What's on guide Spring Summer 2016

CLYBOURNE PRIVATE LIVES PARK NOEL COWARD’S

by Bruce Norris

E D I U G N O WHAT’S

6 1 0 2 R E M M U S / G SPRIN Call 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

BIG BREAKS ARE HARD TO FIND That’s why we’ve created Mercury Talent, a new year-round programme of tailored support, workshops, and resources for people who want to kick start a career in theatre and the arts.

Head to mercurytheatre.co.uk/newtalent to sign up to the Essex Theatre Artists Network, the Mercury Playwright’s Circle, our Early Career Training Programme or the Associate Artist Development Scheme.

Get writing! The Essex Playwriting Competition & Festival, a collaboration between the Mercury Theatre and the University of Essex runs 4 - 19 April 2016.

The closing date for entries is 8 January.

Find out more about Mercury Talent at mercurytheatre.co.uk/newtalent

2

COMMUNITY

Colchester Chinese Culture Society present

CHINESE NEW YEAR GALA

COMEDY

Avalon present

LEE NELSON: SUITED AND BOOTED

COMEDY

The Reduced Shakespeare Company present

THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (abridged) [revised]

Sun 31 Jan

Tue 2 Feb

Wed 3 Feb

MAIN THEATRE 2.30pm Filled with inspiring dance, art and culture, come and enjoy this vibrant celebration of the Chinese New Year at this Gala event, marking the start of the year of the monkey.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm He headlined Glastonbury with Kanye West and bribed Sepp Blatter at FIFA’s headquarters. Now he’s extending his sell-out tour into 2016. Catch Lee Nelson at his absolute best...live and unleashed.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield.

Directed by Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor.

Featuring the traditional lion dance, martial arts, Chinese folk dance, singing from the community school choir and more.

‘Comedy Legend’ The Sun

Colchester Chinese Culture Society is a non-profit making organisation providing Mandarin language courses and Chinese educational and cultural activities.

‘Never less than ingenious… a seamlessly entertaining touring show’ The Times www.leenelson.com

All 37 plays in 97 minutes! An irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard’s plays, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) was London’s longestrunning comedy having clocked a very palpable nine years in London’s West End at the Criterion Theatre!

Join these madcap men in tights as they weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s comedies, histories and tragedies in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter.

Recommended for 10+yrs

£8 & DISCOUNTS

£20

£19.50 - £10 3

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

Ronnie Scott’s present

Sweeney Entertainments present

The Ronnie Scott’s Story

The 2016 Tour

RONNIE SCOTT’S ALL STARS

THINK FLOYD – LIVE IN CONCERT

Thu 4 Feb

Fri 5 Feb

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Combining world-class live jazz from the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, narration and rare archive footage, The Ronnie Scott’s Story is a visual and musical celebration. Charting the club’s rise from a basement bar, through its trials and tribulations and landmark performances from now-legendary jazz icons, to become the internationally acclaimed jazz venue it is today.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Think Floyd’s brand new production features complete performances of The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here - arguably two of the most influential albums of all time.

Mixing classic music from the jazz greats who have performed at Ronnie Scott’s, alongside tales of old Soho, miscreant musicians and police raids, this is a unique evening celebrating one of the world’s most famous jazz venues.

£22.50 4

Think Floyd take enormous pride in recreating all the atmosphere, visual magnitude and musical excellence of Pink Floyd, live on stage and their production will also include the whole range of classic Floyd from Syd Barrett through to The Division Bell.

The thrilling concert atmosphere is enhanced with an impressive laser light show and promises a first-class evening of pure Pink Floyd. www.thinkfloyd.net

£25

SAVE MONEY ON CAR PARKING

WHEN YOU BOOK AHEAD Park at St. Mary’s car park, or Middleborough car park when St. Mary’s is full

ADD A PARKING TICKET TO YOUR ORDER FOR JUST £1.50 ADVANCE BOOKING ESSENTIAL Please note you can no longer purchase discounted parking from us on the day.

LIVE MUSIC

United Agents Music present

DRAMA

CRAZY GLUE

2Theatre in association with Mercury Theatre Colchester, The Pleasance Theatre and APL Theatre Ltd present

Sat 6 Feb

Sat 6 Feb

Fri 12 - Sat 13 Feb

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Anne Reid and her musical director Jason Carr present an evening of songs and stories…music and memories…filming with Daniel Craig…performing Shakespeare at Buckingham Palace…making Last Tango In Halifax!

STUDIO THEATRE 8pm They have a car in the garage, a chicken in the pot and a child on the way. But is that enough to make true love stick?

STUDIO THEATRE 8pm ‘Old people, love and bananas’ - An absurd physical comedy combining inventive puppetry, haunting mask and shadow-theatre.

Crazy Glue follows the tragicomic roller coaster of a couple’s romance as they move from the blossoming of first love through to the thornier terrain of married life. Inspired by the physical comedy of Buster Keaton and the madcap absurdity of Looney Tunes, Single Shoe Productions fuse clown, mime and dance into a universally accessible show that reveals the mad, messy, sticky side of love.

From award-winning international company 2theatre comes the world premiere of Boris and Ingrid, a hilariously sharp and unexpectedly poignant play exploring the inevitability of time, solitude and the joys of being odd. With captivating live music, played on instruments and household objects, it embraces the ridiculous and features the truths of life and relationships. A show not to be missed!

ANNE REID I LOVE TO SING

Reid is one of Britain’s most-loved and respected actors, star of the very popular Last Tango in Halifax, Ladies of Letters, Dinnerladies and The Mother. What is less well known is her life as a cabaret performer.

Over the past two years Reid’s cabaret has sold out at numerous venues across London and now she embarks on a UK tour.

£21

Single Shoe Productions present

COMEDY

BORIS AND INGRID

Contains some strong language and very mild sexual content. Recommended for 12+yrs

£12

£12 - £10 5

MADE IN COLCHESTER SEASON 2016 Mercury Theatre Colchester & Paul Taylor-Mills present

Director Daniel Buckroyd

6

DRAMA

FRI 12 – SAT 20 FEB Performance times pages 38 & 39

STARRING LOOSE WOMEN 'S LISA MAXWELL AS JUDY GARLA ND

MAIN THEATRE

‘Garland has been brought back to utterly convincing life…

Stunning, ferocious, fascinating’ Sunday Express The West End and Broadway smash hit!

Nominated for 3 Tony Awards and 4 Olivier Awards, including Best New Play.

London 1968 – and Judy Garland is about to make her comeback... again. Battling a tornado of drugs and alcohol, she undertakes an exhausting series of concerts at the Talk of the Town in order to re-claim her crown as the greatest talent of her generation.

After a series of failed marriages, Judy has her new young fiancé Mickey Deans by her side and her devoted pianist, Anthony.

Mixing drama, comedy, and electrifying concert sequences, End of the Rainbow has been greeted with standing ovations and 5 star reviews in 27 countries around the world. ★★★★★ The Times ★★★★★ Sunday Express ★★★★★ Daily Express ★★★★★ Independent

AHEAD OF THE UK TOUR

Approximate running time 2hrs 10minutes, including interval Recommended for 14+yrs Contains swearing

‘There are moments in the theatre when you lean forward in your seat, with shivers racing down the spine, and realise there is nowhere else on God’s earth you’d rather be.’

Daily Telegraph, London BT

Sat 13 Feb

11.00am

Backstage Tour

Tue 16 Feb

7.30pm

Post-show Talk

S

Thu 18 Feb

1.30pm

Seniors’ Matinee pre-show talk

CAP

Thu 18 Feb

7.30pm

Captioned Performance

TT

Sat 20 Feb

1.00pm

Touch Tour

AD

Sat 20 Feb

2.30pm

Audio Described

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

7

FAMILY

LIVE MUSIC

Untied Artists present

Barry Collings Entertainments present

POP-UP BOWIE

THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA

Thu 18 - Fri 19 Feb

Mon 22 Feb

Tue 23 Feb

STUDIO THEATRE 3pm My name is Tony and I have the most extraordinary friend...Pablo Picasso!

