ToursTheatre
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.
Tour dates
To book a Theatre tour please visit our website for a range of dates and times. Afternoon
FriendsLovetheatre?Becomeamembertoday!
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.
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 postseason launch drinks reception.
Friend As below, plus keep up to date with ‘all things Mercury’, with invitations to our season launch events, ticketnewslettersbehind-the-scenesandunlimitedfreeexchanges.
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 for all of our performances.
The Mercury is a place where everyone, regardless of background, can take part in our artistic processes and realise their own creative potential. There is a range of activities, workshops and classes for adults to take part in ranging from our 101 performers classes, to Community Choir to our fabulous Senior Social Club. Don’t forget to join us in the dance studio for dance classes, Pilates, Drag Workshops and more!
Our activities for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are designed to develop creative skills and increase confidence through drama games and performance. Activities are tailor made to the access needs of everyone who takes part. We provide a safe and inclusive environment where everyone involved is able to express their own creative voice. And, most importantly, all our activities are fun!
designed for young people to grow in self confidence, communication and imagination.
Join our MYC (Mercury Young Company) and train to become the theatre-makers of tomorrow.
There’s something for everyone, so come and get involved!
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 is a safe inclusive space to forge new friendships.
The Social Club meets every Thursday from 12 ‘til 2 and the activities 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 55+
Week 1 – Meet Up Week 2 – Dance Week 3 – Play Readers Week 4 – Creative Writing
Thu 12pm-2pm – weekly classes per session or £91 per term
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.
Due to popular demand, we have added a new extra class!
Community Choir is a weekly get-together for people of all ages with a song in their heart and a spring in their step! Led by our professional chorus leader, the choir offers participants an opportunity to sing a diverse repertoire of songs and perform in our theatre and at special events in Colchester and beyond.
Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just looking to have a great time and make friends through song - Community Choir welcomes you.
We offer a payment plan, just ask our friendly customer service team for details.
Tue 6pm-7pm & 7pm-8pm – weekly classes £5 per session or £65 per term
Thu 7pm-8.30pm – weekly classes £120 per term
Improv 101
This inspiring, fun-filled, termly class explores the principals of improvisation with a focus on truthful performance, active listening and moment-to-moment interaction.
Learn to create dynamic characters and scenes and improve your focus. Improv 101 is essential for improving your acting, confidence and communication skills.
10 week course – see website for dates
Shakespeare 101
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. This term is set at an intermediate level but beginners are very welcome!
This course culminates with a celebratory performance in our studio for those who wish to take part.
10 week course – see website for dates
Acting 101
Interested in acting but don’t know where to start? Then this is the perfect course for you. Meeting weekly for 10 weeks, a Mercury teaching artist will introduce you to effective physical and vocal exercises, script analysis and improvisation techniques to build confidence, encourage spontaneity and strengthen connection. Throughout the course you will receive personalised feedback and guidance to support your development as an artist. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refresh your practice this is the course for you.
10 week course – see website for dates
Mercury Young Company, or MYC, is our year round 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. Our fun, friendly classes focus on training young people to work together as an ensemble.
Cooperation, collaboration and communication are our goals. Young People can work towards their Arts Award and parents will be invited to join us for end of term performances.
Tots Twinkles & Stars
Interactive, multi-sensory classes for early years children and their grown-up friends.
At the Mercury we believe imagination and creativity are a vital part of a child’s early life and these 45 minute sessions are designed to stimulate both. Through storytelling, dance and music, Tots is designed to provide parents and carers with an opportunity to explore creative play.
Tots Twinkles
Tue 10.30am-11.15am weekly classes per session
Tue 11.30am-12.15pm weekly classes per
SEND Party Nights
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 night. The evening takes place in a safe, positive environment and favourite painting games of sensory toys
What are you waiting for? Come and dance your socks off!
Fri 6.30pm-8.30pm £5* per session our website for dates
*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.
