Mercury Theatre Colchester

On Thu 18 Oct we will joined by the hilarious Joe Pasquale! Stopping at the Mercury as part of his 30th Anniversary Tour, A Few Of His Favourite Things; a celebration of his best cack, plus some surprises on the way! Let your inner child loose and learn to laugh and play again. Tickets available here: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/…/joe-pasquale -a-few-of-his-favou…/

Tassels: An Evening of Burlesque comes to the Mercury on Tue 16 Oct. Leave your inhibitions at the door and experience the UK’s biggest burlesque extravaganza. With a bevy of beautiful stars, specialty variety artists and fabulous costumes, Tassels brings this classic variety art form into the 21st Century with a glamorous new show. www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/e…/tassels-an- evening-of-burlesque/

Only a couple of weeks until rehearsals begin for Nicola Werenowska's new play, Silence. In the meantime we spoke to Nicola and R&D Consultant, Nina Finbow about the inspiration for the play and how they have worked together to shape the piece. Read the interview here: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/…/chatting-thr ough-silence-an-int…/

Take a journey back into the 18th century and see the world premiere of Nick Perry’s unfaithful adaptation of Daniel Defoe's classic novel Moll Flanders! Tickets at www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/moll-fland ers

There's a few tickets left for Islands In The Stream, coming to the Mercury tomorrow! Don't miss out on this thigh-slapping stage show, which brings together Dolly's beloved glamour and personality with Kenny's charisma and energy. So leave your 9 to 5 worries at the door and get ready for a night in the company of country music royalty!
For more info and to book: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/islands-in -the-stream-2018/

This Thursday we will be joined by Dave Finnegan (star of the BAFTA award-winning film, The Commitments) and his 8-piece band! They will be performing a whole host of the classic hits from the film - so for an evening that will have you dancing in the aisles, get your tickets now! www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/dave-finne gan-s-commitments/

Touching, funny and utterly original, Scamp Theatre’s delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man is coming to the Mercury Theatre.
What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree?
This award-winning production, from the team behind The Scarecrows’ Wedding, features a tr...io of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.
Most suitable for age 3+yrs, but all ages welcome.
Presented by Scamp Theatre
Stick Man © 2008 Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Published by Alison Green Books, an imprint of Scholastic Children’s Books.
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The Mercury panto is back, and this year it’s bigger and better than ever.
Jack and the Beanstalk promises all the laughter, sparkle and excitement you’ve come to expect from the seasonal show that just keeps breaking box office records!
When Jack Trott and his family find themselves down on their luck, Jack’s mother sends her poor son to market to sell their beloved cow ‘Daisy’, but when she learns that he’s exchanged the cow for a few measly beans, she’s furious and throws ...them out into the garden to rot.
Little does she know that those beans are magical, and when the family awake next morning and find a great beanstalk soaring high into the sky, their lives will never be the same again, for the land is ruled over by a terrifying Giant who lives in a castle high up in the clouds and, being an adventurous lad, Jack vows to climb the beanstalk and face their Fi, Fi, Foe.
Will Jack make his fortune? Will he make his Mum proud of him again? And will the family ever be reunited with poor Daisy? Find out when you join Jack and friends for ‘a tale as magic as beans’ in our sky-high Mercury pantomime.
Starring panto favourites Antony Stuart-Hicks, Dale Superville and Carli Norris (Nurse Nellie, Muddles and the Enchantress in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs), and packed full of music and dancing, Jack and the Beanstalk promises to be a glittering Christmas treat for the whole family to enjoy!
Last year’s Mercury panto was nominated for no less than five Great British Panto Awards, including Best Pantomime, Best Script and Best Dame, so don’t miss out this year!
Please visit our website for the full range of dates and times! www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/jack-and-t he-beanstalk/
USEFUL INFORMATION: Approx running time 2hrs 30mins incl. interval - this is an estimate, please contact box office closer to performance for precise timings
Relaxed Performances - Sun 2 Dec, 12pm; Tue 4 Dec, 2pm; Thu 17 Jan, 7pm Captioned Performance - Wed 2 Jan, 7pm Audio Described (With pre-show Touch Tour at 5.30pm) - Fri 4 Jan, 7pm Adult Performances (18+ only) - Thu 10 Jan, 7.45pm; Fri 11 Jan, 7.45pm
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Despite the runaway success of his novel Robinson Crusoe, the author Daniel Defoe is up to his ears in debt and desperate to write another blockbuster.
When he falls into bed with the notorious courtesan Elizabeth Atkins, raised in Colchester, the stories she tells him about her action-packed life give him a great idea. He’ll turn them into a novel called Moll Flanders and it’ll fly off the shelves. But he hadn’t bargained on becoming entangled in Elizabeth’s tumultuous intr...igues and adventures himself, or falling in love with her…
The world premiere of Nick Perry’s unfaithful adaptation features a cast of terrific actor-musicians in a mashup of 18th century bawdiness and 21st century humour. Join Moll as she takes Dan on the ride of a lifetime!
Directed by Ryan McBryde, who also recently directed Pieces Of String:
“Rendered with immense clarity in director Ryan McBryde’s polished, moving production” ★★★★ Mark Shenton, The Stage
“The piece is magnificently directed by Ryan McBryde” ★★★★★ BritishTheatre.com
Presented by arrangement with The Touring Consortium Theatre Company
USEFUL INFORMATION: Contains adult themes Recommended for 14+yrs. Running time approx 2hrs 15mins incl. interval Senior Matinee: 2.30pm, Thu 4 Oct Post-show Talk: 7.30pm, Tue 9 Oct Captioned: 7.30pm, Wed 10 Oct Audio Described (with pre-show Touch Tour at 1pm): 2.30pm, Sat 13 Oct
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Rehearsals for Nick Perry's brand new adaptation of Moll Flanders begin today! Follow us on Twitter for daily words of wisdom from literature and get your tickets! www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/moll-fland ers

