What's on Spring / Summer 2014

WHAT’S ON GUIDE SPRING / SUMMER 2014

FREE THE ENERGY WONDER PASSION AMAZEMENT FUN IN YOU

Call 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

WELCOME A very warm welcome to our season brochure for Spring/Summer 2014, with details of everything that you can see at the Mercury through to August, plus information about a whole year of Made in Colchester productions.

We’ve had a great first year ‘at the helm’, with outstanding audience and critical feedback for many of our home-grown productions, plus a record number of people visiting the theatre for the first time, so we’re looking forward to building on that in 2014 with a cracking line-up of drama, music, comedy, dance and spectacle.

Our first Made In Colchester show, playing in February, is the nail-biting Dial M For Murder, starring TV favourite Christopher Timothy, known to millions from his role as James Herriot in All Creatures Great And Small.

After the success of The Hired Man in 2013 we’ve got another top-notch musical for you this year. Betty Blue Eyes is based on the hilarious Alan Bennett film A Private Function and tells the story of a pig being illegally reared in ‘ration book’ post-War Britain, and the lengths to which people will go to get their fair share. The show features an utterly infectious (and very funny!) musical score which wowed West End audiences when it first appeared in 2011, and now the Mercury is proud to be producing the regional premiere, opening in Colchester in March before heading off on a major UK tour.

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In May, we’re transporting you back to the 1950s with Saturday Night And Sunday Morning. Directed

by Tony Casement, whose recent Mercury hits have included Arsenic And Old Lace and Quadrophenia, this iconic story, remembered by many from the hit film starring Albert Finney, centres on the rise and fall of hard-drinking, double-dealing Arthur Seaton, and promises an evening of funny, sexy, hard-hitting drama.

Other Made In Colchester shows coming up in 2014 include You Can Always Hand Them Back, the UK premiere of a funny, touching musical comedy about grand-parenthood; a Mercury Young Company production of Pink Floyd’s The Wall; an adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s evacuee drama Friend Or Foe; a chilling new production of Macbeth; and a laugh-outloud re-imagining of Dracula!

There’s also a chance to see our most varied selection of visiting shows ever, including Punt and Dennis, La Boheme, Eric & Little Ern and Flash - a Tribute to Queen.

We hope you’ll agree that our jam-packed schedule really does feature something to whet every appetite - so please do join us this year to take advantage of the vast array of talent we’ve got on offer here in Colchester!

With best wishes,

Daniel Buckroyd Artistic Director

Theresa Veith Executive Director

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MADE IN COLCHESTER SEASON 2014

HCOC C T I H D E ALFR

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OT T ERICK KN EY D E R F y B AIL y LUCY B b

d te c e Dir

By Frederick Knott Starring Christopher Timothy When murder calls ... hang up.

ANY SEAT IN THE HOUSE, PLUS PROGRAMME, FOR £12.85 WITH OUR GOLD SEASON TICKET. See page 29 04

A Mercury Theatre Colchester / Fiery Angel Co-Production

06 – 15 Feb

Performance times pages 38-39 Tony is convinced his wife Margot is having an affair and, wracked with jealousy, decides to dispatch her in what he’s convinced is the perfect murder...until, that is, his plan falters in the most unexpected way.

Claustrophobic, edge-of-theseat stuff, this enthralling new production reclaims Frederick Knott’s intense and darkly gripping story of betrayal and passion.

Famously filmed by Alfred Hitchcock, Dial M For Murder comes to the Mercury in a new coproduction directed by Lucy Bailey, whose credits include The Postman Always Rings Twice in the West End and a number of productions for

DRAMA Cast includes: Nick Barclay, Daniel Betts, Philip Cairns, Kelly Hotten, Robert Perkins, Natasha Staples, Christopher Timothy

Christopher Timothy

MAIN THEATRE the Royal Shakespeare Company including The Taming of the Shrew, The Winter’s Tale and Julius Caesar, which also transferred to New York.

Christopher Timothy, known to millions as James Herriot in All Creatures Great and Small, plays the role of Inspector Hubbard in this classic tale of murder most intricate.

You won’t be able to tear yourself away from the stage.

Approximate running time 2hrs 15mins including interval

‘Dial M for Marvellous’ The Daily Telegraph

‘Chilling and entertaining in equal measure’ WhatsOnStage.com Reviews for Fiery Angel’s 2008 Production

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Wed 12 Feb 7.30pm

Talkback

S

Thu 13 Feb

1.30pm

Seniors Matinee

7.30pm

Captioned Performance

BT Sat 15 Feb

11.00am

Backstage Tour

TT

6.00pm

Touch Tour

AD

7.30pm

Audio described

CAP

£25 - £10 & DISCOUNTS £12 PREVIEW PERFORMANCES 6 AND 7 FEB, TICKET PRICES PAGES 34–37

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NEW TALENT

DRAMA

Image by Kyle Bjart www.kylebjart.deviantart.com

The Mercury Theatre and Renegade presents

VOICES IN THE DARK

Photograph by Manuel Harlan

Cheek by Jowl in a co-production with The Barbican, London, Sydney Festival and Les Gémeaux/Sceaux/Scène Nationale

TIS PITY SHE’S A WHORE

By John Ford, Directed by Declan Donnellan, Design by Nick Ormerod

Wed 19 – Fri 21 Feb

Sat 8 Feb 9.30pm

STUDIO THEATRE

A unique evening of work in progress featuring some of the most exciting theatre makers from across Essex.

None of the work is finished. Anything could happen.

And it probably will.

We invite you to grab a drink, enjoy the show and stick around in the bar afterwards to tell the artists exactly what you thought.

For more information about how the Mercury Theatre is supporting new and emerging artists across Essex and beyond go to www.mercurytheatre.co.uk www.facebook.com/fragmentsinthedust

£5 06

7.30pm / Fri 2.30pm & 7.30pm Following the success of its 2011/12 tour, Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod’s critically acclaimed production returns.

This vivid and violent Jacobean tragedy shows a brother and sister’s passionate descent into hell.

Incest, religion and corrupt morality collide in this ‘sexy, stylish production’ (The Times), making this play as shocking and controversial today as it was almost 400 years ago.

‘One of the finest and most bitterly outrageous Jacobean productions you could hope to see... totally compelling’ What’s On Stage

£25 - £10

MAIN THEATRE Cheek by Jowl has established an international reputation for bringing ‘fresh life to the classics using intense, vivid performances like a laser of light to set the text ablaze’ (The Guardian). The company has toured to over 300 cities in 40 countries and is an Artistic Associate at the Barbican, London.

‘Donnellan and Ormerod’s sexy and unnerving new production...gruesomely, wildly, alive’ Time Out Critics’ Choice Recommended for 15+yrs SEE DIARY FOR SPECIAL PERFORMANCES CAP

ADULT

FAMILY

COMEDY

EasyTheatres.com presents

CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL

Jongleurs Comedy Club Ltd presents

Sat 22 Feb

Sun 23 Feb

Wed 26 Feb

AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE 7.30pm

MAIN THEATRE

Come and experience Britain’s biggest burlesque extravaganza – we dare you! Arriving direct from London’s West End, a fresh cast of burlesque all-stars are unveiled for 2014. Following a thrilling 100-date UK tour, enjoy an all-new riotous romp into the bizarre world of burlesque and cutting-edge variety.

Sashaying Royal Academy-trained beauties slip into exotic character as smoothly as they slip out of gloriously exotic couture costumes. It’s the slickest, wickedly wittiest, most delightfully choreographed cabaret spectacular of the year. Dress up and come to the cabaret.

2pm

MAIN THEATRE

Packed with exciting dance, art and culture, the Chinese Lantern Festival is the finale of Chinese New Year celebrations.

The performance is presented by Colchester Chinese Culture Society and Essex University Chinese Students Association and features the traditional Lion Dance, Martial Arts, Chinese Folk Dance, singing from the Community School Choir, and more.

JONGLEURS

8pm

MAIN THEATRE

The world-famous comedy club is at the Mercury for one night only, with another superb line-up from the best of the British stand-up circuit. During this hilarious evening three comedians and a compère will take to the stage to tickle your funny bone – keep an eye on our website for full details of the line-up.

This is the perfect way to get your evening off to a hilarious start!

Suitable for 18+yrs.

Suitable for 18+ yrs

Colchester Chinese Culture Society is a non-profit making organisation providing Mandarin Language Courses and Chinese Educational and Culture activities.

