What's On Guide Summer 2016

6 1 0 2 R E M M SU

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948 3 7 5 6 0 2 1 0 l l Ca rcurytheatre.co.uk www.me

WELCOME This time last year, when our newly refurbished Studio Theatre was still very much a building site, we took a gamble in the Main Theatre and, for the very first time, staged a family show – James and the Giant Peach – in the height of summer.

There were many questions! Would anyone come when the theatre is usually closed in August?

Could we tempt our audiences indoors when the sun would (hopefully) be shining? Is there a demand for a big Mercury family show other than panto?

In this brochure you’ll also find an update on the Mercury Talent programme which was advertised in our Spring/Summer brochure, and news on our workshops and activities for people of all ages.

I hope you’ll agree this season is jam-packed and contains something for everyone – as ever I value your feedback, thoughts and suggestions! My email address is artistic.director@mercurytheatre.co.uk I hope to see you soon,

We needn’t have worried – you turned up in your thousands, and the feedback was incredible!

Four out of five people who came to see James and the Giant Peach returned for Aladdin later in the year – it’s so exciting to see people becoming regular theatregoers.

So I’m thrilled that in this brochure we present to you both our second ever summer family show – Wind in the Willows, directed by Mercury favourite Matthew Cullum, and also this year’s pantomime Dick Whittington. I must admit that I enjoyed directing last year’s panto so much I couldn’t resist the chance to do the same again this year, so I’ll be back with Dale and Ash (Wishee Washee and Widow Twanky) and the rest of the company for another magical pantomime adventure!

2

Daniel Buckroyd Artistic Director

Lights Up! Shows with the Lights Up! badge are part of our annual festival of new and emerging local talent.

Get involved next year by visiting mercurytheatre.co.uk/lightsup

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 3

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 2.30pm & 7.30pm Strictly Come Dancing favourites Ian and Natalie perform a spectacular dance showcase designed to dazzle and wow you in a performance to remember forever.

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!

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.

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.

Recommended for 12+yrs

£26 - £24 & DISCOUNTS 4

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 5

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

6

‘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 7

MADE IN COLCHESTER SEASON 2016

NOEL COWARD’S

Private lives 8

Writer Noël Coward Director Esther Richardson Designer Sara Perks Lighting Designer Richard Godin Sound Designer Adam McCready

COMEDY

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

Cast includes

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.

Christine Absalom

Pete Ashmore

Krissi Bohn

Robin Kingsland

Olivia Onyehara

their private passions and jealousies consume them.

Recommended for 12+yrs

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

‘Gorgeous, dazzling, fantastically funny’ The New York Times

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

Approximate running time 2hrs 30minutes, including interval

‘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 MAY AT 7.30PM & 21 MAY AT 2.30PM, PRICES PAGES 34–37

9

DRAMA

Ingenious Purpose present

GROOMED

Komola Collective present

DAUGHTER OF THE FOREST

Wed 18 May

Sat 28 May

STUDIO THEATRE 8pm A 9 year old boy, a model theatre, a saxophone...

STUDIO THEATRE 3pm 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?

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

10

FAMILY

‘...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

NEW TALENT

Stagecoach Theatre Arts Colchester present

THE STAGECOACH COLCHESTER SHOWCASE Fri 10 Jun MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Talented students from the Colchester Stagecoach Theatre Arts School will present their performance highlights from 2015/16 in their first ever showcase at the Mercury Theatre. The students, aged 7 to 19 years, will perform a spectacular variety of dance, singing and drama pieces and the evening will include a special performance by the children from the weekly “InStep” classes held at Kingswode Hoe School. All profits from the evening will be donated to the Performing Arts Children’s Charity.

Recommended for 3+yrs

£15 & DISCOUNTS

MUSICAL

FAMILY

Colchester Institute Musical Theatre BA Honours presents

MUSICAL THEATRE SHOWCASE Sat 11 Jun 7.30pm

MAIN THEATRE

An eclectic mix of songs, scenes and dances from musical theatre and beyond. This packed show features performances from vocal group ‘Singdicate’ and also a 100 voice choir.

Some scenes may contain strong language

FAMILY

Braintree and Colchester Theatretrain present

Colchester Gangshow present

Sun 12 Jun

Thu 16 – Sat 18 Jun

MAIN THEATRE 7pm A fusion of song, dance and drama not to be missed! A collaboration of two Theatretrain centres, showcasing some brilliant young talent from Braintree and Colchester.

7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm

LIGHTING UP TIME

We will take you on a musical journey back and forth in time, accompanied by our hero ‘Professor Watt’ whose time-travel machine is malfunctioning and desperately needs to be fixed. Can the Professor save the day by finding the crucial component before it is too late?

IT’S A KIND OF MAGIC

MAIN THEATRE

The Colchester Gangshow is back again with a show for all the family. This year’s Scouts and Guides Show, It’s A Kind Of Magic, brings together a tale of adventure and discovery as our Scouts venture into an enchanted wood! Will they find their way out when they get lost? And who will they meet on their way?

Filled with songs, dances, scouting magic and a pinch of fairy dust. So come and join the adventure!

There is something for everyone in our fast-paced fun-packed show!

£12 & DISCOUNTS

£12 & DISCOUNTS

£10 & DISCOUNTS 11

SPOKEN WORD & MUSIC

J Doyle presents

DANCE

The Valentine School of Dance present

Laburnum Bridge presents

DANCE ANIMATION

ADRIAN NATION LIVE IN CONCERT

Sat 18 Jun

Sun 19 Jun

Tue 21 Jun

STUDIO THEATRE 8pm Over The Kitchen Table… With Martin Newell, sees pop poet, musician and local legend Martin Newell in his first ever appearance at the Mercury Theatre.

5pm

MAIN THEATRE The Valentine School of Dance present Dance Animation in which pupils of all ages give a lively performance inspired by music taken from a selection of films that use animation. With dance, drama, singing, colourful costumes and original choreography, we will guide you through a potted history of animation in films from Silly Symphonies to Avatar. The Valentine School of Dance has been established in Colchester for 24 years and is pleased to present their biennial show at the Mercury Theatre for the first time!

7.30pm

£12 & DISCOUNTS

£12 & DISCOUNTS

OVER THE KITCHEN TABLE… WITH MARTIN NEWELL

Poet-in-residence for the Sunday Express, columnist for the East Anglian Daily Times and a regular at the Essex Book Festival, Martin Newell is widely acknowledged as the most published living English poet. He will be performing an exclusive intimate show of songs, yarns and poetry, all from the comfort of his kitchen table.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see Martin on home turf for one night only!

Recommended for 12+ yrs

£10 12

LIVE MUSIC

MAIN THEATRE Described by Maverick Magazine as “an acoustic guitar master”, Adrian Nation has gone from the humble beginnings of his very first gig aged 17 in Colchester to touring the world.

During last year’s 17-date tour in Canada, Andy Donnelly of the CKUA Radio Network in Alberta said Adrian is “a pure, down to earth, honest and hardworking journeyman songwriter and performer”.

Adrian’s show will include songs from his previous 3 albums and new material from his upcoming 4th release. He will also be joined by special guest Jonathan Potts.

MUSICAL

Theatricool Performing Arts School present

DISNEY’S ALICE IN WONDERLAND JUNIOR Sun 26 Jun 5pm

MAIN THEATRE Join Alice on her madcap adventures with The White Rabbit, The Tweedles and an array of colourful characters. Based on the 1951 Disney Alice in Wonderland and the novels The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass

by Lewis Carroll. Enjoy toe-tapping Disney songs such as I’m Late, The Un-birthday Song and ZipA-Dee-Doo-Dah. This performance features over 80 wonderfully enthusiastic and talented students aged 4 to 16 years old.

FAMILY

RIP Productions presents

JAMIE RAVEN LIVE

LIVE MUSIC

Robert Habermann’s Great American Songbook present

Wed 29Jun

FRED ASTAIRE AND GINGER Wed 29Jun

7.30pm

8pm

www.theatricool.co.uk

MAIN THEATRE Jamie Raven burst onto an unsuspecting world during the 2015 series of Britain’s Got Talent. His magic amazed audiences and even made Simon Cowell exclaim, “I now finally believe in magic!”. Jamie has been perfecting his craft over the past 11 years working as a magician around the world. His ambition was always to take magic to a wider audience and Britain’s Got Talent finally gave him that chance. His online videos from Britain’s Got Talent have now been seen over 100 million times, making him one of the most viewed magicians in the world.

By arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd.

Recommended for 6+yrs

£14 & DISCOUNTS

£18.50 & DISCOUNTS

STUDIO THEATRE Award winning singer Robert Habermann sings the great songs and tells the story of the famous Hollywood dancing couple of the 1930s. Telling the story of how Fred and Ginger stole the reviews in their first film, becoming stars overnight, through to what happened when they broke up.

Robert sings the great songs, including: They Can’t Take That Away From Me, Cheek To Cheek, Night And Day, Top Hat, S’Wonderful, Something’s Gotta Give, That’s Entertainment and many more. roberthabermann.net

£12.50 13

LIVE MUSIC

Aria Entertainment, Guy James, and Szpiezak Productions with Bandwagon Productions present

SENSATION Thu 30 Jun

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Sensation will take you on an amazing musical journey from My Generation to Who Are You via Tommy and Quadrophenia, and all with maximum rhythm and blues.

Celebrate the music of a timeless British band with this unique concert.

The show features musicians and singers from many West End and touring productions and promises a night of non-stop hits from one of the most influential bands of all time.

Accept no substitute! www.thewhosensation.com

£20 14

LIVE MUSIC

Return of the Kings present

LIVE MUSIC

Lucy Parham presents

ROY ORBISON & THE TRAVELING WILBURYS TRIBUTE SHOW Fri 1 Jul

Sat 2 Jul

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm This fantastic show celebrates the music of the 80s supergroup The Traveling Wilburys, featuring tributes to Roy Orbison, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty and Bob Dylan. With an easy relaxed style, excellent vocals and musicality, and a great respect for each others’ talent, these guys will give you an amazing night of entertainment with a splash of humour, that won’t be like anything you have seen before.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Pianist Lucy Parham’s Nocturne is the story of the tender, but volatile, relationship between Frédéric Chopin and the novelist and feminist, George Sand.

The narrative, taken from their letters and diaries, is interspersed with some of composer’s best-loved works. Created by Lucy Parham, Nocturne is the third of her Composers in Love series. It premiered at the Wigmore Hall and has been performed internationally with leading actors to great acclaim.

Enjoy Handle With Care, The End Of The Line, Heading For The Light, Here Comes The Sun, Mr Blue Sky, Blowing In The Wind, Free Fallin’ and You Got It.

‘One of the must-see events on the musical calendar’ ★★★★★ BBC Music Magazine

£20

£18.50

NOCTURNE: THE ROMANTIC LIFE OF FRÉDÉRIC CHOPIN

With Lucy Parham (piano), Dame Harriet Walter (narrator) and Alex Jennings (narrator)

DRAMA

DRAMA

Birdsong Productions in association with Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre present

SHADOWLANDS

Robin Rayner in association with The Marlowe Theatre Canterbury present a TREMers production

by William Nicholson

FABRIC

Mon 4 - Sat 9 Jul

Wed 6 - Thu 7 Jul

7.30pm, Thu & Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm Best Play award-winner Shadowlands is a beautiful and moving drama about life and loss, but ultimately, love.

This touching story, hailed as one of the most extraordinary love stories of our time, is based on fact and follows C.S. Lewis, the famous author of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, living as a distinguished academic bachelor in Oxford. Life is comfortable and certain. But then the unexpected happens – he falls in love.

Starring Stephen Boxer (Humans, The Iron Lady, Doctors), Amanda Ryan (The Forsyte Saga) and Denis Lill (Only Fools and Horses and The Royal)

£25 - £10

MAIN THEATRE this West End and Broadway hit is a tender and tragic tale that promises to be both emotional and uplifting. Brought to you by the producers of the critically-acclaimed touring production of Birdsong, in association with Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.

‘A portrait of love and grief that profoundly touches a chord’ ★★★★ The Times ‘Intensely moving’ ★★★★ The Daily Telegraph Recommended for 11+yrs www.shadowlandstour.com

STUDIO THEATRE 8pm “You can never catch up with yourself once that first thread is pulled...”

A raw, poignant, and unflinching look at the unravelling of one woman’s life. This powerful new play by rising star Abi Zakarian questions the shifting roles and expectations of women in today’s society and asks how, if ever, they can be fulfilled.

Nancy Sullivan (The Good Person of Sichuan, Les Misérables and The Rise and Fall of Little Voice) stars as Leah in this premiere production directed by Tom O’Brien. More information at www.tremers.co.uk @FABRICtheplay Recommended for 15+yrs. Contains adult themes

£12 15

MADE IN COLCHESTER SEASON 2016 Based on the Novel

by Kenneth Grahame Book by

Willis Hall Directed by Matthew Cullum Original score composed by Rebecca Applin, our Cameron Mackintosh Resident Composer

16

FAMILY

FRI 29 JUL SUN 21 AUG Performance times pages 38 & 39 Poop-poop! Toad, Badger, Rat and Mole are ready to hit the road in a chaotic musical adventure like no other!

Director Matthew Cullum Designer Katie Sykes Composer Rebecca Applin Lighting Designer Mark Dymock

MAIN THEATRE favourite based on the well-known Kenneth Grahame novel.

With Toad locked out of his home, can wise old Badger’s plans save the day? Will Rat and Mole be there for Toad in his hour of need? Friends, fun and fabulous adventure - Wind in the Willows has it all!

When Toad’s motoring lands him in hot water, our reckless but lovable hero is sentenced to 20 years in prison. With the help of his loyal maid, Enid, it’s not long before he manages to escape - only to find that Toad Hall has been overrun by Approximate running time the weasels, foxes and stoats of the 1hr 50minutes, including interval Wild Wood!

Recommended for adults and The discards of humankind, objects families with children aged 6+yrs found along the journey and the best of the English countryside are all woven together to bring this colourful summer treat to life.

Matthew Cullum (Friend or Foe and James and the Giant Peach) returns to direct this fast-moving family

ADD A PICNIC FOR £5pp!

Pre-order a little taste of summer with a picnic box from Food @ the Mercury and stretch out on our lawn before the show!

TT

Sat 13 Aug

12.30pm

Touch Tour

AD Sat 13 Aug

2pm

Audio Described

RP

6pm

Relaxed Performance

CAP Thu 18 Aug

2pm

Captioned Performance

BT

11am

Backstage Tour

Wed 17 Aug

Sat 20 Aug

See pages 32-33 for Family Workshops Relaxed Performance supported by Colchester Catalyst

TICKETS £22.50 - £10 & DISCOUNTS £12 PREVIEW PERFORMANCES 29 & 30 JULY AT 2PM, PRICES PAGES 34–37

17

TALK

Lakin McCarthy present

TESSA DUNLOP AND THE BLETCHLEY GIRLS

COMEDY

Jongleurs present

JONGLEURS ON THE ROAD

TALK

Artistes International Management Ltd present

AN EVENING WITH BARRY FRY & BIG RON ATKINSON with Special Guest Eric Hall

Tue 2 Aug

Fri 5 Aug

Fri 12 Aug

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Bletchley Park, famous as Britain’s unprecedented code-breaking organisation, helped the Allies win the Second World War, but that it was predominantly staffed by young girls is less well known. Now in their nineties, these exceptional women share their wartime stories and the impact Bletchley Park has had on their lives. Author, historian and broadcaster Tessa Dunlop is joined by veterans Ruth Bourne and Patricia Davies to reveal the workings of Britain’s most secret wartime operation.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Jongleurs, the UK’s Number One Comedy Company, is returning to Colchester by popular demand! With over 30 years experience of running clubs and shows, Jongleurs has helped launch the careers of some of our biggest comedy stars. Now, in our Jongleurs On The Road show, we proudly present four of the brightest and funniest acts on the current UK comedy circuit in an evening of first class live comedy at its best.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm An Evening with Barry Fry & Big Ron Atkinson is a night not to be missed. Come and join the lads for what can only be described as a football fan’s great night out. Come and hear the stories about the dressing room fights, funny anecdotes about team selection and training, and everything you would want to know about what goes on behind the scenes of a successful football club. Hosted by football super agent Eric ‘Monster’ Hall who will talk about transfer deals and business dealings, it is a night not to be missed!

£16 18

Top quality acts and guaranteed laughs – a great night out.

Contains adult language Over 18s only

£15

Kick off 7.30pm.

May contain strong language

£20

TALK

COMEDY

GERMAINE GREER: THE Off The Kerb Productions present DISAPPEARING WOMAN JOSH WIDDICOMBE: WHAT DO I DO NOW? Tue 16 Aug

Fri 19 Aug

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Forty years ago it seemed that women were about to take their rightful place in the world, parliament, the church and the workplace, but open a newspaper and you’ll find that news is still made by men in suits.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm That guy with the curly hair from The Last Leg, Mock the Week, QI, Live at the Apollo and Have I Got News For You has a brand new tour. Since he’s been away from stand up Josh has been working hard on other things. But don’t worry – in his spare time he has found a lot of minor things to get annoyed about, and now he has a chance to talk about them on stage (in the form of jokes).

The female most likely to be seen in the sports pages is a horse. As soon as girls accept the size, role and shape of adult women, they begin to disappear.

With each stage of their lives – as wife, mother, grandmother – they become less visible.

Germaine Greer suggests some strategies for change.

Possible sexual content and adult language Recommended for 14+yrs

£16

‘Nicely crafted observational comedy’ The Independent

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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

Recommended for 14+yrs

£18

Please note you can no longer purchase discounted parking from us on the day.

19

MADE IN COLCHESTER SEASON 2016

Romeo & Juliet Directed by Filiz Ozcan 20

FRI 19 AUG SUN 28 AUG Performance times pages 38 & 39

DRAMA

ST MARTIN’S CHURCH, WEST STOCKWELL ST, COLCHESTER, CO1 1HN

The Mercury Young Company transport you to fair Verona for an intimate performance of Shakespeare’s tragic tale of star-crossed lovers.

Performed in St. Martin’s Church in central Colchester, the story unfolds around you in this new and condensed version of Shakespeare’s most popular play.

It’s love at first sight when teenagers Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet first spot each other across a crowded room. There’s just one problem: their families are sworn enemies. Secret meetings soon lead to a forbidden marriage, but these young lovers are forced to grow up quickly when the family feud threatens to overpower their love.

Romeo & Juliet is directed by Filiz Ozcan, the Mercury’s Participation & Young People’s Director (Animal Farm, Blackout).

Standing only – no seating provided. The performance is wheelchair accessible.

Approximate running time 1hr 15minutes

“My only love sprung from my only hate.”

Presented by the Mercury’s Young Company

ALL TICKETS £11.50

21

EASY THEATRES SUMMER SPECTACULAR

Easytheatres.com present

Easytheatres.com present

The Supreme QUEEN Concert Show

Starring Stephen Triffitt – the world’s No.1 FRANK SINATRA

CHAMPIONS OF ROCK Wed 24 Aug 7.30pm The authoritative Queen concert show celebrates the 40th anniversary of the legendary group’s record-breaking Hyde Park concert.

Recreating the fun, musicianship and showmanship of the band’s famed live performances, join the ultimate musical journey through the decades. Back to when Queen reigned supreme with We Are The Champions, We Will Rock You, A Kind Of Magic, Crazy Little Thing

£25 - £10 22

FRANKLY SINATRA Thu 25 Aug

MAIN THEATRE Called Love, I Want To Break Free, Somebody To Love, Another One Bites The Dust and Bohemian Rhapsody.

As seen by Brian May, Roger Taylor and Freddie Mercury’s family; described as “the next best thing” to the real thing

by Freddie’s mum; starring the reigning National UK Tribute Awards winners, prepare to be entertained, exhilarated and regally rocked till you drop.

7.30pm The world’s No.1 Sinatra celebrates the golden anniversary of his most famous live recording – Sinatra Live at the Sands – with a brand new production featuring songs from the classic album.

It’s the swing, swagger and velvet vocals in concert with Stephen Triffitt, who has spent three seasons as Frank at the legendary Sands Casino, Las Vegas, and who “Nails the phrasing, timing and tone with utter confidence”

£25

MAIN THEATRE (Variety) on classics: Fly Me To The Moon, Mack The Knife, New York, New York, My Way, That’s Life, Under My Skin, and Luck Be A Lady.

Backed by the fantastic sound of big band swing, Triffitt is the Chairman of the Board and frankly the best thing since Sinatra himself.

EASY THEATRES SUMMER SPECTACULAR

Easytheatres.com present

Easytheatres.com present

Presents the ultimate tribute to ABBA

Celebrating the music of FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS

Fri 26 Aug

Sat 27 Aug

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC

BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY

7.30pm Friday night and the lights are low... the Mercury Theatre is the place to go... join the fantabba-ulous party of the year as the 40th anniversary of ABBA’s greatest hit Dancing Queen is celebrated in sequin-spangled style.

MAIN THEATRE Record-breaking movies, smash-hit West End musicals, chart-topping albums and singles – ABBA’s incredible legacy now lives on in concert with this all-new for 2016 international smash-hit show.

2.30pm & 7.30pm Oh what a night awaits for all music fans... during the 60s and 70s No.1 hits Sherry, Walk Like A Man, Rag Doll and Big Girls Don’t Cry saw the Four Seasons and lead singer Frankie Valli propelled to stardom.

ABBA classics abound. Rocking the retro sounds of “the right music” – Super Trouper, Waterloo, Mamma Mia, Gimme Gimme Gimme, Knowing Me Knowing You and more – to Lycra-tight perfection.

Dancing kings and queens have the time of your lives with the all-time greatest party-time extravaganza.

Big Girls Don’t Cry authentically revives the sublime harmonies of New Jersey’s finest. It showcases Frankie’s incredible falsettos, and features solo hits that range from the exuberant –

£25 - £10

MAIN THEATRE the rock’n’roll nostalgia of Grease, to the spine-tingling – show-stealers such as My Eyes Adored You. Drawing from a repertoire that includes Let’s Hang On, Working My Way Back To You, and I’ve Got You Under My Skin you’re never more than a song away from another classic hit.

2.30PM £23 / 7.30PM £25 23

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

DRAMA

THE PASADENA ROOF ORCHESTRA

James Seabright presents

Tue 30 Aug

Wed 31 Aug

Wed 31 Aug – Thu 1 Sep

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm For 45 years the Pasadena Roof Orchestra have been re-creating the sounds of a golden era of music from the 1920s and 1930s. Enjoy beautifully arranged songs from Irving Berlin, Ray Noble and Cole Porter, and electrifying jazz from Fletcher Henderson and Duke Ellington.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Direct from sell-out performances in Shanghai, New York and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Apphia Campbell embarks on her debut UK tour.

STUDIO THEATRE 8pm The eastern premiere of the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe First winner! Three women are about to face their demons - Rebecca is newly single, Anna hasn’t been outside for two years, and Sam knows she is in the wrong body. Yet, extraordinarily, they can save each other in Smith’s “rich mix of comedy and tragedy” (Scotsman). Presented by the creator of the “excellent ... magical” (Gazette) Play Something.

Pack up your troubles, come on get happy, and experience an evening of superlative live music - with more than a dash of wit and humour.

‘An evening of rare musical entertainment’ The Financial Times ‘For the PRO I have nothing but praise’ The Sunday Telegraph

£22.50 24

BLACK IS THE COLOR OF MY VOICE

Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, Black Is The Color Of My Voice follows a successful jazz singer and civil rights activist seeking redemption after the untimely death of her father. She reflects on the journey that took her from piano prodigy destined for the church, to the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement.

‘Campbell may wear Simone’s trademark head wrap but her performance goes beyond impersonation’ ★★★★ The Times

Stage Write present

SWALLOW

By Stef Smith

Contains strong language Recommended for 16+yrs

Some strong language and adult themes

£19.50 - £10

£12

DRAMA

James Seabright presents

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

THINK NO EVIL OF US: MY LIFE WITH KENNETH WILLIAMS

Sweeney Entertainments present

Mark Lundquist & Nicole Barden MLM Concerts present

DREAMING OF KATE - A TRIBUTE TO KATE BUSH THE BLUES BROTHERS APPROVED Fri 2 Sep Sat 3 Sep

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm This classic one-man show starring David Benson (Dracula, Mercury Theatre) unlocks the character of one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers. In this thrilling and hilarious tour-de-force we see Kenneth Williams at his funniest and most badly behaved.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm With a remarkable resemblance in vocal style and appearance, the extraordinary singer and performer Maaike Breijman brings the music of Kate Bush to live stages all over Europe. A fantastic live band, numerous costume changes, dance routines and stage props help Maaike amaze her audience as she effortlessly performs songs spanning the whole of Kate Bush’s career.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm You are hereby warned to be on the lookout for two men dressed in black hats, black ties and sunglasses, otherwise known as The Blues Brothers. The boys are joined by the fabulous Bluettes; three sassy ladies with attitude and voices to knock you off your perch and an incredible Blues Brothers Band who are the best of the best.

Thu 1 Sep

Following its Fringe First winning debut at the Edinburgh Festival in 1996, Think No Evil Of Us played in the West End. Now returning for a strictly limited 20th anniversary tour in an updated version, the show continues to prove its enduring popularity.

‘A masterpiece of comic timing’ Evening Standard Some strong language and adult themes Recommended for 12+yrs

£19.50 - £10

Kate’s music remains as popular as ever and Dreaming of Kate is a rare opportunity to see her songs brought to life in a show with the attention to detail the music so deserves. www.dreamingofkate.com

£25

Featuring original members from the West End, this show brings you those amazing moments once again.

Featuring Gimme Some Lovin’, Think, Shake a Tailfeather, Sweet Home Chicago, plus loads more!

Recommended for 12+yrs

£25 25

DON’T HANG AROUND

MUSICAL

Colchester Operatic Society Second Edition (CO2) present

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CAROUSEL

L A V R E T IN DRINKSE CAN B ED PRE-ORDER

Thu 8 Sep - Sat 17 Sep 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm After the regional premiere of Legally Blonde and the success of Oklahoma! in 2012, the award winning CO2 are back with the ever popular Carousel. This is the second musical by the team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II and is set around the romances of the carousel barker Billy Bigelow and millworker Julie Jordan, and of Julie’s friend Carrie Pipperidge and the ambitious fisherman Enoch Snow.

The show includes the well-known songs: If I Loved You, June Is Bustin’ Out All Over and You’ll Never Walk Alone.

£20 - £13 26

MAIN THEATRE This is one show you won’t want to miss.

Music by RICHARD RODGERS Book and Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II As adapted by Benjamin F. Glazer Based on Ferenc Molnar’s Play “Liliom” Original Dances by Agnes de Mille This amateur production is presented by arrangement with R & H Theatricals Europe www.colchesteroperaticsociety.co.uk

Did you know you can beat the rush for interval drinks and ice creams by placing your order at the bar or kiosk before the start of the performance?

The service is free of charge. Your drinks and ice cream order will be ready for you outside the auditorium at the interval.

FOOD @ THE MERCURY

DINNER AND A SHOW AT FOOD @ THE MERCURY Add a two or three course meal to your booking when you buy your tickets.

Already bought your tickets and would like to add a meal? Please call our friendly team on 01206 573948 27

28

FAMILY

SAT 26 NOV SUN 8 JAN Performance times see website or call Ticket Sales Panto legends Dale Superville (Aunt Sponge – James and the Giant Peach, Wishee Washee – Aladdin) and Antony Stuart-Hicks (Widow Twanky – Aladdin) are back to tell the story of Dick Whittington – the boy who heads to London to find out if the streets are paved with gold.

Cast includes panto favourites Dale Superville and Antony Stuart-Hicks

MAIN THEATRE

Dick soon meets Alice, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, and falls in love.

Left to guard a safe belonging to Alice’s father, things begin to look up for poor Dick – until the evil King Rat sniffs out a plan to get him thrown out of town!

Forced to hide in distant lands, it looks like Dick and Alice will be separated forever. With King Rat causing chaos across the kingdom, Dick and his trusty cat will need your help to save the day and make it back to London before it’s too late! Daniel Buckroyd directs.

Approximate running time 2hrs 10minutes, including interval Recommended for adults and families with children aged 3+yrs Contains flashes and loud bangs RP

Fri 9 Dec

CAP Wed 4 Jan

2pm

Relaxed Performance

7pm

Captioned Performance

RP

Thu 5 Jan

7pm

Relaxed Performance

TT

Sat 7 Jan

12.30pm

Touch Tour

AD

Sat 7 Jan

2pm

Audio Described

Relaxed Performances supported by Colchester Catalyst

29

!

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 6 April 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 30

R A F O S Y R O T S E H T : T N E L TA W MERCURY NE The Early Career Training Programme has brought together a group of artists from many disciplines, all of whom have made a serious commitment to careers in the professional theatre. Meeting every other week for three days of intensive masterclasses led by industry experts, the participants have developed their professional practice and their artistic crafts, as individuals and as an ensemble.

This 3-month pilot scheme concluded with an Open Week beginning in the Mercury Studio Theatre. This pilot scheme will be followed by a longer programme, open to new participants, later in the year.

The Essex Playwriting Competition, run in conjunction with The University Of Essex, is an open competition for writers that live, work, and study in Essex. In its first year, we have selected 5 scripts (4 runners-up and an overall winner) from over 50 entrants, presented as rehearsed readings in a New Work Festival in the Mercury Theatre Studio. As well as a celebration of new work, the Competition has brought many outstanding local writers to the fore.

Looking forward, the Competition will be a regular means for The Mercury Theatre to engage with unsolicited scripts from the region.

The winning writer of the Playwriting Competition is invited to become an Associate Artist, attached to the Theatre for up to 18 months.

