What's On Guide Spring / Summer 2015

E D I U G N O S ’ WHAT SPRING / SUMMER 2015

Call 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

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WELCOME 2014 saw a record number of people come to the Mercury for the first time, which is thrilling, and is in no small part because so many of you speak to friends and relatives with such enthusiasm about our theatre and the shows you see here. So, a big thank you for that, and we hope to keep you coming back for more with an even more exciting programme in 2015!

If you came to the Mercury over the last twelve months you may well have received a survey asking you about your visit. We consult our audiences regularly and are constantly improving our service as a result – so I’m delighted to be able to tell you that audience satisfaction is also at an all-time high. This year, service at our bar is faster, facilities have been refurbished, and we are currently applying for the major funding needed to overhaul our heating and cooling systems. I will keep you posted on this.

You won’t see many shows programmed in the Studio Theatre this season – that’s because we’re working to upgrade our second space over the coming months. If all goes to plan, the capacity of the Studio will be increased, seating and comfort levels improved, and performance flexibility transformed. This will allow us to redouble our commitment to new and emerging talent in Essex and beyond.

Speaking of improved service, if you come to an evening show at the Mercury by car, did you know that you can park in the Council’s St. Mary’s car park (just over the footbridge outside the theatre) for only £1.50? You can also avoid the queues for the ticket machine after the show. Just present your parking ticket at the bar pre-show, perhaps while ordering an interval drink, and our staff will be happy to help.

Finally, I’d like to let you know about Lights Up!, a brand new summer festival of fresh talent, during which local groups and companies will get a chance to take over the Mercury.

Running throughout June, Lights Up! will attract performers and artists to our theatre who would not usually be able to hire our spaces or work with our team. It will be packed full of new things for you try, and I hope you’ll enjoy it. Details of how to get involved are on the Mercury Theatre website, and the programme will be announced in late spring 2015.

I look forward to seeing you at the Mercury soon.

Daniel Buckroyd Artistic Director

DANCE

LIVE MUSIC

Photograph Ravi Deepres ON SALE 01 DEC. SUPPORTERS CAN BOOK EARLIER!

Wayne McGregor | Random Dance present

RANDOM RAW

SWINGING AT THE COTTON CLUB Featuring the Jiving Lindy Hoppers & Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra

Mon 2 Feb

Tue 3 Feb

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm The world-renowned contemporary dance company performs an excerpt from FAR, Wayne McGregor’s critically acclaimed work of ‘heart-stopping beauty’ (The Guardian), alongside new work created with participants drawn from local schools.

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ON SALE 01 DEC. SUPPORTERS CAN BOOK EARLIER!

JBA Concerts present

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Take a step back into the 1920s and through the doors of Harlem’s hottest nightclub, The Cotton Club!

The evening showcases the best of Wayne McGregor’s creative talent, ten incredible dancers, and a performance of newly created material for young people. McGregor’s Creative Learning projects bring together an inimitable choreographic process with a celebrated track record in creating inspiring performances for professional and non-professional artists.

An action-packed show celebrating the music, dance, and songs of the Cotton Club – New York’s hottest club of the 1920s and 30s. Where Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald would have had the club swinging – whilst dancers Bojangles Robinson and the Nicholas Brothers lit up the stage with their breathtaking routines. The dance and music of the Cotton Club is recreated by the fabulous Jiving Lindy Hoppers, the world’s premier jazz dance company and Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra.

£12.50 & DISCOUNTS

£25 - £10

POST-SHOW TALK T

SAVE MONEY ON CAR PARKING

@ THE MERCURY THEATRE

Parked at St. Mary’s car park…?

SWAP YOUR BARRIER TICKET AT THE BAR FOR JUST £1.50!

ONLY AVAILABLE IF PARKED AFTER 3PM

COMEDY

CIRCUS

David Johnson & John Mackay present

NoFit State Circus present

Wed 4 - Thu 5 Feb

Fri 6 - Sat 7 Feb

MAIN THEATRE 8pm A brand new live show with fresh material in preparation for Stewart’s next BBC2 series of Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm In a sea of irreverent chaos and a world of knots, wires and spaghetti, Noodles is the surreal journey of five quirky characters and their relationship with the stringy food staple.

STEWART LEE A ROOM WITH A STEW

Author, journalist, comedian, playwright, Stewart Lee has been making people laugh for more than 20 years. From one half of the duo Lee & Herring, directing The Mighty Boosh to co-writing (with Richard Thomas) and directing Jerry Springer the Opera, his prolific, sharp and often controversial style has had audiences and critics raving.

He is the recipient of two British Comedy Awards, an Olivier (for Jerry Springer) and a BAFTA (for his BBC series Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle).

‘Remains one of the best stand-ups in the country’ HHHH Metro ‘Best comedian in Britain’ HHHHH Mirror Contains strong language

NOODLES

Aerialists, hand-balancers, wire-walkers, contortionists and magicians twist and bend the frontiers of reality. Noodles is a mouth-wateringly surreal dish served with a side order of family friendly madness.

‘You walk out of the theatre feeling good about the world’ British Theatre Guide ‘A fabulous spectacle, and bags of fun’ Three Weeks

Recommended for 14+yrs

‘A fabulous curiosity of masterfully curated bizarre comedy’ The Stage

£21

£15 & DISCOUNTS 5

OPERA

COMMUNITY

STARS LOCAL YOUNG PEOPLE ON SALE 01 DEC. SUPPORTERS CAN BOOK EARLIER!

The Pimlott Foundation present

Colchester Chinese Culture Society present

HANSEL AND GRETEL

CHINESE NEW YEAR GALA

Wed 11 - Sat 14 Feb 7pm, Thu 1pm only “Once upon a time a very poor woodcutter lived in a tiny cottage in the forest with his two children, Hansel and Gretel… “ The Pimlott Foundation is delighted to present a full scale production of Humperdinck’s fairy tale opera. A professional cast and orchestra is joined by a youth chorus and ensemble from local schools.

Experience first class opera and be transported away as Humperdinck’s sumptuous music comes to life in this dramatic adaptation of the well-known fairy tale.