£25 - £10

£6 ADULT / £4 CHILD

£12

Line-up subject to change. www.jongleurs.co.uk

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LIVE MUSIC

COMEDY

JACQUI DANKWORTH

FAMILY

RMB presents

PUNT & DENNIS:

CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC

PLOUGHING ON REGARDLESS

Thu 27 Feb 7.30pm

Fri 28 Feb MAIN THEATRE

Jacqui Dankworth, the imaginative, moving, and adventurous vocalist brings her new album, Live to Love, to the Mercury.

Already established as one the country’s leading jazz vocalists, Jacqui’s live concerts showcase her unique versatility and effortless mastery of a wide spectrum of genres, drawing on jazz, folk, soul and blues, as well as her acute sensibility as a songwriter and lyricist.

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7.30pm

Sat 1 Mar MAIN THEATRE

7.30pm

MAIN THEATRE

It’s mid-winter. The roads are icy. The gritting lorries are out in force, the pavements are slippery, and the news broadcasts are full of people telling viewers to “send us your pictures of snow”. Everyone has a cold.

The boiler has broken down again and the gas bill is due. The AA are busy advising comedians “not to tour the country unless it is absolutely essential”. Despite all this, Punt and Dennis are Ploughing On Regardless.

Join our award-winning team of liars, swindlers and cheats for a spectacular night of trickery you’ll be trying to work out for a long time to come.

Audiences will witness mastery of card manipulation, death-defying stunts and mind-boggling sleight of hand from four of the world’s top performers, including the star of BBC1’s ‘The Magicians’ Pete Firman.

‘The Kings of satirical comedy’ The Guardian

Suitable for 6+yrs

‘Makes almost any material sound special’ The Guardian

‘Unbelievably funny. This is a real class act’ **** The Scotsman

‘The most magnificent voice’ Paul O’Grady

Suitable for 16+yrs

£25 - £10

£25 - £10

£22.50 - £10 / £12.50 CHILD

DANCE

DRAMA

BalletBoyz® image Panayiotis Sinnos

BALLET BOYZ - THE TALENT

Fifth Word and Nottingham Playhouse presents

AMATEUR GIRL

By Amanda Whittington

Tue 4 - Wed 5 Mar

Wed 5 - Thu 6 Mar

7.30pm Make some room. Make some noise. Here come the BalletBoyz®. Following triumphant UK and international appearances on stage and screen, this phenomenally popular company featuring 10 exceptional young dancers presents an exhilarating evening of exciting and explosive dance. THE TALENT 2013 features two stunning new dance pieces by internationally celebrated choreographers Russell Maliphant and Liam Scarlett.

BalletBoyz® is one of the most cheekily original and innovative forces in modern dance. Led by former Royal Ballet dancers Michael Nunn and William Trevitt, the company thrills audiences and

£25 - £10

MAIN THEATRE critics the world over with its distinctive style, fusing spectacular dance both energetic and graceful, with stunning music and film.

‘The performance is whole-hearted, whole-bodied, splendid.’ Financial Times ‘The body beautiful meets serious talent.’

London Evening Standard ‘It took the entire train ride home for my adrenaline to stop pumping. Wow’ The Daily Express

9pm

STUDIO THEATRE

Gary says it’s not about glamour no more. Men want girls in their own home, them who look like your neighbour or your best mate’s wife. Them who you could have in real life. Amateur girls.

From the producers of smash hit show Bones, Fifth Word returns with Amateur Girl by Amanda Whittington. Based on real-life stories, Amateur Girl is a hard-hitting, poignant yet wryly amusing play about the reality behind the fantasy business.

Suitable for 16+yrs

balletboyz.com SEE DIARY FOR SPECIAL PERFORMANCES

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£12.50 09

FAMILY

JOIN BETTY, INSPECTOR HUBBARD, ARTHUR SEATON, KATH AND MAURICE, DAVID AND TUCKY, FLEANCE AND DRACULA… from £12 .85 per show with our Gold Season Ticket

Sixth Sense Theatre for Young People in partnership with Salisbury Playhouse presents

SPLOSH Fri 7 – Sat 8 Mar 11am – 2pm Pull up a bath mat and join Little Lost Duck, Syd the Sponge and the rest of the Bathtub Gang for the bubbliest birthday party anyone has ever thrown, ever!

It’s Mr Bath’s birthday and you are invited to his Splishy, Splashy, Sploshy party. But first, his friends are treating him to a very special bath of his own to make him look spick and span and as shiny as a rainbow fish!

STUDIO THEATRE Sixth Sense Theatre for Young People in partnership with Salisbury Playhouse bring you this enchanting production for Early Years which uses dance, music and puppetry to help children and families explore communicative play at bath time.

Suitable for children aged 2–5yrs and their families Approximate running time 45 mins

£8.50 & DISCOUNTS / £6.50 CHILD 10

Turn to page 29 and sign up to a porking year of theatre Made in Colchester.

OPERA

COMEDY

Seabright Productions presents

ERIC & LITTLE ERN

Olivier award-winning OperaUpClose presents

LA BOHÈME

By Giacomo Puccini With a new English libretto by Robin Norton-Hale

Thu 6 Mar 7.30pm

Fri 7 - Sat 8 Mar MAIN THEATRE

7.30pm

Created and performed by Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens. Featuring classic material by Eddie Braben, Dick Hills and Sid Green. This affectionate, moving and fantastically funny homage to the greatest comedy double act that Britain has ever seen vividly brings back warm memories of a bygone era, recreating the all-ages appeal of Morecambe and Wise in their heyday.

Olivier award-winning OperaUpClose bring their trademark intimacy to the Mercury this spring with their ground-breaking production of La Bohème. In English with live piano accompaniment on stage, and performed by a cast of seven world-class opera singers, OperaUpClose’s hugely successful landmark production holds the record for the longest running opera in the UK.

The show tours following its West End premiere, in a newly extended version featuring classic material including the original Grieg Piano Concerto sketch and Eric’s take on Shakespeare.

Follow the ups and downs of idealistic students Rodolfo and Marcello and their girlfriends Mimi and Musetta, as they bicker, party, try to make ends meet and follow their dreams. The comedy of the first half of this hugely popular production heightens its

£25 - £10

£25 - £10

MAIN THEATRE tragic ending, with audiences saying this 21st century version of La Bohème affected them like no other.

HHHH The Guardian, The Times, Evening Standard, WhatsOnStage, Daily Express ‘OperaUpClose does exactly what it says on the tin – it’s in your face and gets under your skin.’

Whatsonstage ‘Madly brilliant... an updated, zingy translation... a fresh rediscovery.’ The Times ‘Has audiences mesmerised... a huge artistic success.’ New York Times

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MADE IN COLCHESTER SEASON 2014 Book by RON COWEN & DANIEL LIPMAN Music by GEORGE STILES

Lyrics by ANTHONY DREWE

Based on the HANDMADE film ‘A PRIVATE FUNCTION’ and the original story by Alan Bennett and Malcom Mowbray Adapted from the Screenplay by ALAN BENNETT Originally produced in London by CAMERON MACKINTOSH

A porker of a corker

ANY SEAT IN THE HOUSE, PLUS PROGRAMME, FOR £12.85 WITH OUR GOLD SEASON TICKET. See page 29 12

This production licensed by Josef Weinberger Ltd on behalf of Music Theatre International and Cameron Mackintosh Ltd

14 Mar – 05 Apr Performance times pages 38-39

The regional premiere of the smash-hit musical comedy A Mercury Theatre Colchester, Liverpool Playhouse & Everyman, Salisbury Playhouse, West Yorkshire Playhouse co-production MAIN THEATRE

Betty Blue Eyes received rave reviews when it premiered in the West End in 2011, picking up an Olivier Award nomination for Best New Musical. This updated production, directed by Daniel Buckroyd, marries Alan Bennett’s hilarious story with a wonderfully witty musical score that’s guaranteed to send you home with a spring in your step.

fattening up a highly illegal pig called Betty for a lavish banquet in honour of the royal couple - it’s going to be the social event of the season and Gilbert’s wife Joyce is determined that they should be invited. But when the longed-for invitation fails to materialise, the two of them resolve to do whatever it takes to get their fair share of the banquet’s illegal pork roast!

It’s fair shares for all in Austerity Britain (1947-style)!

But in the little town of Shepardsford, humble chiropodist Gilbert Chilvers is still struggling to bring home the bacon. The only light on the horizon is a private function to celebrate the forthcoming marriage of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

Will Gilbert be able to pig-nap the porker destined for the royal banquet? Will provincial high society keep a ‘nobody’ like Joyce at the bottom of the pile? And will Gilbert’s dotty mother-in-law ever get to eat anything other than Spam?

Members of the Town Council are

Join Betty and friends for this laugh-out-loud, feel-good musical treat!