Every year we offer a bunch of exciting holiday clubs for young people during school breaks. Check out some of our fun activities to make the most of your holidays!
SEND Holiday Club
This four day multi-sensory storytelling workshop is not to be Ourmissed!Holiday Clubs are led by SEND-trained actors, directors and choreographers who will share their craft and experience with your young people. At the end of the week your young people will showcase their new-found singing, acting and dancing skills to family and friends. Come along and make new friends, learn new skills and have loads of fun!
Digital Summer School
Come and explore the possibilities of digital storytelling! Led by Mercury digital artists, our young digital creators will spend the week exploring storytelling techniques using the latest digital technologies, such as coding, VR performance, motion capture, video game design, Raspberry Pi, filmmaking binaural sound technology and audio
Whetherpodcasting.you’re a beginner or a budding tech wiz this holiday club is designed to be accessible for all abilities and needs.
Play in a Week
Just five days to create a brand-new piece of theatre, rehearse the show, learn the dance routines, make up songs, make the props, find the costumes, sell the tickets, make new friends, prepare the set and learn about all aspects of summer!memorableGiveholidaytakingMercurytoabrandsummerEachtheatre…challengeprofessionalaccepted!yearthePlayinaWeekschoolwillcreateanewre-imaginingoffunfamilyshowbroughtlifeandperformedatthebyyoungpeoplepartinthisexcitingclub.yourchildaplayfulandexperiencethis
A limited number of bursary places are available. Contact taking.part@mercurytheatre.co.uk for more info. For more information on dates and prices of our Holiday Clubs, please visit our website
Schools Workshops
Our education programme is designed to be inclusive and enjoyable, effective and inspiring. As well as being fun, our engaging drama-based activities and workshops build students ability to communicate and work together.
DramaFest
Joining forces with primary and secondary schools across the East of England, we invite schools to showcase devised theatre pieces on the Mercury stage. DramaFest brings together students and teachers to join in workshops and learn more about the art and craft of theatre.
KS2, KS3 and KS4: Literacy and Drama £130 + VAT per school booking plus £30 per extra class.
Literacy through drama
Through a series of inventive, once a week workshops, this course introduces students to drama techniques that support literacy skills and encourage creative learning. Alongside drama and literacy skills, pupils will develop their communication and confidence which supports wider learning.
Early Years, KS1-KS4: History and English £1,220 + VAT for 12 week term, or £610 + VAT for 6 week half term.
Delivered at your school, max. of 30 students per group. Weekly 1 hour sessions.
Shakespeare workshops
We explore insults, heartbreak, deceit, death and disguise as our practitioners help break down language barriers and encourage young people to be excited by Shakespeare’s stories. We can explore any text, or can deliver a language specific session, just ask! Who knows there might also be a wig or two!
KS1 – KS4: Literacy and Drama £150 + VAT for up to 30 students
Play in a day
Treat your school to a unique theatre experience based on a story of your choosing. This workshop gives students a first-hand experience of a rehearsal and performance process, packed into one fun-filled day! This is a great activity for students to build their skills in ensemble, communication and performance techniques.
KS2 and KS3: English, Storytelling and Literacy £150 + VAT for up to 30 students
To book any of these workshops or to find out more contact: Forest Morgan Schools Producer forest.morgan@mercurytheatre.co.uk 01206
An audience with…
Characters in your classroom! Interview a soldier from the WWI trenches, learn how to play knuckle bones with an ancient Greek or meet Boudica and hear how she raised a rebellion throughout East Anglia! This workshop immerses your students with a fun storytelling experience.
KS2 and KS3: History and English £250 + VAT for single classroom, or VAT for year group.
Delivered at your school, 1 hour session.
After school clubs
Let us run an after school club for you where your students can explore theatre, dance or podcasting and digital recording. We encourage the development of vocabulary, speaking & listening, presentation skills, all through self-expression and imaginative play. The project culminates in a sharing of ideas or a short performance at school for family and friends.