Sun 15 Feb MAIN THEATRE The Pimlott Foundation is a local organisation established in 2007 in memory of Steven Pimlott, and is inspired by his versatility, passion and love of music making. It is the Foundation’s aim to bring together aspiring performers with professionals and promote concerts and live events while also delivering an educational programme which supports performing arts in the local area. www.pimlottfoundation.co.uk Recommended for 7+yrs

£25 - £10 & DISCOUNTS. ALL TICKETS £10 ON WED 11 FEB PREVIEW SHOW 6

MAIN THEATRE 2pm Packed with exciting dance, art and culture, come and share in the celebrations of the most important festivals in the Chinese Lunar Calendar at the Chinese New Year Gala.

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

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

£7 / £5 CHILD

NEW TALENT

FAMILY

BOOK FOR LIONBOY AND PAY JUST £3 FOR A HOSPITAL FOOD TICKET

Complicite presents

LIONBOY

From the novels by Zizou Corder Adapted by Marcelo Dos Santos

Tue 17 - Sat 21 Feb 7.30pm, Thu and Sat 2.30pm and 7.30pm Charlie Ashanti lives in a future where phones are powered by the sun, cars are banned and companies are more powerful than countries. Charlie is a perfectly normal boy, except for one thing: he can speak to cats.

So when his parents are kidnapped, he sets off on a rescue mission – with a little help from a floating circus and its pride of performing lions.

Award-winning theatre company Complicite comes to the Mercury Theatre with a revival of its first ever show for families and young people. Inspired by Zizou Corder’s bestselling novels, Lionboy fuses storytelling, circus and live percussion in an adventure for everyone aged 8 and up.

£25 - £10 & DISCOUNTS

Mercury Youth Theatre presents NT Connections’

HOSPITAL FOOD

HALFTERM TREAT

By Eugene O’Hare

Thu 19 - Sat 21 Feb

MAIN THEATRE ‘Twinkles with a sense of magical possibility...liveliness, invention and effortless appeal’ HHHH The Times ‘A roaring success’ HHHH Mail on Sunday Originally co-produced by Complicite, Bristol Old Vic, Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, Oxford Playhouse, Wales Millennium Centre and Warwick Arts Centre.

Complicite is supported by Arts Council England.

Photograph Mark Douet Recommended for 8+yrs See www.complicite.org for information on Kidnapped, an interactive classroom adventure based around Lionboy. Suitable for Key Stage 2 classes.

POST-SHOW TALK WEDNESDAY 18 FEB

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STUDIO THEATRE 6pm, Sat 1pm & 6pm Finding themselves residents of a city hospital cancer unit, ten teenagers form a friendship like no other as they support each other whilst undergoing treatment.

Their shared illness bonds them together as they reveal their hopes for the future, whilst confronting head-on the prospect of the dangers they face. The teenagers find sanctuary in The Retreat, a room where they can share their worries and thoughts, away from adults and without fear. What’s discussed in The Retreat stays in The Retreat.

This is a Mercury Youth Theatre production, featuring members of our 12 - 14 year old groups.

Contains strong language. Recommended for 14+yrs

£6 & DISCOUNTS 7

MADE IN COLCHESTER SEASON 2015

g n i t a Educita R

LL E S S U R Y

BY WILL 8

DRAMA

THU 26 FEB SAT 14 MAR Performance times pages 34 & 35 “God, what’s it like to be free?”

Certain that she can do more than a shampoo and set, hairdresser Rita sets out in search of adventure and the education she never got at school.

MAIN THEATRE Heart-warming and hilarious, Educating Rita is one of the great comic stories of the past four decades. Originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, the show ran in the West End and was followed by a BAFTA awardwinning film starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters.

Fizzing with ambition, Rita explodes into the life of middle-of-the-road, middle-aged, middle-class Open University tutor, Frank. Will this Put down the curling tongs and “appalling teacher of appalling brace yourself for Hurricane Rita students” be able to set her on the - it’s time for your next tutorial! road to success? What happens next changes Rita’s life forever.

As Frank slides into the warm embrace of his whisky bottle, it looks like Rita has a few lessons to teach her professor too.

Approximate running time 2hrs 15 minutes, including interval Contains strong language and e-cigarettes

‘Educating Rita is a gem’ Empire Magazine ‘With education still a major kicking post…

Educating Rita is as relevant as it ever was’ WhatsOnStage

BT

Sat 7 Mar

11am

Backstage Tour

T

Wed 4 Mar

7.30pm

Post-show Talk

S

Thu 5 Mar

1.30pm

Seniors Matinee pre-show talk

P

Tue 10 Mar

4.30pm

Page to Stage: Directing Duologue

CAP

Fri 13 Mar

7.30pm

Captioned Performance

TT

Sat 14 Mar

1.00pm

Touch Tour

AD

Sat 14 Mar

2.30pm

Audio Described

£25 - £10 & DISCOUNTS £12 PREVIEW PERFORMANCES 26 & 27 FEBRUARY, TICKET PRICES PAGES 30-33

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TALK

ON SALE 01 DEC. SUPPORTERS CAN BOOK EARLIER!

ON SALE 01 DEC. SUPPORTERS CAN BOOK EARLIER!

Lakin McCarthy present

Sympathetic Developments present

Mon 2 Mar

Mon 9 Mar

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Monty Don is a renowned gardening writer and BBC television presenter and the nation’s favourite and most respected gardener. Hear him speak about his life and travels visiting gardens all over the world, what really happens behind the scenes when filming, how he made his own organic garden from scratch and how working with nature enriches us all.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm The UK’s leading constitutional historian talks about the period he describes as “the most glorious soap opera, with the whole future of countries turning on what these huge personalities felt like when they got out of bed in the morning”.

AN EVENING WITH MONTY DON DOWN TO EARTH

Monty’s TV credits include Gardeners’ World, Real Gardens, Lost Gardens, Fork to Fork, Growing Out of Trouble, Around The World In 80 Gardens, My Dream Farm and Mastercrafts. Monty presented the popular Italian Gardens on BBC Two which was followed by the equally successful French Gardens.

£25 - £10 10

TALK

DAVID STARKEY THE TUDORS AND US

As a respected LSE lecturer, uniquely abrasive debater on Radio 4’s Moral Maze, controversial contributor to Question Time, and creator and presenter of popular historical TV series, there are few who understand better the way the most powerful have thought throughout history. You’ll also get the chance to pose your questions directly in a special question and answer session.

Recommended for 14+yrs

£14

DON’T HANG AROUND

L A V R E T IN DRINKS CAN BE D E PRE-ORDER

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.

COMEDY

COMEDY

ON SALE 01 DEC. SUPPORTERS CAN BOOK EARLIER!

ON SALE 01 DEC. SUPPORTERS CAN BOOK EARLIER!