MUSICAL COMEDY

Approximate running time 2hrs 20mins including interval Recommended for 11+yrs

‘It’s impossible not to fall in love with Betty – popular entertainment at its very best’ The Daily Telegraph

‘Hilarious, satirical and timely’ Evening Standard

‘Witty, rude, loveable, warm, dramatic, hilarious’ The Times *****

‘This is a sensational show’ News of the World ***** S

Thu 20 Mar

BT Sat 22 Mar

1.30pm

Seniors matinee

11.00am

Backstage Tour

P

Tue 25 Mar

4.30pm

Page to Stage

T

Wed 26 Mar

7.30pm

Talkback

TT Sat 29 Mar

1.00pm

Touch Tour

AD

2.30pm

Audio Described Performance

CAP Thu 3 Apr

7.30pm

Captioned Performance

£25 - £10 & DISCOUNTS £12 PREVIEW PERFORMANCES 14 AND 15 MARCH, TICKET PRICES PAGES 34-37

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DRAMA

NEW TALENT

PEER DIVIDED

Talawa Theatre Company in association with the National Theatre presents

MOON ON A RAINBOW SHAWL

Based on Henrik Ibsen’s masterpiece Peer Gynt Translated by Michael Meyer

By Errol John Directed by Michael Buffong

Tue 8 – Sat 12 Apr

Fri 11 – Sat 12 Apr

7.30pm / Thu 2.30pm & 7.30pm

MAIN THEATRE

Talawa Theatre Company and the National Theatre take Errol John’s ‘bruising, brilliantly witty play’ (Time Out) on tour after its critically acclaimed run in London in 2012.

Universally praised by critics and audiences alike, the original creative team have reunited to present John’s mesmerising and heart-warming masterpiece once more.

In Port of Spain, Trinidad, the snatches of calypso music, hymn tunes and drums are interrupted by the raucous celebrations of troops returning from war.

Here, neighbours drink, bawl, make love, look out for each other and crave a better life. But Ephraim is no dreamer and nothing, not even the seductive Rosa, is going to stop him escaping his dead-end job for a fresh start in England.

HHHH ‘I was spellbound … thrilled by one of the 20th century’s great neglected plays ... just go’ The Times

SEE DIARY FOR SPECIAL PERFORMANCES CAP

£25 - £10 & DISCOUNTS 14

Fri 6pm / Sat 2pm & 6pm

STUDIO THEATRE

“The moment of despair is the moment of hope….”

Money. Possessions. Power. Celebrity.

Peer gets them all as he rises from poverty to business tycoon and beyond, in a lifelong struggle to fight the forces of nature and find what it means to be yourself.

Ibsen’s epic drama is beautifully re-told in a fast paced mix of movement, music, devising and original text.

This is a Mercury Youth Theatre production, featuring members of our 14-18 year old groups. The Mercury Youth Theatre works to build and develop theatrical skills among its talented young participants.

£6 & DISCOUNTS

FAMILY

FAMILY

Scamp Theatre and Watford Palace Theatre presents

Colchester Scout and Guide Gangshow presents

PIRATE GRAN

IT’S MY LIFE

From the books by Geraldine Durrant and Rose Forshall Directed by Pieter Lawman Adapted by the Company

Wed 16 – Thu 17 & Sat 19 Apr

Fri 11 – Sat 12 Apr 1.30pm / Sat 10.30am and 1.30pm

Meet Gran. She bakes. She knits. You’d never guess she was a pirate!

‘Pirating isn’t the life for everyone, but Gran says if you don’t mind sleeping in a hammock and being called Scary Mary, then it’s a career more girls should think about.’

With a pet crocodile under her bed, a wicked sense of humour and a whole raft of adventures under her belt – time with Gran is never dull! Gran isn’t scared of anything. Not even monsters.

£12.50 / £8.50 CHILD

MAIN THEATRE And then there’s Grandpa.

A magical swashbuckling story from the team that bring books to life. Previous productions include Stick Man – Live on Stage, Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales and Private Peaceful.

An absolute treat for seafaring children aged 3+ and their shipmates of all ages.

7.30pm / Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm

MAIN THEATRE

After last year’s successful show, Colchester Scout and Guide Gangshow return to the Mercury Theatre for a brand new show for 2014. It’s My Life follows the stories that a grandfather tells his grandson, from youth to the present day. A brand new young and dynamic production team bring their own unique style to the show, while keeping with the familiar format of singing, dancing and sketches.

This year, our return to a truly traditional Gangshow will showcase the talent of our amazing young cast.

Come and join the journey – the Gang look forward to welcoming you!

£8.50 15

COMEDY

LIVE MUSIC

COMEDY

AHEAD OF OUR COPRODUCTION OF DRACULA

JONGLEURS

PASADENA ROOF ORCHESTRA

Wed 23 Apr

Thu 24 Apr

Jongleurs Comedy Club Ltd presents

8pm

MAIN THEATRE

The world-famous comedy club at the Mercury for one night only, with another superb line-up from the best of the British stand-up circuit. During this hilarious evening three comedians and a compere will take to the stage to tickle your funny bone – keep an eye on our website for full details of the line-up.

This is the perfect way to get your evening off to a hilarious start!

Suitable for 18+yrs.

7.30pm

From the growling trumpet and muted trombone to the wailing clarinet glissando over the steady throb of the rhythm section, the 11 piece band produce immaculately presented shows featuring all time classics from the great entertainers such as Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Duke Ellington, Cole Porter and George Gershwin.

Line-up subject to change. www.jongleurs.co.uk

£12 16

MAIN THEATRE

When it comes to authentic dance band and early swing music, the legendary Pasadena Roof Orchestra have no equal.

Seabright Productions and Fitzrovia Productions presents

THE FITZROVIA RADIO HOUR Fri 25 Apr 7.30pm

Blending homage and satire, Fitzrovia mixes the chauvinist attitudes of 1940s Britain with sharp contemporary humour to produce a spiffing evening of entertainment. Throughout the plays, sound effects are created live: a Bakelite hairdryer imitates a heating torch, a desk fan becomes an aeroplane, and multiple types of cabbage help to stage a fight scene! www.fitzroviaradio.com Suitable for 12+yrs

£25 - £10

MAIN THEATRE

Recreating the unique spirit of 1940s radio plays, The Fitzrovia Radio Hour’s brand new show tours fresh from three critically acclaimed London residencies, and two sell-out years at the Edinburgh Fringe.

£25 - £10

FAMILY

DRAMA

DINOSAUR ZOO

The Future is Unwritten presents

ENGLAND AWAY A new play by Paul Hodson

Sat 26 - Sun 27 Apr 11am & 2pm

Thu 24 - Sat 26 Apr MAIN THEATRE

Thu 9pm, Fri and Sat 7.45pm

STUDIO THEATRE

Direct from the West End, Dinosaur Zoo brings these awesome prehistoric creatures to the stage as you’ve never seen them before!

2001, the night before England thrash Germany 5-1. Four England fans meet for the first time on a campsite in Munich. Drink is drunk, songs are sung, secrets are exposed.

From cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants, observe and interact with these extraordinary life-like dinosaurs in this imaginative and hilarious live show.

1945, Alf and Ted march through Europe for home, fighting fascism while dreaming of a new England.

But watch out - not all of these ravenous reptiles are as tame as they seem!

Tonight, live on your stage, stand up comic Eddy Brimson offers a funny, hard-hitting insight on English society, football and comedy today.

DINOSAUR ZOO | Master image | 30.4.13 Running time: 50 minutes (no interval) followed by a meet & greet with the dinosaurs.

‘PUPPET-TASTIC! Thoroughly entertaining. A delight’ Time Out ‘Technical brilliance, cultural insight and enchantment all in one go’ Sydney Morning Herald www.dinosaurzoolive.com

England Away is an upfront, comic play about passion, patriotism and ‘Englishness’ - what is it? What was it? What will it be? And will the England football team ever win anything ever again...?

From the author of Meeting Joe Strummer, Way Out West and adaptor of Fever Pitch.

A tyrannosauric treat for all ages 3+yrs

SEE DIARY FOR SPECIAL PERFORMANCES

£12.50 / DANGER SEATS £15

£12.50 & DISCOUNTS

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DRAMA

COMEDY

Salida Productions in Association with Assembly presents

The Out of Joint and Octagon Theatre Bolton co-production

OUR COUNTRY’S GOOD

FORMBY Performed and written by Ewan Wardrop

By Timberlake Wertenbaker

Directed and co-devised by Ed Hughes

Tue 29 Apr – Sat 3 May

Sun 18 May

7.30pm / Thu & Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm

MAIN THEATRE

Our Country’s Good is the powerful true story of a ragbag cast of convicts, who put on a play under the guidance of an earnest young marine officer. As the barriers between captors and captives break down, they start to discover each other, both onstage and behind the scenes…

Olivier Award: Play of the Year

25 years ago, Our Country’s Good premiered at the Royal Court Theatre before transferring to the West End and Broadway, winning major awards on both sides of the Atlantic. This new production by the play’s original director, Max Stafford-Clark, was hailed as a triumph.

HHHH ’Glowingly persuasive,

£25 - £10 & DISCOUNTS 18

MAIN THEATRE

Returning to the Mercury after a sell-out run in 2012 comes Formby, the story of George Formby and his rise from awkward stable boy to one of Britain’s biggest stars. In a unique one-man performance Ewan Wardrop plays the role of Formby, as well as all the key characters involved in this fascinating slice of his life.

New York Critics Circle: Best Foreign Play

HHHH ’Marvellous revival… Hilarious…

Desperately moving’ Mail on Sunday Warmly recommended’ Independent

HHHH ‘A consummate revival of a modern classic’ Guardian Recommended for 14+yrs.

SEE DIARY FOR SPECIAL PERFORMANCES

7.30pm

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Formby is a funny, touching and thoughtful play of an essentially ordinary man with an extraordinary talent.

This sensational production features many of Formby’s classic hits brilliantly performed live by Wardrop on the ukulele, including: Blackpool Rock, Leaning On A Lamp-Post, When I’m Cleaning Windows, TT Races, and many more.

£25 - £10

THERE ARE SIX PEOPLE IN THIS PHOTO The financial support of the Friends of the Mercury Theatre make incredible moments, like this scene from Quadrophenia, possible. Friends donate between ÂŁ26 and ÂŁ500+, and get a host of benefits in return like priority booking, discounts in our bar, and access to special events.

Go to Support Us at www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

or call 01206 573948 19

MADE IN COLCHESTER SEASON 2014

SATURDAY NIGHTAND SUNDAY MORNING

By Alan Sillitoe

Adapted by Amanda Whittington Two marriages. Two affairs.

One guy in a lot of trouble.

ANY SEAT IN THE HOUSE, PLUS PROGRAMME, FOR £12.85 WITH OUR GOLD SEASON TICKET. See page 29 20

Would you like to join a community chorus for this show? If you are interested, email talent@mercurytheatre.co.uk

09 – 24 May

Performance times pages 38-39 ‘Whatever you say I am, that’s what I’m not!’

DRAMA

MAIN THEATRE

Alan Sillitoe’s ground-breaking picture of 1950s Britain was immortalised in the award-winning It’s Saturday night, the factory 1960 film starring Albert Finney. Now whistle’s gone, and Arthur Seaton, Mercury favourite Tony Casement the original ‘angry young man’, is out brings the tale raging back to life in on the town and determined to have a fast-moving new stage adaptation a good time, whatever it costs. by critically acclaimed writer Amanda Whittington (Be My Baby, The Thrill Hard-drinking, double-dealing, Of Love). womanising, Arthur thinks he’s got it made, but he’s playing with fire, Classic kitchen sink drama blended because now he’s got two women with high-energy action and a toeon the go at the same time and tapping soundtrack makes this funny, they’re both married. What’s more, sexy, heart-rending show a must see. everything could be about to change for Arthur and the women in his life following a bombshell revelation one night on the boardwalk.

Approximate running time 2hrs including interval Recommended for 14+yrs

‘Amanda Whittington’s pacy and engaging adaptation’ The Independent

‘A memorable show, thumping with Fifties music and as raw and angry as they come’ The Stage

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Wed 14 May 7.30pm

BT Sat 17 May

TalkBack

11.00am

Backstage Tour

Tue 20 May

4.30pm

Page to Stage

CAP Wed 21 May

P

7.30pm

Captioned Performance

Thu 22 May

1.30pm

Seniors Matinee

TT Sat 24 May

1.00pm

Touch Tour

AD

2.30pm

Audio Described Performance

S

£25 - £10 & DISCOUNTS £12 PREVIEW PERFORMANCES 9 AND 10 MAY, TICKET PRICES PAGES 34–37

21

DRAMA

FAMILY

HHHHH ‘An evening of rare, raw power’ The Independent

HHHHH‘Powerfully affecting’ Daily Telegraph

HHHH The Times

Bravo 22 presents

Kazzum presents

THE TWO WORLDS OF CHARLIE F

NANA’S JUMBLE

Tue 27 – Sat 31 May

Thu 29 - Sat 31 May

7.30pm / Wed, Thu, Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm “My name is Lance Corporal Cassidy Little. I lost a limb whilst serving my country. I’m now starring in a UK touring show, telling the story of the real consequences of service, injury and recovery. Our battle for survival continues at home. Welcome to our war.”

The Two Worlds of Charlie F is a soldier’s view performed by real ex-service men and women. The show explores the effects of injury and its impact on others.

MAIN THEATRE Charity performance on 27 May. Top-price tickets £50 each, including a glass of champagne with the cast after the performance. Money raised goes to the Royal British Legion’s Bravo 22 Co, the theatre project for wounded soldiers.

The performance contains strong language, strobe lighting and loud bangs.

SEE DIARY FOR SPECIAL PERFORMANCES CAP

£25 - £10 & DISCOUNTS 22

STUDIO THEATRE

Nana is having a jumble sale before downsizing to a one bedroom flat. Her granddaughter, Josie, is there too, but is in a very bad mood. She would rather be out with her friends than stuck with her old Nan. Forced together they discover that their lives will never be boring again.

Nana’s Jumble is a storytelling performance and social event. There’s tea and squash. Your little ones can do some drawing and there’s even a tombola!

But the best thing about this jumble sale are Nana’s amazing stories from her travels around the world…

Recommended for 14+yrs.

A darkly comic, authentic and an uplifting tale of survival.

11am, 2pm & 4pm

T

No 4pm performance on Thursday.

£8.50 / £6.50 CHILDREN

Corporate supporters make our work possible. Thank you.

DRAMA

Bang and Olufsen of Colchester thebestofcolchester Birkett Long Solicitors Colchester Institute DK Moriarty Limited Ellisons Solicitors Essex & Suffolk Water Scrutton Bland The Smile Clinic Ltd Thompson Smith & Puxon Solicitors WRS Insurance Brokers Ltd

The Original Theatre Company & Birdsong Productions Ltd presents

BIRDSONG

By Sebastian Faulks, Stage Version by Rachel Wagstaff Directed by Alastair Whatley

Mon 2 – Sat 7 Jun 7.30pm / Thu & Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm Marking the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War, Birdsong is the hit, critically acclaimed stage show based on the world famous novel by Sebastian Faulks. In pre-war France, a young Englishman Stephen Wraysford embarks on a passionate and dangerous affair with the beautiful Isabelle Azaire that turns their world upside down. As the war breaks out over the idyll of his former life, Stephen must lead his men through the carnage of the Battle of the Somme and through the sprawling tunnels that lie deep underground.

Faced with the unprecedented horror of the war Stephen clings to the memory of Isabelle as his world explodes around him. A mesmerising story of love and

£25 - £10 & DISCOUNTS

MAIN THEATRE courage. Set both before and during the Great War. Following on from last year’s national tour, seen by over 75,000 people, now it is your chance to experience this stunning piece of theatre live on stage.

HHHH ‘It left me choked up and blinking back the tears at the end.’ The Daily Telegraph

HHHHH ‘A moving and stunning performance’ WhatsOnStage Recommended for 12+yrs www.birdsongthetour.com SEE DIARY FOR SPECIAL PERFORMANCES

T

Barclays Bank PLC Beaumont Seymour & Co Bowling Garrard Electrical Capel Court plc CCS IT Ltd Constable VAT Consultancy LLP T J Evers Ltd Good Move Removals and Storage Hansen Lloyd Asset Management Holmwood House School Hutton Construction Ltd James & Lindsay Ltd Karelia Network Solutions Ltd Linklaters LLP Marsil Marine Ltd M B Training Systems Ltd Mosaic Publicity NatWest Bank Peyton Tyler Mears Plater Claiborne Purcell Quality Solicitors Fisher Jones Greenwood St. Mary’s School for Girls

Technology Means Business Ltd Website Design Ltd K Welham Ltd Whittle & Co Whybrows Williams and Griffin

Join us Corporate support is a great way to play an active role in your local community, and you receive benefits for your staff including free and discounted tickets.

For more information call Gill Oakley on 01206 577006 or email supporters@mercurytheatre.co.uk

23

MADE IN COLCHESTER SEASON 2014

nt will want No grandpare o woulddn to miss it, an t should. n be grandpare

Music and lyrics by Peter Skellern ANY SEAT IN THE HOUSE, PLUS PROGRAMME, FOR £12.85 WITH OUR GOLD SEASON TICKET. See page 29 24

Book by Roger Hall

13 – 28 Jun Performance times pages 38-39 Kath and Maurice, self-confessed old-duffers, are settling into a comfortable retirement. Time for friends, hobbies - and if only Maurice can defeat the remote control, nothing stands between him and wall-to-wall cricket.

For Kath, however, there’s just one fly in the ointment – she wishes they heard more from the kids.

Well, that’s all about to change with the arrival of four nappy-wearing terrors, suddenly people can’t get enough of grandma and grandpa!

You thought the days of burping, bathing and babysitting were over, but it’s all come round again, and this time the ‘Bank of Granny and Grandad’ is well and truly open too!

With music from Peter Skellern (You’re a Lady, Stop The Week) and

MUSICAL COMEDY

MAIN THEATRE script by Roger Hall (Middle Age Spread, Conjugal Rites), You Can Always Hand Them Back is a heartwarming, laugh-out-loud celebration of the heroes of any family - the grandparents.

Show-stopping original musical numbers include Twice-A-Night Tinkle Tango, My Hearing Is Absolutely Fine, The Age Of Bewilderment, I Still Got it Honey, Home For Christmas and the bathtime favourite Don’t Let The Little B*****d Get Away!

Grandparents - this is your chance to show the kids what it’s really like.

Parents - come and see what you’ve got in store!

Kids… kids? Which remote control works the TV?

Approximate running time 2hrs including interval

‘See it or miss something special’ Manawatu Standard

UK PREMIERE

T

Wed 18 Jun 7.30pm

Talkback

BT Sat 21 Jun

11.00am

Backstage Tour

Thu 26 Jun

1.30pm

Seniors Matinee

CAP

7.30pm

Captioned Performance

TT Sat 28 Jun

1.00pm

Touch Tour

AD

2.30pm

Audio Described Performance

S

£25 - £10 & DISCOUNTS £12 PREVIEW PERFORMANCES 13 AND 14 JUNE, TICKET PRICES PAGES 34–37

25

LIVE MUSIC

DANCE

LIVE MUSIC

The Lorraine George School of Dancing presents

Sweeney Entertainments proudly presents

Sweeney Entertainments proudly presents

Fri 4 - Sun 6 Jul

Tue 8 Jul

Wed 9 Jul

SUMMER SHOW TIME ‘14 FLASH – LIVE IN CONCERT MOZART BY A TRIBUTE TO QUEEN CANDLELIGHT 7.30pm / Sun 1pm & 6pm

MAIN THEATRE

The Lorraine George School of Dancing is planning its very own round the world trip. Where will we go? What might we do along the way? How will we get there? We hope you will join us, as our talented pupils pack their bags and prepare to dance, sing and act their way around the globe. Friday night’s performance will be in aid of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

Looking forward to seeing you there and sharing a trip of a lifetime!

7.30pm

MAIN THEATRE

FLASH have been paying homage to the world’s most theatrical and dramatic rock band since 1995.

Front man Scott Maley plays a uncannily realistic ‘Freddie’ with just the right look, stage persona and, most importantly of all, the most incredibly powerful voice!

Featuring an enormously talented band including Nathan Mathers who brings all the electric guitar virtuosity required to play a very convincing Brian May, their attention to detail is truly impressive.

‘Nice one Flash’ Janice Long – BBC Radio 2

£13.50 & DISCOUNTS 26

£25 – £10

7.30pm

MAIN THEATRE

Britain’s best-loved classical touring ensemble, the Locrian, present a musical tribute to the greatest of all composers.

Performing in lavish period costume, presented in front of a stunning classical set, these charismatic musicians perform many of Mozart’s most celebrated melodies. Starting from his early string works written when Mozart was a child prodigy, the programme also includes the effervescent Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, and features mature masterpieces such as the sublime clarinet quintet.

£25 – £10

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

Sweeney Entertainments proudly presents

JACKSON – LIVE IN CONCERT

SPECTACLE

EasyTheatres.com presents

World on Stage presents

IMMORTAL CHI

RAT PACK LIVE

A WARRIOR’S QUEST FOR HARMONY World Tour

Starring Ben and his incredible band and dancers

Thu 10 Jul 7.30pm

Fri 11 Jul MAIN THEATRE

Ben’s portrayal of Michael Jackson in his prime has to be the most vocally and visually accurate tribute to the King of Pop to have ever toured UK theatres.

Ben is joined on the stage by his incredible band and dancers who work their way through all the hits.

He’s got the look, the moonwalk and the voice! His renditions of Thriller, Beat it and Billie Jean are truly sensational.

Jackson – Live in Concert features all-live vocals and music, fabulous costumes and of course all the signature dance moves moves associated so fondly with the undisputed King of Pop. Pure MJ!

£25 – £10

7.30pm

Sat 12 Jul MAIN THEATRE

During their 1950s and 1960s heyday they were the definition of cool. The Rat Pack combined big band swing with charisma, panache and swagger. The show’s Dean played Dino in the West End, Sammy starred at the New York’s Rainbow Rooms and the show’s Frank gained rave reviews in the West End. Featuring all the patter and razzmatazz of the Rat Pack’s infamous live stage show, join the UK’s number one Dean, Sammy and Frank live concert extravaganza. Prepare to experience the definition of cool...

Together the talented trio combine superbly… spectacularly…”swingsationally” in Rat Pack Live.

£25 - £10

5pm & 8pm

MAIN THEATRE

Direct from China and created by the team behind the renowned Shaolin Warriors, Immortal Chi is a brand new spectacular fusion of jaw-dropping martial arts, amazing multi-media images, fabulous costumes and original live music.

This world-class team have created an original show incorporating traditional combat techniques and weapons, acrobatics, authentic Chinese instruments and stunning Chinese drum girls with a contemporary feel.

This show is a feast for all the senses. Conceived by acclaimed Cirque director Erick Villeneuve.

Immortal Chi is not just a show – it’s an experience!

£25 - £10 / CHILD £12.50 27

TAKE PART! www.mercurytheatre.co.uk Call 01206 573948 PLAY & SWAY FOR EARLY YEARS Tuesdays, 10.30am - 11.30am (term time only) £4 per child Make a rainbow or have tea with a tiger in our creative and fun-filled sessions for toddlers and their parents or carers. We welcome newcomers and each session is a stand alone class - there’s no need to book ahead.

DRAMA & STORY BUILDING FOR 3-5 YEARS Tuesdays, 1pm - 2pm (term time only) £4 per child

Feb 2014 Half Term Holidays Mon 17 - Fri 21 Feb 10am - 4pm (each day) £75 per child An unrivalled week of activities for children in the half term holiday. Young participants will earn an Arts Award Discover, have loads of fun and make plenty of new friends along the way. The week includes drama, art, film and animation workshops, as well as providing an exciting introduction to Colchester’s cultural places.

Share in your child’s imagination and help prepare them for school in our fun-packed sessions of games, activities and story building led by our specialist Early Years Practitioners.

Trail Blazers is a collaboration between Essex Libraries, firstsite, The Mercury Theatre and Signals Media Arts Centre.

This is a drop-in class - come and try us out.

£6 per person

ACT V

Our backstage tours take you on stage and behind the scenes, to reveal how the Mercury Theatre produces the Made In Colchester Season. Tours last for approximately 1 hour.

Mondays, 10.15am - 1pm (term time only) £4.50 per session Our popular theatre group for older adults returns.

Each session includes movement, a range of theatre activities and a great opportunity to meet new people during the coffee break. Suitable for beginners.

28

TRAIL BLAZERS ARTS & CULTURE WEEK FOR 7-11YEARS

BT

BACKSTAGE TOURS

Pre-booking is essential. Please notify us of any mobility issues at the time of booking.

If you would like to arrange a backstage tour for your group or school, please contact our Ticket Sales team on 01206 573 948.

SUMMER SCHOOLS 2014 The Mercury Theatre and Lakeside Theatre have teamed up to provide these outstanding activities for young people.

Create a Play in a Week for 7-11years Mon 11 - Fri 15 Aug 2014, 10am - 3pm £75 per participant

Can you imagine what life would be like if monsters ruled the world? Come and act it out with movement and music.

Learn how to improvise and create monstrous characters for a performance at the end of the week.

Fresh Play (12-16years)

Tue 28 July - Sat 2 Aug 2014, 10am - 4pm £100 per participant Fresh Theatre inspired and made by you – that’s what this week is all about. Working with professional theatre makers, you’ll learn how to create a performance and you’ll find out more about how the experts do it.