£1,220 + VAT for 12 week term, or £610 + VAT for 6 week half term. All ages.
Delivered at your school, max. 15 students per group, or 30 if teacher or trainee teacher present.
Industry Days
This half day visit to the theatre gives students the opportunity to hear from a range of creative professionals about their jobs and to be inspired to pursue a future in the creative industries.
This includes a backstage tour of the theatre, a practical workshop and an interactive Q&A with the Mercury team.
Our Industry Day provides a unique insight into careers in the theatre and the wider creative and cultural sector, it’s also a lot of fun!
KS1 – KS5 £175 + VAT for up to 30 students. Delivered at Mercury, 2.5 hour session.
To find out more about our full education programme and opportunities please visit www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/taking-part/education
For general enquiries or to find out more: taking.part@mercurytheatre.co.uk
Teachers Network
Embedding arts education within today’s curriculum is becoming increasingly more Ourchallenging.Teacher’s
Network provides our members with an opportunity to engage in regular activities at the Mercury over drinks with colleagues from local schools to forge new and exciting relationships. We want to support you in embedding creativity in your professional journey.
Teachers Network membership includes discounts on all schools workshops, industry days, access to networking events, invites to Mercury Production press nights and Visitmore!www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/teachers to find out more.
CPD Workshops
Our CPD workshops provide an opportunity for teachers to develop their professional and specialist teaching skills.
We’re proud to offer bespoke workshops designed to enhance and inspire our educational professionals in a safe and welcoming environment. Choose from workshops on Physical Theatre, Unlocking Shakespeare, Clear Communicators, or Devising Theatre.
Workshops take place throughout the year at our theatre, or, if you are interested in a bespoke Continuing Professional Development opportunity at a time or place to suit your needs, please get in contact!
£30 per DeliveredparticipantattheMercury, or your school. 2 hour available.
So You Want to Work in Theatre?
14-18s
Come and learn about working in a theatre!
In our three day workshop we’ll have industry professionals from various departments of the Mercury, providing hands-on workshops and talks from backstage departments in costume design, production, producing and technical Thistheatre.isa
fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of how the theatre industry works and the potential career pathways available.
See our website for dates and times.
Our new building houses a fully accessible rehearsal room, a professional dance studio and creative learning space that can accommodate a large number of activities from dance classes, fitness sessions, group rehearsals and workshops. Additionally, our Studio sits 98 people in an intimate space perfect for a small-scale school production and our Theatre sits 530 people for large end of term productions.
To find out more, please visit our website or email: hires@mercurytheatre.co.uk
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 Whyexperience.notjoin us in the bar afterwards and strut your stuff at our Lates: Cocktail Cabaret?
See website for dates & times
Connects is our platform for arts professionals looking to make contacts, share ideas, brainstorm, collaborate, develop their careers, promote their work and chat to like-minded people about their passion. Come and join the discussion. Network with your peers. And Connect. Signing up to Connects will give you access to:
• Opportunities to meet each other and the Mercury team at meetups throughout the year
• A newsletter full of opportunities and information for local creatives
• Notifications of upcoming Masterclasses and Mercury READS
• Resources and support from the Mercury Creative Engagement team
Connects is open to any artist making work in Essex or the East of England. Sign up via our website.
class combining Latin and World rhythms. This class is perfect for active older adults or someone looking for a more relaxed class that recreates the original moves you love at a Thelower-intensity.classintroduces easy-to-follow choreography that aims to improve balance, range of motion and coordination. Come ready to sweat, have fun and prepare to leave confident and feeling strong!
Thu 10.15am-11am - weekly classes £5 per session
Delivered in partnership with Le Barre, Pilates is an intense, 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. Highly experienced instructors with years of Pilates, professional dance, fitness and wellness experience deliver our classes.
Wed 1pm-1.55pm - weekly classes £6 per session
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 a specific area of our work. We will gladly discuss how your gift can best be recognised. Let your love of theatre live on by visiting mercurytheatre.co.uk/legacy today.