John Mackay & David Johnson present

Platypus Rights Ltd present

Tue 17 - Wed 18 Mar

Thu 19 - Sat 21 Mar

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Following a sold-out 2013 tour, three Olivier Award nominations and over 10 million YouTube hits for Cheap Flights (their infamous anthem to budget air travel), Dillie Keane, Adele Anderson and Liza Pulman continue to celebrate over 30 years of Fascinating Aïda with their terrific new show Charm Offensive.

MAIN THEATRE ....

7.30pm Pam Ayres brings her latest show to Colchester as part of her 40th anniversary tour, following the recent publication of her new book of poetry, You Made Me Late Again!

FASCINATING AΪDA CHARM OFFENSIVE

Expect topical new songs hot off the press, plus some outrageous old favourites, as Fascinating Aïda continue to grow old disgracefully!

AN EVENING WITH PAM AYRES

Pam Ayres’ work is funny and approachable. It sounds simple, as though dashed off, but this is deceptive. Her hair-trigger timing, her eye for the detail of everyday life, and for the absurdity therein, makes for an art that hides art.

‘Engages the brain as well as the funny-bone.’ HHHHH The Times

Since first appearing on TV’s Opportunity Knocks in 1975 her books have been bestsellers, and Pam is still a regular on radio and TV, on programmes such as Just A Minute, Loose Ends, five series of Ayres On The Air for Radio 4, The Paul O’Grady Show, The Alan Titchmarsh Show, Countdown, and The One Show.

Contains strong language

Recommended for 9+yrs

‘Hilarious’ HHHH Telegraph ‘I can’t recommend this show highly enough.’HHHHH Mail on Sunday ‘Cabaret Heaven.’ HHHHH Metro

Recommended for 12+yrs

£20

£23 11

DRAMA

COMEDY

ON SALE 01 DEC. SUPPORTERS CAN BOOK EARLIER!

ON SALE 01 DEC. SUPPORTERS CAN BOOK EARLIER!

The Original Theatre Company & The Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds present

THREE MEN IN A BOAT

The John Godber Company & Theatre Royal Wakefield present

BOUNCERS

Written & directed by John Godber

By Jerome K Jerome

Mon 23 - Wed 25 Mar

Thu 26 - Sat 28 Mar

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm, Wed 2.30pm & 7.30pm Following hit-tours in 2012 and 2014, Craig Gilbert’s ingenious, acclaimed adaption of Jerome K Jerome’s classic tale of boating misadventure returns to the UK stage this Spring armed with more singing, wilder adventures and sporting even brighter blazers.

7.30pm, Sat 5pm & 8.30pm The international smash hit comedy returns!

Jerome’s ripping yarn of youthful friendship, mischief and folly, originally intended as a guide to boating on the Thames, continues to celebrate the very essence of Britishness, inspiring many of our comic legends from Morecambe and Wise to Monty Python.

Equipped with a working pub, live piano accompaniment, music hall singing, a dog and a feast of physical comedy, settle yourself in for a night out to remember!

Lucky Eric, Judd, Les and Ralph are the original men in black as they tell the tale of one night in a Yorkshire disco in the 80s in this outrageous parody of Saturday Night Fever! All the gang are out on the town, the boys, the girls, the cheesy DJ, the late night kebab man and the taxi home, all under the watchful eyes of the Bouncers.

Multi award-winning play written and directed by John Godber featuring a frightening array of northern talent.

Contains sexual references and some strong language Recommended for 14+yrs

‘Oar-some! …impossible not to love’ The Public Reviews HHHHH ‘Quite phenomenal… will rock you with laughter’ Eastern Daily Press Recommended for 11+yrs

£22.50 - £10 12

MAIN THEATRE

£25 - £10 & DISCOUNTS

FAMILY

FAMILY

ON SALE 01 DEC. SUPPORTERS CAN BOOK EARLIER!

ON SALE 01 DEC. SUPPORTERS CAN BOOK EARLIER!

The Birmingham Stage Company present

HORRIBLE HISTORIES BARMY BRITAIN PART TWO!

Scamp Theatre & Watford Palace Theatre present

STICK MAN

From the book by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo.

Mon 30 Mar - Wed 1 Apr

Thu 2 - Sat 4 Apr

MAIN THEATRE 2pm & 4pm, Wed 11am and 2pm Direct from London’s West End! We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! Can you beat battling Boudicca? Can evil Elizabeth entertain England? Will King Charles keep his head? Escape the clutches of Burke and Hare and move to the groove with Queen Victoria! Don’t miss this horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in!

MAIN THEATRE 2pm, Sat 11am and 2pm Following a smash hit West End season, Scamp Theatre’s delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s hugely popular children’s book Stick Man is coming to Colchester! Touching, funny and utterly original, this award-winning production features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.

‘Deliciously horrible, wonderfully produced, hilariously acted!’

West End Extra

‘Hilariously vulgar, brilliantly grisly – it has the young audience in stitches!’

Daily Express

‘Staged with wit, love and wry postmodern humour - I sure as heck enjoyed it!’ Time Out

‘Forget your age and act your shoe size!’

West End Frame

Recommended for 5+yrs

£25 - £10

‘A definite must-see show – it’s great!’

Families Magazine

‘Stick Man lives in the family tree with his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three’ but he soon discovers that the world outside is a dangerous place when he meets a dog, a swan builds a nest with him and he even ends up on a fire. Guarantees more fun than you can shake a stick at!

HHHHH Sunday Express HHHHH ‘Wonderfully exuberant HHHH The Times and imaginative! Our 3 year old was HHHH The Independent engrossed from start to finish’ HHHH Daily Mail Time Out Critics’ Choice Recommended for 3+yrs

£12.50 / £8.50 CHILD 13

LIVE MUSIC

COMMUNITY

ON SALE 01 DEC. SUPPORTERS CAN BOOK EARLIER!

ON SALE 01 DEC. SUPPORTERS CAN BOOK EARLIER!

Sweeney Entertainments present

Seeking God’s Blessing for Colchester present

EasyTheatres.com present

Wed 1 Apr

Fri 3 Apr

Sat 4 Apr

MAIN THEATRE 8pm T.Rextasy have now been performing around the world for over 20 years, a career that ironically outlives Marc’s very own T.Rex. The band is now accepted as the world’s only official live tribute band dedicated to Marc Bolan & T.Rex, and the only band endorsed and approved by Marc Bolan’s family, estate, original exmembers of T.Rex, and Bolan’s catalogue management.