PLAYWRIGHT’S SURGERY GROUP A free service for adults with a serious commitment to writing plays. The group meets to read and discuss members’ work.

Thu 23 Jan, 7.30pm - 9.30pm Thu 6 Feb, 7.30pm - 9.30pm Thu 13 Mar, 7.30pm - 9.30pm Thu 27 Mar, 7.30pm - 9.30pm Sessions are FREE. Pre-booking is essential.

WE’RE NOT DONE YET...

Keep reading to see what else is Made in Colchester in 2014.

GOLD SEASON TICKET

See seven Made in Colchester shows and save up to 50%. The GOLD Season Ticket is £89.95 (just £12.84 a show!). It includes best available seats on all days and a free programme, saving you over £100!

OVER 60’s: All the benefits of the gold season ticket for just £84.

Get the best seats in the house for: • Dial M for Murder • Betty Blue Eyes • Saturday Night and Sunday Morning • You Can Always Hand Them Back • Friend or Foe • Macbeth • Dracula

Can’t make one of the shows? Season Tickets are fully transferable, so you can give your ticket for any show to a friend!

SILVER SEASON TICKET

The SILVER Season Ticket is just £15 per show and includes the best available seats. Silver Season Tickets are valid for all performances except Saturday evenings. Choose five Made in Colchester shows for £75, or four shows for £60

TO BUY YOUR SEASON TICKET: Register and login to our website at www.mercurytheatre.co.uk. Choose your performances and the season ticket will be automatically applied at checkout, or call us on 01206 57394.

29

MADE IN COLCHESTER SEASON 2014

THE WALL

NEW TALENT PINK FLOYD’S

THE WALL

By Roger Waters

Thu 21 – Sat 23 Aug 7.30pm / Fri and Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm We don’t need no education!

When Pink Floyd’s iconic double album burst onto the music scene in 1979, it caught the imagination of a generation with its epic rock score, including songs such as Another Brick In The Wall, and its heart-rending tale of the rise and fall of a rock star called Pink.

Following a hugely successful debut with Quadrophenia, the Mercury Young Company will be returning to the Mercury Theatre’s main stage in 2014. If you’re aged 16 to 25 years and want to be among the first to be involved, visit our website and fill out an online application form.

30

£12.50 – £10 TICKET PRICES PAGES 34-37

From its opening track, culminating in the sounds of a plane crashing and a baby crying, The Wall plunged its audience into a surreal journey through misunderstood childhood, troubled marriage, social isolation and,

MAIN THEATRE ultimately, to the brink of madness. It was and remains, without doubt, one of the most theatrical rock concept albums ever produced.

Now the Mercury Young Company returns to the stage, fresh from their 2013 sold-out stage adaptation of Quadrophenia, to bring Roger Waters’ extraordinary rock opera to life for a new generation. FIVE PERFORMANCES ONLY - book early to guarantee your seats!

Approximate running time 2hrs including interval

MADE IN COLCHESTER SEASON 2014

FAMILY MICHAEL MORPURGO’S

FRIEND OR FOE Adapted by Daniel Buckroyd

Fri 29 Aug – Sat 13 Sep Performance times pages 38-39 A thrilling tale of extraordinary friendship from master storyteller Michael Morpurgo, the prize-winning author of War Horse and The Butterfly Lion.

ANY SEAT IN THE HOUSE, PLUS PROGRAMME, FOR £12.85 WITH OUR GOLD SEASON TICKET. See page 29

MAIN THEATRE life-and-death moral dilemma.

Our 2013 production of The Butterfly Lion was the Mercury’s biggest selling show ever, so book early to secure your seats for the latest Michael Morpurgo classic to hit the stage.

Evacuated from London at the height of the Second World War, David and Tucky can’t help feeling as though the This production will be supported fighting is a long way away from their by education workshops for schools, new lives in the countryside. But then looking at WW2, evacuation, and themes suddenly, one night, the skyline is lit up of loyalty and friendship. with gun flashes and the distant sound of bombing shatters their new found peace. Approximate running time 2hrs including interval BT And when a German plane crashes on their farm the boys are plunged into a P AD SEE DIARY FOR SPECIAL breathtaking adventure and faced with a PERFORMANCES T CAP

£25 - £10 & DISCOUNTS £12 PREVIEW PERFORMANCES 29 & 30 AUGUST, TICKET PRICES PAGES 34-37

31

MADE IN COLCHESTER SEASON 2014

DRAMA

MACBETH

By William Shakespeare

ANY SEAT IN THE HOUSE, PLUS PROGRAMME, FOR £12.85 WITH OUR GOLD SEASON TICKET. See page 29

Thu 2 – Sat 18 Oct Performance times page 38-39

MAIN THEATRE

Shakespeare’s ultimate exploration of political ambition, and the extraordinary lengths to which one couple will go to secure their place in history, is brought chillingly to life at the Mercury this Autumn in a brand new production directed by Daniel Buckroyd.

Cut through the pageantry and sweep aside the supernatural and what you’re left with is a terrifying picture of a world in which the future of a nation, indeed the very humanity of the man and woman

32

at the heart of the unfolding political storm, hang on the fate of a single child. Will no one step forward to protect the innocent? After all, what’s the point of winning power today only to lose it ... tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow?

Screw your courage to the sticking place and witness Shakespeare’s bloody masterpiece.

T

Wed 8 Oct

7.30pm

Talkback

BT

Sat 11 Oct

11.00am

Backstage Tour

P

Tue 14 Oct

4.30pm

Page to Stage

S

Thu 16 Oct

1.30pm

Seniors Matinee

CAP

7.30pm

Captioned Performance

Approximate running time 2hrs 35mins including interval

TT

Sat 18 Oct

1.00pm

Touch Tour

Recommended for 11+yrs

AD

2.30pm

Audio Described

£25 - £10 & DISCOUNTS £12 PREVIEW PERFORMANCES 2 AND 3 OCTOBER, TICKET PRICES PAGES 34-37

MADE IN COLCHESTER SEASON 2014

COMEDY

MERCURY THEATRE COLCHESTER PRESENTS THE FITZROVIA RADIO HOUR IN

GLY! N I P RIP D FUN T OA GOO R H T

ANY SEAT IN THE HOUSE, PLUS PROGRAMME, FOR £12.85 WITH OUR GOLD SEASON TICKET. See page 29

Thu 30 Oct – Sun 16 Nov Performance times page 38-39

MAIN THEATRE

We interrupt the horror to bring you a message from our sponsors... Strike up a Soho Cigarette as we recreate a 1940s radio play and invite you to take the role of studio audience in a live broadcast of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, brilliantly evoking a dinner-jacketed age of casual imperialism and stiff upper lips.

Performed with cut-glass theatricality and backed by a phalanx of bizarrely created sound effects, the Fitzrovia

Radio Hour mixes the chauvinist attitudes of 1940s Britain with sharp contemporary humour to produce a heady comic cocktail.

Will Jonathan Harker escape Dracula’s clutches? What will become of the beautiful young Lucy? And why is that big grey wolf biting into a melon? Well, how are you supposed to create the sound of a person exploding? Get ready to applaud please…

5-4-3-2-1, we’re on air!

Running time approx 1hr 50 mins including interval

S

Thu 6 Nov

1.30pm

Seniors Matinee

BT

Sat 8 Nov

11.00am

Backstage Tour

T

Wed 12 Nov 7.30pm

Talkback

CAP Thu 13 Nov

7.30pm

Captioned Performance

TT

Sat 15 Nov

1.00pm

Touch Tour

AD

2.30pm

Audio Described

£25 - £10 & DISCOUNTS £12 PREVIEW PERFORMANCES 30 AND 31 OCTOBER, TICKET PRICES PAGES 34-37

33

BOOK AT WWW.MERCURYTHEATRE.CO.UK BOOK AT WWW.MERCURYTHEATRE.CO.UK TICKET SALES Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester CO1 1PT

TEL EMAIL WEBSITE FAX

01206 573948 tickets@mercurytheatre.co.uk www.mercurytheatre.co.uk 01206 769607

Ticket sales opening hours Monday to Saturday, 10am to 8pm (Sundays and Bank Holidays from 90 minutes before a performance).

BUYING YOUR TICKET Just call, email or write to us – tickets can be bought by cash, cheque, theatre tokens and credit and debit cards. Tickets can be reserved without payment for five working days.

Book online at www.mercurytheatre.co.uk Print@home – You can collect your tickets from the ticket counter prior to the performance, have them posted for £1, or choose to print them yourself at home. Please be aware print@home prints one page per ticket.

