What’s On
May-Sep 2025
Hello!
Get ready for an unforgettable season at the Mercury! With a fantastic mix of thrilling drama, laugh-out-loud comedy and family fun, we’ve got something for everyone. Whether you’re a regular visitor or perhaps stepping into the theatre for the first time, we can’t wait to share an exciting programme of live entertainment with you.
In the theatre, don’t miss our Mercury Production of The Da Vinci Code, an electrifying adaptation of Dan Brown’s bestselling thriller, and Private Lives by Noël Coward, directed by 2024 RTST Sir Peter Hall Director award-winner Tanuja Amarasuriya. We’re also delighted to announce our 2025 pantomime will be Mother Goose, sure to be the perfect festive treat for the whole family. Over in the Studio we’re proud to present Flumps in association with The Thelmas, a powerful Mercury Original by emerging Essex playwright Emma Jo Pallett.
For families, the swashbuckling adventure Pirates Love Underpants is set to delight audiences of all ages, while comedy lovers can enjoy side-splitting shows like A Shoddy Detective and The Art of Deception and the riotously unpredictable ...Earnest?
Alongside these fantastic productions, we’re pleased to include some exciting new additions to our range of Taking Part activities, head to page 20 to find out more!
Whether you’re joining us for a show, a coffee, or a creative experience, we can’t wait to see you 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 £6.50.
• 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.
• £5 standby tickets will be available for Mercury Productions at the box office, after 4pm on the day of the performance. There are also discounts for u26s across all Mercury Productions.
• 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)
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…
As the cost of living continues to rise, we recognise that many people are unable to afford theatre tickets and access wellbeing activities. The Mercury wants to make sure that everybody can still enjoy these opportunities without cost being a barrier.
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? Join as 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 exclusive show offers, 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 a Mercury 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 Production
A co-production from Mercury Theatre Colchester & Wiltshire Creative
The Da Vinci Code
Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel
Based on the novel by Dan Brown
Director Chelsea Walker
Designer Alys Whitehead
Lighting Designer Ryan Day
Composer and Sound Designer Alexandra Faye Braithwaite
Casting Director Arthur Carrington
Video Designer Daniel Denton
Wed 7 – Sat 24 May
Dan Brown’s bestselling thriller novel comes alive in a way you’ve never seen before, in this electrifying stage adaptation written by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel.
Professor Robert Langdon and cryptologist Sophie Neveu embark on a pulse-pounding quest across Europe. When a brutal murder in the Louvre Museum uncovers hidden clues within Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpieces, the duo must unravel a web of intrigue that could alter the course of history...
Uncover the twists and turns of ancient secrets, relentless rivals and coded messages in a quest to protect a secret that could change the world forever.
Play
See website for times Tickets from £15.50 Age Guidance 16+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Jump straight to the show page
Thu 15 May 7:30pm Post-show Q&A
Sat 17 May 1pm Touch Tour
Sat 17 May 2:30pm Audio Described
Sat 17 May 7:30pm Captioned
Thu 22 May 2:30pm Relaxed Performance
A Mercury Original In association with The Thelmas
Flumps
Fri 6 – Sat 14 Jun
When their mother, struggling with drug addiction, abandons them in their caravan for the summer holidays, Felicity and Harvey must fend for themselves. To keep the gas topped up, the social worker at bay, and – most crucially – the marshmallow jar full, they hatch an unconventional plan to survive.
But as the summer heats up and their clever scheme starts to spiral out of control, they face a question far tougher than any they’ve encountered before: can they hold onto the summer –and each other – forever?
Flumps marks the debut full-length play by emerging Essex playwright Emma Jo Pallett, brought to life by multi-awardwinning director Madelaine Moore.
Play Sat 14 Jun 3pm Captioned CAP
See website for times
Tickets from £12
Age Guidance 16+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Jump straight to the show page
Wed 28 – Sat 31 May
See website for times | £25 – £42 | 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
80s Liverpool.
Chrissie, Loggo, George, Dixie and Yosser are used to hard work and providing for their families. But there is no work and there is no money. What are they supposed to do? Work harder, work longer, buy cheaper, spend less? They just need a chance.
Life is tough but the lads can play the game. Find jobs, avoid the ‘sniffers’ and see if you can have a laugh along the way.
James Graham’s powerful new adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s BAFTA award-winning TV series is directed by Kate Wasserberg and comes to Colchester direct from the National Theatre and the West End.
Play
‘The audience hangs on every syllable’
★★★★★ Daily Mail
‘Richly enjoyable, funny, incendiary and humane’
★★★★ The Guardian
‘Tremendously powerful.
Bleasdale’s characters are wonderful’
★★★★ Time Out
Tue 29 – Wed 30 Apr Plays
Shoddy Theatre, Joshua Beaumont and Matthew Emeny present
A Shoddy Detective and The Art of Deception
7:30pm | £25 | 8+
A laugh-out-loud slapstick whodunnit featuring four actors, a dozen characters and a whole load of chaos.
When a priceless painting goes missing at a private auction, Detective Stuart Pidcock is called upon to uncover the mystery. However, when he cannot solve it himself he is forced to enlist the help of an old nemesis. Together, the pair must interrogate the many characterful suspects that reside at the manor, in order to catch the conniving culprit and solve the crime of the century!
Fresh from selling out their run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Camden Fringe, New Normal Festival and and a 2022 spring tour. Shoddy are back with their hit show A Shoddy Detective. Grab your tickets now for the slapstick comedy that’s taking the country by storm.
‘Had the audience laughing throughout’ North East Theatre Guide
‘Shoddy by name but not shoddy by nature’ London Pub Theatres Magazine
Thu 1 May
Comedy
Joel Dommett: Happy Idiot
7:30pm | £27 | 14+
Having established himself as one of funniest pair of hands in television, Joel Dommett has become a firm fixture in the last few years as presenter of Saturday night smash-hit The Masked Singer, the hugely popular quiz show In With a Shout and the front man of the National Television Awards to name a few. Now, he returns to his stand-up roots with a brand-new show for 2025.
‘Excellent storytelling comic’ The Guardian
Fri 2 May Music
Drag me to the 80s
7:30pm | £23 – £26.50 | 14+
Join us on an unforgettable 80s journey!
Get ready to dance, sing and be captivated by the powerhouse vocals of the queens who redefine the stage and bring the spirit of the 80s roaring back to life.
The show features an incredible full live band and the music of Kylie, Madonna, Whitney, Bananarama, Queen, ABBA, Rick Astley, Pet Shop Boys, Erasure, Duran Duran, Wham, Tina Turner and many more.
Alfie Moore: A Face for Radio
7:30pm | £23.50 | 14+
Thirty years of shift-work, and being punched in the face, had left Fair Cop Alfie with a face for radio. A face not so much lived in as inhabited by squatters with little regard to property maintenance! A surprising career shift turned middle-aged Alfie from street cop to BBC radio star. But when TV fame beckoned could he grasp it or was it past it?
‘…thoroughly engaging, endlessly funny. His charisma shines through as bright and colourful as a twirling blue light’ Mature Times
Rory Bremner: Making an Impression
7:30pm | £28 - £40 | 14+
What happens when Britain’s sharpest political impressionist steps out from behind the masks? Rory Bremner combines signature stand-up with candid conversation in this intimate show. Featuring razor-sharp impressions, political satire and special guest hosts, it’s a unique evening of comedy and insight. From Bremner, Bird & Fortune to Mock the Week and Quiz, Rory’s career defies categorization – don’t miss this rare chance to see a master mimic in action. Thu 12 Jun
Pirates Love Underpants
See website for times | £17 | 1+
Based on the beloved book by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort
These pirates SO love underpants!
Join our swashbuckling party of pirates on their quest to find the fabled Pants of Gold for the Captain’s Treasure chest!
Dodge hungry crocs beneath Long-John Bridge, bob upon the waves of Big Knickers Bay, spot sharks in fancy underpants and trek across Three Pants Ridge.
Filled with music, puppetry and glittering pants of gold, arrr you ready to set sail for a family adventure?
‘Fiercely fabulous family fun’ East Midlands Theatre
Based on the original book PIRATES LOVE UNDERPANTS. Text Copyright Claire Freedman 2013. Illustrations Copyright Ben Cort 2013. Published by arrangement with Simon and Schuster UK Ltd 1st Floor 222 Grays Inn Rd London WCIX 8HE.
Fri 6 – Sat 7 Jun
7:30pm | £24 – £30 | 12+
The Edinburgh Fringe smash-hit ...Earnest? returns to the Mercury following rave reviews ahead of an eagerly awaited West End run.