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Paul Antony as Pop-Up Bowie performs the greatest hits of David Bowie, from every era of Bowie’s career from the 70s through to the nineties and beyond.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Now into its 27th incredible year under the baton of legendary musical entertainer, Ray McVay, The Glenn Miller Orchestra continues to live up to its reputation as the world’s greatest big band! The show features the fabulous harmonies of the Moonlight Serenaders and the sublime vocals of Catherine Sykes and Colin Anthony. You’ll hear the original arrangements of classic wartime chart toppers including Moonlight Serenade, American Patrol, Little Brown Jug, Tuxedo Junction and the iconic In the Mood. Book now for the show that brings you the sounds of the fabulous 40s!

THE BOY WHO BIT PICASSO

An interactive theatre show for ages four and up.

With storytelling, music and chances to make your own art, this hands-on family show introduces one of the 20th century’s most influential artists through the eyes of a young boy.

Originally co-produced with Oxford Playhouse.

This tour is presented by house: www.housetheatre.org.uk

8

LIVE MUSIC

Front man, Paul Antony, a huge fan of Bowie, accurately portrays the charismatic performance of his hero. He performs the show backed by a fantastic band of experienced, pro musicians to provide a pulsating night of pure, authentic Bowie!

In 2013 Paul Antony won National Tributes award as the UK number 1 tribute.

Inspired by Antony Penrose’s book, The Boy Who Bit Picasso.

In the words of the David Bowie Official Fan Club, ‘Amazing’.

£12 & DISCOUNTS

£20

£25 - £10

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

TALK

SO CLOSE… THE VOICE OF KAREN CARPENTER

EasyTheatres.com present

Simon Fielder presents

Wed 24 Feb

Thu 25 Feb

Fri 26 Feb

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm The Carpenters created some of the greatest love songs of all time, including (They Long to Be) Close to You, Please Mr. Postman and Yesterday Once More. In this mesmerising tribute, Toni Lee recreates the voice that melted a million hearts. Since first showcasing her talent on ITV’s Stars in their Eyes, Toni has enthralled audiences throughout the UK with her vocal likeness.

This celebration of The Carpenters is sure to leave you feeling On Top of the World.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm The UK’s number one Buddy, Marc Robinson, arrives with the fabulous Buddy Holly – A Legend Reborn concert show. Marc revives classic hits like Peggy Sue, That’ll be the Day and Oh Boy. Backed by a band reminiscent of the Crickets in their Fifties heyday, Buddy Holly – A Legend Reborn is an authentic slice of rock ’n’ roll nostalgia that ensures Buddy’s incredible legacy of unforgettable hit songs lives on.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Phil Tufnell teams up with his TMS colleague, Aggers to bring you an entertaining, no-holds-barred evening for cricket fans and non-lovers of the game alike.

BUDDY HOLLY TRIBUTE

AGGERS AND TUFFERS

Recreated by Toni Lee

www.easytheatres.com

Please note this production will not feature a live band.

£16

£25 - £10

Known as The Cat and rarely seen without a beer and a fag, Tufnell has always been something of a folk hero. Since retiring, he has carved out a successful TV career, appearing in I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here, Strictly Come Dancing and A Question of Sport.

This event is being run in aid of the Professional Cricketers Association.

£25 9

DRAMA

Stage Write present

PLAY SOMETHING

THE HOLLYWOOD SPECIAL EFFECTS SHOW Sat 27 Feb

STUDIO THEATRE 8pm Two men meet in a club. It’s supposed to be just sex.

But their paths keep crossing, keeping it casual for years, until feelings deepen. But how does a nonemotional man become emotional? To tell you their story they ask the DJ to play something. Something to make love to, to split up to, to celebrate, to cry, and to play the Forever Song. They are the songs of all of us. Reflecting changes and lives of LGBT men, Play Something is a new play from Paul T. Davies, writer of the acclaimed Living With Luke.

MAIN THEATRE 1pm & 6pm Get closer to the action than ever before as this interactive and explosive family show takes you behind the scenes of your favourite films to discover the science and secrets of creating movie magic. Join our team of professionals for a revealing insight into the world of special effects; feel the heat from an onstage inferno, get up close with grusome sci-fi monsters, be blown away by apocalyptic weather and hold on tight through huge explosions!

£12

THE TASTE OF NEW MENUS

RIP Productions present

Fri 26 - Sat 27 Feb

Contains strong language and sexual content Recommended for 16+yrs

10

FAMILY

‘Be prepared to be stunned. This really is a show unlike any you’ve seen before’ Essex Chronicle Contains loud explosions. Recommended for 6+yrs

£17 & DISCOUNTS

Enjoy an all new pre-theatre set menu in our cozy restaurant

NO STRESS GUARANTEE

Arrive 90 minutes before the show and we guarantee up to three delicious courses served in time for you to take your seat in comfort.

You can now reserve your restaurant table when booking for any show

Call 01206 573948

Three course set menu just £15.95!

COMEDY

VARIETY

DRAMA

Image: Gabriel Mokake Photography

Off The Kerb Productions present

RUSSELL KANE: RIGHT MAN, WRONG AGE

CIRCUS OF HORRORS

Tue 1 Mar

Wed 2 Mar

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm In this brand new show, Russell Kane unleashes another blisteringly-funny, award-winning stand-up performance about growing up, growing down, and why farts will always be funny.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm The show that stormed into the finals of Britain’s Got Talent and is now a West End and world-wide smash!

Multi-award winning comedian, presenter, actor, author and scriptwriter Russell Kane is best known as the host of three series of BBC3‘s Live At The Electric, regular appearances on BBC1’s Live At Apollo, BBC3’s Unzipped, ITV2’s Celebrity Juice and I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! Now! ‘A seriously good comedian’ The Times ★★★★★ Recommended for 15+yrs

£16

Set in Victorian London, ‘Welcome to the Carnevil’ sees a young girl’s dreams of joining the Circus become a nightmare in a decrepit Carnevil, plagued

by Killer Klowns, Sword Swallowers, Demon Dwarfs, Death Defying Aerialists, a Guinness World Record holding Hairculian Diva swinging solely from her hair, back flipping & fire limboing acrobats & lots lots more.

A show ruled by the undead & climaxing in an awesome flaming apocalypse!

Contains strong language and nudity Recommended for 16+yrs

£25 - £10

tiata fahodzi in association with Watford Palace Theatre present

I KNOW ALL THE SECRETS IN MY WORLD Wed 2 Mar

STUDIO THEATRE 8pm i know all the secrets in my world is a physical adventure that breaks your heart and then pieces it together, putting plasters touched with tiny kisses over the cracks. A love duet for a father and son, we watch as they move through stages of grief, trying to find words for the unspeakable. i know… comes to the Mercury following sold out audiences of a work-inprogress version at Pulse Festival at the New Wolsey in Ipswich and Latitude Festival.

