded individuals, we encourage and support participants to produce work themselves as well as engaging with other Mercury creatives across our Talent department. Come and be a vital part of the Mercury’s artistic network –join today!

See website for dates, Saturdays, 4-6pm

£8.50 per session 18+

Pilates

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

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 18+

Hip Hop Dance

See website for dates, Wednesdays 7:30-9pm £7 per session 18+ 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.

Working with Schools and Teachers

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 in school and after school clubs 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, CrossCurricular 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

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 £2.95. 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 Arcane Direct Marketing. Registered Charity No. 232387. Company Registered in England No. 441035.

30% of all tickets already snapped up! Over Sat 23 NovSun 19 Jan Supported by: