Mercury Theatre What's On Jan - Jun 2022

5

Year Anniversary

What’s On Jan-Jun 2022

Welcome to the theatre

Hello In this, the 50th anniversary year of our home at Balkerne Gate, our programme is rich with theatre treats for everyone.

For half a century the Mercury Theatre has been proudly based in our iconic building at the foot of Jumbo, telling stories, sharing moments of poignancy, celebration and laughter with you. Since re-opening in late June, it has been a joy to see the beautifully refurbished building re-animated by artists, creatives, workshop participants and you, our audiences. We have loved welcoming you back to your theatre and seeing all these wonderful new spaces come to life.

The year begins with Aladdin, our all-singing, all-dancing, festive extravaganza. This will be our first pantomime in the renovated building after a three-year hiatus and we just can’t wait to welcome audiences back to the biggest, brightest show of our season.

With our new facilities, we want to continue to grow our engagement work with our community – making our work off stage as accessible as possible for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

Through funded programmes, bursaries and donations, we want to ensure the Mercury is truly welcoming for everyone.

In the spring we will present a fresh new adaptation of Hitchcock’s classic thriller, Blackmail by Mark Ravenhill, after Charles Bennett; it’s a nail-biting tale of suspense and yes, you guessed it, blackmail.

It’s a fresh new treatment of a classic that we think you’ll love.

Tracey Childs Executive Producer

In 2022 we will celebrate all the adventures we’ve had together in this building and look ahead to the exciting times to come. Watch our website for more details. We’re planning a range of anniversary activities and events that we hope you’ll love but for the moment, from everyone at the Mercury, we would like to wish you a very happy festive season and a healthy and prosperous new year.

Tracey and Steve Joint Chief Executives

Steve Mannix Executive Director

Contents 4 26 31 41 45 46 49 52

Theatre Studio Taking Part Talent Development Accessibility Seating Plan And Booking Info 50yr Anniversary Diary

In May, our 50th anniversary month, we’ll be celebrating with another Mercury Production: The Comedy Of Errors – Shakespeare’s sidesplitting caper about mistaken identity and reunited families. I’m looking forward to directing a classic comedy with the added bonus of a special anniversary show on 18 May. And if you enjoyed Kenny Emson’s Sirens, keep an eye out for more Mercury Originals on the horizon.

Our studio theatre is generating a reputation for presenting fresh and exciting new works from some of the most innovative theatre companies touring the UK. Highlights next season include When the Long Trick’s Over by Olivier Award-winner, Morgan Lloyd Malcolm and Human Nurture, a new play from Ryan Calais Cameron about race, privilege and belonging. I’m also looking forward to seeing the hilarious and touching coming of age story, We Are Not Shellfish.

Ryan McBryde Creative Director

5

Year Anniversary

We have a multitude of extraordinary guest companies joining us between January and May. Pilot will be returning with the world premiere of The Bone Sparrow, a heart-rending tale about how our stories make us. Eastern Angles offer a thrilling retelling of Suffolk’s real-life murder mystery, The Ballad of Maria Marten; and Vamos returns with Dead Good. The season closes with one of Britain’s greatest modern plays, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice.

So come and join us for a year of celebration, adventure and fun from the moment you enter the theatre to the moment you leave.

I’m looking forward to seeing you there.

Ryan McBryde Creative Director

www.carbonbalancedprinter.com Healeys Print Group - Reg. 2108

This brochure has been fully carbon balanced for paper and production via the World Land Trust

2

3

Theatre ← Mercury A Mercury Production, AndrewPollard, Pollard,Directed Directedby byRyan RyanMcBryde McBryde A Production, byby Andrew

Aladdin Aladdin Sat 1616 Jan Sat 27 27 Nov-Sun Nov – Sun Jan Make all your Christmas wishes come true this festive season with the Mercury’s magical pantomime, Aladdin!

See diary for full performance schedule

Make all with your us Christmas wishes come true with a trip toAladdin the Journey to distant shores where the penniless Mercury’s dreams ofmagical winning pantomime, the heart of Aladdin! the rebellious Princess Jasmine.

See diary for£15 full| performance Prices from Concessions schedule available

Journey us to distant where the penniless Aladdin When hewith is tempted by anshores evil sorceress with the promise of dreamsriches, of winning the heart offinds the rebellious PrincessinJasmine. untold our young hero himself trapped the Cave of Wonders with nothing but his wits and a battered old lamp. Little When he is tempted by an evil sorcerer with the promise of untold does he know that its contents will change his life forever.

Prices from Please note£15 that| Concessions available performances on 12, 13, 14 January arethat strictly 18+ Please note

riches, our young hero finds himself trapped in the Cave of Wonders withdefeat nothing but his wits and a battered lamp. Little Will Aladdin the wicked sorceress?

Will theold Princess does he know that it’shim? contents willthe change hisoflife ever.make all Jasmine ever notice And will Genie thefor Lamp

performances on 12, 13, 14 January are strictly 18+

his wishes come true?

Will Aladdin defeat the wicked sorcerer? Will the Princess Jasmine

ever notice him? to And willyour the Genie the Lamp make all of his You’ll be thrilled hear Greatof British Pantomime awardwishes come true? Antony Stuart-Hicks and Dale Superville winning favourites, (Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Snow White) will be unleashed You’ll be thrilled to hear our Great British Pantomime awardon Colchester once again. After a year off they’re chomping at winning ugly sisters, Antony Stuart-Hicks and Dale Superville the bit to release even more panto madness on unsuspecting (Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Snow White) will be unleashed audiences! on Colchester once again, and after a year off they’re chomping

So hopbit aboard youreven magic carpet and join us for hilarious, funat the to release more panto madness on a unsuspecting packed adventure full of song, dance and all the usual Mercury audiences! magical mayhem!

So hop aboard your magic carpet and join us for a hilarious, funpacked adventure full of song, dance and all the usual Mercury Lighting Design: David W Kidd Sound Design: Ed Clarke magical mayhem!

Dale Superville Dale Superville

Musical Director: Nick Barstow Choreographer: Donna Berlin Magic Advisor: Michael J Fitch Design: Diego Pitarch, Lighting Design: David W Kidd, Musical Director: Nick Barstow, Choreographer: Donna Berlin, MagicFri Advisor: J Fitch 10 DecMichael

7pm BSL Interpretation RP

Sun 12 Dec

12pm

RP

Thu 6 Jan

2pm

CAP

Fri 7 Jan

7pm

Sat 8 Jan

11.30am

Sat 8 Jan

1pm

Sat 15 Jan

1pm

Sat 8 Jan

RP

TT

RP

AD CAP

4

Fri 10 Dec

Sun 12 Dec

Thu 6 Jan Fri 7 Jan

Relaxed Relaxed

7.00pm

BSL Interpretation

12.00pm

Relaxed

2.00pm

Relaxed

7.00pm

Captioned Performance

11.30pm

Touch Tour

Captioned Performance Touch Tour

Antony Stuart-Hicks Antony Stuart-Hicks

Audio Described

BSL Interpretation

18+

TT

Wed 12 Jan

7.30pm

18+

AD

Sat 8 Thu 13Jan Jan

1.00pm 7.30pm

Audio Described Adult Performance

18+

Sat1415Jan Jan Fri

1.00pm 7.30pm

BSL Interpretation Adult Performance

Adult Performance

5

Theatre

Theatre

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Musical

Direct from America

CAP

7.30pm | £29.50 | 12+

Eves 7.30pm, Sat matinees 2.30pm, Sun matinees 3pm | £15-£22 What makes a monster and what makes a man?

The Hunchback of Notre Dame tells the story of Quasimodo, the disabled bell-ringer of Notre Dame, who longs to be Out There with all of fifteenth-century Paris.

Let Colchester Operatic Society sweep you away with the magic of this truly unforgettable musical, based on the Victor Hugo novel and including the songs and Academy Award-nominated score from the Disney animated feature, along with new songs by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz as they perform this powerful story and fill the stage with beautiful choral harmonies.

Thu 10 Feb

Presented by Colchester Operatic Society.

Celine Live in Vegas is the premier tribute to Celine Dion’s epic 16-year Las Vegas residency. Now you can relive this iconic musical phenomenon for the first time in the UK. International vocalist Crystal Cimaglia and her band masterfully channel Celine in her wildly authentic tribute, which includes the songs: My Heart Will Go On, It’s All Coming Back to Me Now, Think Twice, Because You Loved Me, I Drove All Night, All by Myself, The Power of Love, and many more.

Dead Good

Drama

7.30pm | £15-£20 | 12+ | Accessible for deaf audiences Bob and Bernard don’t have much in common. But after a chance meeting at their weekly hospice group, they realise they share one ambition – to do some serious living before they die.

So, with a bottle of Bollinger and the keys to Bernard’s Bentley in hand, they hit the road. This beautifully crafted, funny and poignant production is performed entirely without words.

Quasimodo will be brought to life on the Mercury stage through two counterparts: one using BSL & the other providing vocals, blending together for a beautiful, moving portrayal of this unlikely hero.

Thu 27 Jan-Sun 6 Feb

Music

Celine Live in Vegas

Fri 11 Feb

Co-produced with Corn Exchange Newbury and a cocommission with London International Mime Festival, supported

by The Leche Trust.

Eastern Angles and Matthew Linley Creative Projects in association with the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough

Drama

HHHH ’ flintoff restores dignity to maria… unexpectedly oyous ‘ HHHH HHHH HHHH

The Ballad of Maria Marten

’ a theatre lover ‘ s dream ‘

Eves 7.30pm | Wed matinee 2.30pm | £15-£25

2pm | Adult £17.50, Child £13.50

A thrilling retelling of Suffolk’s real-life murder mystery.

Look out ‘cause here it comes...

The Guardian

A Younger Theatre

Manchester Theatres

By

beth flintoff

Charles Hutch Press

The Stage

’ a stellar piece of theatre ‘ North West End

Directed by

hal chambers

Summer, 1827. In a red barn Maria Marten awaits her lover. A year later her body is found. It had all the hallmarks of a classic crime drama – a missing body, a country location, a disreputable squire and a village stuck in its age-old traditions. But in all this hysteria Maria’s own story gets lost. Until now.

Sing-a-long-a The Greatest Showman

Sat 12 Feb Please note this is a screening and not a live stage show.

www.wiltons.org.uk 020 7702 2789

6

Age guidance 12+

Eastern Angles and Matthew Linley Creative Projects in association with the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough.

Cheer, boo and hiss as you sing your heart out with our live host who will teach you some dance moves and show you how to use your free props bag.

Screening Sing-A-Long

7.30pm | £17.50 | 12+

‘Rich and transporting’ ★★★★ The Stage ‘Unexpectedly joyous’ ★★★★ The Guardian

- 19 February Tue158-Wed 9 Feb2022

From the producers of Sing-a-long-a Sound of Music comes the smash hit film musical with lyrics on screen that everyone can’t stop singing.

Sing-a-long-a Rocky Horror Picture Show

Told through the eyes of Maria and the women who loved her, this beautifully staged production brings the power of movement, music and storytelling together for a heartstopping evening of theatrical magic.

Screening Sing-A-Long

Sat 12 Feb Please note this is a screening and not a live stage show.

The campest cult classic of all time gets the Sing-a-long-a treatment it’s been screaming for! Featuring the film starring Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Meatloaf and Richard O’Brien, it’s the most outrageous, riotous, kitsch, wonderful romp ever. If you’ve done The Time Warp before, you’ll never have done it quite like this! Includes a free interactive props bag. Fancy dress is not obligatory but highly recommended!

7

Theatre

Theatre

Treasure Island

Family

The Pasadena Roof Orchestra – Back on the Road

Eves 7.30pm | Thu matinee 2.30pm | £15-£25 Le Navet Bete and Barbican Theatre present Treasure Island, a swashbuckling, smash-hit comedy for all the family. Featuring dastardly pirates, tropical islands and a mermaid you’ll never forget, set sail on the Jolly Todger with Jim Lad, Long John Silver and a whole host of other characters for a hilarious voyage across the seas.

The multi-award-winning Le Navet Bete (The Three Musketeers, Dracula: The Bloody Truth) join forces with one of UK theatre’s best comedy writers and directors John Nicholson (Peepolykus, BBC Radio 4) to bring you Robert Louis Stevenson’s legendary tale as you’ve never seen it before!

7.30pm | £15-£25 Enjoy beautifully arranged songs from Irving Berlin, Ray Noble and Cole Porter and relive the electrifying hot jazz from Fletcher Henderson and Duke Ellington.

Wed 23 Feb

Non-stop laughter with comedians to suit all tastes. Have your funny bone well and truly tickled at this great value, unpredictable evening that promises to be full of pure comedy!

Thu 24 Feb Family

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!

A ‘SIN’tillating, sultry and side-splitting cabaret.

Fri 25 Feb

Naughty and new for 2022, this smouldering production features acts from four of the UK’s top burlesque divas, Cherry Shakewell, Jeanie Wishes, Felicity Furore and Vicky Butterfly alongside music, comedy and outrageousness from hosts and Colchester favourites Carli Norris (EastEnders) and Antony Stuart-Hicks (Mercury’s resident Dame) bringing you the night you’ve been waiting for!

The Best of Fleetwood Mac

Music

7.30pm | £29.50 | 15+

‘This Tiger is the cat’s meow’ ★★★★ The Times ‘Delightful’ ★★★★★ Whatsonstage.com

8

Burlesque

8pm | £15-£25 | 18+ (adult themes, partial nudity, strong language)

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!

Fri 18-Sun 20 Feb

Starring a top host and introducing some of the finest and funniest acts on the UK comedy circuit today, incuding Ivan Brackenbury, Danny Posthill, Mark Simmons, and Ben Langley (host). Get buckled up and get ready for a rip-roaring night of big laughs.

Viva Burlesque!

11.30am & 2.30pm | £14, Discounts available for groups of 10+ A musical play adapted and directed by David Wood. Based on the book by Judith Kerr, direct from the West End, the Olivier Award-nominated smash-hit show, The Tiger Who Came to Tea returns on tour.

Comedy

7.30pm | £15-£25 | 16+ (strong language)

‘Great fun! Ideal for children who love an adventure’ ★★★★ Reviewshub

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Presenting the show with a dash of wit and humour is singer and band leader Duncan Galloway. So pack up your troubles, come on get happy, and experience an evening of superlative live music.

The Best of British Comedy

‘A ripping good yarn with an abundance of theatrical surprises’ ★★★★ The Stage

Tue 15-Thu 17 Feb

Music

Sat 26 Feb

One of the UK’s top, and some say most authentic, Fleetwood Mac tribute shows. UK Fleetwood Mac are a high-calibre, professional and polished band of experienced and accomplished musicians who together recreate the sound, look and feel of the legendary band. All seven professionals play live and unadulterated, delivering a show as close to the real thing as possible. Every show is portrayed with the passion, energy and respect that the legendary band deserves.

Presented by Sweeney Entertainments.

9

Theatre A Mercury Production, directed by Anthony Banks and produced in association with Simon Friend Entertainment

Blackmail

by Charles Bennett in a new version by Mark Ravenhill

Fri 4 Mar-Sat 19 Mar Drama

‘I find myself the third corner in this unusual triangle. The only person in London who is in a position to inform the waiting world just who was responsible for that violent death. And just who concealed the evidence.’

Evenings 7:30pm Thu, Sat matinees 2:30pm Sun matinees 3pm £15-£30 Concessions available 12+

Who has murdered a famous artist in his Chelsea studio? Who removed a vital clue from the scene of the crime?

Blackmailer Ian Tracy thinks he knows the answers and that shop worker Alice and her policeman fiancé Harold are the perfect victims. Alice’s fearsome mother Ada is determined to find out the truth. A long night of secrets and lies awaits them all and before morning comes, one of them will be dead.

Charles Bennett’s smash-hit play, adapted for the screen

by Alfred Hitchcock, is back in a new version by acclaimed playwright Mark Ravenhill, bringing a modern eye to the twists and turns of a classic thriller.

Designer: David Woodhead Lighting Designer: Howard Hudson Casting Director: Helena Palmer

10

Tue 15 Mar

7.30pm

Post-show Q&A

TT

Thu 17 Mar

1pm

Touch Tour

AD

Thu 17 Mar

2.30pm

Audio Described

CAP

Fri 18 Mar

7.30pm

Captioned Performance

11

Theatre

Theatre

An Evening of Commemoration

Livestream

7.30pm | FREE This special civic event, including music, readings and performance, brings the community together to remember and celebrate the loves, lives and losses of the last two years.

Produced by the Mercury in partnership with Colchester Borough Council, BBC Essex, and local community and faith organisations.

The event will be livestreamed to homes, community and faith centres across Colchester and beyond.

For tickets and the latest information, please go to our website or pop in to our box office.

The Bone Sparrow

Sat 26 Mar

Theatre Tours Step behind the scenes to discover the backstage secrets of what makes a spectacular Mercury Production. Find out how the magic happens when you visit the rehearsal room, take a sneaky peek into wardrobe and see how the sets are made in our enormous workshop. Make it a really special day by ending in the café bar with a delicious afternoon tea and bubbles.

Combine a tour with a cream tea and a gift voucher as the perfect gift for a theatre lover.

12

Tour dates Sat 29 Mar 11am Thu 17 Feb 11am Fri 18 Mar 11am Sat 2 Apr 11am

Prices Tour £10 Tour and Cream Tea £15.95 Tour and Afternoon Tea £18.25 Tour and Afternoon Tea with prosecco £20.75 Gift vouchers available for tours and Afternoon Tea for 2 £41.50

Tue 29 Mar-Sat 2 Apr

See diary for full performance schedule £15-£30 Concessions available 11+ Drama

An adaptation of the novel by Zana Fraillon by award-winning playwright S. Shakthidharan.

Subhi is a refugee. Born in an Australian permanent detention centre after his mother fled the violence of a distant homeland, life behind the fences is all he has ever known. But as he grows, his imagination gets bigger too, until it is bursting at the limits of his world. The Night Sea brings him gifts, the faraway whales sing to him, and the birds tell their stories.

One night, Jimmie, a scruffy, impatient girl appears from the other side of the wires, and brings a notebook written by the mother she lost. Unable to read it, she relies on Subhi to unravel her own family’s mysterious and moving history.

Subhi and Jimmie might both find a way to freedom as their tales unfold. But not until each of them has been braver than ever before.

‘With an affecting and distinctive narrative voice ... Zana Fraillon builds a convincing and complete world. Moving and memorable, The Bone Sparrow deserves to be read by all who care about our common humanity’ The Guardian Pilot Theatre won Excellence in Touring at the 2019 UK Theatre Awards. Pilot’s renowned work for young audiences (Noughts and Crosses, Crongton Knights) is fully supported by a range of learning resources.

Presented by Pilot Theatre in co-production with York Theatre Royal, Belgrade Theatre Coventry, Mercury Theatre Colchester and Derby Theatre.

13

Theatre

Theatre

Top Secret – The Magic of Science

Family

7:30pm | £15-£25 | 18+ (strong language, adult themes)

Fusing the mystery of magic with wondrous and miraculous feats of science. Hang on to your seats as we transform the Mercury Theatre into a real-life science laboratory. Experience the non-stop, action-packed interactive magical science experiments that will capture the imagination. Top Secret is a fast-moving, colourful magical science show filled with mystery, suspense and lots and lots of mess!

The Enby Show brings together the best gender-benders and cis-tem offenders that the UK has to offer, in an all-star variety night popping with creme-de-la-thems.

Sat 9 Apr Pop Princesses

Music

Fireman Sam Saves the Circus

Family

11am & 1.30pm | Adult £18, Child £17, Family £66

A magical show where beautiful princesses become pop stars!

When all of his friends go away, Norman Price decides to find adventure in Pontypandy and become the star of a visiting circus. But with a tiger on the loose and faulty lights, the adventure soon turns to danger. Can Fireman Sam come to the rescue and save the circus?

The children’s pop concert with a big difference. A musical spectacular starring four fabulous fairy tale princesses who just love to sing! Featuring a soundtrack of top pop hits from artists such as Little Mix, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor and Miley Cyrus, plus all the best songs from all your favourite films and musicals. Come and join the fun!

Presented by Sweeney Entertainment.

Celebrating over 50 years since the legendary US west coast country rock band The Eagles formed in 1971, The Illegal Eagles return to Colchester for another critically acclaimed show, with the very best from The Eagles’ catalogue of classics, including: Hotel California, Desperado, New Kid In Town and many more…

Thu 7 Apr Reginald D Hunter – Bombe Shuffleur

Tue 12 Apr

Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in an all-singing, all-dancing, action-packed show. You can become a fire-fighter cadet and then watch the magic of the circus.

Music

7.30pm | £26.50-£34

Comedy

8pm | £24.50 | 18+ Three-time Perrier Award nominee Reginald D Hunter is back with a brand-new show, and there’s no time for niceties. Unafraid to tackle head-on the subjects the rest of skirt around, Reginald is the voice of his generation – searingly honest, brutally funny and uniquely placed to commentate on the unfolding meltdown of life as we know it.

14

Put on your best non-binary finery, and prepare to experience enby envy like never before, in this show hosted by ‘everyone’s favourite drag vegetable’ (Time Out London), Carrot. The all star line up (to be announced early 2022) will be joined by enbies-inresidence and Mercury Lates regulars, Flick and Cyro.

Gender? Never heard of it.

2pm | £17.50, Meet and Greet £23 | 6+

The Illegal Eagles

Fri 8 Apr

Adult

2pm | Adult £13.50, Child £11.50, Family tickets | 10+

Tue 5 Apr

Wed 6 Apr

The Enby Show Presents: The Drag Ball

Adopt a Seat We can’t promise your name in lights, but the next best thing is to adopt a seat in our newly refurbished auditorium. Whether it’s a favourite quote, a present for a theatre lover or to honour a loved one, add a custom plaque to a favourite seat today.

Pay through monthly instalments of £20* or a one-time payment of £475.

Visit mercurytheatre.co.uk/adopt or speak to a member of our team to find out more. *£20 a month for 24 months, totalling £480.

‘This is comedy of a rare scope’ ★★★★★ The Times

15

Theatre

Theatre

Andy and the Odd Socks

Family

An Evening Without Kate Bush

1pm | £16.50

7.30pm | £15-£19.50 | 15+

Andy and the Odd Socks are not about clichéd rock ‘n’ roll; this is true sock ‘n’ roll – fantastic catchy songs and a true celebration of individuality. Like The Monkees or The Simpsons, the Odd Socks appeal to kids and adults alike. Sing-a-long songs that kids adore, with a dash of The Mighty Boosh or Flight of the Conchords oddball humour that parents love.

Enter Strange Phenomena, howl with the The Hounds Of Love and dance on the moors with Wuthering Heights. Kate’s not there, but you are.

Wed 13 Apr

Explore the music and mythology with acclaimed performer SarahLouise Young (Cabaret Whore, The Showstoppers, La Soiree) and theatre-maker Russell Lucas (Warped at VAULT Festival).

Tue 19 Apr Midnight Train to Georgia

Music

This fabulously authentic production ensures the Gibb brothers’ incredible legacy of classic hit songs is well and truly stayin’ alive!

Wed 20 Apr Music

This is You Win Again!

Country Superstars

Music

7.30pm | £15

7.30pm | £15-£25

Following their amazing sell-out success in 2019 the Rock Choir returns with their eclectic mix of upbeat favourites and sing-along classics to get you up on your feet. Led by the brilliant Adam Abo Henrikson and featuring a variety of your favourite rock hits sung by Essex and Suffolk locals, the proceeds from this feelgood fundraiser will support the Mercury and all the work it does in the local community.

The world’s biggest country music tribute touring show is coming!

Endorsed by Dolly Parton (‘I wish them the best and I appreciate them doing Dolly and Kenny so well for so long’), the show is hosted by TV and West End star Sarah Jayne. Featuring music from Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Billie Jo Spears, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, Tammy Wynette, Garth Brooks, John Denver, Glen Campbell, Shania Twain and including The Country Superstars Band.

The Gift of Theatre Looking for a great gift idea? Mercury Gift Vouchers can be personalised with your own message and bought for any amount. They can be redeemed against all shows and backstage tours at the theatre, and can even be used to buy UK-wide Theatre Tokens.

Mercury Gift Vouchers last for two years and can be purchased online, or in person at the theatre. See our website for more details or speak to a member of our customer experience team.

16

Music

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.

‘Simply one of the most high-quality productions and portrayals I have seen.’ Mark Ritchie, UK Cabaret Magazine

Rock Choir

Presented by John Mackay.

7.30pm | £19-£27.50

Capturing the essence of the multi-award-winning Ms Gladys Knight, Hayley Ria Christian emulates the true magic that the Empress of Soul delivers on stage. This production is a faithful portrayal that pays homage to Ms Gladys Knight.

Thu 14 Apr

‘...an evening that ends in triumph, not in tears’ ★★★★ The Times

You Win Again – Celebrating the Music of the Bee Gees

7.30pm | £15-£26

Sat 16 Apr

Music

Thu 21 Apr

Your legacy is their future Leaving a gift to the Mercury in your will helps to ensure the arts in Colchester are supported for many years to come, including our work training the budding young stars of tomorrow. Gifts can be general donations, or go towards something specific. We will gladly discuss how your gift can be best recognised. Set up your legacy today by visiting mercurytheatre.co.uk/legacy.

17

Theatre

Theatre

Dylan Moran – We Got This

Comedy

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

8pm | £26.50 | 15+

7.30pm | £15-£25 | 12+

How can it be you have spent a whole ten minutes staring at a banana? Why do you always do stuff like that?

2016 Olivier Award Winners – Best Entertainment and Family Show.

Spontaneous musical comedy at its absolute finest, direct from the West End. These incredible performers are guaranteed to impress as they create a brand-new musical comedy packed with drama, dazzling dance routines and catchy melodies – all made up on the spot and inspired by your suggestions!

We Got This is the brand new show from BAFTA and Perrier Award-winning comedian Dylan Moran. It promises to be a joyously furious romp through the frustration and folly of modern day life.

Fri 22 Apr

Presented by Mick Perrin Worldwide Ltd.

Thu 28 Apr

The Paradis Files

Opera

7.30pm | £15-£25

CAP

AD

Magic

7.30pm | £15-£25 | 16+ Five of the most incredible illusionists in the world with over 500 million YouTube views between them: BGT runner-up Jamie Raven, BGT 2020 finalists James and Dylan Piper, award-winning magician Oliver Tabor, world speed illusionist Kayden Black and highly acclaimed magical duo The Glamourists. A non-stop show packed with breathtaking magic and illusions, including never-seen-before tricks, and an explosive finale!

In the glittering salons of 18th-century Vienna, Maria-Theresia von Paradis is a star. Yet behind this dazzling success story, there are dark forces at work. A newly commissioned chamber opera, composed by Errollyn Wallen CBE and directed by Jenny Sealey.

Commissioned by The Stables for IF: Milton Keynes International Festival. A Graeae Theatre Company production in partnership with BBC Concert Orchestra and Curve Theatre.

‘Achingly funny... worth seeing again and again’ ★★★★★ Time Out Critics’ Choice

Illusion: Impossible

An extraordinary blind musician. A family hell-bent on a cure.

Sat 23 Apr

Music

Fri 29 Apr

All performances will creatively integrate BSL, captioning and audio description.

Ian Ashpitel & Jonty Stephens as Eric & Ern

Comedy

The Best of Queen – The Break Free Tour

7.30pm | £15-£24

7.30pm | £29.50 | 15+

Eric and Ern is a brilliant homage to Morecambe and Wise crammed full of famous comedy sketches, from Grieg’s Piano Concerto, to Mr Memory… and the paper bag trick! This nostalgic show from Olivier Award-nominated duo Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens, evokes memories of a time when whole families would huddle around the telly on Sunday evenings.

Tue 26 Apr

‘I never thought I’d see Morecambe and Wise live – I think I just have!’ Ben Elton

The Magnificent Music Hall – We’re Back

Get ready to ‘break free’ with the UK’s biggest Queen Tribute band – Majesty, in a brand-new show The Break Free Tour.

Sat 30 Apr

Music

Wed 27 Apr 18

Join Freddie, Brian, Roger and John as they take you on a magical journey performing The Best of Queen, whilst celebrating the music and showmanship of the UK’s favourite rock band. With iconic sound and lighting, this magical show is ‘guaranteed to blow your mind’!

Bob Marley: The Man The Music

Music

7.30pm | £15-£24.50

2.30pm | £15-£25 | 14+ Step back in time once again to the glorious and glamorous heyday of British Music Hall. At the helm for this splendid afternoon of song, dance, magic and laughter will be your Chairman, complete with gavel and sharp wit to introduce artistes who have all appeared on BBC TV’s The Good Old Days.

Music

Image by Dave Sotogi

From the company that brought you the critically acclaimed RUSH A Joyous Jamaican Journey, this narrated musical tells the story of Jamaican-born singer and songwriter Bob Marley whose iconic music fused elements of reggae, ska and rocksteady. Get ready to enjoy songs like One Love, No Woman No Cry and Is This Love all played live by an incredible line up of musicians.

Thu 2 Jun 19

Theatre A Mercury Production, Directed by Ryan McBryde

The Comedy of Errors Fri 13 May-Sat 28 May Comedy In Shakespeare’s screwball comedy, two sets of twins separated at birth unwittingly find themselves in the same city on the same day, leading to a string of mistaken identities and chaotic mishaps.

The Mercury’s wild, whirling production of the bard’s first and funniest farce is packed with puns, song and slapstick, and promises to be a hilarious night out.

Celebrate our 50th anniversary with us on Wed 18 May 7.30pm Enjoy a very special performance to celebrate the golden anniversary of being in our iconic building. There’ll be a champagne reception before the show and cake – lots of cake – and perhaps some surprises too! We guarantee a memorable and enchanting evening as we raise funds for the next 50 years.

20

Tue 24 May

7.30pm

Post-show Q&A

RP

Thu 26 May

2.30pm

Relaxed

CAP

Fri 27 May

7.30pm

Captioned

TT

Sat 28 May

1pm

Touch Tour

AD

Sat 28 May

2.30pm

Audio Described

Evenings 7:30pm Thu, Sat matinees 2:30pm Sun matinees 3pm £15-£30 Concessions available

5

Year Anniversary

21

Theatre

Theatre

Dinosaur World Live

Family

FASCINATING AÏDA

11.30am & 2.30pm | £14, Discounts available for groups of 10+ | 3+

Music/Comedy

7.30pm | £18-£26 | 14+ They’re back at last!

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

Dillie Keane, Adèle Anderson and Liza Pulman are heading out on tour with a selection of old favourites, songs you haven’t heard before and some you wish you’d never heard in the first place. The songs are hilarious and topical – the glamour is unstoppable.

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

With three Olivier Award nominations and over 25 million YouTube and Facebook hits for Cheap Flights and their incredibly rude Christmas song, how can you possibly miss them?

‘Cabaret Heaven’ ★★★★★ Metro

Book now before tickets become extinct!

‘Outrageous... seductive’ ★★★★ The Guardian

‘A spectacular interactive show!’ ★★★★ OK! Magazine

‘Hilarious’ ★★★★ The Telegraph ‘I can’t recommend this show highly enough’ ★★★★★ Mail on Sunday

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

John Mackay presents.

Fri 3-Sun 5 Jun

Fri 10-Sat 11 Jun

Stewart Lee: Snowflake/Tornado

Comedy

Zog and the Flying Doctors

7.30pm | £18-£26 | 14+

See diary for showtimes | Adult £16.50, Child £14.50

Tue 7-Wed 8 Jun

Into the Groove

Presented by John Mackay in association with Debi Allen/ Curtis Brown.

L IV E ON STA GE

BASED ON THE BOOK BY

Sat 11-Sun 12 Jun MUSIC & LYRICS BY JOE STILGOE · DIRECTED BY EMMA KILBEY

Music

22

Zog and his Flying Doctor crew, Princess Pearl and Sir Gadabout, tend to a sunburnt mermaid, a unicorn with too many horns and a lion with the flu. However, Pearl’s uncle, the King, has other ideas about whether princesses should be doctors, and she’s locked up in the castle back in a crown and a silly frilly dress!

With help from her friends and half a pound of cheese, can Pearl cure her uncle and prove princesses can be doctors too? © Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler

Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever

Family

7.30pm | £19-£28.50

10am, 1pm & 4pm | Adult £17.50, U16 £15.50, Family £60

Strike a pose and get up on the dance floor, it’s time to open your heart as we’ve got the key!

Peppa Pig is excited to be going on a special day out with George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig – it’s going to be her best day ever!

Join us for an incredible night, as we cherish the love and celebrate the incredible career of the best-selling female artist of all time... Madonna!

Thu 9 Jun

© 2016 Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Two 60-minute sets, Snowflake looks at the Covid-Brexit era and Tornado questions Stew’s position in the comedy marketplace after Netflix mistakenly listed his show as ‘reports of sharks falling from the skies are on the rise again. Nobody on the Eastern Seaboard is safe.’

‘The world’s best living stand-up comedian’ Dominic Maxwell, The Times

Family

This is a tribute show and is in no way affiliated with any original artists/estates/management companies or similar shows.

Wed 26-Thu 27 Oct

Get ready for a road-trip full of fun adventures. From castles to caves, dragons to dinosaurs and ice-creams to muddy puddles – there is something for all of the family and their friends to enjoy, including Miss Rabbit, Mr Bull, Suzy Sheep, Gerald Giraffe and more!

23

Theatre

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice Tue 21-Sat 25 Jun Drama Meet Little Voice and Mari Hoff. A mother and daughter central to the heart of this Northern fairy tale, but as far apart in character as can be. Left to her own devices, Little Voice starts to embody the famous divas she plays on repeat, from Judy Garland to Shirley Bassey, and becomes an overnight sensation.

Evenings 7:30pm

With humour, heart and countless powerhouse ballads all performed live on stage, Cartwright’s timeless and iconic tale explores the highs and the lows of small-town dreams, family rivalry and finding your voice in a noisy world.

12+

Starring TV favourite Shobna Gulati (Coronation Street, Dinnerladies, Loose Women), British soap royalty Ian Kelsey (Emmerdale, Casualty) and two-time Drama Desk Award nominee Christina Bianco, as Little Voice.

The Olivier Award-winning comedy-drama from Jim Cartwright has earned international acclaim across the globe, including a Golden Globe-winning smash-hit film starring Jane Horrocks and Michael Caine.

24

Thu, Sat matinee 2:30pm £15-£33.50 Concessions available

Our brand-new all-day café-bar offers a warm, friendly welcome to everyone – whether you’re coming in to book tickets, watch a show or visiting the town day or evening. We serve a wide selection of cakes, pastries, snacks and light meals, alongside a range of teas, coffees, alcoholic and soft drinks, including options sourced from local suppliers and prepared by our in-house kitchen.

We are fully accessible and have a stylish outdoor piazza to take in the historic surroundings that Balkerne Gate has to offer whether it’s a business meet, drinks with friends or bringing the children for an ice cream.

Our new mobile ordering app is quick and easy to use, and you can pay from your table with no need to queue. Simply scan the QR code displayed at your table to view and order from the menu. The wifi is free and dogs are welcome.

Open 10am-Late Tuesday-Sunday 25

Studio

Studio

The Jolly Christmas Postman

Family

Starry Starry Eyes 8pm | £13.50 | 16+

Join us for this totally improvised, totally hilarious singing talent show. It’s the musical comedy show you never knew you needed: improvisers pretending to be contestants pretending to be celebrities singing pretend songs no one’s ever heard of.

See website for full performance schedule Prices from Adult £5.50, Child 2-16 £11.50 Adult with Child under 2 on lap £10 Once upon a Christmas Eve, just after it had snowed, the Jolly Postman (him again!) came down the jolly road; and in the bag upon his back an... interesting load.’

Join The Jolly Christmas Postman on his final delivery of the year as he visits Miss Riding Hood, Humpty Dumpty and many others, with a gift for all this Christmas time. Story Pocket Theatre brings this timeless Christmas tale and colourful characters to life in an entrancing show full of music, poetry and magical storytelling, adapted from the best-selling book

by Janet & Allan Ahlberg.

Fri 11 Feb

A Night (not) at the Musicals

12pm | Adult £5.50, Child 2-16 £11.50 Adult with Child under 2 on lap £10 Mama G is a year-round pantomime dame who tells original stories about being who you want, and loving who you are. The stories are told with a mixture of music, BSL, puppetry and lots of joining in and there’s humour that the whole family will enjoy.

‘An exceptionally well-written and directed feel-good show that leaves you feeling uplifted... sprinkled with tales of inclusivity and acceptance’ ★★★★ The Guardian Presented by Petite Pantos.

Music

Hundred Watt Club – An Evening of Burlesque & Vaudeville

8pm | £15 Add some sparkle and joy to your January diary with this explosive night of pop and rock hits brought to you by some of your favourite guest performers from the world of musical theatre.

Sat 8 Jan

Family

Mama G’s Story Time Roadshow

Sat 12 Feb

Presented by Story Pocket Theatre, a co-production with Oxford Playhouse.

Featuring a cast of top comedy talent from leading London improv theatre The Free Association, this show sees your favourite celebrities belting out never-before-heard hits, based on your suggestions.

Presented by The Free Association.

‘Story Pocket Theatre... producing some of the best children’s theatre we have seen’ Threeweeks

Wed 8-Fri 24 Dec

Comedy

Expect anything from Aerosmith to ABBA with our live house band, led by musical director Liam Holmes, as our players bring you some of their favourite songs that they don’t usually get to perform!

Burlesque

8.30pm | £16.50 | 18+ (strong language, adult themes)

Fri 18 Feb

After a first sell-out show, Hundred Watt Club return for an intimate, vintage-inspired, champagne-popping evening of burlesque. Let your hair down and enjoy a good old-fashioned, glittering line up of showgirls, circus, drag and comedy, all wrapped up with a feisty, tongue-in-cheek ribbon. Glamorous, vintage attire is encouraged but not essential; wear what you’re comfy in.

Full, glittering line up to be revealed soon!

We Are Not Shellfish

Family

Ladykiller

Sat 11am, Sun 3pm | £13.50 | 7+

8pm | £13.50 | 16+ (strong language, adult content)

What would you do if you found a message in a bottle... from a child in the Calais Jungle?

A hotel room, a chambermaid and a dead woman: it’s not what it looks like, really, it’s not. It was self-defence… and anyway the woman was asking for it.

Imaginative storytelling with puppets and masks. Perfect for families with young people and teenagers as a vivid and engaging way of opening discussions about the environment, the refugee crisis and political action.

Sat 15-Sun 16 Jan 26

Drama

‘Funny, subversive, deeply philosophical and beautiful – Highly Recommended’ Fringe Review ‘Heartfelt anarchic theatre at its best’ Queer Puppets Cabaret

Wed 23 Feb

After rave reviews and sold-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe 2018 and Vault Festival 2019, Ladykiller is a blood-soaked morality tale charting one woman’s journey from violent oppression to bloody revolution.

Presented by The Thelmas.

27

Studio

Studio

Human Nurture

Fri 25-Sat 26 Feb

Will Jackson, Yours Sincerely 7.30pm | £13.50 | 14+

Roger and Harry’s bond is so strong they could be brothers. They share the same food, music, laughs, even dreams – but not race.

Roger is black and Harry is white... but what does that matter, right? A new play from writer Ryan Calais Cameron about race, privilege and belonging – featuring live music, moves and plenty of dynamite!

Will Jackson has accidentally stolen 300 2nd Class stamps from the post office. But he’s making them count. He’s going to write letters. Based on real-life correspondences, storytelling and lip sync-cabaret collide in this queer coming of age comedy about the complications of 21st century communication.

A Theatre Centre / Sheffield Theatres co-production.

★★★★★ Feminist Fringe Reviews

Fri 22 Apr Drama

Music/Comedy

8pm | £13.50

Two sisters. One dream. The hardest open-water swim in the world.

Forget everything you think you know about string quartets, Bowjangles is an irreverent, anarchic group of genre spanners, bringing music, theatre and comedy together in a way you’ve never seen before. The award-winning, internationally acclaimed quartet – who seem to have taken ‘hands, face, space’ a little too literally – proudly present their new sci-fi horror musical comedy Dracula in Space.

This triumphant play from Olivier Award-winning Morgan Lloyd Malcolm moves forwards and backwards in time, across the 21 miles between Dover and Calais, as a young swimmer harnesses her mind and body to make the crossing. Love persists, whatever the distance and however perilous the journey to the other side.

Presented by HighTide and New Wolsey Theatre.

Thu 28 Apr

Family

I am [Not] Kanye West

Tash is a simple girl. Except she’s not. She’s black. She’s a woman.

She’s queer. In the world of university and ‘identity politics’, that’s anything but simple.

This hilarious and provocative solo show by Natasha Brown asks how much of ourselves are we willing to lose, in order to win?

Fri 6 May

Presented by Long Nose Puppets.

Bróccán Tyzack-Carlin: Turtle

Comedy

Music

8pm | £13.50

Award-winning word-boy Bróccán Tyzack-Carlin presents a new hour of stand-up comedy and poetry about all sorts of stuff. Sex toys, turtles and the intersection of Marx and the Spice Girls get a look in this time. People will call this spoken word. But all words are spoken if you say them.

WINNER – Saboteur Award for Best Spoken Word Show WINNER – Huddersfield Literature Festival Slam

‘This show is not to be missed, especially for those at university...

I cannot recommend it enough!’ Aurora Speaking

The Schmoozenbergs Gypsy Jazz and Swing Show

7.30pm | £12 | 14+ (adult themes)

WINNER – Manchester Slam

Music/Comedy

8pm | £13.50 | 12+

Based on the heart-warming and funny book The Hug by Eoin McLaughlin and Polly Dunbar, starring a hedgehog and a tortoise both in search of a restorative hug. Set to Tom Gray’s beautiful and witty music, the audience are invited on a journey full of fun, laughter and love... and at the end, a very special hug from our puppets.

28

★★★★ The List

Bowjangles: Dracula In Space

Thu 1pm, Fri 11am | Adult £5.50, Child 2-16 £11.50 Adult with Child under 2 on lap £10

Wed 13 Apr

★★★★★ Broadway Baby

8pm | £13.50 | 13+

The Hug

Thu 7-Fri 8 Apr

Drama

Fri 6.30pm, Sat 3pm & 6pm | £13.50 | 14+

When the Long Trick’s Over

Thu 3-Sat 5 Mar

Drama

Sat 14 May

A journey through classic jazz favourites of the 1920s-1940s (by the likes of Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli, George Gershwin, Fats Waller and Duke Ellington) along with a selection of original compositions. The music is timeless, very accessible and appeals to all generations, young and old. Expect a lighthearted, evocative and upbeat night of music.

‘A voyage of delight, a foot-tapping whirl of expressive energy’ Liverpool Sound and Vision 29

Studio

Screenings

Leopoldstadt Wed 7pm, Sun 3pm | £13.50 | 12A This Olivier Award-winning new play is a passionate drama of love, family and endurance. As the 20th century began, Leopoldstadt was the old, crowded Jewish quarter of Vienna. Following a family through the convulsions of war, revolution, and impoverishment, a company of 40 actors represent each generation of the family in this epic, but intimate play.

Wed 16 Feb, Sun 20 Feb

Workshops for Adults The Mercury is a place where anyone, regardless of background, can take part in our artistic processes and realise their own creative potential.

Here is our rich and exciting programme of weekly workshops for adults that are designed to develop performance skills, build confidence, meet new people and unleash your creative side!

Filmed live on stage in London’s West End and directed

by Patrick Marber, ‘Tom Stoppard’s masterpiece is magnificent’ (Independent), and should not be missed.

The Book of Dust – La Belle Sauvage Wed 8.30pm, Sat 3pm | £13.50 | 12A Set twelve years before the epic His Dark Materials trilogy, this gripping adaptation revisits Philip Pullman’s fantastical world in which waters are rising and storms are brewing.

Two young people and their dæmons find themselves at the centre of a terrifying manhunt. In their care is a tiny child called Lyra Belacqua, and in that child lies the fate of the future.

Adapted by Bryony Lavery.

Wed 6 Apr, Sat 9 Apr

Directed by Nicholas Hytner.

55+

Hex Wed 7pm, Sat 3pm | £13.50 | 12A A vividly original retelling of Sleeping Beauty; this mythic, big-hearted new musical goes beyond the waking kiss.

A lonely fairy longs for someone to bless. When she is summoned to the palace to help the princess sleep, her dream turns into a nightmare. Rufus Norris directs Rosalie Craig (The Ferryman, Company) in this new musical filmed live on stage at the National Theatre.

Book by Tanya Ronder, music by Jim Fortune and lyrics by Rufus Norris.

Wed 27 Apr, Sat 30 Apr 30

Our Social Club is an opportunity for anyone aged 55 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 will be a safe inclusive space to forge new friendships. The Social Club will meet every Thursday from 12 ‘til 2, and the activities will rotate on a monthly basis so the first session of each month will be the Meet Up, the second the Dance Group and so on… 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!

Week 1 – Meet Up Week 2 – Dance Week 3 – Play Readers Week 4 – Creative Writing Term sessions: Term 1

6 Jan-31 Mar

Thu 12pm-2pm

Term 2

21 Apr-14 Jul

Thu 12pm-2pm

Term 3

15 Sep-8 Dec

Thu 12pm-2pm

£7 per session or £91 per term.

31

Shakespeare 101

Musical Theatre Dance Class

18+

Come and meet those dancing feet!

Each week our experienced choreographer will teach routines inspired by hit musicals in our brand new 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.

Term sessions: Term 1

11 Jan-5 Apr

Tues 7pm-8pm

Term 2

19 Apr-12 Jul

Tues 7pm-8pm

Term 3

13 Sep-6 Dec

Tues 7pm-8pm

£5 per session or £65 per term.

Community Choir

18+

Mercury Choir is a fortnightly 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 will offer 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 – Mercury Choir welcomes you.

6 Jan-7 Apr | Thu 7pm-9pm £56

18+

Our playful intro to Shakespeare classes will help you master the language and relate it to the universal human condition. This exciting 10-week course will explore poetry, insults, heartbreak, deceit, death and disguise as you explore the world and characters from the greatest playwright of all time. Make sense of these classic plays in a fun, supportive and inclusive environment. Suitable for complete beginners and those with a little experience with their “thous” and “wherefores.”

The course culminates with a celebratory performance in our studio for Shakespeare’s Birthday on Friday 15 April 2022.

Stage Combat 101

18+

Do you want to develop your understanding of stage combat techniques? Have you been looking to broaden your knowledge with weaponry? If you’d love practical sessions to hone your skills, then join us for Stage Combat 101 where you’ll also get the chance to watch a live demo in unarmed and broadsword stage combat techniques.

21 Apr-2 June | Thu 7pm-9pm £80

10 Feb-15 Apr | Thu 7pm-9pm £80

Improv 101 This inspiring, fun-filled class explores the principals of improvisation with a focus on truthful performance, active listening and moment-to-moment interaction.

You’ll learn to create dynamic characters and scenes and improve your focus in a supportive environment.

Improv 101 is an essential weekly class for improving your acting, confidence and communication skills.

Our Improv 101 group will perform an improv night every term in our café bar as part of our Lates programme. You can still take part in the class if you prefer not to perform, but this is your chance to become part of a company with regular opportunities to flex your improv skills.

Term sessions: Term 1

7 Jan-11 Mar

Fri 7pm-9pm

Term 2

22 Apr-24 Jun

Fri 7pm-9pm

Term 3

9 Sep-11 Nov

Fri 7pm-9pm

£80 per term 32

33

Young People We believe theatre has the power to change young people’s lives.

Our fun programme of activities is designed to develop: • Self-Confidence • Imagination • Empathy

• Concentration • Communication • Cooperation

• Emotional Expression • Physical Fitness • Memory

Taking part in our activities will help young people to think outside the box and be more assertive in their approach to new situations. The skills and confidence that come from participation in the performing arts can be applied to school, career and life.

Drag Workshops with Tracey and Sugar Paper

18+

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).

Come and learn some of the skills used to create successful drag performance including lip sync, characterisation through movement, and comedy skills. You’ll also get the chance to try some basic choreography to iconic music.

This class is open to all genders and is suitable for complete newcomers who just want to try something fun, as well as those with some prior performance experience.

5 Feb & 19 Mar | 7pm-9pm £10

Family Sing-a-long Come and sing your heart out at our monthly celebration of the musicals!

It’s unplugged and spontaneous: it’s just the piano, the pianist, the show-tunes and you! We welcome guests of all ages and singing levels so you can sing at the top of your lungs or lip sync to your heart’s content.

Songs will range from classic to cult, and come from both stage and screen.

Guests are encouraged to dress up as their favourite musical characters, so feel free to release your inner Elphaba and come along to our sing-a-long!

Last Sunday of every month Sun 30 Jan

2pm-3pm

Sun 27 Feb

2pm-3pm

Sun 27 Mar

2pm-3pm

Sun 24 Apr

2pm-3pm

Free event – no booking required.

34

35

Mercury Young Company Channeling and Releasing Young People’s Creativity 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 create exciting pieces of theatre. These fun, friendly classes focus on training young people to work together as an ensemble.

Cooperation, collaboration and communication are our watchwords.

We will keep parents/carers informed about their young person’s progress and will invite them to join us for end of term performances.

Weekly from 11 Jan-13 Dec Age

School Yr

Day / Time

5-8

1, 2 & 3

Tue 4pm-5pm

8-11

4, 5 & 6

Tue 5.15pm-6.15pm

11-13

7&8

Tue 6.30pm-8.30pm

Mercury Young Company Musical Theatre

Run by West End professionals, Craig and Rosie Mather, 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.

The group have plenty of opportunities to perform on our stages during community events, with an end-of-term sharing each term, and a major show on the stage each year!

Starts Sat 8 Jan, then weekly until 17 Dec. 2pm-4pm £130* each term.

Weekly from 12 Jan-14 Dec Age

School Yr

Day / Time

13-15

9 & 10

Wed 5.15pm-7.15pm

15-17

11, 12 & 13

Wed 7.30pm-9.30pm

18-25

Wed 7pm-9pm

£89* each term.

36

14-17s

*A limited number of bursary places are available.

Contact taking.part@mercurytheatre.co.uk for more info.

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

At the Mercury we believe imagination and creativity are vital parts of a child’s early life and these 45-minute sessions are designed to stimulate both.

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

Tots Twinkles

4-18mths

Tue 10.30am-11.15am Term 1: 11 Jan-5 Apr £6.50 per session or £78 for the term (one session free) Term 2: 19 Apr-19 Jul £6.50 per session or £85 for the term (one session free)

Tots Stars

18mths-3yrs

Tue 11.30am-12.15pm Term 1: 11 Jan-5 Apr £6.50 per session or £78 for the term (one session free)

SEND Party Nights

7-14s

Calling all young people with SEND – this is the night for you!

Dance the night away and make new friends at our fun-filled party for people aged 7-14.

The evening takes place in a safe, positive environment and includes: • • • • •

Our resident DJ playing your favourite tunes Face painting Group games Snacks Loads of sensory toys to play with

What are you waiting for? Come and dance your socks off!

Starts 28 Jan, then on the last Friday of every other month.

The party starts at 6.30pm and ends at 8.30pm.

Tickets are just £5* and parents/carers go FREE! *Young people must have an Essex Short Breaks Passport Number. If you are currently not registered with Essex Short Breaks, please visit our website for more details.

Term 2: 19 Apr-19 Jul £6.50 per session or £85 for the term (one session free) 37

SEND Holiday Club

Our Work With Schools

7-14s

For young people with SEND. This 4-day multi-sensory storytelling workshop is not to be missed!

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.

Our Holiday Clubs are led by SEND-trained actors, directors and choreographers who can offer their craft and experience to your young people. At the end of the week they will showcase their singing, acting and dancing skills to family and friends in a sharing.

We offer a wide range of schools workshops and events for young people from Key Stage 1 to Undergraduate. We also offer wellbeing programmes to support your students with anxiety and transition as well as practical opportunities to inspire creativity in young people and their teachers.

For more information visit our website or contact forest.morgan@mercurytheatre.co.uk

Come along and make new friends, learn new skills and have loads of fun!

15 Feb-18 Feb 4 Days, 10.30am-3pm £20* *Young people must have an Essex Short Breaks Passport Number. If you are currently not registered with Essex Short Breaks, please visit our website for more details.

Digital Camp 8-15s Magic Camp

11-15s

Want to explore the secrets of being a magician? Love close-up magic and want to learn tricks that will wow your friends and astound your family? Then Magic Camp is for you. This half-term activity is your chance to learn from one of the great masters of magic, whilst building self-confidence, making new friends and having loads of fun.

6 Apr-8 Apr 3 days, 10am-3pm £120

38

Come and explore the possibilities of Digital Storytelling!

Led by Mercury Digital Artists, our young digital creators will spend the week using the latest digital technologies – such as coding, VR performance, motion capture, video game design, Raspberry Pi, film making, binaural sound technology and audio podcasting – to explore storytelling techniques.

Whether you’re a beginner or a budding tech whizz, this holiday club is designed to be accessible for all abilities and needs.

6 Apr-8 Apr 3 days, 10am-3pm £140

Teacher’s Network

Annual Membership includes:

Embedding arts education within today’s curriculum is becoming increasingly more challenging. The Teacher’s Network will develop the use of drama and creativity as a tool for engaging learners. Whether you are looking to further develop engaging learning in literature or unlocking the creative potential of the Drama curriculum, this new network is for everyone that teaches English and/or Drama.

• Priority access to all networking events • Exclusive e-newsletter detailing any external and internal CPD opportunities • Invitations to programme launches • Invitations to select press nights • Discounts for Mercury Schools touring company productions • 20% off our annual Mercury Schools DramaFest • 20% off industry days • 20% discount for all CPD workshops £160 + VAT for 2 teachers per school £100 for an individual 39

Talent Development

Human Nurture Human Nurture is a new play from Ryan Calais Cameron about race, privilege and belonging, featuring live music, moves and plenty of dynamite! See Studio section and our website for more information.

Vamos Mask Taster Day Fri 11 Feb | 2pm-6pm | Free

18+

Vamos Theatre is excited to be partnering with the Mercury on its new Uncovered programme to discover the next generation of mask performers from diverse communities across the UK. Learn how we devise non-verbal theatre that connects and moves audiences through character and mask work. Following the taster days, we’ll be offering a residency for young people in summer 2022 to create and perform mask theatre. We welcome all, and particularly encourage artists from diverse ethnic backgrounds to apply.

Touring schools from 21 Feb-24 Feb, 1 hour with post-show Q&A. • Location: School Hall or similar • Show: £300 or £250 (if over 40% of your students receive pupil premium) • Workshop: £200 (practical and engaging workshop with the cast) For more info or to book contact: forest.morgan@mercurytheatre.co.uk A Theatre Centre / Sheffield Theatres / Mercury Theatre co-production.

To book your place email taking.part@ mercurytheatre.co.uk with the subject line Vamos Theatre Uncovered. Please let us know how we can make accessing this programme easier for you.

You might like to combine this workshop with seeing the Vamos Theatre performance of Dead Good on Fri 11 Feb 7:30pm, £15-£20 (concessions available).

DramaFest 12+ Vamos Mask Workshop (2 hours) Designed to accompany a visit to a performance of Dead Good (Fri 11 Feb) the workshop is a fast-paced and playful session, helping students gain insight into the show’s themes and characters, as well as learning about mask, physical theatre and devising from given stimulus. Also available to Youth Theatres and community groups and can be combined with reduced price group tickets.

Most of our workshops can be led by a deaf practitioner for deaf and HoH students: just let us know. £250 plus travel 40

DramaFest brings together students, teachers, and theatre professionals to participate in high-quality workshops, to view-discusscritique student theatre performances, and learn more about the art and craft of theatre.

Participants are invited to devise a themed 10-minute theatre piece to be showcased on the Mercury stage.

Participation in the festival fosters respect, excitement, artistic development, teamwork, problem solving and a true sense of community.

This year’s theme: Life 50 years into the future.

Focus: Literacy, Drama KS3 & KS4 Wed 15 Jun 7pm £130 per school booking plus £30 per additional class.

Mercury Reads: Bloodsport

Mercury Connects

We continue our popular series of informal readings of new plays, with a Q&A with the writer afterwards. Ava Pickett is a writer for screen, stage and radio; her first broadcast Roots featured Vicky McClure and was broadcasted on BBC Radio 4. Full details about Ava and Bloodsport on our website.

For East-based arts professionals looking to make contacts, share ideas, brainstorm, collaborate, develop their careers, promote their work and chat to like-minded people. The session will also give you an opportunity to meet the Mercury team, hear about our plans for the next year and find out how you can get involved with us.

Wed 19 Jan | 7pm | £5

Thu 17 Mar | 7pm | FREE

by Ava Pickett

41

Mercury Masterclasses

Discover Locally Made Arts and Crafts at the Mercury We’re always looking for ways to support local artists because we’re so much more than a theatre.

ACE Funding

Tue 11 Jan | 7pm | FREE Gain a thorough understanding of the ACE funding application process, including how to answer each question for the best chance of success. We’ll share all our best tips!

How to Write a One-Person Show

Want to be an Artistic Director?

Have you got a fantastic idea for a show but no idea where to start? Join award-winning playwright Sadie Clark for a comprehensive guide on how to create conversation, flow and structure within a monologue. Includes Q&A about your own project.

Want to understand more about mastering a creative vision?

How about leading a theatre company and developing productions that engage local communities with new writing?

Suba Das, Artistic Director of High Tide – the UK’s leading new theatre writing company – will share what he knows.

Tue 8 Feb | 7pm | £5

Thu 3 Mar | 7pm | £5

9.40pm in the café bar Join us for a whole host of exciting after-hours events including cabaret, jazz, comedy and more, all performed by up and coming entertainers. Check our website for the latest info and additional Lates dates. Funded by Adeste+.

18+

Cocktail Cabaret

Sat 15 Jan, Sat 5 Feb, Sat 19 Mar An entertaining, informative and supportive night championing local queer talent. Each event offers splashes of drag, dashes of dance, sprinklings of comedy, drama, and poetry making up the cocktail for the night. Hosted by the King and Queen of Colchester, Cyro and Flick.

42

18+

Colchester Operatic Singalong

Sat 29 Jan Hosted by our friends at Colchester Operatic Society, join in with all your favourite tunes or just enjoy a drink while you listen to everyone else belt them out.

18+

Our newly refurbished foyer is the perfect space to display the work of local makers and artists, so when you visit, look out for something interesting you might want to take home with you.

The arts and crafts are for sale alongside our own Mercury-branded mugs, tote bags and much more. We’ve also teamed up with local bookseller Red Lion Books to offer popular titles to purchase through our shop. Mercury-branded souvenirs and books can also be bought online via our website.

Supporters & Funders Corporate Supporters

Thank you to our Funders

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.

Our Upstairs Bar is generously supported by:

Premier Partner

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

Corporate Partners

Arts Council England / Colchester Borough Council / Essex County Council / Essex Association of Local Councils / European Regional Development Fund / South East Local Enterprise Partnership / Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government / Action For Children / Bernard Sunley Foundation / Bradbury Foundation / Bruce Wake Charitable Trust / Equity Charitable Trust / Foyle Foundation / FSJ Charities / Garfield Weston Foundation / Heritage Lottery Fund / King Coel’s Kittens / Samphire Trust / Sport England / Theatres Trust / The Hobson Charity / The Linbury Trust / The Wolfson Foundation

JAMJAR

Sat 19 Feb We are JAMJAR, a Colchester-based covers band providing singalong bangers such as Mr Blue Sky, Signed, Sealed, Delivered, 500 Miles and I’m a Believer.

Guaranteed to get you dancing.

insurance brokers incorporating J GOSLING

43

Friends

Access for All

Love theatre? Become a member today!

Join us to make the most of your Mercury experience and help regional theatre thrive. To begin your supporter journey, or to purchase a gift membership for a friend or loved one, call our team on 01206 573948 or visit mercurytheatre.co.uk/support to find out more.

£1200

per year

£500

per year

£200

per year

£60

per year

£25

per year

44

Producers Club As below, plus recognition in the public space of the building, two free tickets to every Mercury Theatre press night and free car parking for every Mercury Production show booked.

Ambassador As below, plus an all-new Mercury lapel pin, Mercury Production photo calendar, two show press packages and exclusive annual ‘behind-the-scenes’ and ‘meet the maker’ experiences.

Supporter As below, plus a 10% café discount, membership card, drink and programme vouchers and invitations to an exclusive post-season launch drinks reception.

Friend As below, plus keep up to date with ‘all things Mercury’, with invitations to our season launch events, behind-the-scenes newsletters and unlimited free ticket exchanges.

Priority Member Be among the first to book your favourite seats for Mercury Productions, big-name comedians, pantos and more, with early access to tickets to all of our performances.

Our free Access for All scheme helps you to keep us updated with your needs as well as ensuring you can book tickets and parking online and receive any discounts available.

As a member of Access for All you’ll receive the following benefits: • A welcome email explaining how to book your tickets • A dedicated newsletter • Online access to the best seats to meet your needs including seats in our accessible viewing areas • Book advance parking tickets in our dedicated accessible parking area • Automatic discounts and free tickets for those that need a companion or PA • Regular check-ins from our customer experience team to check you’re enjoying your visits.

Joining the scheme is easy. Go to the Access for All page on our website (in the menu bar on the top right), email access@mercurytheatre.co.uk or call our team on 01206 573948.

Discounted tickets are available for disabled customers for most of our Mercury Productions and for many of our visiting shows.

Assistance dogs are welcome at all performances. Please inform us when booking. Your dog can come into the auditorium with you, or be well looked after by our team.

Wheelchair users are welcome in our theatre and studio spaces. Please tell us you require a wheelchair space when booking. We can accommodate up to 6 wheelchairs at any one time in the theatre and up to 3 in the studio.

If you require a seat transfer, please speak to a member of our team who will be happy to arrange this for you. Our friendly staff can also provide refreshments for you to purchase at the interval at your seat. There is step-free access and accessible toilets.

Assisted listening system is available for all performances. Our system is suitable for use with or without a hearing aid through our specialised equipment. Please mention when making your booking. Equipment should be collected from the ticket counter.

RP Relaxed performances are for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment including people with an Autism Spectrum condition, sensory or communication disorders, or a learning disability. Audience members will be free to come and go as they please throughout the performance and make noise if they want to.

Choose ‘RP’ when booking your show.

AD Audio described performances give you a live commentary about the action happening on stage through a pair of headphones. Please choose ‘AD’ ticket type when booking.

TT Touch Tours are available before each audio described performance, enabling you to explore the stage and get a feel for the costumes and set before the show starts. Touch Tours must be booked in advanced. Look for TT on the show date menu.

CAP Captioned performances display the spoken word, songs and sound effects into text on a caption unit on the stage. This is helpful if you or someone you know enjoys theatre but finds it difficult to hear what is being said. Please choose the ‘CAP’ ticket type when booking if you would like to use this service.

British Sign Language interpreted shows have the spoken word and songs interpreted live by a BSL interpreter beside or on the stage. Look for ‘BSL’ next to the performance date/time.

For more information about making your visit easy and enjoyable, or for this information in an alternative format, email access@mercurytheatre.co.uk or speak to one of our friendly customer experience assistants on 01206 573948.

45

Seating Plan This is our theatre seating plan. Price bands vary on a show by show basis, and ticket prices vary by day of the week. Prices may change without notice. Please see our website or contact our customer experience team for seating plans for individual performances.

Booking Info

We can accommodate up to 6 wheelchair users in the theatre and 3 in the studio, with additional spaces available for specialised performances. Please state that you require a wheelchair space when booking, or join our free Access for All scheme which will allow you to book these spaces online.

Ticket Sales mercurytheatre.co.uk tickets@mercurytheatre.co.uk 01206 573948

Buying your tickets E-Tickets are the Future You can simply show us your e-tickets on your phone (the most environmentally friendly option) or print them at home. Tickets can be posted to you for £1.50.

Online booking Book online at mercurytheatre.co.uk. You can avoid waiting and help us to keep our costs down by booking online if you can.

Payments You can pay by cash, cheque, theatre tokens, Mercury Theatre gift vouchers, and credit and debit cards. Tickets can be reserved without payment for five days.

Discounts £15 Tickets For every Mercury Production we offer 50 seats at £15 – these are extremely popular and we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

Keep in touch Sign up to our mailing list and be the first to hear about our new events: mercurytheatre.co.uk – 01206 573948.

46

Concessions Concessions are available for over 65s, jobseekers, students and under 26s and are subject to performance. We do ask for proof of eligibility on collection, and discounted tickets booked online and by phone will need to be collected in person.

MercuryTheatreColchester MercuryTheatre MercuryTheatre

Military Discount We’re proud to support our armed forces with 20% off all Mercury Productions and Pantomime, when booked in person with proof of status. Only one discount can be applied to each ticket transaction. Discounts may be available for selected other performances.

Our friendly team is available to assist you Tuesday to Sunday 10am until 8pm School Groups All tickets £11.50, Mon-Fri, plus one free additional ticket for every ten purchased.

Group Discounts Groups of 10+ get £2 off per ticket on shows excluding the first two performances and the lowest priced tickets, unless otherwise stated on the show information.

Exchanging Tickets We will exchange tickets for another performance or give you credit to the value of your seats for use at a later time, if five days’ notice is given prior to the date on the original ticket. *Become a Mercury Friend and you won’t be charged for this service.

Babes in Arms We can accommodate up to 15 under 2s, sitting on laps, at selected performances. Tickets are £2.50 each and can be booked in person at our ticket desk or over the phone.

Keeping Everyone Safe – Covid 19 We’re working really hard to keep our audiences, visitors, staff, and everyone onstage and backstage as safe as possible.

Our refurbished building benefits from a new super-efficient air-handling system and just to reassure you, our team will be wearing masks for the foreseeable future. Our survival as an organisation relies on us not having to cancel any performances. We would therefore be grateful for your help in ensuring the show can go on, and we would kindly request that you consider wearing a mask when moving through the building and while in the auditorium. Thank you so much for your cooperation.

47

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.

E-Cigarettes In line with World Health Organization guidance we don’t allow the use of e-cigarettes or vaping indoors at the Mercury Theatre.

Special Effects Warnings If you are concerned about any special effects (strobe lighting, smoke, loud bangs etc) sometimes used in productions, please call the team on 01206 573948 for more information.

Cloakroom Bags and coats can be left in a supervised cloakroom. Booster seats for children are also available.

Mercury Gift Vouchers and Theatre Tokens We sell Mercury Theatre Gift Vouchers and National Theatre Tokens. Please speak to the customer experience team or see mercurytheatre.co.uk for details.

We Have Spaces for Hire Our newly refurbished theatre can be your home too. We have a range of spaces available to hire, whether it’s for a fitness class, a conference, or even just a desk, we’ve got a space with your name on it. Get in touch to find your perfect fit: email hires@mercurytheatre.co.uk or go to mercurytheatre.co.uk for more information.

NO RTH ERN

APP RD

Refreshments Our café bar is open Tues-Sun from 10am, during intervals and after evening performances. We serve a wide selection of light meals, cakes, pastries and snacks alongside a range of teas, coffees, alcoholic and soft drinks, including options sourced from local suppliers and prepared by our in-house kitchen. Interval drinks and ice creams can be preordered at the café bar or from your phone before the show and they will be waiting for you at the interval. Avoid the rush and we promise the ice cream will still be frozen and your drinks chilled!

NORTH STATION

AY WESTW

COLNE BANK AVENUE

ST MARY’S CAR PARK

HA RW IC H

NORTH HILL

JUMBO

HIGH ST

FIRSTSITE

A133 CLACTON

TOWN STATION SOUTH WAY

MAGDALEN ST

B1025 MERSEA

48

A137 HARWICH M’TREE

CO W DR AY AV EN UE

CASTLE PARK

LEXDEN ROAD

B1022 TIPTREE

RO AD

COWDRAY AVENUE

MIDDLEBOROUGH CAR PARK

A12 IPSWICH

MERSEA ROAD

For a more detailed map please visit our website.

A12 LONDON

BALKERNE HILL

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.

NORTH IPS WIC HR OA D

How To Find Us

A134 SUDBURY

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 Healey’s.

Registered Charity No. 232387. Company Registered in England No. 441035..

2022 1972

5

Year Anniversary

2022 is a special year for the Mercury Theatre, as we mark fifty years of being at Balkerne Gate CO1 1PT. Following our epic refurbishment in 2021, it will be a golden opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary building we call home, to reflect on some of the magical moments of the past and to look ahead to what the next fifty years might bring.

Theatre buildings are so much more than bricks and mortar. They are spaces in which dreams are made, hopes are raised – and dashed – where careers begin and end, and where audiences are transported to different worlds through the magic of performance. Over the last fifty years, under the watchful eye of Jumbo next door, the Mercury has become an iconic part of the Colchester landscape. You, our loyal patrons come to us year after year, and we reach out to you too, through our ever-expanding community and project work.

In 2022 we’re going to thank our audiences and supporters for helping us to make the Mercury such a special place and we’ll remember some of the extraordinary things that have gone before. We’re also going to ask what the challenges of the next fifty years might be? Our efforts to combat climate change must be part of that conversation and we’ll be asking you to help us shape those plans.

49

Before we look forward, let’s look back at where we’ve been with this mini guide to the history of the Mercury, which is an excerpt from the Mercury Voices Archive project.

Colchester Repertory Theatre Company was established in 1937 by Robert Digby and Beatrice Radley.

They had both previously studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), and when the pair were introduced in 1936, Beatrice already had a career in repertory theatre and had appeared in the West End and local man Robert was working for a firm of London solicitors.

When David Forder joined the Repertory Company as manager in 1963 he found The Albert Hall run-down and in financial trouble.

Thoughts soon turned to a new purpose-built theatre for Colchester. The Colchester New Theatre Trust, led by Lord Alport, was formed in 1968 to develop the campaign, identify the site and oversee the construction of the new theatre.

The Mercury Theatre Appeal was launched in 1969. Fundraising schemes included buying a brick or paying to have your name on the back of a seat. Colchester Borough Council pledged and gave funds to the campaign and the Arts Council provided match funding.

The new theatre was designed by Colchesterbased architects Norman Downie Associates and supported by consultant Christopher Morley.

David Forder, Colchester Repertory Theatre Manager, felt The Mercury Theatre was a suitable name as the new theatre aimed to be adaptable to every theatrical taste, full of light and life.

The name also linked the new theatre with Colchester’s Roman history and a bronze statue of the Roman god Mercury discovered at Gosbecks in 1948. When a different, larger statue of Mercury came up for auction Bernard Mason, chair of the New Theatre Trust, put in the winning £710 bid.

Building commences and installing the Mercury statue

The opening production was The Recruiting Officer, on Wednesday 10 May 1972. For the first year after opening, the programme covers were produced in gold and showed the Mercury statue inside the hexagonal shape of the stage. At this time tickets were priced at 75p, 55p or 40p.

Opening night 1972

The next 50 years...

Beatrice approached Colchester Council for use of The Albert Hall and Art Gallery, in the High Street, as a professional theatre in spring 1937. Permission was granted, but only for every other week and for a period of just three months, although this was later relaxed.

In October 1937, Colchester Repertory Theatre Company presented its first play at the Albert Hall, The Late Christopher Bean.

50

The brief was ‘to make the new theatre economical, without luxury, yet to provide glamour and a sense of occasion’ (Colchester Gazette article, 1972). The hexagonal stage and hexagonal auditorium design for the Mercury Theatre was unique. This included side walls that could be moved forward over the seating alongside the stage, to create a proscenium arch, or pushed back for an open stage. This was a new concept in theatre design.

The public was invited to suggest a name for the new theatre. Thirty-eight names were suggested including the Balkerne Theatre, the Hole in the Wall, the Heritage, Pegasus and Phoenix.

The Mercury Theatre will continue to evolve and adapt as we respond to the needs of our local community and to the challenges posed by climate change. Our 2021 refurbishment means that our building is more accessible and relevant than ever before, with a range of spaces for local people to enjoy – from our café bar, to our participation space, hot desks, rehearsal room and dance studio. And of course, we continue to seek out and produce theatre that is engaging, challenging, delightful and inspiring.

Your support is vital to our survival, just as much as it was when the first brick was laid here at Balkerne Gate. Support us by making a donation or setting up a legacy in your will and of course, by coming to see shows or taking part in our activities programme. We look forward to the next 50 years with you.