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 and an actual audience member is chosen to star in the show. What follows is a madcap medley of impromptu games and spontaneous solutions as the desperate director does his best to keep this faithful production going. With the script ripped up and rewritten, can the show reach its fabulous finale, just as Oscar Wilde intended?
This one-of-a-kind comedy sensation is completely different, completely chaotic, and completely Wilde every single night. And who knows, you might even become a star yourself! Guaranteed to have you laughing whether you’re sitting in the audience… or performing onstage …Earnest? is perfect for fans of The Play That Goes Wrong and Noises Off!
Play
Sat 26 Jul
James Phelan: The Dreamer - Live
7:30pm | £27.50 – £41.50 | 12+
An enigmatic, dazzling, five star rated magic show from James Phelan - the magician most infamous for jamming the BBC switchboard after correctly predicting the lottery. This breath-taking show will leave you aching with laughter and dizzy in disbelief. You can’t afford to miss it.
‘One to watch in the world of magic’ The List ★★★★★ ‘Magic is in his bones. Disbelief, flabbergasted, stunned’ Henley Herald
Fri 25 Jul Variety Thu 31 Jul Music
The Simon & Garfunkel Story
7:30pm | £29.50 – £31.50 | 8+
The Simon & Garfunkel Story has wowed audiences worldwide with sold-out performances across 50+ countries and London’s West End, including the iconic Palladium. Featuring stunning projections, original film footage and a live band performing all the hits, this international sensation captures the duo’s meteoric rise. Don’t miss this phenomenal tribute to one of music’s greatest partnerships!
The Illegal Eagles
‘What a great ****ing show’ Art Garfunkel Music
7:30pm | £27 – £38.50 | All ages
Celebrating over 50 years since the formation of the legendary West Coast Country Rock band The Eagles in 1971, The Illegal Eagles make a welcome return to Colchester with a brand new production, promising more of their trademark musical prowess, acute attention to detail and incredible showmanship. This critically acclaimed show features the very best from the Eagles’ catalogue of classics including Hotel California, Desperado, Take It Easy and many 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.
Sat 16 Aug Family
Fun for Little Ones: A Tribute to
Ms Rachel
12pm | £17.50 | All ages
Live on stage - the UK’s premier tribute to global phenomenon Ms Rachel!
A fun, interactive live performance with lots of audience participation for the little ones! Including interactive screen content with puppetry, characters & voices with Monty & friends - bringing to life a fun show for children. Parents of babies & toddlers, you don’t want to miss the fun! Hop, hop, hop to the Mercury!
Thu 11 Sep
Wed 10 Sep
Comedy Variety
An Evening of Burlesque Cabaret
7:30pm | £25 – £33 | 18+
Roll up, roll up... the UK’s longest-running burlesque show returns with An Evening of Burlesque Cabaret! This dazzling celebration blends cabaret, comedy, music, and burlesque into a spectacular extravaganza of glitz and glamour. Featuring dazzling showgirls, specialty acts, and stars of stage and screen, it’s a night of feathers, fun, and fabulous costumes. Expect glitter, glamour, and unforgettable moments. Don’t miss this sensational showcase—tickets are on sale now!
Suzi Ruffell: The Juggle
7:30pm | £19 | 14+
It’s hard to be good at everything—mother, daughter, partner, friend, and smashing life while making it look easy. Suzi Ruffell gets it. In her brand-new stand-up tour, The Juggle, this multi-award-winning comedian delivers laughs and support in equal measure. Seen on Live at the Apollo and QI, Suzi also hosts hit podcasts and her debut book Am I Having Fun Now? is out June 2025. Don’t miss this hilarious show!
Grab a fancy gin, locally brewed beer or a freshly cooked meal before the show!
Open all day before a show 10am-Late
Thu 18 – Sun 21 Sep Musical
CO2: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
See website for times | £16 - £27.50 | 5+
Award-winning Colchester Operatic Society Second Edition (CO2) present Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! Based on Roald Dahl’s classic, this family-friendly musical features songs from the 1971 film, including Candy Man and Pure Imagination. Join Charlie Bucket and four golden ticket winners as they explore Willy Wonka’s magical factory filled with Oompa-Loompas, nutty squirrels, and endless chocolate. Don’t miss this sweet musical treat—grab your golden ticket today!