The Associate Artist Programme is open to established artists who wish to develop work with the Mercury Theatre. The programme’s final form is entirely dependent upon the needs and ideas of each individual. In this, its pilot year, we have selected 5 artists for 2016 - 2017 who will develop new work for the Mercury Theatre and will contribute across all the Mercury Theatre Talent Initiatives. They include playwrights Vickie Donoghue, Freddie Machin, and Kenny Emson (winner of the Essex Playwriting Competition), Director Rachel Warr, and Actor/Writer Thomas Thomason.

Growing from the informal Colchester Theatre Pros Facebook Group, The Essex Theatre Artists Network is a professional networking group for theatre artists in the region. Hosted by the Mercury Theatre, The Essex Theatre Artists Network is a means of establishing and maintaining professional relationships, sharing information and announcing professional opportunities. The Mercury Theatre also holds regular meetings for the Essex Theatre Artists Network, and makes its resources available to its members on a regular basis.

31

D N A G N I LEARN N O I T A P I C I PART 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.

Act V Come and join a vibrant, creative community where you can make friends, learn something new, and share stories over a cup of tea.

Act V is a fun group for older adults to explore the creative arts in a relaxed environment.

Each week the group takes part in two different workshops ranging from choral singing and Shakespeare to Bollywood dance, puppetry and stage combat.

Act V takes place in the Studio Theatre and Bar every Monday, during term time from 10.15am to 1.15pm.

Tickets are ÂŁ5.50 per session including refreshments and can be purchased on the day or in advance.

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

32

Young Company 2016 Young Company is for young actors and theatre makers aged 16-25 years looking to develop their skills in professionally produced Mercury Theatre productions.

This August, Young Company will present a Made in Colchester production of Romeo & Juliet, one of Shakespeare’s best-loved tragedies, directed by Filiz Ozcan.

Young Company will take over St Martin’s Church, Colchester for a month creating a contemporary response to this timeless play and giving audiences an immersive experience.

We will be holding auditions in May, and recruiting technical, backstage and front of house roles in June with rehearsals beginning on 27 July 2016.

Best of all this opportunity is offered completely free to all participants.

If you are aged 16-25 and interested in being part of an amazing professional experience please check out the Young Company page on our website and join the Young Company Facebook group.

Wind in the Willows Family Workshops Join us in the Digby Gallery at the Mercury Theatre before the matinee performance and get creative with our resident puppeteer.

Looking at characters and themes in Wind in the Willows, young people will create puppets from everyday materials.

Workshop tickets cost £5 per person, and the activity is recommended for ages 7+. Places are limited and can be booked via Ticket Sales.

Dates for the workshops are: Saturday 30 July Thursday 04 August Saturday 06 August Thursday 11 August Saturday 13 August Thursday 18 August The workshops will start at 11am and last approximately 2 hours. If you want to make a day of it, why not book a picnic by calling Ticket Sales.

Early Years – Mercury Players Mercury Players is for children and their parents/ carers to have fun together sharing creative activities and learning through imaginative play.

The sessions focus on building confidence, developing language and social skills.

New for 2016, Mercury Players takes place weekly during term time in our fully accessible Studio Theatre space every Tuesday starting from 12 April 2016. Please check the website or get in contact for more information.

10.15am-11.15am Mini Mercury Players Sessions for toddlers to 3 years old.

11.30am-12.30pm Mercury Players Sessions for 3-5 years old with a greater emphasis on preparing for school with more independent play.

Tickets are £5.50 per session including refreshments and can be purchased on the day or in advance.

33

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

WEBSITE EMAIL TEL FAX

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

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.

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 These discounts are available for Private Lives and Wind in the Willows. £11/£13 concessions available in most seats for over 60s, jobseekers, students and under 26s offered Monday to Friday and matinees

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. Discounts may be available for selected other performances. For more details, visit our website or call the Ticket Office on 01206 573948.

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.

Food @ the Mercury Open daily, two hours before show starts.

Pre-show set menus and a selection of drinks.

Call 01206 573948 to book or email food@ mercurytheatre.co.uk.

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!

Cloakroom

Mercury Gift Vouchers & Theatre Tokens

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

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.

E-cigarettes

Hire the Mercury Theatre

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

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.

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.

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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 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.

Please see our website or contact the Ticket Office for seating plans for individual performances.

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

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

H

40

41 G

40 F

40 39 E

38 38 D

37 37 37 C

7 N 7

M

6

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 L

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

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 38 38

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

37 36 36

36 36

36 35 35 35

35

F 34 34 34 34

34

B A

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

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

stage

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

37

7

7

12

11 11

10 10 10

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

5

6 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.

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

6 6

5 5

7

4

6

8

3

4

5

3 2

4

3

2

2 2

G

F

E

D

C

B

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.