The band has been described by many as ‘beyond the boundaries of tribute’.

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

The speaker will be the Bishop of Colchester, The Right Reverend Roger Morris. 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.

MAIN THEATRE 8pm Brand new, coming to you direct from the USA. It’s the music of Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Lionel Richie, Barry White, Wilson Pickett, Earth Wind & Fire, George Benson, Sam & Dave, Eddie Floyd and scores more.

T.REXTASY I LOVE TO BOOGIE

Truly a rock ’n’ roll concert for all ages – If you would like to know exactly what a Marc Bolan concert was like in the 1970s, this show is for you!

£22.50 - £10 14

LIVE MUSIC

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE

SOUL LEGENDS

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 in the Borough.

Talented singers and musicians, jaw-dropping choreography and costumes revive Respect, Soul Man, Ain’t Nobody, Knock On Wood, Sex Machine, Proud Mary, You’re My First My Last My Everything, River Deep Mountain High, Ain’t No Stopping Us Now, Beat It, Three Times a Lady, Get Down on It, I Feel Good and more. Come and enjoy the feel-good show of the year. www.easytheatres.com

FREE

£25 - £10

LIVE MUSIC

COMEDY

LIVE MUSIC

ON SALE 01 DEC. SUPPORTERS CAN BOOK EARLIER!

ON SALE 01 DEC. SUPPORTERS CAN BOOK EARLIER!

ON SALE 01 DEC. SUPPORTERS CAN BOOK EARLIER!

UK Chinese Music Ensemble present

SOUND OF SILK AND BAMBOO

Off the Kerb Productions present

JSEP present

LIVE AND UNLEASHED BUT NATURALLY CAUTIOUS

STARRING LEE MEMPHIS KING

ANDY PARSONS

ONE NIGHT OF ELVIS

Tue 7 Apr

Wed 8 Apr

Thu 9 Apr

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Experience an evening of Chinese music showcasing string and bamboo instruments, singing and music from different regions, styles and ages. The ensemble features talented Chinese musicians who have performed in venues ranging from London’s Southbank Purcell Room to WOMAD and the WOMEX festival in Europe.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm With four sell-out national tours, three DVD releases and a special for Comedy Central already under his belt, Andy Parsons is back on the road with his fifth show.

‘...perfect, vibrant performances... technical perfection and brilliant playing...’ Songlines

Andy has enjoyed huge success as a writer and performer on television, radio and the live comedy stage. As well as a series regular on the award-winning Mock The Week (BBC 2) and Live At The Apollo (BBC 1), Andy has also appeared on QI (BBC2), The Politics Show (BBC1), Newsnight (BBC2), World’s Most Dangerous Roads (BBC2), Saturday Live (ITV) and Channel 4’s Comedy Gala at The O2. He was also lead writer on ITV’s hugely influential Spitting Image.

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm Brand new show for 2015! Lee Memphis King, Europe’s most successful Elvis Presley tribute artist presents the ultimate tribute to the King celebrating the epic career of this musical legend. Accompanied by his world-class orchestra and singers and featuring large screen projection, this is the largest Elvis show to tour UK theatres. This brand new production covers the legendary ’68 Comeback Special and the epic Vegas years. Featuring new songs and stunning costumes, One Night of Elvis remains the most authentic and most popular Elvis Presley production around. Prepare to be enthralled and spend one night with Elvis.

www.ukchinesemusic.com

Contains strong language. Recommended for 15+yrs

www.leememphisking.com

£12.50 / £8 CHILD

£18

£20

In addition to traditional repertoire such as Shanghai Teahouse and Cantonese pieces, the group also presents modern pieces by contemporary composers.

15

TALK

COMMUNITY

ON SALE 01 DEC. SUPPORTERS CAN BOOK EARLIER!

ON SALE 01 DEC. SUPPORTERS CAN BOOK EARLIER!

Lakin McCarthy present

Colchester Nepalese Society present

Fri 10 Apr

Sat 11 Apr

MAIN THEATRE 7.30pm An illustrated tour through the dark story of our fascination with murder, with Dr Lucy Worsley, BBC TV presenter, renowned historian and Chief Curator at the charity Historic Royal Palaces. She’ll examine some notorious crimes and criminals, and explain how murder became middle-class entertainment through novels, plays, paintings, and the press. Starting with a horrific early nineteenth-century serial killer in the East End of London, she’ll end with the tame drawing room dramas of Agatha Christie.

MAIN THEATRE 5.30pm Experience something new as talented performers from the Gurkha homeland come to the Mercury for the very first time!

AN EVENING OF MURDER BRAVEST OF WITH DR LUCY WORSLEY THE BRAVE

Following the interval, pose your questions directly in a special question and answer session.

Colchester’s Nepalese Society invites you to help commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Gurkha service to the British Crown. Featuring historic film footage, traditional music, folk dancing – including the legendary ‘Kukri’ knife dance – and a chance to try authentic Nepalese cuisine, Bravest of the Brave will celebrate the unique bond between our two great nations on the eve of Nepali New Year, 2072!

Recommended for 12yrs+

Recommended for 14+yrs

£19.50 - £10 16

£15 & DISCOUNTS

SAVE MONEY ON CAR PARKING

@ THE MERCURY THEATRE

Parked at St. Mary’s car park…?

SWAP YOUR BARRIER TICKET AT THE BAR FOR JUST £1.50!

ONLY AVAILABLE IF PARKED AFTER 3PM

DRAMA

Talawa Theatre Company present

ALL MY SONS

By Arthur Miller Presented in arrangement with Josef Weinberger Limited

Tue 14 - Sat 18 Apr 7.30pm, Thu and Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm It is 1947 and Joe and Kate Keller, an all-American couple, are living with the ghosts of World War II. Joe is a successful, self-made businessman, a loving family man and a pillar of the community. He is a partner in a machine shop building fighter plane parts. Joe and Kate’s happiness is clouded by one thing – their son is missing in action, presumed dead by all but his mother …

MAIN THEATRE

Talawa are the UK’s primary Black led touring theatre company. Michael Buffong is Artistic Director of Talawa. His recent credits include Moon on a Rainbow Shawl (National Theatre), All My Sons (Royal Exchange Theatre), and God’s Property (Talawa Theatre Company, Soho Theatre and the Albany).