BOOKING AND INFORMATION

34

Exchanging tickets – We will exchange tickets for another performance or give you a credit to the value of your seats for use at a later time, up to five days prior to the date on the ticket. Tickets must be returned to the Ticket Sales Counter. Unfortunately we cannot give refunds. We charge £1 per transaction for this service. No charge for season ticket holders.

Babes in arms – Due to theatre licensing regulations everyone must be issued with a ticket, regardless of age.

WITH NO BOOKING FEE DISCOUNTS £10/£12 concessions for over 60s, jobseekers, students and under 26s available Monday to Friday and matinees for all Made in Colchester shows and selected other performances – see show pages for details. We also now offer discounts on all price bands for matinees of all Made in Colchester shows.

Job Seeker Standby £1 Job Seeker Standby tickets on matinees from one hour before performance. ID required.

School Groups All tickets £8.50 Mon-Fri, plus one free additional ticket for every ten purchased on Made in Colchester shows.

Group Discounts Groups of 10+ get £2 off per ticket on Made in Colchester shows excluding the first two performances and the lowest priced tickets.

YOUR VISIT Car parking The Mercury Theatre offers discounted car parking exit tickets for our patrons who park in St Mary’s car park after 3pm. These can be purchased online, at the kiosk, bar or at the Ticket Sales Counter.

Special Effects Warning

Mercury Gift Vouchers & Theatre Tokens

If you are concerned about any special effects (strobe lighting, smoke, loud bangs etc.) sometimes used in productions, please call the Ticket Sales Counter on 01206 573948.

We sell Mercury Theatre Gift Vouchers and National Theatre Tokens. Please speak to the Ticket Sales Counter or see website for details.

Refreshments

Did you know that the Mercury can be hired for children’s parties (from as little as £50), conferences, meetings and events? A range of spaces, packages and prices are available. Please contact Carol Rayner for more details on 01206 577006 or carol.rayner@mercurytheatre.co.uk

Theatre Bar – the theatre bar is open 45 minutes before the performance, during intervals and after the show. Tea, coffee and a wide range of drinks are on sale. You can avoid the interval crush by ordering your drinks before the show in the bar or at the kiosk.

Kiosk – the foyer kiosk is open 45 minutes before the show and during intervals and sells a selection of ice cream and confectionery. Tea, coffee and soft drinks are also available.

Food @ The Mercury – open from 10am to late daily. Lunch and pre-show set menus and a delicious a la carte selection. Call 01206 368100 to book.

Digby Gallery The Digby Gallery hosts a varied programme of exhibitions by professional artists and photographers connected with the region. There is also space for 3D work in a display cabinet. For details on exhibiting and for information about forthcoming exhibitions call 01206 573948 or email gallery@mercurytheatre.co.uk

Hire the Mercury Theatre

T Talk Back Join the cast after a performance to ask your questions. For dates see diary pages 38-39.

S Seniors Matinees Seniors Matinee ticket holders can enjoy a preperformance FREE talk and tea or coffee at 1.30pm.

For dates see diary pages 38-39.

P Page to Stage Performance Discover more about the creative process in this free workshop. For dates see diary pages 38-39.

Cloakroom Bags and coats can be left in a supervised cloakroom – payment by donation.

35

BOOK AT WWW.MERCURYTHEATRE.CO.UK SEATING PLAN

ACCESS Tickets for disabled customers including those who have impaired sight or hearing and the person accompanying them are £8.50 for all Made In Colchester productions. Access tickets for all other shows £10 unless otherwise indicated. There is limited disabled parking under the front canopy for blue badge holders which operates on a first come first served basis. A lift situated along the corridor to the right of the Ticket Sales Counter is available for patrons who have trouble negotiating the stairs.

Q 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 Q P 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 O

8

M 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9

8 8

K 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9

8

35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9

42 G

41 41 F

40 39 E

39 38 38 D

37

38 38 37 37

37 C

37 36 36 36

36

36 35 35 35

35

34 34 34 34

34

B A

F 33 33 33 33

8

E 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9

E

D 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10

32 32 32 32

C

31 31 31

B 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13

30 30

30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12

29

A 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 A

6 5 7

12

6 7 8

11 12 13

6

F

9

B

H

7 G

D

C

11 11

4 K J

7

8

33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9

6 5 L

7 8

G 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9

M

6 7

8

36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9

H

H

7 N 7

36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9

J

39

O

N 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 L

40

P

33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9

10 10 10

6

7

8 9 9

7 8

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6 6

4

5

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3

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2

3

4

5

3

3

4

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1

1 G

F

E

B

Green Yellow Purple Blue £22.50 £19.50 £17.50 £12.00

£19.50 £15.00 £15.00 £12.00

£15.00 £12.00 £12.00 £12.00

H

We welcome Assistance Dogs at all performances, please inform us when booking. The Mercury Theatre can accommodate up to 7 wheelchair users in the main auditorium with ample accommodation in the Mercury Studio Theatre.

Please state that you require a wheelchair space when booking.

D

C

An infrared enhancement system is available in the main auditorium at all performances. Our system is suitable for use with or without a hearing aid through our specialised equipment.

Red £10.00 £10.00 £10.00 £10.00

Please note the seating plan is different on some performances – see our website or speak to one of our friendly Ticket Sales Counter assistants for details. Ticket prices, particularly for preview performances, may change without notice.

36

2

2

A

stage

Fri and Sat evenings £25.00 Wed, Thur evenings and matinees £22.50 Mon and Tue evenings £19.50 First two performances £12.00

4

RP Relaxed Performance Relaxed performances are for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment including people with an Autistic 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.

WITH NO BOOKING FEE

NORTH STATION

A12 LONDON

A134 SUDBURY

WAY WEST

COLNE BANK AVENUE

A137 HARWICH M’TREE

JUMBO

HIGH ST

FIRSTSITE

A133 CLACTON

TOWN STATION SOUTH WAY

MAGDALEN ST

B1025 MERSEA

For a more detailed map please visit our website, www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

MERSEA ROAD

B1022 TIPTREE

CO WD RA YA VE NU E

CASTLE PARK

LEXDEN ROAD

For access information please contact Carol Rayner on 01206 573948 or email access@mercurytheatre.co.uk

A12 IPSWICH

COWDRAY AVENUE

MERCURY THEATRE

ST MARY’S CAR PARK

Call 01206 573948

NORTH

IPS WIC HR OAD

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.

HA RW ICH RO AD

Please let us know of any requirements you or anyone in your party may have. We will do all we can to make your visit as enjoyable and as straightforward as possible.

Mercury Theatre Balkerne Gate Colchester Essex CO1 1PT

TUR NER ROA D

CAP Captioned Do you or someone you know enjoy theatre but find it difficult to hear what is being said?

Captioning converts the spoken word, songs and sound effects in to text on a caption unit on the stage. For dates see diary pages 38-39.

HOW TO FIND US

BALKERNE HILL

AD Audio Description Audio described performances give you a live commentary about the action happening on stage through a pair of headphones. We also offer Touch Tours before each audio described performance, enabling you to explore the stage and get a feel for the costumes and set before the show starts.

For dates see diary pages 38-39.

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DIARY February

Thurs 6 7.30pm Fri 7 7.30pm Sat 8 2.30pm

7.30pm

9.30pm Mon 10 7.30pm Tue 11 7.30pm Wed 12 7.30pm T Thu 13 2.30pm S

7.30pm Fri 14 7.30pm Sat 15 2.30pm

7.30pm AD/TT Wed 19 7.30pm Thu 20 7.30pm Fri 21 2.30pm

7.30pm Sat 22 7.30pm Sun 23 2.00pm Wed 26 8.00pm Thu 27 7.30pm Fri 28 7.30pm

Dial M for Murder Dial M for Murder Dial M for Murder Dial M for Murder Voices in the Dark Dial M for Murder Dial M for Murder Dial M for Murder Dial M for Murder Dial M for Murder Dial M for Murder Dial M for Murder Dial M for Murder Tis Pity She’s A Whore Tis Pity She’s A Whore Tis Pity She’s A Whore Tis Pity She’s A Whore An Evening of Burlesque Chinese Lantern Festival Jongleurs Jacqui Dankworth Punt and Dennis: Ploughing on Regardless

March

38

Sat 1 Tue 4 Wed 5

Thu 6

Fri 7

Sat 8

Fri 14 Sat 15 Mon 17

7.30pm 7.30pm T 7.30pm 9.00pm 7.30pm 9.00pm 11.00am 2.00pm 7.30pm 11.00am 2.00pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

Champions of Magic Ballet Boyz - The Talent Ballet Boyz - The Talent Amateur Girl - Fifth World Eric & Little Ern Amateur Girl - Fifth World Splosh Splosh La Boheme Splosh Splosh La Boheme Betty Blue Eyes Betty Blue Eyes Betty Blue Eyes