Sat 27 Sep
Adam Frost
Talks
7:30pm | £27 – £37 | 14+
Award-winning garden designer and BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost is heading back on tour! In his most personal show yet, Adam shares untold stories of a life shaped by plants, from curating gardens worldwide to navigating change and reconnecting with nature. With amusing anecdotes, heartfelt reflections, and insights into his artistic process, Adam explores gardening, family, and wellbeing in a way that’s both inspiring and deeply human. Don’t miss it!
Wed 24 Sep Music
The Magic of the Bee Gees
7:30pm | £25 – £33 | 12+
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!
Access for All
We believe theatre and all of the activities and services we offer should be accessible to all! If you have any access requirements, please visit our Access for All page to find out how we can ensure your visit is as enjoyable as possible: mercurytheatre.co.uk/ enjoy-your-visit/access-for-all
Tue 20 May
A Small Enclosed Room with Alfie Murphy
8pm | £15 | 14+
‘Bursting with energy and joy, thoughtfully crafted and very funny’ A Youngish Perspective
Cian Binchy (ITV, BBC 1, Royal Court) and Anna Constable (Imposter 22, Royal Court) bend the lines of fantasy, reality and masking in a darkly comic universe, with shark chases, a rap about Devon, and some lovely cardboard cut-outs. A co-production with the award-winning Access All Areas.
Sun 10 Aug Sat 13 Sep Plays Family Music
Splat!
See website for times | Adult: £15, Child: £11 Ages 3-6
Splat! is a joyful, physical comedy about art and creativity, perfect for ages 3-6. Set in an artist’s studio, two wildly different characters – one serious and focused, the other chaotic and messy – struggle to create their masterpieces. Journey through the history of visual art, exploring great techniques and movements, as they learn to embrace their differences and work together. With no dialogue, Splat! is playful, accessible for deaf audiences, and brimming with fun!
Wed 21 & Sat 24 May
Dr. Strangelove
See website for times
£13.50 | 15+
Seven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s comedy masterpiece Dr. Strangelove.
This explosively funny satire, about a rogue U.S General who triggers a nuclear attack, is led by a world-renowned creative team including Emmy Award-winner Armando Iannucci and Olivier Award-winner Sean Foley.
La Bouche Manouche feat. Irene Serra
8pm | £19.50 | All ages
Join La Bouche Manouche and criticallyacclaimed jazz vocalist Irene Serra in an evening of much-loved gypsy jazz tunes and foot-tapping swing numbers from the Great American songbook, all in their inimitable Manouche style! From Django Reinhardt originals to Billie Holiday classics, favourite swing tunes, French chansons and tangos, this show is an unmissable evening of gypsy jazz celebration.
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 £84 – £96 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 £120 per term*
MYC Podcasting
14-17s
NEW for 2025! Introduce your young people to the exciting world of podcasting with our new monthly sessions. Participants will learn essential skills like scripting, recording, editing, and publishing, while mastering podcasting tools and storytelling techniques to engage listeners. These workshops also build teamwork, creativity, and public speaking confidence – perfect for exploring interests, sharing ideas, and developing communication skills in a fun, supportive environment!
See website for dates, Saturdays from 26 Apr, 10.30-11.30am. £84 for 12 sessions* (once a month) *A limited number of bursary places
Carers Workshops
8-15s & 18+
Thanks to Essex Carers funding, we are delighted to be providing workshops for local, unpaid carers. There are two weekly workshops; one for 8-15s and the other for 18+ held at Greenstead Community Centre.
Sessions are free and designed for carers who may have never taken part in drama sessions before. As well as theatrical skills, our workshops develop communication, confidence, teamwork and leadership.
See website for dates, Mondays – 5-6.30pm FREE
Pilates
Musical Theatre Dance
Each week our experienced choreographers 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+ 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 1-2pm £7.50 per session
Musical Theatre Choir
You Can’t Stop the Beat!
For those 18+ who love to sing, our Musical Theatre Choir is for you. Come along, make friends with The Nicest Kids in Town and learn a bit of Broadway Rhythm with performance opportunities throughout the year.
Led by Musical Director Rob Miles, this new choir helps members build confidence and improve their vocal technique while exploring a whole repertoire of musical theatre classics.
See website for dates, Tuesdays from 25 Feb, 7.30-9pm. £8.50 taster session, £102 per term
Working with Schools and Teachers
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, 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. Join us today and enjoy the access, hospitality and profile offered by our partnership programmes. Visit mercurytheatre.co.uk/support to learn more.
Limelight Partners
Premier Partner
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 £3.30. 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.
Sat 22 Nov – Sun 18 Jan