‘A flawless production that … honours Miller’s ability to see things human’ The Guardian HHHHH Royal Exchange and Talawa Theatre Recommended for 12+yrs

All My Sons is a searing investigation of honesty, guilt and the corrupting power of greed.

The play was Arthur Miller’s first success, establishing him as a leading voice in theatre.

£25 - £10 & DISCOUNTS

POST-SHOW TALK WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL T

17

MUSICAL COMEDY

Sell A Door Theatre Company present

AVENUE Q

Wed 22 - Sat 25 Apr Wed 7.30pm, Thu - Sat 5.30pm & 8.30pm Following five years in the West End (packed with mischief, bad behaviour and political incorrectness), this hugely entertaining show is hitting the road on a brand new tour!

Created by Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez (Co-creator of Book of Mormon), AVENUE Q is an irresistibly charming musical which tells the story of the loveable characters on a downtown New York street trying to make sense of life’s burning issues.

Hilarious, cheeky and uproariously entertaining, with a terrific batch of songs performed by a cast of hugely talented performers and puppets, AVENUE Q is the musical like no other.

18

£26.50 - £10

MAIN THEATRE Winner of the Tony Awards ‘Triple Crown’ for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, Avenue Q is part flesh, part felt and packed with heart.

‘The best musical of the decade’ Sunday Times ‘You’d be a muppet to miss it!’

Edinburgh Evening News HHHHH

HHHHH Sunday Times, Magic FM, Sunday Express, Absolute Radio and Smooth FM @AvenueQUKTour Contains strong language and sexual content Recommended for 14+yrs

R E F F O T E K C I T N SEASO ICKET GOLD2 T per show Just £13.3

£39.95

H Includes best available seats on all days H Includes a free programme your plans H Free ticket exchanges if you need to change H Saves you up to £42.55!

OVER 60s All of the GOLD TICKET abbeovnee,fitfos ofr £3th6e Gold tickets apply to: Noises Off, Educating Rita and Little Shop of Horrors

TO BUY YOUR GOLD TICKET: Register and log in to our website at www.mercurytheatre.co.uk Choose your performances and the Gold Ticket will be automatically applied at checkout, or call us on 01206 573948.

CAN’T MAKE ONE OF THE SHOWS? Gold Tickets are fully transferable, so you can give your ticket for any show to a friend!

19

MADE IN COLCHESTER SEASON 2015

BY MICHAEL FRAYN Director Daniel Buckroyd

20

FRI 1SAT 16 MAY

BANK HOLIDAY MATINEE

Performance times pages 34 & 35

MAIN THEATRE

As this rip-roaring farce unfolds at breakneck speed, the backstage dramas of a touring theatre company threaten to derail the show, with hilarious consequences.

Noises Off lifts the curtain on the ups and downs on-stage and behind-the-scenes as bungled romances collide with wayward sardines, forgotten lines and just a few precious egos!

A shambolic dress rehearsal limps to a frantic opening night in WestonSuper-Mare and then it’s downhill all the way to the Municipal Theatre in Stockton-On-Tees. Can director Lloyd hold the show together? (No) Will Selsdon stay sober long enough to make his entry on time? (No) Does Dotty know whether she is coming or going? (Absolutely not) The show must go on!

COMEDY DRAMA

Winner of the Olivier and Evening Standard awards for Best Comedy, Noises Off is hailed as one of the greatest British comedies ever written.

It has delighted millions since it premiered in 1982.

Approximate running time 2hrs 30 minutes, including interval

“That’s what it’s all about.

Doors and sardines. Getting on – getting off. Getting the sardines on – getting the sardines off. That’s farce. That’s the theatre. That’s life.”

‘Noises Off gives a hysterical glimpse into life in touring theatre’ WhatsOnStage

Join us for a door-slamming, axe-wielding, trouser-dropping lineup of laughs to welcome the spring!

Recommended for ages 12+yrs Contains some strong language

‘Probably the most side-splitting play ever written’ The Independent

BT

Sat 9 May

11am

Backstage Tour

T

Wed 6 May

7.30pm

Post-show Talk

S

Thu 7 May

1.30pm

Seniors Matinee pre-show talk

P

Tue 12 May

4.30pm

Page to Stage: Staging Comedy

CAP

Thu 14 May

7.30pm

Captioned Performance

TT

Sat 16 May

1.00pm

Touch Tour

AD

Sat 16 May

2.30pm

Audio Described

£25 - £10 & DISCOUNTS £12 PREVIEW PERFORMANCES 1 & 2 MAY, TICKET PRICES PAGES 30-33

21

DON’T HANG AROUND

LIVE MUSIC

L A V R E T IN DRINKS CAN BE D E PRE-ORDER

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.

Photograph Eric Richmond

GALA SHOW Photograph Andy Siddens ON SALE 01 DEC. SUPPORTERS CAN BOOK EARLIER!

ON SALE 01 DEC. SUPPORTERS CAN BOOK EARLIER!

MIDGE URE AND INDIA ELECTRIC CO BREATHE AGAIN Mon 18 May

Tue 19 May

7.30pm

8pm

MAIN THEATRE

In 1995 Midge delivered his fourth solo album, Breathe.

This album, with its Celtic feel, involved a plethora of acoustic instruments from uilleann pipes to mandolin alongside his trademark soaring electric guitar riffs.

After the successful reformation of Ultravox in 2009, Midge revisits his Celtic roots to perform Breathe in its entirety for the first time, ably accompanied by two musicians from India Electric Co. The show will feature a selection of other hits such as Vienna, Dancing with Tears in My Eyes, Fade to Grey and If I Was, as well as songs from his recent album Fragile.

£18.50 22

LIVE MUSIC

Mercury Theatre & present

THE BRODSKY QUARTET MAIN THEATRE

Programme to include Schubert Death & the Maiden.

The Brodsky Quartet are the only quartet to combine a performing career at the top international level with a thirst for genre-bending collaborations with the likes of Elvis Costello, Jacqui Dankworth, Tunde Jegede and Björk. They have toured the great concert halls of Europe, Australasia, and North and South America, and continue to expand their incredible discography of over 60 CDs of the quartet repertoire.

‘The Brodsky Quartet is not just a great group. It is a genuine phenomenon, with a musical repertoire that is mind-blowing in its diversity.’ The Herald

£30 (PRE-SHOW PARTY), £22.50 - £10

DRAMA

DANCE

BRAND NEW SHOW ON SALE 01 DEC. SUPPORTERS CAN BOOK EARLIER!