‘A poignant, skilfully rendered piece’ Financial Times ‘A must see, I had to hold back the tears’ Theatrefullstop Recommended for 11+yrs

£12 - £10 11

LIVE MUSIC

COMEDY

Easytheatres.com present

Easytheatres.com present

Mercury Theatre and Roman River Music present

Thu 3 Mar

Fri 4 Mar

Sat 5 Mar

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Join the party as this scintillating show celebrates its 10th birthday by honouring the 50th anniversary of chart-topping single Reach Out I’ll Be There. All-new for 2016, it continues the legend of solid-gold artistes the Four Tops, Supremes, Temptations, Jackson 5, Isley Brothers, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie and more. Oozing with their style, sophistication and musical brilliance, more than 36 classics are revived amid a flurry of glittering costume changes, dazzling dance moves and superb musicianship.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm The biggest burlesque legends from around the world on one stage – Britain’s No1 burlesque show goes global. It’s Vaudeville gone volatile. Worldwide allstars, couture costumes, an oh-so-steamy score and mind-boggling speciality acts in a wickedly hilarious extravaganza. As seen from Milan to Minsk, Zurich to St Petersburg, Dresden to Helsinki, join a thrilla-minute, fun-filled frolic into the bizarre world of burlesque. . . we dare you! Dress up and come to the cabaret.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Beethoven Spring Sonata, Franck Sonata, Szymanowski Violin Sonata in D minor and Roxane’s Song.

www.easytheatres.com

Contains semi-nude burlesque dancing Recommended for 18+yrs

THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE

£26 - £11 12

CLASSICAL MUSIC

www.easytheatres.com

£25 - £10

TASMIN LITTLE & PIERS LANE

Roman River Music is thrilled to present Tasmin Little - one of the best-loved violinists of her generation and one of the most recorded classical artists in the world. She is joined on stage by eminent pianist Piers Lane to perform some of the greatest music written for violin and piano. This is the inaugural concert in Roman River Music’s 2016 series at the Mercury. Our specially designed screen will enhance the acoustics and project Tasmin’s compelling sound and electrifying musicianship into the auditorium. www.romanrivermusic.org.uk

£24 - £8

DRAMA

COMEDY

Photo of 2015 cast

The Original Theatre Company & Birdsong Productions Ltd present

Lakin McCarthy present

Mon 7 - Sat 12 Mar

Fri 11 Mar

FLARE PATH

7.30pm / Thu & Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm Set in 1942, against a backdrop of heartache and quiet bravery, Flare Path paints an evocative portrait of life in wartime Britain for the RAF bomber crews, their wives and sweethearts, who were left awaiting their return.

RAF pilot Teddy and his wife, former actress Patricia, have their marriage tested to the limit by the surprise arrival of her ex-lover Peter Kyle.

Fear, camaraderie and passion combine in this highly charged drama, when an unexpected and dangerous mission over Germany puts Patricia at the centre of an emotional conflict as unpredictable as the war in the skies.

£25 - £10 & DISCOUNTS

MAIN THEATRE ‘A rallying-cry for decency and home-front heroism. Hits the emotional target as exactly as it should’ The Daily Telegraph ★★★★ ‘Full of passionate intensity… The play has the virtue of authenticity’ The Guardian ‘The story is so redolent of a great moment in British history it is impossible not to be lured by the romance of sacrifice and self-discipline which was embodied by the RAF.’ The Daily Mail Recommended for 11+yrs www.flarepaththetour.com Twitter: @flarepathtour Facebook: flarepaththetour

TIM FITZHIGHAM THE GAMBLER STUDIO THEATRE 8pm Multi award-winning comedian, adventurer and world record holder Tim FitzHigham has lots of bad ideas. Inspired by the ten greatest bets in history, Tim attempts: Pushing a wheelbarrow 25 miles; Standing on one leg for 12 hours; Racing a racehorse over 100 yards; Walking backwards for 30 miles, and other deathdefying feats!

The Gambler sold out at the Edinburgh Festival, Melbourne International Festival, Adelaide Festival, and the New Zealand International Comedy Festival.

Recommended for 14+yrs

£12 13

MUSICAL

Colchester Institute present

BIG FISH

BA Honours Musical Theatre Year 3

NEW TALENT

DANCE

Mercury Youth Theatre presents National Theatre Connections

BLACKOUT

Stars On Stage Ltd present The Lorraine George School of Dancing & Performing Arts

SHOW TIME ‘16

by Davey Anderson

Wed 16 - Thu 17 Mar

Fri 18 - Sat 19 Mar

Sat 19 - Sun 20 Mar

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm, Thu 2.30pm & 7.30pm Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish centres on Edward Bloom, a travelling salesman who lives life to its fullest! Edward’s incredible, larger-thanlife stories thrill everyone around him – most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales.

STUDIO THEATRE 8pm, Sat 3pm & 8pm Directed by Filiz Ozcan, our Participation & Young People’s Director, Blackout is the Mercury 14-18 Youth Theatre’s home performance of their National Theatre Connections play. Inspired by the true story of a young offender from Glasgow who had committed a violent crime, Blackout is a hard-hitting play about getting bullied, fighting back, trying to make a name for yourself, turning vicious, doing something stupid, losing everything, and finally finding your way again.

MAIN THEATRE Sat 6pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm We hope you will join us for an inspirational display of local young talent. A little earlier in the year than our usual summer slot, the older pupils of The Lorraine George School of Dancing & Performing Arts look forward to dancing, singing and acting with an energy and enthusiasm that is sure to leave you tapping your toes and humming along too. Saturday’s charity night performance is in aid of The Rob George Foundation we look forward to welcoming you to our once a year spectacular!

Overflowing with heart and humour, Big Fish is an extraordinary new musical that allows us to dream big.

£16 & DISCOUNTS 14

Contains mild swearing and adult themes Recommended for 14+yrs

£6 & DISCOUNTS

POST-SHOW TALK T

£14.50 & DISCOUNTS

LIVE MUSIC

Artistes International Management present

CHERYL, MIKE AND JAY FORMERLY OF BUCKS FIZZ Mon 21 Mar MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm More than thirty years after they stormed charts across the globe with a string of hits, Cheryl, Mike and Jay are once again set to tour the world with a 70-date World Tour to remind everyone that there is more to Cheryl, Mike & Jay formerly of Bucks Fizz than Making Your Mind Up! Including hits Making Your Mind Up, Can’t Stand the Heat, My Camera Never Lies, Land of Make Believe, Those Were the Days, I Hear Talk and many more.

May contain smoke and strobe lighting

DRAMA

Vamos Theatre in a co-commission with London International Mime Festival present

Sympathetic Developments present

THE BEST THING

DAVID STARKEY MAGNA CARTA

Tue 22 Mar

Wed 23 Mar

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm A swinging sixties story of unconditional love from the UK’s leading full mask theatre company.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm The UK’s leading constitutional historian, talks about the 13th century agreement that, imperfect though it was, limited for the first time the power of the monarch by stating the basic rights, privileges, and liberties of leading citizens and clergy.

It’s 1966. The record player’s on, her hair’s bobbed and eye-lashes curled: for seventeen year old Susan, life is an adventure waiting to begin. But what happens next turns everything upside down, and its repercussions will last for decades to come.

Step into the wordless world of Vamos Theatre for this bitter-sweet story of mistaken morals and broken hearts, 45s and beehives, where sexual revolution proves a hard and rocky path to tread.

‘Simply beautiful’ ★★★★★ WhatsOnStage Recommended for 12+yrs

£22

TALK

£22.50 - £10

There are few more stimulating thinkers, and few who understand better the way the most powerful have thought throughout our history. His assessment of the situation then, and how our constitution stands today exactly 800 years later, will amaze and challenge you.

Recommended for 12+yrs

£16 15

and and

other terrific tales

TALK

Sympathetic Developments present

SIMON CALLOW ON ORSON WELLES

16

COMMUNITY

Seeking God’s Blessing for Colchester presents

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE HOPE UNDEFEATED

Thu 24 Mar

Fri 25 Mar

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm In this fascinating talk, Simon Callow probes in comprehensive and penetrating detail into one of the most complex artists of the twentieth century, looking closely at the triumphs and failures of an ambitious oneman assault on one medium after another – theatre, radio, film, television, even, at one point, ballet – in each of which his radical and original approach opened up new directions and hitherto unglimpsed possibilities.

This talk draws on Callow’s latest book, One-Man Band, the third volume in his epic survey of Orson Welles’ life and work, beginning with Welles’ self-exile from America, and his realisation that he could only function fully as a one-man band.

Recommended for 14+yrs

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Seeking God’s Blessing for Colchester will reflect on the events of Good Friday in an ecumenical service.

The service is free and there is no need to book. Seats are limited and admittance is on a first come first served basis. There will be a collection following the service.

£19

FREE

This ecumenical group seeks to bring Christians and Christian leaders together to support and encourage one another. The work of the group is not simply church based but seeks to nurture, encourage and develop opportunities for Christian service to the Borough.