The world premiere of Nick Perry’s unfaithful adaptation features a cast of terrific actor-musicians in a mashup of 18th century bawdiness and 21st century humour. Join Moll as she takes Dan on the ride of a lifetime! Tickets at: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/moll-fland ers

Henry ‘My Dear Old Thing’ Blofeld has hung up his microphone after 50 years commentating on international cricket! Don’t miss the chance to wave a bat in honour of the last bastion of the original Test Match Special team; the team who made it the much-loved programme it is today. The summers of cricket will never be the same without our ‘Dear Old Thing’. Tickets: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/henry-blof eld-78-retired

This year’s Mercury Theatre panto will be bigger and better than ever!
Once again the junior chorus will take centre stage, and this is the chance for budding young stage stars to audition. The junior chorus are on stage for all of the big songs, there’s lots of singing and dancing, and the chorus play a variety of roles.
Junior chorus members are aged between 11 and 15 years* and, as a thank you, parents will be given two complimentary tickets to come and see the show!
... Interested? Application forms are available in person from our Box Office team. Audition slots are limited and allocated on a first come first served basis!
Visit here for more info: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/make-it/young-pe ople/junior-chorus/
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Step behind the scenes on a FREE backstage tour!
Join us for a friendly tour of the backstage areas of the Mercury Theatre, one of the leading producing theatres in the country. Learn about the history of the theatre, and the work of the talented team of theatre-makers. Tours include stage, workshop and wardrobe where sets and costumes are created and a chance to find out more about the exciting redevelopment plans.
Saturday 8 September: Tours at 10am, 10.30am, 11am, 11.30am ...and 12pm
Book your place here: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/heritage-o pen-days-free-tour/
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On Mon 8 Oct enjoy an intimate evening with John Challis, one of the nation’s greatest comedy actors, best known as Boycie in BBC1’s Only Fools and Horses! In this one-off show, the national treasure will reveal secrets from the set with stories and anecdotes from his dazzling career. Tickets: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/only-fools -and-boycie/

For this #ThrowbackThursday we're asking if anyone remembers the 1992 Mercury Rep Company production of Moll Flanders here at the Mercury? Share your memories of the Rep with our Mercury Voices archiving team at mercuryvoices@mercurytheatre.co.uk 🖋️
26 years later, Moll's coming back! Get your tickets on our website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/moll-fland ers

We're very happy to announce that Katy Griffiths and Deborah Sawyerr will join the Mercury as joint Deputy Executive Directors this Autumn. Read more below!

Tickets for Russell Kane's Valentine's Day 2019 show are on general sale NOW! To get yours please call us on: 01206 573948 OR visit our website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/…/russell-kane -the-fast-and-the-c…/ Hurry - we're expecting them to go fast!

Went to the Christmas Panto last night, as I do most Christmas’s and I have to say this years was the best one ever.. well done to everyone who had anything to do with it.. absolutely fantastic �

We take our little ones to the pantomime every year, and every year we all love it. Never fails to make us laugh, and it’s all the little ones talk about for ages after. They get so excited to go, and are never let down. Can’t wait for next years already.

Watched the adult version of snow white last night. Wow. Amazing. So funny. Great cast. Carli norris is great as a villain. The dame, top credit. Loads of abuse from him/her.

Why isn't there more of this. I here the play is all done by the theatre. Get more of these on. Would happily go and see the adult snow white again. Well done every one.