Vamos Theatre present

BALLETBOYZ present

NURSING LIVES

theTALENT

Wed 20 May 7.30pm

Thu 21 - Sat 23 May MAIN THEATRE

When Flo learns that the hospital she trained at during the Second World War is being demolished, she decides to take one last look. Her illicit visit becomes a personal celebration of friendship, courage, adventure and romance. But is history ready to be re-written?

Set in the early 1980s the show takes us back to the hard-working, heart-breaking, swing-dancing world of the UK’s wartime hospitals. The production is wordless, telling its story through physical communication, a strong visual design and an original soundtrack. This is a humorous and poignant production from one of the UK’s best full mask theatre companies.

Recommended for 12+yrs

£22.50 - £10 & DISCOUNTS

ON SALE 01 DEC. SUPPORTERS CAN BOOK EARLIER!

7.30pm BalletBoyz are back with a brand new show for 2015.

Under the direction of former Royal Ballet dancers Michael Nunn OBE and William Trevitt OBE, theTALENT has become one of the hottest dance tickets around boasting rave reviews and sell-out performances around the world.

This show features two new commissions from leading British choreographers, The Murmuring by Alexander Whitley and Mesmerics by Christopher Wheeldon.

Performed by the incredible all male cast of 10 dancers, theTALENT promises an evening of style, excitement and muscular grace.

£25 - £10. BOOK EARLY FOR BEST PRICES

MAIN THEATRE ‘…like a smooth deep breath interrupted by a kick to the ribs’ (The Murmuring) Evening Standard ‘Mesmeric…moves bodies with an unfailing verve and wit’ Financial Times ‘A wonderfully bonded ensemble who move with passion and presence…’ The Times ‘A triumphant return for the prodigal sons’ TimeOut Recommended for 7+yrs

POST-SHOW TALK THURSDAY 21 MAY T

23

MADE IN COLCHESTER CO-PRODUCTION SEASON 2015 A Mercury Theatre Colchester & Salisbury Playhouse Production

BOOK & LYRICS BY HOWARD ASHMAN MUSIC BY ALAN MENKEN Director Gareth Machin Designer James Button Musical Director Richard Reeday Choreographer Nick Winston

Based on the film by Roger Corman Screenplay by Charles Griffith Image: feastcreative.com

24

DRAMA MUSICAL COMEDY

WED 27 MAYSAT 13 JUN Performance times pages 34 & 35 Mushnik’s Flower Shop is open for business as the monster musical Little Shop of Horrors takes over the Mercury Theatre with its feelgood mix of fun, flamboyance… and foliage.

Down-and-out shop worker Seymour becomes an overnight sensation when he raises a plant that feeds on fresh blood. Soon the plant is taking over the world and offering Seymour fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite.

Will Seymour give in to the plant’s demands and will he win the heart of kooky shop assistant Audrey?

MAIN THEATRE With a mixture of popular music styles – including rock ’n’ roll, doowap and Motown – Little Shop of Horrors is a charming and funny boymeets-girl, plant-eats-world musical that never fails to entertain. But remember… don’t feed the plants!

Originally produced by the WPA Theatre (Kyle Renick, Producing Director). Originally produced at the Orpheum Theatre, New York City by the WPA Theatre, David Geffen, Cameron Mackintosh and the Shubert Organization. Presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Limited on behalf of Music Theatre International of New York.

Recommended for ages 10+yrs

‘A mouthwatering musical treat’ The Times (on previous productions) ‘Monstrous fun’ Daily Telegraph (on previous productions) ‘Kooky, irresistibly feel-good’ The Guardian (on previous productions)

BT

Sat 6 Jun

11am

Backstage Tour

T

Wed 3 Jun

7.30pm

Post-show Talk

S

Thu 4 Jun

1.30pm

Seniors Matinee pre-show talk

TT

Sat 6 Jun

1.00pm

Touch Tour

AD

Sat 6 Jun

2.30pm

Audio Described

P

Tue 9 Jun

4.30pm

Page to Stage: Making Musical Theatre

Thu 11 Jun

7.30pm

Captioned Performance

CAP

£25 - £10 & DISCOUNTS £12 PREVIEW PERFORMANCES 27 & 28 MAY, TICKET PRICES PAGES 30-33

25

NEW TALENT

MADE IN COLCHESTER SEASON 2015

ANIMAL FARM A life of plenty awaits the animals of Manor Farm, following the overthrow of cruel Farmer Jones. At first all is well and all are equal, as the animals begin to run their own affairs. It’s not long, however, before the pigs begin to take charge and life on the farm turns sour.

COMING IN JULY 2015 George Orwell’s political masterpiece bursts into life in a new production by the Mercury Theatre Young Company, following their hits with Quadrophenia and The Wall.

Down on Animal Farm, all animals are equal - but some are more equal than others.

JOIN OUR YOUNG COMPANY Aged 16-25 years old next Summer and want to make “thrilling and vibrant” theatre? (The Public Reviews) Young Company members work closely with a professional director and creative team at the Mercury Theatre. You’ll be guided through the process of making amazing theatre and presenting it in our fantastic 500-seater auditorium.

Here’s what current Young Company members say about the experience:

Animal Farm (Hall) is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD.

By George Orwell, adapted by Peter Hall, with lyrics by Adrian Mitchell and music

by Richard Peaslee 26

‘Amazing, exhausting, mind-blowing, heart pumping.’

‘An inspirational and inclusive experience.’

‘Challenging. Exciting. Energetic. Confidence building.’

So, if you have a talent for acting, dance, costume making or design, technical theatre, set design, singing or music; or if you are committed to developing skills in any of these areas, sign up now: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/YoungCompany

BECOME PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL

015 EARLY YEARS Drop in classes for young children and their parents or carers – no need to book ahead. £4.50 per child. Term time only.

Play and Sway for Toddlers-3yrs

Tuesdays, 10.30am - 11.30am Make a rainbow or have tea with a tiger in our creative and fun-filled sessions.

Drama and Story Building for 3-5yrs

Tuesdays, 1pm - 2pm Share in your child’s imagination and help prepare them for school in our fun-packed sessions of games, activities and story building.

ACT V Mondays, 10.30am - 1.20pm (from January) £4.50 per session. Term time only.

These sessions for older adults include movement, a range of theatre activities and a great opportunity to meet new people during the coffee break. Pre-booking recommended.