FAMILY

from Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler from Julia Donaldson Axel Scheffler creators of The &Gruffalo

creators of The Gruffalo

Scamp Theatre and Watford Palace Theatre present

TIDDLER AND OTHER TERRIFIC TALES Fri 25 - Sat 26 Mar Tiddler © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Alison Green Books, an imprint of Scholastic Children’s Books, 2007; A Squash and a Squeeze © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Macmillan Children’s books, 2003; Monkey Puzzle © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Macmillan Children’s books, 2000; The Smartest Giant in Town © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Macmillan Children’s books, 2002

Tiddler © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Alison Green Books, an imprint of Scholastic Children’s Books, 2007; A Squash and a Squeeze © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Macmillan Children’s books, 2003; Monkey Puzzle © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Macmillan Children’s books, 2000; The Smartest Giant in Town © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Macmillan Children’s books, 2002

MAIN THEATRE 2pm / Sat 11am & 2pm From the books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler (creators of The Gruffalo).

Under the sea, out on the farm and into the jungle, these terrific tales are woven together with live music, puppetry and a whole host of colourful characters from the best-loved titles: Tiddler, Monkey Puzzle, The Smartest Giant in Town and A Squash and a Squeeze. Funky moves, toe tapping tunes and giggles are guaranteed!

‘Scamp Theatre’s productions are a pleasure for the child in us all’ Evening Standard Recommended for 3+yrs

£12.50 & DISCOUNTS

LIVE MUSIC

DANCE

GOLD TICKET 3 HIT SHOWS FOR £39.99ow!

sh Just £13.33 per

THE SEARCHERS Tue 29 Mar MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm With such classic hits as Sweets For My Sweet, Needles and Pins, Don’t Throw Your Love Away, Sugar and Spice and When You Walk In The Room, The Searchers have contributed enormously to establishing the UK as the world’s leading nation in the music industry.

With total record sales well in excess of 50 million, The Searchers still have great appeal to audiences of all ages. Combined with anecdotes and reminiscences, this concert includes all their famous hits, plus many album recordings and a selection of other well known favourites.

£20

Easytheatres.com present

A NIGHT OF DIRTY DANCING:

THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE SHOW

Wed 30 Mar

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Re-live the passion, indulge in the romance at Kellerman’s end of season show. Celebrating the greatest movie soundtrack of all time: She’s Like the Wind, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Hey Baby, Wipeout, Do You Love Me, Be My Baby and of course (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life!

Please note this show is not affiliated with Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage currently on tour in the UK & worldwide. www.easytheatres.com

£22

OVER 60S GOLD TICKET Just £36

Gold tickets apply to End of the Rainbow, Clybourne Park and Private Lives.

• Includes best available seats on all days • Includes a free programme • Free ticket exchanges if you need to change your plans

TO BUY YOUR GOLD TICKET: visit www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/gold or call 01206 573948

17

MADE IN COLCHESTER SEASON 2016

CLYBOURNE PARK

by Bruce Norris 18

OLIVIER AWARD WINNER: Director Daniel Buckroyd

BEST PLAY

COMEDY DRAMA

FRI 8 – SAT 23 APR Performance times pages 38 & 39

REGIONAL PREMIERE, AHEAD OF UK TOUR MAIN THEATRE

‘The funniest play of the year’ ★★★★★ Evening Standard This razor-sharp satire lifts the lid on race and real estate in a fictional Chicago neighborhood.

The swinging sixties are just around the corner as a black family move into a suburban white enclave, triggering all too predictable mutterings from the neighbours.

Fifty years on, we return to the same house in 2009 as gentrification sets in and the roles are reversed.

One skilful ensemble of actors play two sets of characters in a play hailed as ‘shockingly entertaining’ and ‘appallingly funny’.

Bruce Norris’s hilarious satire Clybourne Park took the West End by storm following a sold out run at the Royal Court Theatre in London.

Acclaimed by critics and audiences alike since its debut on Broadway in 2009, Clybourne Park has been awarded Best Play at the Olivier Awards, the Evening Standard Best Play Award, the South Bank Sky Arts Theatre Award and Critics’ Circle Best Play Award.

Contains strong language Recommended for 16+yrs Approximate running time 2hrs 10minutes, including interval

‘Outrageously funny and provocative. A firecracker of a play’ ★★★★★ Daily Telegraph ‘Genius’ The Times ‘Norris’s play nails the thorny subject of race relations with bilious zest that takes one’s breath away’ The Guardian

Playwrights Horizons Inc produced the World Premiere of CLYBOURNE PARK Off-Broadway in 2010.

S

Thu 14 Apr

1.30pm

Seniors’ Matinee pre-show talk

BT

Sat 16 Apr

11.00am

Backstage Tour

CLYBOURNE PARK was produced on Broadway by Jujamcyn Theatres at the Walter Kerr Theatre, 2012.

Tue 19 Apr

7.30pm

Post-show Talk

CAP

Thu 21 Apr

7.30pm

Captioned Performance

TT

Sat 23 Apr

1.00pm

Touch Tour

Presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Limited.

AD

Sat 23 Apr

2.30pm

Audio Described

£25 - £10 & DISCOUNTS £12 PREVIEW PERFORMANCES 8 & 9 APRIL, TICKET PRICES PAGES 34–37

19

FAMILY

GOLD TICKET

DRAMA

UK PREMIERE Jacksons Lane presents Lost in Translation Circus

THE HOGWALLOPS

20

Flute Theatre in association with English Touring Theatre

HAMLET, WHO’S THERE?

Fri 1 - Sat 2 Apr

Fri 15 - Sat 16 Apr

MAIN THEATRE Fri 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm Spectacular circus skills blend seamlessly with physical comedy, theatrical storytelling and slapstick in this chaotic and colourful tale of a family of misfits. Heartstopping aerial and floor acrobatics combine with an original live score to create an absurd portrayal of everyday life.

After a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe, fast-rising contemporary circus company Lost in Translation Circus are touring the UK with their dysfunctional, quirky and funny family show.

STUDIO THEATRE 8pm, Sat 3pm & 8pm The story unfolds over one night in one house on the evening of Hamlet’s mother’s wedding; by dawn only a gravedigger is left alive. The unfathomable grief and questionable sanity of a young man whom even his closest family is unable to help, reveals a perfect storm of tragedy. Flute Theatre’s tersely contemporary Hamlet – a claustrophobic take on the play that compresses its traumatic events into a single continuous night – works on its audiences with visceral force.

‘Just what circus should be’ A Younger Theatre ★★★★

‘Quartley’s acting is phenomenal throughout’ Plays To See ★★★★★

Recommended for 5+yrs

www.flutetheatre.co.uk

£14 / £11 CHILD & DISCOUNTS

£12 & DISCOUNTS

3 HIT SHOWS FOR £39.99ow!

sh Just £13.33 per

OVER 60S GOLD TICKET Just £36

Gold tickets apply to End of the Rainbow, Clybourne Park and Private Lives.

• Includes best available seats on all days • Includes a free programme • Free ticket exchanges if you need to change your plans

TO BUY YOUR GOLD TICKET: visit www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/gold or call 01206 573948

COMEDY

The Guerilla Shakespeare Company present

THE DAY THAT SHAKESPEARE DIED

LIVE MUSIC

Artistes International Management Ltd present

TOTALLY TINA

MUSICAL

Prestige Productions present

IRELAND’S CALL Two countries. One love.

A comedy fantasy by Dorian Kelly

Fri 22 - Sat 23 Apr

Mon 25 Apr

Tue 26 Apr

STUDIO THEATRE 8pm Returning to the studio after their sell-out production of A Star Danced. On the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare, we invite you to join the ghosts of the Bard himself and his dog Crab in a romp around their life, work, death, their bizarre funeral and subsequent adventures in the afterlife. Glimpse into the nature of time, the universe, eternity and what it’s like (in the words of an ex-music hall singer in the celestial pub) “to be blooming well dead”.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm An internationally acclaimed award-winning tribute revue show to the Queen of Rock! Totally Tina recreates the spectacle and energy of Tina Turner’s live shows with a six-piece live band, four stunning dancers and Justine’s incredible impersonation of the Queen of Rock and Soul. Justine takes you from the early days with Ike, and songs like River Deep, Mountain High, all the way through to Tina’s solo comeback in the 80s with her incredible cover of the Al Green classic, Let’s Stay Together, Simply The Best and What’s Love Got To Do With It.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Critically acclaimed show Essence of Ireland takes on a new lease of theatrical life with Ireland’s Call, a new and exciting musical adaptation of the show - direct from Ireland.

www.thedayshakespearedied.com

‘Mesmerising’ ★★★★★ The Guardian

Recommended for 12+yrs

£12

Inspired by true events and spanning three decades, Ireland’s Call follows the extraordinary journey of the strong-headed Sean Dempsey, who at the end of WW2 leaves behind his childhood sweetheart Cora and his beloved homeland Ireland, in search of a better life in the Big Apple. Can their love survive the Atlantic Divide? www.irelandscallthemusical.com

£19 - £17.50 & DISCOUNTS

£22 21

LIVE MUSIC

For the first time the Mercury Theatre will be a partner venue for National Theatre Connections – a nationwide celebration of new plays for young people. National Theatre Connections 500 celebrates the 21st anniversary of the programme.

Connections plays are commissioned for and about young people from some of the best contemporary playwrights, to be performed by schools and youth theatres all over the UK and Ireland.

Eight schools and youth theatres have been selected to transfer their productions to the Studio Theatre at the Mercury and will perform over the four-day festival.

T 30 APR A S 7 2 PM WED M – 8.30 6P

Mercury Youth Theatre

BLACKOUT

by Davey Anderson

ECLIPSE

Ormiston Rivers Academy

by Simon Armitage

Felixstowe Academy

GARGANTUA

by Carl Grose

HDHS Drama Company IT SNOWS

by Bryony Lavery and Frantic Assembly The Ipswich School

WHAT ARE THEY LIKE

by Lucinda Coxon

Lakeside Youth Theatre THE MUSICIANS

by Patrick Marber Scrambled Eggs

IT SNOWS

by Bryony Lavery and Frantic Assembly

T TICKET ONE-NIGH ts (two plays) n u co is £7 & d T TICKET TWO-NIGH r plays) u fo £10 (up to T TICKET FOUR-NIGH ht plays) ig £20 (up to e

22

Colchester Institute

GARGANTUA

by Carl Grose

Expect the Mercury Theatre front of house spaces to be enlivened by our youth theatres to bring a festival atmosphere and celebrate 21 years of National Theatre Connections.

For a full schedule of performances please see www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/ntconnections More information on the National Theatre Connections programme can be found at www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/connections

Barry Collings Entertainments present

THE BILLY JOEL SONGBOOK

Performed by Elio Pace and his band

Wed 27 Apr MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Following on from his highly-acclaimed reunion concerts in the USA with Billy Joel’s original touring band, Elio Pace delivers this sensational tour celebrating the phenomenal music of Billy Joel.

Featuring the massive hits Uptown Girl, Just The Way You Are and My Life as well as fan favourites such as Scenes From An Italian Restaurant, Goodnight Saigon and Piano Man. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to experience The Billy Joel Songbook in this electrifying concert performed by the dynamic singer/songwriter and piano-player, Elio Pace and his magnificent 6-piece band.

£23.50 - £20.50

COMEDY DRAMA

COMEDY

The Original Theatre Company and The Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds

INVINCIBLE

By Torben Betts

Thu 28 - Sat 30 Apr 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm With the recession biting hard, Emily and Oliver have decided to downsize and shift their middleclass London lifestyle to a small town in the north of England.

One night they open their doors and invite next door neighbours, Dawn and Alan into their home.

Over the course of a disastrous evening of olives, anchovies, Karl Marx and abstract art; class and culture collide where the consequences are as tragic as they are hilarious.

From one of the most exciting playwrights to emerge since Alan Ayckbourn, Torben Betts, and produced by the award-winning Original Theatre

£22.50 - £10

Lakin McCarthy present

BRIDGET CHRISTIE A BOOK FOR HER Tue 3 May

MAIN THEATRE Company (Birdsong, Three Men In A Boat), comes a brand new production of the smash hit, sell-out comedy, Invincible.

‘Not much theatre makes me laugh out loud continually but Invincible, a spiky new comedy of culture clash and embarrassment from Torben Betts, is a rare and cherishable example.’

Evening Standard ★★★★ ’A refreshing, Ayckbourn-style comedy’ Daily Mail ★★★★ ‘Highly entertaining’ The Times ★★★★ Recommended for 12+yrs

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Why has Bridget been sending her stained underpants to George Osborne every month? Who has been playing the character comedian Nigel Farage since 2010? What’s the difference between Eddie Izzard and Caitlyn Jenner? All this and more will be revealed in Bridget’s tenth solo show, which follows the multi award-winning shows A Bic For Her and An Ungrateful Woman and her first book A Book For Her (Century, Random House). Followed by a post show book signing.

‘The current queen of crusading UK comedy’ The Guardian ★★★★ Recommended for 16+yrs

£18 23

DANCE

AspireMedia Productions present

LIVE MUSIC

Prestige Productions present

AN AUDIENCE WITH IAN SOME GUYS HAVE ALL WAITE AND NATALIE THE LUCK The Rod Stewart Story LOWE Wed 4 May Thu 5 May MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Strictly Come Dancing favourites Ian and Natalie perform a spectacular dance showcase designed to dazzle and wow you in a night to remember forever.

The pair will dance a mix of Ballroom and Latin, transporting you to a place of wonderful moments, with fun-filled entertainment and a close up history of their lives.

For just £10 extra, forty audience members will get the chance to meet Ian and Natalie before the show for photos and autographs.

Recommended for 12+yrs

£26 - £24 & DISCOUNTS 24

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Some Guys Have All The Luck is a brand new theatrical production celebrating the career of one of rocks greatest icons, Rod Stewart – from street busker through to international superstar!

Paul Metcalfe delivers an authentic and charismatic performance assuming the persona of this legendary performer, including the distinctive vocals and the swaggering showmanship that have made Rod Stewart one of the most loved performers of all time. The show features all the hits such as Maggie May, Handbags and Gladrags, Da Ya Think I’m Sexy, Sailing and many more.

COMEDY

RIP Productions present

THE ALL-STAR STAND-UP TOUR Fri 6 May MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Presenting four heavyweight comics in the biggest comedy tour of the year. Featuring double Sony Award winner and star of Mock The Week Gary Delaney, top comedy trickster and star of BBC 1’s The Magicians Pete Firman, Kiwi compere Jarred Christmas and unbeaten legend, Never Mind The Buzzcocks team captain and one of Channel 4’s 100 Greatest StandUps in the World, Sean Hughes.

‘More magical than Dumbledore’ Time Out on Pete Firman ‘Master of satire and invention’ The Standard on Sean Hughes

Recommended for 12+yrs

Recommended for 16+yrs

£19.50

£20

DRAMA

Hint of Lime Productions present

MRS ROOSEVELT FLIES TO LONDON

FAMILY

Makin Projects present

LITTLE HOWARD’S BIG SHOW FOR KIDS

DANCE

Jairo Barrull Flamenco Company present

EL LLANTO SE MUEVE The Cry Moves

Fri 6 - Sat 7 May

Sat 7 May

Sat 7 May

STUDIO THEATRE 8pm In October 1942, Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of the President, takes a dangerous trip to wartime London, to visit US troops, and see how the British, most importantly the women, are coping.

MAIN THEATRE 11am A unique interactive animated family/kid’s comedy show from the award winning creator of CBBC’s Little Howard’s Big Question.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Flamenco dancers Jairo Barrull and Irene ‘La Sentio’ are joined by a full cast of award winning gypsy musicians from Andalucía to evoke the pure essence of flamenco’s soul: el llanto. Jairo said “El Llanto is the root, the beginning of everything flamenco. El Llanto is purity, beauty, sadness and suffering. It is the mixture of cultures, identities and it is history. It is the voice of our ancestors, ‘The Untouchables’ caste that came from India centuries ago”.

Nominated for an Offie Award for Best Female Performance, and granted special permission to use Eleanor’s writings, Alison Skilbeck’s one-woman show explores the public and hidden life of one of the most extraordinary women of the 20th century.

★★★★★ Irish Mail on Sunday

This year the Big Show is back with some even more mind-blowing bits of interactive animation that make Little Howard even more real than ever.

‘Genius’ The Radio Times ‘Witty, clever, at times breathtakingly funny comedy’ The Sunday Times

★★★★★ Irish Sunday Independent

‘The best kids show we’ve seen’ Families Online ★★★★★

Recommended for 15+yrs

Recommended for 5+yrs

£12

£12 ADULTS / £8.50 CHILDREN

www.jairobarrull.com Recommended for 5+yrs

£20 & DISCOUNTS 25

DRAMA

COMEDY

MUSICAL

WOODY SEZ MARK STEEL - WHO DO I THE LIFE AND MUSIC STONES IN HIS POCKETS THINK I AM? OF WOODY GUTHRIE

by Marie Jones Chipping Norton Theatre and the Dukes Lancaster present

Off the Kerb present

Mon 9 - Tue 10 May

Wed 11 May

Thu 12 May

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm A quiet Irish village is turned upside down with the arrival of a Hollywood film crew looking for the ‘real’ Ireland for their schmaltzy blockbuster. A pair of extras watch with envy and delight as cultures clash, divas strop, and everyone fights over the last portion of pie!

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm See Mark Steel in his newest stand up show, a surprising and enthralling story of identity told with aplomb. Mark has written and presented Mark Steel’s In Town on BBC Radio 4 and toured it live around the UK. Mark has also appeared on Have I Got News For You, QI and Room 101 as a guest panelist and writes a weekly column for The Independent.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Following its critical success in London’s West End, the hit musical Woody Sez heads out on a full UK tour. Woody Sez captures the heart and spirit of America’s original folk hero Woody Guthrie. Four amazingly talented actor-musicians perform over 25 of his classic songs (on over 20 live acoustic instruments!). It’s a joyous, toe-tapping and heartfelt musical portrait that uses Woody’s words and songs to transport the audience through his fascinating and sometimes tragic life.

Two actors play eccentric and lovable characters in this universally loved comic theatre sensation.

Written with poignancy, and performed at breakneck ‘The most well-crafted and poignant comedy turns pace, this play has made deep connections with at this year’s Fringe’ ★★★★★ The Herald audiences worldwide. ★★★★ The Times, Sunday Times, The Guardian, ‘Richly funny’ The Telegraph The Independent

26

‘BEST MUSICAL NOMINATION’ London Evening Standard

Contains strong language. Recommended for 12+yrs

Contains adult language. Recommended for 14+yrs

‘Terrific’ The Guardian

£19.50 - £10 & DISCOUNTS

£15

£22

‘Go Bask In It’ Telegraph

LIVE MUSIC

Barry Collings Entertainments present

KAST OFF KINKS

DRAMA

AIK Productions present

LOVE, BOMBS AND APPLES

CLASSICAL MUSIC

Roman River Music and the Mercury Theatre present

SERGIO TIEMPO

Fri 13 May

Fri 13 - Sat 14 May

Sat 14 May

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm This is not just a tribute to the legendary band, but features three actual long term members of The Kinks. Mick Avory (drummer on all the classic Kinks hits from 1964-84), John Dalton (bass/vocals), Ian Gibbons (keyboards/vocals) with Dave Clarke (guitar/vocals). Expect all the hits: You Really Got Me, Dedicated Follower of Fashion, Sunny Afternoon, Lola, Days, Waterloo Sunset, Come Dancing and many more.

STUDIO THEATRE 8pm Love, Bombs and Apples is a comic and poignant one-man play from award winning playwright Hassan Addulrazzak – a tale of four men, each from different parts of the globe, all experiencing a moment of revelation.

7.30pm

‘A full house and a standing ovation – to anyone wondering about going, do not hesitate’ The Stables, Milton Keynes

£20

A Palestinian actor learns there is more to English girls than pure sex appeal. A Pakistani-born terror suspect figures out what is wrong with his first novel.

A British youth suspects all is not what it seems with his object of desire. A New Yorker asks his girlfriend for a sexual favour at the worst possible time.

MAIN THEATRE

Brahms Intermezzo in B minor & Waltz in A♭ major, Beethoven Appassionata Sonata Debussy Reflets dans l’eau Prokofiev Romeo & Juliet. Music by Villa-Lobos, Moleiro, Piazzola and Ginastera.

A thrilling virtuoso performance by internationally famous concert pianist Sergio Tiempo, making his Colchester début with a mix of popular classical repertoire as well as samba and tango-inspired South American music. www.romanrivermusic.org.uk

Contains strong language Recommended for 16+yrs

£12

£24 - £8 27

MADE IN COLCHESTER SEASON 2016

NOEL COWARD’S

Private lives 28

COMEDY

FRI 20 MAY – SAT 4 JUN Performance times pages 38 & 39

MAIN THEATRE

‘If one could save only a single Coward play for posterity, it would have to be Private Lives’ The Telegraph ‘That was the trouble with Elyot and me. We were like two violent acids bubbling about in a nasty little matrimonial bottle.’

Glamorous divorcees Amanda and Elyot haven’t seen each other in years. So when they find themselves honeymooning with their new spouses in adjacent suites at the same French hotel at the same time, they can’t believe it.

their private passions and jealousies consume them.

Full of razor sharp wit and sparkling dialogue, Private Lives is Sir Noël Coward’s most popular and enduring stage comedy.

Famously written in only three days, Private Lives premiered in 1930 to full houses at London’s Phoenix Theatre. Since then, numerous successful West End and Broadway Mortifying at first, it isn’t long before revivals over the years have proven that this charming comedy of the chance encounter reignites an old spark and the couple impulsively manners is still as fresh, funny and unexpectedly moving as ever. elope. But only a few days into their reunion, Elyot and Amanda again find themselves trapped in a repeating cycle of love and hate as

Recommended for 12+yrs Approximate running time 2hrs 30minutes, including interval

‘Gorgeous, dazzling, fantastically funny’ The New York Times ‘A gleaming and gleeful comedy’ New York Post

Tue 24 May

7.30pm

Post-show Talk

S

Thu 26 May

1.30pm

Seniors’ Matinee pre-show talk

BT

Sat 28 May

11.00am

Backstage Tour

CAP

Thu 2 Jun

7.30pm

Captioned Performance

TT

Sat 4 Jun

1.00pm

Touch Tour

AD

Sat 4 Jun

2.30pm

Audio Described

£25 - £10 & DISCOUNTS £12 PREVIEW PERFORMANCES 20 & 21 MAY, TICKET PRICES PAGES 34–37

29

Theatr of our c Let’s sh much t

FAMILY

DRAMA

When our Cou about how to how much we role in the com

Ingenious Purpose present

Komola Collective present

GROOMED

THE DAUGHTER OF THE FOREST

Wed 18 May 8pm

Sat 28 May STUDIO THEATRE

A 9 year old boy, a model theatre, a saxophone...

The truth can hold us, trap us even, sometimes for years and years. This extraordinary new play with live saxophone shows how theatre can release, and music can set us free. Written and performed by Patrick Sandford, Director of the Mercury’s 2015 production Educating Rita, this is a darker look at education.

‘One of the most moving pieces I have ever seen’ Sandi Toksvig.

Running time 50 minutes plus 30 minute audience discussion

30

My Theatre M how importan your stories a influence dec

3pm

STUDIO THEATRE

The yolk of the sun is yet to start melting down the horizon. A ship - an oil tanker- appears in the river, breaking through the misty fog. This ship is sinking. Slowly, thick, sticky, and dark gilded liquid approaches the Sundarbans forest like the saliva of a dragon to swallow it. It will claim everything. This evokes demons in the Sundarban tigers. They start feasting on humans. Who will save them? ‘...highly laudable, and the original blend of puppetry, dance and traditional music is captivating’ The Daily Star

Recommended for 14+ yrs

Recommended for 6+yrs www.komola.co.uk

£12

£12

Theatres are at the heart Let’s tell them of our communities. Join the camp your voice he Let’s shout about how Add your v much that matters. mythe 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

!