The panto this tear was the absolute best I’ve ever seen. My cheeks hurt from the amount of laughing and smiling. Probably the best money I’ve spent in 12 months - you guys rock - will continue to see you for panto as I have for the last 8 years

Thank you mercury theatre for a fantastic performance of 'Snow White' we watched the relaxed performance and we recieved the tickets on behalf of ShortBreaks. Wonderful acting, actors went on and off script, were very funny, interactive and made the audience feel very comfortable. We willl definitely come along to the mercury theatre again. Thank you so much!

Snow White was amazing, went to a relaxed showing our tickets were given to us on behalf of Action for Children and the cast were brilliant with the audience, so interactive - they went off script, forgot the script, muddles ripped his trousers at the crotch, Chocolate was stolen from the audience (and replaced) but it all added to the performance. My daughter and her friend were dancing in the aisle and got to talk to the prince and muddles at the end - they desperately wanted to speak to nelly but there was too big a queue. Well done Mercury xxx

Never been to a Mercury Theatre panto before, instead going to Chelmsford or Southend .

We will be back next year.

It had everything you'd hope for, traditional interaction (oh no/oh yes, he's behind you, audience singing, speaking to audience and someone on stage) , modern references- hashtag, child and adult actors, humour, ad-libbing, great costumes, well known songs, good singing and script and a recognisable name. Nothing missed, everything covered and well covered at that. Plus the option for pre paid parking, programme and ice creams. V well done Mercury. Thanks for a great afternoon.

My family and I went to the Mercury Theatre on Friday 29th December 2017 to watch Snow White in pantomime form.

The entertainment, venue, staff, facilities and experience was second to none.

It’s the second year we have done this and it will now be a family tradition.

The actors in the pantomime were genius, funny and interacted with the audience perfectly.

A big shout out to all involved and thank you all very much for a wonderful experience.

My family and I laughed the whole way through. The cast were fabulous as usual, particularly The Dame and Muddles who truly make the performance. Loved the new villain she was full of sass and played the audience really well. Fantastic evening!

My daughter and I came last night to the FlashTribute to Queen show. What a rocking great evening we had. We also came a few weeks ago to watch the American Rocks (Bon Jovi, Brian Adams and Bruce Springsteen) - again fantastic rocking event.

More of these shows please, we love them.���������

Lovely place, well organised and friendly.

I particularly enjoyed the fact that the seating is awesome and a clear view is possible from virtually everywhere (unlike some theatres in London).

This was my first Panto and I have to say Snow White was really entertaining! Loved the comedy the ad-libbing, and how the cast got the crowd going. Well done to the cast it was excellent!

Good value for money too and parking nearby was cheap.

I highly recommend you visit and enjoy a show!

Just been to the panto Snow White omg it was amazing, I laughed my little socks off. The innuendos and ad libs simply added to the fun and beauty of it. Well done to all those involved.

I went to see Snow White & loved every minute especially the Wicked Queen. She was brilliant as were all the actors. It was so entertaining from start to finish. The costumes, the scenery, the singing, the comedy, the dwarfs were top class. One of the best pantos I have seen.

I have just come back from the adult pantomime (having done one with the kids in December) was amazing so funny, I hurt from laughing would recommend and definitely would come again and again

Have just seen Pieces of String and this is the best production I have ever seen at the Mercury. I have attended some very good shows but this is in another league. Everything about it from the inspirational set moving songs and great writing this would grace any West London theatre. The writer deserves an award for this play. I can’t praise it enough its a must see production but be warned don’t forget the tissues!!!!

Christmas starts for us when we go to the Pantomime, last night 8 of my family attended and we laughed, booed and cheered, we shouted “he’s behind you!” It was brilliant! As always the cast, set and performance was amazing! Particularly the dame “Nelly” cannot wait to book next years seats!

Attended first show at this theatre, and what an amazing little facility. Auditorium designed well, that ALL seats have a great view of the stage. Small venue that gives a big production feel.

Another year, another excellent Panto. Lunch in the Mercury Restaurant was good value and freshly cooked. All round good day with the family and grandchildren. I’ll be booking for next year on the day of ticket release as I usually do.

A great place to introduce children to theatre. The restaurant next door serves good food at good prices and it’s well worth pre-booking that along with the car park. A hassle free way to come into Colchester and experience something new.

Went to the Christmas Panto last night, as I do most Christmas’s and I have to say this years was the best one ever.. well done to everyone who had anything to do with it.. absolutely fantastic �

We take our little ones to the pantomime every year, and every year we all love it. Never fails to make us laugh, and it’s all the little ones talk about for ages after. They get so excited to go, and are never let down. Can’t wait for next years already.