FIND OUT MORE

AFTER SCHOOL DRAMA CLUBS 5-7yrs: Mondays, 4.15pm - 5.15pm 8-11yrs: Mondays, 5.30pm - 6.30pm Spring term: £49.50 (11 weeks). Term time only.

Fun drama sessions, which enable children to build confidence and make new friends.

Pre-booking essential.

YOUTH THEATRE

11-14yrs: Tuesdays OR Wednesdays, 6pm - 8pm 14-18yrs: Wednesdays OR Thursdays, 7pm - 9pm Spring term: £49.50 (11 weeks). Term time only.

Weekly sessions to develop performance skills and inspire creativity. No experience is necessary, just enthusiasm. Pre-booking essential.

PANTOMANIA WORKSHOPS Sat 13 Dec, 11.30am - 1pm (5-7yrs) Sat 20 Dec, 11.30am - 1pm (8-11yrs) It’s a magical time of year to go on stage, try on costumes and take part in a workshop to help Cinderella be the belle of the ball!

Call 01206 573 948 or go to: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/get-involved

TEACHERS’ NETWORK: DRAMA CPD EVENTS

inuing The Mercury Theatre is offering Cont for ties rtuni oppo ent lopm Professional Deve ation Primary, Secondary and Further Educ sessions provide teachers from across Essex. These gain new tice, prac best an opportunity to share skills and develop existing ones.

PRIMARY TEACHERS Thu 15 Jan, 5.45pm - 8pm Tue 16 Jun, 5.45pm - 8pm

CHERS SECONDARY & FE DRAMA TEA Thu 5 Feb, 5.45pm - 8pm Thu 18 Jun, 5.45pm - 8pm

these free CPD To find out more or to book onto tre.co.uk/CPD thea cury .mer www to: go ons, sessi

NEETSA

27

!

E C N E R E F IF D A E MAK

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

FRIENDS BENEFITS Regular newsletter Priority booking 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

28

CORPORATE SUPPORTER Bang and Olufsen thebestofcolchester Birkett Long Solicitors Colchester Institute DK Moriarty Limited Ellisons Solicitors

Essex and Suffolk Water Scrutton Bland The Smile Clinic Thompson Smith & Puxon Solicitors 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!

K PPORTERS@MERCURYTHEATRE.CO.U SU AIL EM 948 573 06 012 LL CA N FOR MORE INFORMATIO O.UK/SUPPORT-US OR VISIT WWW.MERCURYTHEATRE.C

SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL THEATRE IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK AND FREE! Could you display posters for a selection of upcoming productions? All you need to take part is a window! Sign up using the easy steps below and we’ll post or email you a poster every few months it couldn’t be easier!

HOW TO SIGN UP

curytheatre.co.uk Drop us an email to marketing@mer you’d like to receive or call 01206 573948. Let us know if a file to print at home.

A3 (large) or A4 (small) posters or just

Theatres are at th of our communiti Let’s shout about much that matter

When our Councillors are taking to about how to spend our taxes, they how much we value our local thea role in the community.

My Theatre Matters! invites you to how important your theatre is. We your stories and building a collecti influence decision makers.

Theatres are at the heart of our communities. your voice to the UK-w Let’s shout aboutAdd how mytheatrematte much that matters.

Let’s tell them - my theatre matter

Join the campaign and find ways to your voice heard.

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 29

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 8pm (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 for £1. We would recommend however that we email your tickets to you to print yourself at home.

BOOKING AND INFORMATION

30

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 or supporters.

Babes in arms – Can’t get a babysitter? We can now accommodate up to 15 under 2s, sat on laps, at select performances from February 2015. Tickets are £2.50 each and can be booked in person at our ticket desk or over the phone.

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WITH NO BOOKING FEE DISCOUNTS £10/£12 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.

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

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

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.

School Groups

Refreshments

Job Seeker Standby

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 exit tickets for our patrons who park in St Mary’s car park after 3pm. These can be purchased online, at the kiosk, bar or at the ticket sales counter.

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

Theatre Bar – the theatre bar is open one hour before the performance, during intervals and after the show. Tea, coffee and a wide range of drinks are on sale. You can avoid the interval 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 now 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 are waiting for you.

And don’t worry – the ice cream is still frozen and your wine still chilled!

Food @ The Mercury – open from 10am to late daily.

Lunch and pre-show set menus and a delicious a la carte selection. Call 01206 368100 to book.

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 34-35.

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 34-35.

P Page to Stage Performance Discover more about the creative process in this free workshop. For dates see diary pages 34-35.

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

31

BOOK AT WWW.MERCURYTHEATRE.CO.UK SEATING PLAN

ACCESS Tickets for disabled customers including those with impaired sight or hearing are £8.50 for all Made in Colchester productions.

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

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

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

6 5 L

8

7

6 5

8

7

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 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

G

41 F

40 39 E

39 38 38 D

38 37 37 37 C

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

38

39

40

M

6

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 H

41

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.

O 8

J

42

Companion Tickets

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

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

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

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

32 32 32 32

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

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 G

8 11

12 13

12

6 6 7

9

B

H

F

D

C

11 11

4 K J

7

10 10 10

7

8 9 9

7 8

5

5

6 6 6

4

4

5 5

4

6

8

2

3

4

5

7

3

3

4

3

2

2 1

1

H

G

F

E

D

C

B A

Educating Rita, Noises Off and Little Shop of Horrors ticket prices See show pages for prices of other shows.

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.

We welcome Assistance Dogs at all performances, please inform us when booking. The Mercury Theatre can accommodate up to four wheelchair users, 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 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 cloackroom.

Green Yellow Purple Blue Red Fri and Sat evenings £25.00 £22.50 £19.50 £15.00 £10.00 Wed, Thur 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 This is an example seating plan. Seating plans vary, see our website or speak to one of our friendly ticket sales assistants for details. Ticket prices, particularly for preview performances, may change without notice.

32

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.

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WITH NO BOOKING FEE Mercury Theatre Balkerne Gate Colchester Essex CO1 1PT

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.

Captioned

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

Captioning converts the spoken word, songs and sound effects into text on a caption unit on the stage. For dates see diary pages 34-35.