E C N E R E F IF D A E K MA

AS A REGISTERED CHARITY YOUR SUPPORT HELPS US TO KEEP HIGH QUALITY THEATRE IN COLCHESTER.

FRIENDS BENEFITS Regular newsletter Priority booking – new shows on sale 11 November Invitation to a Supporters’ event Drinks voucher Membership card Up to six free ticket exchanges Young Friend: (16 to 25-year-olds) £4 Friend: from £26 Premier Friend: from £130 Ambassador: from £500

CORPORATE SUPPORTER Bang and Olufsen thebestofcolchester Birkett Long Solicitors Citi Business Systems Colchester Institute

DK Moriarty Limited Scrutton Bland St. Mary’s School for Girls WRS Insurance Brokers LTD

There are two levels of membership available for our corporate supporters, costing as little as £275+VAT a year. Corporate support of the Mercury is a great way to play an active role in your local community and you’ll receive multiple free tickets to selected performances, networking events and exclusive backstage opportunities!

TERS@MERCURYTHEATRE.CO.UK OR PP SU AIL EM 948 573 06 012 LL FOR MORE INFORMATION CA O.UK/SUPPORT-US OR VISIT WWW.MERCURYTHEATRE.C 31

D N A G N I N LEAR N O I T A P I PARTIC

Early Years Mercury Players New for 2016! Workshops for pre-school children and their parent/carers to explore the world around them through play, movement and music.

Youth Theatre

The Mercury Theatre’s Learning and Participation team delivers high quality, ambitious and innovative opportunities that open up the theatre to all communities locally and regionally. We place our activities at the heart of the organisation; enlivening the building, enriching experiences, engaging new and developing existing audiences.

Mercury Youth Theatres are a place for young people to develop performance skills and build confidence. We run six Youth Theatre groups for people aged 5-16 years and from February 2016 all sessions will be returning to our newly refurbished Studio Theatre. We provide performance opportunities in the Mercury Studio and on the Main Stage.

Last year, through our activities, Learning and Participation worked with 20,221 people. That’s enough people to fill the main auditorium 45 times!

Young Company Young Company 16-25 years is for young actors who would like to develop their performance skills in a producing regional theatre. We also provide opportunities for technical and backstage roles, such as stage management, lighting, scenic arts, costume and sound. Participants get the opportunity to work with the Mercury Theatre’s creative team, who will guide them through the process of making our annual main stage show.

‘It has reminded me how much I love theatre’ Youth Theatre Member

32

to To find out more please go et-involved www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/g to one call 01206 573948 or speak m. of our friendly ticket sales tea

Schools and Teachers

Behind the Scenes

We offer a range of learning opportunities for school groups including skills workshops, career information, advice and guidance events, and bespoke outreach projects.

Backstage tours are available for individuals, community groups and schools. Booking is essential, please visit our website for more details.

To support teachers we have launched our Teachers Network, it’s free to join and offers a range of benefits.

We also offer a full programme of CPD for Primary, Secondary & FE college teachers. These have been devised in collaboration with teachers.

This academic year CPD sessions include:

Seniors’ Matinees Seniors’ Matinee ticket holders can enjoy a free pre-performance talk and tea or coffee at 1.30pm.

Act V An active group for older adults to explore their creativity in a relaxed environment. Sessions range from choral singing to Bollywood dance!

• Primary - Drama 4 History produced by the Mercury and Colchester and Ipswich Museums exploring object based learning through drama.

• Secondary - Frantic Assembly return to look at Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time.

‘It was great to get more practical ideas’ Secondary School Teacher

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 is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm (10am to 6pm when there is no evening performance). For performances on Sundays and bank holidays ticket sales will be open 90 minutes prior to the show.

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

Book online at www.mercurytheatre.co.uk Print@home – You can collect your tickets from the ticket counter at least 45 minutes prior to the performance, or we can post them to you (charges apply).

We would recommend however that we email your tickets to you to print yourself at home. Don’t have a printer? No problem! Show us your tickets on your phone.

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. There is no charge for season ticket holders, Friends or supporters.

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

WITH NO BOOKING FEE DISCOUNTS £11/£13 concessions available in most seats for over 60s, jobseekers, students and under 26s offered Monday to Friday and matinees for all Made in Colchester shows and selected other performances.

Job Seeker Standby £1 Job Seeker Standby tickets on Made in Colchester show 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.

Only one discount can be applied to each ticket transaction.

YOUR VISIT Car Parking The Mercury Theatre offers discounted car parking for our patrons who park in St Mary’s car park or Middleborough car park. This must be purchased in advance.

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

E-cigarettes

Digby Gallery

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

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

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

Refreshments Theatre Bar – the theatre bar is open one hour before the performance, during intervals and after evening performances. Tea, coffee and a wide range of drinks are on sale. You can avoid the interval rush 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, during intervals and after the show, selling a selection of ice cream and confectionary. Tea, coffee and soft drinks are also available. You can order your interval drinks from the kiosk, so no need to queue at the bar.

Interval Drinks – Avoid the rush by purchasing your drinks or ice creams at the bar or the kiosk before the show – then at the interval they will be waiting for you. And don’t worry – the ice cream will still be frozen and your wine chilled!

Food @ The Mercury – open daily, two hours before show starts. Pre-show set menus and a selection of drinks. Call 01206 368100 to book or email food@ mercurytheatre.co.uk.

Mercury Gift Vouchers & Theatre Tokens We sell Mercury Theatre Gift Vouchers and National Theatre Tokens. Please speak to the ticket sales team or see www.mercurytheatre.co.uk for details.

Hire the Mercury Theatre 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, email carol.rayner@mercurytheatre.co.uk or see www.mercurytheatre.co.uk for more information T Post-show Talk 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.

Call the Ticket Office on 01206 573948 for times and to book your free place.

35

BOOK AT WWW.MERCURYTHEATRE.CO.UK ACCESS

SEATING PLAN

Tickets for disabled customers including those with impaired sight or hearing are £8.50 for all Made in Colchester productions. Please check online or call to book. For access ticket prices and availability for other shows please call 01206 573948.

This is an example seating plan for End of the Rainbow, Clybourne Park and Private Lives. Seating plans vary, see our website or speak to one of our friendly ticket sales assistants for details. Ticket prices usually vary by day of the week, and may change without notice

If you need to have a companion with you to enable you to visit us we will also discount their ticket to the Access price.

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

7 N

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

7

H

41 G

38 38

40 F

40 39 E

38 38 D

37 37 37 C

M

6

6 5 L

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

7

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

7

6 5

4 K

J 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

7

6

J

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

37 36 36

36 36

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

37 36 35 35 35 35

F 34 34 34 34

34

B

33 33 33 33

32 32 32

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

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

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

A

7

12

11 11

10 10 10

5

6 7 8

11 12

6

F

9

13

5 H

7 G

D

C

B

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.

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

6

7

8 9 9

7 8

5

6 6

4

6

8

3

4

5

7

2

4

5

3

3

2

2 2

G

F

E

D

C

B A

stage

End of the Rainbow, Clybourne Park and Private Lives ticket prices See show pages for prices of other shows.

Fri and Sat evenings Wed, Thu evenings and matinees Mon and Tue evenings First two performances

36

Green £25.00 £22.50 £19.50 £12.00

Yellow £22.50 £19.50 £17.50 £12.00

Purple £19.50 £15.00 £15.00 £12.00

Blue £15.00 £12.00 £12.00 £12.00

Red £10.00 £10.00 £10.00 £10.00

We welcome Assistance Dogs at all performances, please inform us when booking.

H

The Mercury Theatre can accommodate up to six wheelchair users in the main theatre and two in the studio theatre, with additional spaces available for specialised performances. Please state that you require a wheelchair space when booking.