Watched the adult version of snow white last night. Wow. Amazing. So funny. Great cast. Carli norris is great as a villain. The dame, top credit. Loads of abuse from him/her.

Why isn't there more of this. I here the play is all done by the theatre. Get more of these on. Would happily go and see the adult snow white again. Well done every one.

The panto this tear was the absolute best I’ve ever seen. My cheeks hurt from the amount of laughing and smiling. Probably the best money I’ve spent in 12 months - you guys rock - will continue to see you for panto as I have for the last 8 years

Thank you mercury theatre for a fantastic performance of 'Snow White' we watched the relaxed performance and we recieved the tickets on behalf of ShortBreaks. Wonderful acting, actors went on and off script, were very funny, interactive and made the audience feel very comfortable. We willl definitely come along to the mercury theatre again. Thank you so much!

Snow White was amazing, went to a relaxed showing our tickets were given to us on behalf of Action for Children and the cast were brilliant with the audience, so interactive - they went off script, forgot the script, muddles ripped his trousers at the crotch, Chocolate was stolen from the audience (and replaced) but it all added to the performance. My daughter and her friend were dancing in the aisle and got to talk to the prince and muddles at the end - they desperately wanted to speak to nelly but there was too big a queue. Well done Mercury xxx

Never been to a Mercury Theatre panto before, instead going to Chelmsford or Southend .

We will be back next year.

It had everything you'd hope for, traditional interaction (oh no/oh yes, he's behind you, audience singing, speaking to audience and someone on stage) , modern references- hashtag, child and adult actors, humour, ad-libbing, great costumes, well known songs, good singing and script and a recognisable name. Nothing missed, everything covered and well covered at that. Plus the option for pre paid parking, programme and ice creams. V well done Mercury. Thanks for a great afternoon.

My family and I went to the Mercury Theatre on Friday 29th December 2017 to watch Snow White in pantomime form.

The entertainment, venue, staff, facilities and experience was second to none.

It’s the second year we have done this and it will now be a family tradition.

The actors in the pantomime were genius, funny and interacted with the audience perfectly.

A big shout out to all involved and thank you all very much for a wonderful experience.

My family and I laughed the whole way through. The cast were fabulous as usual, particularly The Dame and Muddles who truly make the performance. Loved the new villain she was full of sass and played the audience really well. Fantastic evening!

My daughter and I came last night to the FlashTribute to Queen show. What a rocking great evening we had. We also came a few weeks ago to watch the American Rocks (Bon Jovi, Brian Adams and Bruce Springsteen) - again fantastic rocking event.

More of these shows please, we love them.���������

Lovely place, well organised and friendly.

I particularly enjoyed the fact that the seating is awesome and a clear view is possible from virtually everywhere (unlike some theatres in London).

This was my first Panto and I have to say Snow White was really entertaining! Loved the comedy the ad-libbing, and how the cast got the crowd going. Well done to the cast it was excellent!

Good value for money too and parking nearby was cheap.

I highly recommend you visit and enjoy a show!

Just been to the panto Snow White omg it was amazing, I laughed my little socks off. The innuendos and ad libs simply added to the fun and beauty of it. Well done to all those involved.

I went to see Snow White & loved every minute especially the Wicked Queen. She was brilliant as were all the actors. It was so entertaining from start to finish. The costumes, the scenery, the singing, the comedy, the dwarfs were top class. One of the best pantos I have seen.

I have just come back from the adult pantomime (having done one with the kids in December) was amazing so funny, I hurt from laughing would recommend and definitely would come again and again

Have just seen Pieces of String and this is the best production I have ever seen at the Mercury. I have attended some very good shows but this is in another league. Everything about it from the inspirational set moving songs and great writing this would grace any West London theatre. The writer deserves an award for this play. I can’t praise it enough its a must see production but be warned don’t forget the tissues!!!!

Christmas starts for us when we go to the Pantomime, last night 8 of my family attended and we laughed, booed and cheered, we shouted “he’s behind you!” It was brilliant! As always the cast, set and performance was amazing! Particularly the dame “Nelly” cannot wait to book next years seats!

Attended first show at this theatre, and what an amazing little facility. Auditorium designed well, that ALL seats have a great view of the stage. Small venue that gives a big production feel.

Another year, another excellent Panto. Lunch in the Mercury Restaurant was good value and freshly cooked. All round good day with the family and grandchildren. I’ll be booking for next year on the day of ticket release as I usually do.

A great place to introduce children to theatre. The restaurant next door serves good food at good prices and it’s well worth pre-booking that along with the car park. A hassle free way to come into Colchester and experience something new.