NORTH STATION

A12 LONDON

A134 SUDBURY

WAY WEST

COLNE BANK AVENUE

COWDRAY AVENUE

A137 HARWICH M’TREE

MERCURY THEATRE

ST MARY’S CAR PARK

JUMBO

HIGH ST

FIRSTSITE

A133 CLACTON

TOWN STATION SOUTH WAY

MAGDALEN ST

B1025 MERSEA

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

MERSEA ROAD

For access information please contact Maria Harrison on 01206 573948 or email access@mercurytheatre.co.uk

B1022 TIPTREE

CO WD RA YA VE NU E

CASTLE PARK

LEXDEN ROAD

Call 01206 573948

A12 IPSWICH

HA RW ICH RO AD

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

NORTH

IPS WIC HR OAD

CAP

HOW TO FIND US

NOR THE RN APP RD

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

For dates see diary pages 34-35.

BALKERNE HILL

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DIARY February Mon 2 Tue 3 Wed 4 Thu 5 Fri 6 Sat 7 Wed 11 Thu 12 Fri 13 Sat 14 Sun 15 Tue 17 Wed 18 Thu 19

Fri 20 Sat 21

Thu 26 Fri 27 Sat 28

7.30pm 7.30pm 8.00pm 8.00pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7pm 1pm 7pm 7pm 2pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 6.00pm 7.30pm 6.00pm 7.30pm 1.00pm 2.30pm 6.00pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

Random Raw Swinging at the Cotton Club Stewart Lee Stewart Lee Noodles Noodles Noodles Hansel and Gretel Hansel and Gretel Hansel and Gretel Hansel and Gretel Chinese New Year Gala Lionboy Lionboy Lionboy Hospital Food Lionboy Hospital Food Lionboy Hospital Food Lionboy Hospital Food Lionboy Educating Rita Educating Rita Educating Rita

March Mon 2 Tue 3 Wed 4 Thu 5 Fri 6 Sat 7 Mon 9 Tue 10 Wed 11 Thu 12 Fri 13 Sat 14 Tue 17 Wed 18 Thu 19 Fri 20 Sat 21 Mon 23 Tue 24 Wed 25 Thu 26 Fri 27 Sat 28 Mon 30 Tue 31

34

7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm S 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm P 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm CAP 2.30pm AD/TT 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 5.00pm 8.30pm 2.00pm 4.00pm 2.00pm 4.00pm

April An Evening with Monty Don Educating Rita Educating Rita Educating Rita Educating Rita Educating Rita Educating Rita Educating Rita David Starkey Educating Rita Educating Rita Educating Rita Educating Rita Educating Rita Educating Rita Educating Rita Fascinating A誰da Fascinating A誰da An Evening with Pam Ayres An Evening with Pam Ayres An Evening with Pam Ayres Three Men in a Boat Three Men in a Boat Three Men in a Boat Three Men in a Boat Bouncers Bouncers Bouncers Bouncers Horrible Histories Horrible Histories Horrible Histories Horrible Histories

Wed 1

Thu 2 Fri 3 Sat 4

Tue 7 Wed 8 Thu 9 Fri 10 Sat 11 Tue 14 Wed 15 Thu 16 Fri 17 Sat 18 Wed 22 Thu 23 Fri 24 Sat 25

11.00am 2.00pm 8.00pm 2.00pm 2.00pm 7.30pm 11.00am 2.00pm 8.00pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 5.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 5.30pm 8.30pm 5.30pm 8.30pm 5.30pm 8.30pm

Horrible Histories Horrible Histories T-Rextasy - I Love to Boogie Stick Man Stick Man Good Friday Service Stick Man Stick Man Soul Legends Sound of Silk and Bamboo Andy Parsons One Night of Elvis An Evening of Murder Bravest of the Brave All My Sons All My Sons All My Sons All My Sons All My Sons All My Sons All My Sons Avenue Q Avenue Q Avenue Q Avenue Q Avenue Q Avenue Q Avenue Q

gie

May Fri 1 Sat 2 Mon 4 Tue 5 Wed 6 Thu 7 Fri 8 Sat 9

o Mon 11 Tue 12 Wed 13 Thu 14 Fri 15 Sat 16 Mon 18 Tue 19 Wed 20 Thu 21 Fri 22 Sat 23 Wed 27 Thu 28 Fri 29 Sat 30

June 7.30pm Noises Off 7.30pm Noises Off 2.30pm Noises Off 7.30pm Noises Off 7.30pm Noises Off 2.30pm S Noises Off 7.30pm Noises Off 7.30pm Noises Off 2.30pm Noises Off 7.30pm Noises Off 7.30pm Noises Off 7.30pm P Noises Off 7.30pm Noises Off 2.30pm Noises Off 7.30pm CAP Noises Off 7.30pm Noises Off 2.30pm AD/TT Noises Off 7.30pm Noises Off 7.30pm Midge Ure and India Electric Co 8.00pm The Brodsky Quartet 7.30pm Nursing Lives 7.30pm Balletboyz - theTALENT 7.30pm Balletboyz - theTALENT 7.30pm Balletboyz - theTALENT 7.30pm Little Shop of Horrors 2.30pm Little Shop of Horrors 7.30pm Little Shop of Horrors 7.30pm Little Shop of Horrors 2.30pm Little Shop of Horrors 7.30pm Little Shop of Horrors

Mon 1 Tue 2 Wed 3 Thu 4 Fri 5 Sat 6 Mon 8 Tue 9 Wed 10 Thu 11 Fri 12 Sat 13

7.30pm Little Shop of Horrors 7.30pm Little Shop of Horrors 7.30pm Little Shop of Horrors 2.30pm S Little Shop of Horrors 7.30pm Little Shop of Horrors 7.30pm Little Shop of Horrors 2.30pm AD/TT Little Shop of Horrors 7.30pm Little Shop of Horrors 7.30pm Little Shop of Horrors 7.30pm P Little Shop of Horrors 7.30pm Little Shop of Horrors 2.30pm Little Shop of Horrors 7.30pm CAP Little Shop of Horrors 7.30pm Little Shop of Horrors 2.30pm Little Shop of Horrors 7.30pm Little Shop of Horrors

KEY Post-show Talk with Cast/Director P

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

S

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

CAP Captioned Performance

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

See www.mercurytheatre.co.uk for more information 35

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Call 01206 573948 www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

JUNE 2015

Join our mailing list: tickets@mercurytheatre.co.uk

Look out for Lights Up!, your chance to take over the Mercury. Do you belong to an amateur or community organisation looking for somewhere to stage an event or performance. Ever dreamed of making theatre on the Mercury stage? Then Lights Up! is for you. Find out more at 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.

Lights Up! A place for new talent to shine.

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