An infrared enhancement system is available in the main auditorium and studio theatre at 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 cloakroom.

RP Relaxed Performance Relaxed performances are for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment including people with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder, 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. For dates see diary pages 38-39.

WITH NO BOOKING FEE

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.

Call 01206 573948 For access information please contact Maria Harrison on 01206 573948 or Foremail a more detailed map please visit our website, access@mercurytheatre.co.uk www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

NORTH STATION

A12 LONDON

A134 SUDBURY

NORTH

WAY WEST

COLNE BANK AVENUE

A137 HARWICH M’TREE

MERCURY THEATRE

HIGH ST

FIRSTSITE

LEXDEN ROAD

B1022 TIPTREE

CO WD RA YA VE NU E

CASTLE PARK

JUMBO

A12 IPSWICH

COWDRAY AVENUE

MIDDLEBOROUGH CAR PARK

ST MARY’S CAR PARK

IPS WIC HR OAD

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 into text on a caption unit on on the stage. Please choose ‘Captioned’ ticket type when booking if you would like to use this service. For dates see diary pages 38-39.

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. If St Mary’s car park is full you may also park in Middleborough car park with a pre-paid voucher from the theatre.

HA RW ICH RO AD

Captioned

Mercury Theatre Balkerne Gate Colchester Essex CO1 1PT

A133 CLACTON

TOWN STATION SOUTH WAY

MAGDALEN ST

B1025 MERSEA

MERSEA ROAD

CAP

HOW TO FIND US

NOR THE RN APP RD

Audio described performances give you a live commentary about the action happening on stage through a pair of headphones. Please choose ‘Audio Description’ ticket type when booking if you would like to use this service. 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. Touch Tours must be booked in advanced. For dates see diary pages 38-39.

BALKERNE HILL

AD Audio Description

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

37

DIARY

Thu 25 Fri 26 Sat 27

January Sun 31

2.30pm

6pm Chinese New Year Gala 8pm

February Tue 2 Wed 3

7.30pm

Thu 4 Fri 5 Sat 6

7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 8pm 7.30pm 8pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 8pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 3pm 7.30pm 3pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

Fri 12 Sat 13

Tue 16 Wed 17 Thu 18

Fri 19 Sat 20 Mon 22 Tue 23 Wed 24

38

7.30pm

7.30pm 7.30pm 8pm 1pm

Lee Nelson: Suited and Booted The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) Ronnie Scott’s All Stars Think Floyd Anne Reid I Love to Sing Crazy Glue End of the Rainbow Boris and Ingrid End of the Rainbow End of the Rainbow Boris and Ingrid End of the Rainbow End of the Rainbow S End of the Rainbow The Boy Who Bit Picasso CAP End of the Rainbow The Boy Who Bit Picasso End of the Rainbow AD/TT End of the Rainbow End of the Rainbow Pop Up Bowie The Glenn Miller Orchestra So Close...The Voice of Karen Carpenter

Buddy Holly Tribute Aggers and Tuffers Play Something The Hollywood Special Effects Show The Hollywood Special Effects Show Play Something

Mon 21

7.30pm

Tue 22 Wed 23

7.30pm 7.30pm

Thu 24

7.30pm

Fri 25

2pm

March Tue 1 Wed 2

7.30pm 7.30pm 8pm

Thu 3 Fri 4 Sat 5 Mon 7 Tue 8 Wed 9 Thu 10

7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 8pm

Fri 11

Sat 12 Wed 16 Thu 17 Fri 18 Sat 19

Sun 20

2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 8pm 3pm 6pm 8pm 1pm 6pm

7.30pm 7.30pm

Cheryl, Mike and Jay formerly of Bucks Fizz The Best Thing David Starkey Magna Carta Simon Callow on Orson Welles Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales Good Friday Service Hope Undefeated Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales The Searchers A Night of Dirty Dancing

7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 8pm 2.30pm 3pm 7.30pm 8pm 7.30pm

The Hogwallops The Hogwallops The Hogwallops Clybourne Park Clybourne Park Clybourne Park Clybourne Park Clybourne Park Clybourne Park Clybourne Park Clybourne Park Hamlet, Who’s There?

Clybourne Park Hamlet, Who’s There?

Clybourne Park Hamlet, Who’s There?

Clybourne Park

7.30pm Russell Kane Circus of Horrors I Know all the Secrets in my World The Magic of Motown An Evening of Burlesque Tasmin Little & Piers Lane Flare Path Flare Path Flare Path Flare Path Flare Path Flare Path Tim Fitzhigham The Gambler Flare Path Flare Path Big Fish Big Fish Big Fish Blackout Blackout Show Time ‘16 Blackout Show Time ‘16 Show Time ‘16

Sat 26

11am 2pm

Tue 29 Wed 30

April Fri 1 Sat 2 Fri 8 Sat 9 Tue 12 Wed 13 Thu 14 Fri 15 Sat 16

Tue 19

S

Wed 20 Thu 21 Fri 22 Sat 23

Mon 25 Tue 26 Wed 27 Thu 28 Fri 29 Sat 30

7.30pm Clybourne Park 2.30pm Clybourne Park 7.30pm CAP Clybourne Park 7.30pm Clybourne Park 8pm The Day That Shakespeare Died 2.30pm AD/TT Clybourne Park 7.30pm Clybourne Park 8pm The Day That Shakespeare Died 7.30pm Totally Tina 7.30pm Ireland’s Call 6pm NT Connections Festival 7.30pm The Billy Joel Songbook 6pm NT Connections Festival 7.30pm Invincible 6pm NT Connections Festival 7.30pm Invincible 6pm NT Connections Festival 2.30pm Invincible 7.30pm Invincible

May Tue 3 Wed 4

7.30pm 7.30pm

Thu 5 Fri 6

Mon 9 Tue 10 Wed 11 Thu 12

7.30pm 7.30pm 8pm 11am 7.30pm 8pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

Fri 13

7.30pm

Sat 7

Bridget Christie - A Book For Her An Audience with Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe Some Guys Have All The Luck The All-Star Stand-Up Tour Mrs Roosevelt Flies to London Little Howard’s Big Show for Kids El Llanto Se Mueve Mrs Roosevelt Flies to London Stones in His Pockets Stones in His Pockets Mark Steel - Who Do I Think I Am? Woody Sez - The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie Kast Off Kinks

Sat 14 Wed 18 Fri 20 Sat 21 Tue 24 Wed 25 Thu 26 Fri 27 Sat 28

Tue 31

8pm 7.30pm 8pm 8pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 3pm 7.30pm

S

Love, Bombs and Apples Sergio Tiempo Love, Bombs and Apples Groomed Private Lives Private Lives Private Lives Private Lives Private Lives Private Lives Private Lives Private Lives Private Lives Private Lives The Daughter of the Forest Private Lives

June Wed 1 Thu 2 Fri 3 Sat 4

7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm CAP 7.30pm 2.30pm AD/TT 7.30pm

Private Lives Private Lives Private Lives Private Lives Private Lives Private Lives

KEY Post-show Talk with Cast/Director P

Page To Stage Performance

S

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

CAP Captioned Performance

AD Audio Described Performance TT Touch Tour of the set RP Relaxed Performance

See www.mercurytheatre.co.uk for more information 39

KEEP IN TOUCH www.facebook.com/mercurytheatre Twitter @mercurytheatre

Call 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

IT’S BACK! Lights Up is your chance to take over the Mercury. Ever dreamt of making theatre on the Mercury stage? Would you like to see a show that you might not usually try?

Lights Up! is for you. Find out more at mercurytheatre.co.uk. The programme will be announced in Spring 2016.

Lights Up! A place for new talent to shine.

Join our mailing list: tickets@mercurytheatre.co.uk All details in this brochure are correct at the time of going to press. Colchester Mercury Theatre Ltd reserves the right to make alterations where necessary.

Brochure design by Poulsen Selleck Printed by John Good Limited Reg charity no 232387 Registered in England no 441035