If you would like to see the full archive document or to know more about Mercury Voices, or have memories of the theatre to share, please email mercuryvoices@mercurytheatre.co.uk.

Mercury Voices is supported by the National Lottery: Heritage Lottery Fund and Essex Heritage Trust.

51

Diary Ticket Sales mercurytheatre.co.uk tickets@mercurytheatre.co.uk 01206 573948 Our friendly team is available to assist you Tuesday to Sunday 10am until close

DECEMBER

Wed 29 1pm

Tue 7

2pm Aladdin

5pm Aladdin

Wed 8

10.15am Aladdin

7.30pm

2pm

Thu 30

1pm Aladdin

Thu 9

10.15am Aladdin

5pm Aladdin

2pm

Aladdin

7.30pm

7.30pm

The Scummy Mummies Show

Fri 31

12pm Aladdin

Fri 10

2pm

Aladdin

4pm Aladdin

7pm Aladdin

Sat 11

1pm Aladdin

5pm Aladdin

Sun 12

12pm Aladdin

4pm Aladdin

Tue 14

10.15am Aladdin

2pm

Wed 15

10.15am Aladdin

2pm

Aladdin

9.40pm

Lates: Cocktail Cabaret

Thu 16

10.15am Aladdin

Aladdin

52

Peak

Wed 2 7.30pm The Hunchback of Notre Dame

RP

Aladdin

Fri 4

Sun 2

12pm Aladdin

4pm Aladdin

Thu 6

10.15am Aladdin

2pm Aladdin

RP

Fr 7

7pm Aladdin

CAP

Sat 8

11:30pm

Lates: Cocktail Cabaret

7.30pm

The Ballad of Maria Marten

1pm Aladdin

Wed 9

2.30pm

The Ballad of Maria Marten

5pm Aladdin

7.30pm

The Ballad of Maria Marten

7.30pm

Thu 10

7.30pm

Celine Live in Vegas

12pm Aladdin

Fri 11

7.30pm

Dead Good

7.30pm Aladdin

18+

8pm

Starry Starry Eyes

18+

Sat 12

12pm

Mama G’s Roadshow

Sun 9

A Night (not) at the Musicals

1pm Aladdin

Thu 13

5pm Aladdin

Fri 14

7.30pm Aladdin

Sun 19

12pm Aladdin

Sat 15

11am

4pm Aladdin

1pm Aladdin

Tue 21

2pm

5pm Aladdin 11am

7.30pm Aladdin

18+

We Are Not Shellfish

7pm Aladdin

Sun 16

Wed 22

2pm

Aladdin

12pm Aladdin

7pm Aladdin

4pm Aladdin

Thu 23

2pm

7pm Aladdin

Thu 27 7.30pm The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Fri 24

12pm Aladdin

We Are Not Shellfish

4pm Aladdin

Sun 26

2pm

7pm Aladdin

Tue 28

2pm

Aladdin

5pm

Terror In The Old Library

7pm Aladdin

CAP

Fri 28 7.30pm The Hunchback of Notre Dame

2pm Sing-a-long-a The Greatest Showman

7.30pm

Sing-a-long-a Rocky Horror Picture Show

Tue 15

7.30pm

Treasure Island

Wed 16

7pm

NT Live: Leopoldstadt

7.30pm

Treasure Island

Thu 17

2.30pm

Treasure Island

7.30pm

Treasure Island

Fri 18

11.30am

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

2.30pm

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

8.30pm Hundred Watt Club – An

Evening of Burlesque & Vaudeville

Sat 29 2.30pm The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Aladdin

9.40pm

Sun 6 3pm The Hunchback of Notre Dame Tue 8

CAP

7.30pm The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Touch Tour for Aladdin

Sat 18

Aladdin

Farmer’s Market

Sat 5 2.30pm The Hunchback of Notre Dame

2pm Aladdin

Wed 12

Aladdin

9.30am

7.30pm The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Sat 1

7pm Aladdin

Studio

Thu 3 7.30pm The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Terror In The Old Library

Fri 17

High Peak

Tue 1 7.30pm The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Terror In The Old Library

JANUARY

5pm A Very Merry Christmas Concert

Off Peak

FEBRUARY

Aladdin

7.30pm The Hunchback of Notre Dame

9.40pm Lates: Colchester Operatic Singalong

Sat 19

11.30am

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

2.30pm

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

9.40pm

Lates: JAMJAR

Sun 30 3.00pm The Hunchback of Notre Dame Café Bar

Audio Described Post-show Q&A

RP Relaxed

Touch Tour

CAP

Captioned Performance

18+

Adult Performance

BSL Interpretation

53

Sun 20

11.30am

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Wed 30

7pm

The Bone Sparrow

Fri 29

7.30pm

Illusion Impossible

2.30pm

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Thu 31

1.30pm

The Bone Sparrow

Sat 30

3pm

NT Live: Hex

3pm

NT Live: Leopoldstadt

7.30pm

The Bone Sparrow

7.30pm

Wed 23 7.30pm

Pasadena Roof Orchestra: Back On The Road

The Best of Queen – The Break Free Tour

8pm Ladykiller

Fri 1

7.30pm

The Bone Sparrow

MAY

Thu 24

7.30pm

The Best of British Comedy

Sat 2

2.30pm

The Bone Sparrow

Fri 6

8pm

I am [Not] Kanye West

Fri 25

6.30pm

Human Nurture

7.30pm

The Bone Sparrow

Fri 13

7.30pm

The Comedy of Errors

8pm

Viva Burlesque!

Sat 14

7.30pm

The Comedy of Errors

Sat 26

3pm

Human Nurture

Tue 5 2pm Top Secret – The Magic of Science

6pm

Human Nurture

7.30pm

The Best of Fleetwood Mac

MARCH

Wed 6

2pm

Pop Princesses

8pm

8.30pm

NT Live: La Belle Sauvage

Tue 17

Thu 7

1pm

The Hug

7.30pm

The Illegal Eagles

Wed 18 7.30pm

11am

The Hug

7.30pm

The Schmoozenbergs Gypsy Jazz and Swing Show The Comedy of Errors The Comedy of Errors Anniversary Special

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice

Wed 22

7.30pm

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice

Thu 23

2.30pm

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice

7.30pm

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice

7.30pm

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice The Rise and Fall of Little Voice

NT Live: La Belle Sauvage

Sat 21

2.30pm

The Comedy of Errors

The Enby Show Presents: The Drag Ball

7.30pm

The Comedy of Errors

Sun 22

3pm

The Comedy of Errors

Tue 12 11am Fireman Sam Saves the Circus

Tue 24

7.30pm

The Comedy of Errors

Wed 25

7.30pm

The Comedy of Errors

1.30pm Fireman Sam Saves the Circus

Thur 26

2.30pm

The Comedy of Errors

7.30pm

The Comedy of Errors

Fri 27

7.30pm

The Comedy of Errors

Sat 5

7.30pm

Blackmail

8pm

When the Long Trick’s Over

7.30pm

Tue 8

7.30pm

Blackmail

Wed 9

7.30pm

Blackmail

Thu 10

2.30pm

Blackmail

3pm

OCTOBER

RP

7.30pm

Blackmail

Wed 13

1pm

Andy and the Odd Socks

Fri 11

7.30pm

Blackmail

7.30pm

Broccan Tyzack-Carlin: Turtle

Sat 12

2.30pm

Blackmail

Thu 14

7.30pm

Midnight Train to Georgia

7.30pm

Blackmail

Sat 28 1pm

Touch Tour for The Comedy of Errors

Sat 16

7.30pm

Rock Choir

Sun 13

3pm

Blackmail

2.30pm

The Comedy of Errors

Tue 15

7.30pm

Blackmail

Tue 19 7.30pm An Evening Without Kate Bush

7.30pm

The Comedy of Errors

Wed 16

7.30pm

Blackmail

Wed 20

7.30pm

You Win Again

JUNE

7.30pm

Country Superstars

CAP

Thu 17

1.00pm

Touch Tour for Blackmail

Thu 21

2.30pm

Blackmail

Fri 22

7.30pm

Will Jackson, Yours Sincerely

Thu 2 7.30pm Bob Marley: The Man The Music

7.30pm

Blackmail

8pm

Dylan Moran – We Got This

Fri 3

11.30am

Dinosaur World Live

Fri 18

7.30pm

Blackmail

Sat 23

7.30pm

The Paradis Files

2.30pm

Dinosaur World Live

Café Bar

7.30pm

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice

Sat 9

Studio

Zog and the Flying Doctors

Tue 21

7.30pm

When the Long Trick’s Over

The Bone Sparrow

1.30pm

2.30pm

8pm

7pm

Zog and the Flying Doctors

Tue 29

Fascinating Aïda

10.30am

Sat 25

Blackmail

Lates: Cocktail Cabaret

7.30pm

Sun 12

The Comedy of Errors

7.30pm

9.40pm

The Comedy of Errors

Zog and the Flying Doctors

7.30pm

8pm Reginald D Hunter – Bombe Shuffleur

Blackmail

12pm

7.30pm

Farmer’s Market

7.30pm

Zog and the Flying Doctors

Fri 20

9.30am

10am

Fri 4

Blackmail

Fascinating Aïda

Sat 11

The Comedy of Errors

Fri 8

2.30pm

Into the Groove

7.30pm

2.30pm

When the Long Trick’s Over

Sat 19

7.30pm

Fri 10

Thu 19

8pm

CAP

Thu 9

Fri 24

Thu 3

Sat 26 7.30pm An Evening of Commemoration

54

APRIL

Wed 8 7.30pm Stewart Lee – Snowflake/ Tornado

CAP

Tue 26 7.30pm

Ian Ashpitel & Jonty Stephens as Eric & Ern

Sat 4

11.30am

Dinosaur World Live

2.30pm

Dinosaur World Live

Wed 27

2.30pm

The Magnificent Music Hall

Sun 5

11.30am

Dinosaur World Live

7pm

NT Live: Hex

2.30pm

Dinosaur World Live

Thu 28 7.30pm

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

Tue 7 7.30pm Stewart Lee – Snowflake/ Tornado

Bowjangles: Dracula In Space

8pm

Audio Described Post-show Q&A

RP Relaxed

Touch Tour

Wed 26

10am

Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever

1pm

Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever

4pm

Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever

Thu 27

10am

Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever

1pm

Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever

4pm

Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever

CAP

Captioned Performance

18+

Adult Performance

BSL Interpretation

55

Balkerne Gate, Colchester CO1 1PT