Tue 18 Wed 19 Thu 20

Fri 21 Sat 22

Mon 24 Tue 25 Wed 26 Thu 27

Fri 28 Sat 29

Mon 31

7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm S 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm P 7.30pm T 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm AD/TT 7.30pm 7.30pm

Betty Blue Eyes Betty Blue Eyes Betty Blue Eyes Betty Blue Eyes Betty Blue Eyes Betty Blue Eyes Betty Blue Eyes Betty Blue Eyes Betty Blue Eyes Betty Blue Eyes Betty Blue Eyes Betty Blue Eyes Betty Blue Eyes Betty Blue Eyes Betty Blue Eyes Betty Blue Eyes

April Tue 1 7.30pm Wed 2 7.30pm Thu 3 2.30pm

7.30pm Fri 4 7.30pm Sat 5 2.30pm

7.30pm Tue 8 7.30pm Wed 9 7.30pm Thu 10 2.30pm

7.30pm Fri 11 7.30pm

1.30pm

6.00pm Sat 12 10.30am

1.30pm

2.00pm

7.30pm

6.00pm Wed 16 7.30pm Thu 17 7.30pm Fri 18 7.30pm Sat 19 2.30pm

7.30pm Wed 23 8.00pm Thu 24 7.30pm

9.00pm Fri 25 7.30pm

Betty Blue Eyes Betty Blue Eyes Betty Blue Eyes Betty Blue Eyes Betty Blue Eyes Betty Blue Eyes Betty Blue Eyes Moon on a Rainbow Shawl Moon on a Rainbow Shawl Moon on a Rainbow Shawl Moon on a Rainbow Shawl Moon on a Rainbow Shawl Pirate Gran Peer Divided Pirate Gran Pirate Gran Peer Divided Moon on a Rainbow Shawl Peer Divided Colchester Gangshow Colchester Gangshow Colchester Gangshow Colchester Gangshow Colchester Gangshow Jongleurs Pasadena Roof Orchestra England Away Fitzrovia Radio Hour

Sat 26

Sun 27

Tue 29 Wed 30

7.45pm T 11.00am 2.00pm 7.45pm 11.00am 2.00pm 7.30pm 7.30pm T

England Away Dinosaur Zoo Dinosaur Zoo England Away Dinosaur Zoo Dinosaur Zoo Our Country’s Good Our Country’s Good

May Thu 1 2.30pm

7.30pm Fri 2 7.30pm Sat 3 2.30pm

7.30pm Fri 9 7.30pm Sat 10 7.30pm Mon 12 7.30pm Tue 13 7.30pm Wed 14 7.30pm T Thu 15 2.30pm

7.30pm Fri 16 7.30pm Sat 17 2.30pm

7.30pm Sun 18 7.30pm Mon 19 7.30pm Tue 20 7.30pm P Wed 21 7.30pm Thu 22 2.30pm S

7.30pm Fri 23 7.30pm Sat 24 2.30pm AD/TT

7.30pm Tue 27 7.30pm Wed 28 2.30pm

7.30pm T Thu 29 11.00am

2.00pm

2.30pm T

7.30pm Fri 30 11.00am

2.00pm

4.00pm

7.30pm Sat 31 11.00am

Our Country’s Good Our Country’s Good Our Country’s Good Our Country’s Good Our Country’s Good Sat Night and Sun Morning Sat Night and Sun Morning Sat Night and Sun Morning Sat Night and Sun Morning Sat Night and Sun Morning Sat Night and Sun Morning Sat Night and Sun Morning Sat Night and Sun Morning Sat Night and Sun Morning Sat Night and Sun Morning Formby Sat Night and Sun Morning Sat Night and Sun Morning Sat Night and Sun Morning Sat Night and Sun Morning Sat Night and Sun Morning Sat Night and Sun Morning Sat Night and Sun Morning Sat Night and Sun Morning The Two Worlds of Charlie F The Two Worlds of Charlie F The Two Worlds of Charlie F Nana’s Jumble Nana’s Jumble The Two Worlds of Charlie F The Two Worlds of Charlie F Nana’s Jumble Nana’s Jumble Nana’s Jumble The Two Worlds of Charlie F Nana’s Jumble

2.00pm 2.30pm 4.00pm 7.30pm

Nana’s Jumble The Two Worlds of Charlie F Nana’s Jumble The Two Worlds of Charlie F

7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm T 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm T 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm S 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm AD/TT 7.30pm

Birdsong Birdsong Birdsong Birdsong Birdsong Birdsong Birdsong Birdsong You Can Always Hand Them Back You Can Always Hand Them Back You Can Always Hand Them Back You Can Always Hand Them Back You Can Always Hand Them Back You Can Always Hand Them Back You Can Always Hand Them Back You Can Always Hand Them Back You Can Always Hand Them Back You Can Always Hand Them Back You Can Always Hand Them Back You Can Always Hand Them Back You Can Always Hand Them Back You Can Always Hand Them Back You Can Always Hand Them Back You Can Always Hand Them Back You Can Always Hand Them Back You Can Always Hand Them Back

7.30pm 7.30pm 1.00pm 6.00pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 5.00pm 8.00pm

Summer Showtime 2014 Summer Showtime 2014 Summer Showtime 2014 Summer Showtime 2014 Flash - A Tribute to Queen Mozart by Candlelight Jackson Live!

Rat Pack Live Immortal Chi Immortal Chi

June Mon 2 Tue 3 Wed 4 Thu 5

Fri 6 Sat 7

Fri 13 Sat 14 Mon 16 Tue 17 Wed 18 Thu 19

Fri 20 Sat 21

Mon 23 Tue 24 Wed 25 Thu 26

Fri 27 Sat 28

July Fri 4 Sat 5 Sun 6

Tue 8 Wed 9 Thu 10 Fri 11 Sat 12

August Thu 21 Fri 22

Sat 23

Fri 29 Sat 30

Sun 31

7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm

Pink Floyd’s The Wall Pink Floyd’s The Wall Pink Floyd’s The Wall Pink Floyd’s The Wall Pink Floyd’s The Wall Friend or Foe Friend or Foe Friend or Foe Friend or Foe

September Wed 3 Thu 4

Fri 5

Sat 6

Sun 7 Tue 9 Wed 10 Thu 11

Fri 12

Sat 13

6.30pm T 2.30pm 7.30pm 10.30am P 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 6.30pm 6.30pm 1.30pm P 7.30pm 10.30am P 7.30pm 2.30pm AD/TT 7.30pm

Friend or Foe Friend or Foe Friend or Foe Friend or Foe Friend or Foe Friend or Foe Friend or Foe Friend or Foe Friend or Foe Friend or Foe Friend or Foe Friend or Foe Friend or Foe Friend or Foe Friend or Foe Friend or Foe

October Thu 2 Fri 3 Sat 4 Mon 6 Tue 7 Wed 8 Thu 9

Fri 10 Sat 11

Mon 13 Tue 14 Wed 15 Thu 16

7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm

T

P S

Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth

Fri 17 Sat 18

Thu 30 Fri 31

7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Dracula Dracula

November Sat 1 Mon 3 Tue 4 Wed 5 Thu 6

Fri 7 Sat 8

Mon 10 Tues 11 Wed 12 Thu 13

Fri 14 Sat 15

Sun 16

7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm S 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm T 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm AD/TT 7.30pm 7.30pm

Dracula Dracula Dracula Dracula Dracula Dracula Dracula Dracula Dracula Dracula Dracula Dracula Dracula Dracula Dracula Dracula Dracula Dracula

KEY T

TalkBack discussion after the show

P

age To Stage Performance P Discover more about the creative process in a free workshop

S

Seniors Matinee (With FREE Talk at 1.30pm & tea / coffee)

CAP Captioned Performance

AD Audio Described Performance TT Touch Tour of the set at 1pm

See www.mercurytheatre.co.uk for more information

39

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Theatres are at the heart of our communities. your voice heard.

All details in this brochure are Add your voice to the UK-wide campaign Let’s shout about how correct at the time of going to mytheatrematters.com press. Colchester Mercury Theatre much that matters.

Let’s tell them - my theatre matters!

Join the campaign and find ways to make

When our Councillors are taking tough decisions about how to spend our taxes, they need to know how much we value our local theatre’s work and role in the community.

My Theatre Matters! invites you to shout about how important your theatre is. We’ll be gathering your stories and building a collective voice to influence decision makers.

Let’s tell them - my theatre matters!

Join the campaign and find ways to make your voice heard.

Add your voice to the UK-wide campaign

mytheatrematters.com

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