A

Green Yellow Purple Blue Red Fri and Sat evenings £25.00 £22.50 £19.50 £15.00 £10.00 Wed, Thu evenings and matinees £22.50 £19.50 £15.00 £12.00 £10.00 Mon and Tue evenings £19.50 £17.50 £15.00 £12.00 £10.00 First two performances £12.00 £12.00 £12.00 £12.00 £10.00

36

H

An assisted listening 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

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DIARY 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm

Invincible Invincible Invincible Invincible

Wed 1 Thu 2

7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 8pm 11am 7.30pm 8pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 8pm 7.30pm 8pm 8pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

Bridget Christie - A Book For Her An Audience with Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe 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 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

Fri 10 Sat 11 Sun 12 Thu 16 Fri 17 Sat 18

May Tue 3 Wed 4 Thu 5 Fri 6 Sat 7

Mon 9 Tue 10 Wed 11 Thu 12 Fri 13 Sat 14 Wed 18 Fri 20 Sat 21 Tue 24 Wed 25 Thu 26 Fri 27

38

Tue 31

2.30pm 7.30pm 3pm 7.30pm

Private Lives Private Lives Daughter of the Forest Private Lives

June

April Thu 28 Fri 29 Sat 30

Sat 28

S

Fri 3 Sat 4

Sun 19 Tue 21 Sun 26 Wed 29 Thu 30

7.30pm Private Lives 2.30pm Private Lives 7.30pm CAP Private Lives 7.30pm Private Lives 2.30pm AD/TT Private Lives 7.30pm Private Lives 7.30pm The Stagecoach Colchester Showcase 7.30pm Musical Theatre Showcase 7pm Lighting Up Time 7.30pm It’s A Kind Of Magic 7.30pm It’s A Kind Of Magic 2.30pm It’s A Kind Of Magic 7.30pm It’s A Kind Of Magic 8pm Over The Kitchen Table... With Martin Newell 5pm Dance Animation 7.30pm Adrian Nation Live In Concert 5pm Disney’s Alice In Wonderland Junior 7.30pm Jamie Raven Live 8pm Fred Astaire and Ginger 7.30pm Sensation

July Fri 1 Sat 2 Mon 4 Tue 5 Wed 6 Thu 7

Fri 8

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

Roy Orbison and the Traveling Wilburys Tribute Show Nocturne: The Romantic Life of Frédéric Chopin Shadowlands Shadowlands Shadowlands Fabric Shadowlands Shadowlands Fabric Shadowlands

Sat 9 Fri 29 Sat 30

2.30pm 7.30pm 2pm 2pm 6pm

Shadowlands Shadowlands Wind in the Willows Wind in the Willows Wind in the Willows

August Tue 2 Wed 3 Thu 4 Fri 5 Sat 6 Sun 7 Wed 10 Thu 11 Fri 12 Sat 13 Sun 14 Tue 16 Wed 17 Thu 18 Fri 19 Sat 20

Sun 21 Tue 23 Wed 24 Thu 25

7.30pm 6pm 2pm 7.30pm 2pm 6pm 2pm 6pm 6pm 2pm 7.30pm 2pm AD/TT 6pm 2pm 6pm 7.30pm RP 6pm CAP 2pm 6.30pm 7.30pm 2pm 3pm 6pm 6.30pm 2pm 3pm 6.30pm 6.30pm 7.30pm 6.30pm 7.30pm

Tessa Dunlop and The Bletchley Girls Wind in the Willows Wind in the Willows Jongleurs on the Road Wind in the Willows Wind in the Willows Wind in the Willows Wind in the Willows Wind in the Willows Wind in the Willows An Evening with Barry Fry & Big Ron Atkinson Wind in the Willows Wind in the Willows Wind in the Willows Wind in the Willows Germaine Greer: The Disappearing Woman Wind in the Willows Wind in the Willows Romeo & Juliet at St Martin’s Church Josh Widdicombe: What Do I Do Now? Wind in the Willows Romeo & Juliet at St Martin’s Church Wind in the Willows Romeo & Juliet at St Martin’s Church Wind in the Willows Romeo & Juliet at St Martin’s Church Romeo & Juliet at St Martin’s Church Romeo & Juliet at St Martin’s Church Champions of Rock Romeo & Juliet at St Martin’s Church Frankly Sinatra

Fri 26 Sat 27

Sun 28 Tue 30 Wed 31

6.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 3pm 6.30pm 7.30pm 3pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 8pm

Romeo & Juliet at St Martin’s Church Thank You For The Music Big Girls Don’t Cry Romeo & Juliet at St Martin’s Church Romeo & Juliet at St Martin’s Church Big Girls Don’t Cry Romeo & Juliet at St Martin’s Church The Pasadena Roof Orchestra Black Is The Color Of My Voice Swallow

September Thu 1 Fri 2 Sat 3 Thu 8 Fri 9 Sat 10 Mon 12 Tue 13 Wed 14 Thu 15 Fri 16 Sat 17

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

Think No Evil Of Us: My Life With Kenneth Wiliams Swallow Dreaming of Kate The Blues Brothers Approved Carousel Carousel Carousel Carousel Carousel Carousel Carousel Carousel Carousel Carousel Carousel

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

Theatres are at the heart of our communities.

Let’s shout about how much that matters. www.facebook.com/mercurytheatre

KEEP IN TOUCH

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.

Twitter @mercurytheatre mercurytheatrecolchester

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.

Theatres are at the heart Call 01206 573948 of our communities. your voice heard. www.mercurytheatre.co.uk Add your voice to the UK-wide campaign Let’s shout about how Join our mailing list: mytheatrematters.com much that matters. tickets@mercurytheatre.co.uk 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

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.

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