The Comedy Club As Seen on TV Returns Don't Miss it ! Celebrating 27 years of bringing Laughter to Life! The Comedy Club is one of the most recognised and respected names in the comedy Industry and over the years has worked across the UK and Abroad with the best of the best. For Friday 17th February they have hand-picked some of their favourite Five Star Laughter makers in the UK and brought them together for you in one full show! Be prepared, get buckled up and get ready for one of the funniest nights of your life! We will bring 4 TOP Comedians right to your doorstep here in Colchester. Let's have a night of pure comedy and non-stop laughs. These Comedians Headline and play all over the UK to packed venues every week - DO NOT MISS!

Ultimate tribute concert to Tina Turner, presented by the award-winning producers behind Whitney - Queen Of The Night.

The Simon & Garfunkel Story continues to stun audiences across the globe, making it a must-see international sensation. Using huge projection photos and original film footage, the international hit show also features a full live band performing all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more.

The incredible ‘Showstopper! The Improvised Musical’ have announced more tour dates and West End shows throughout 2025! Spontaneous musical comedy at its finest, this is the first ever long-form improv show to have a full West End run and to be nominated and win an Olivier Award. For those who haven’t yet experienced the live phenomenon that is ‘Showstopper! The Improvised Musical’, the show is a fully-realised musical created on the spot from audience suggestions. The cast take ideas for settings, genres, musical styles and the show title and weave it into ingenious storylines with hilarious characters. From Lin Manuel Miranda to Stephen Sondheim, whether it’s set in a primary school, Ancient Egypt, or a mattress shop – if the audience thinks it, The Showstoppers can turn it into a hit musical. The majority of the cast also have much acclaim with founder member Ruth Bratt being part of the famous Comedy Store Players, the longest running impro show in the country; Pippa Evans being a regular on BBC Radio 4, has toured with I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue and wrote ‘Now That's What I Call A Musical!’ (that’s currently on UK tour). The pilot of Hopping, a new comedy from Lucy Trodd and Susan Harrison, aired on BBC Radio 4 and Matt Cavendish appeared on this year’s Royal Variety Performance with Mischief Theatre's ‘A Comedy About Spies’. Co-founder Adam Meggido directed the West End and Broadway hit show Peter Pan Goes Wrong. The incredibly talented West End star Miracle Chance (Roald Dahl’s The Witches at the National Theatre, Veronica Sawyer in Heathers at The Other Palace) has just joined the cast. The Showstoppers also regularly run improvisation workshops and courses for beginners and professionals and have a successful podcast - The Showstopper! Podcast, with recent guests including Zizi Strallen, Rufus Hound and Reuben Kaye. The Showstoppers have performed created more than 1,000 brand new musicals since they were formed in 2008 but they don’t stop working hard at their craft – they have to learn to improvise in the style of every hit show that comes to town, and they always encourage audiences to challenge them and keep them on their toes. As a result, they continue fill theatres, delight audiences and win awards. In 2024 they were in the Top 10 best reviewed shows of entire Edinburgh Fringe – for the second year running - no mean feat in their 15th year selling out the Pleasance Grand once more!

If you are wanting to find a choir you'll find a happy place with us in the Rock Choir. The Colchester Rock Choir is led by local vocal tutor Adam Henriksen. The local men and women who have joined the choir who live in Colchester and further afield in Essex come from all walks of life and most had no singing experience or ever thought their singing journey would ever take them on TV or radio (not compulsory). Once you join the choir you will find you learn the songs by rote from a brilliant set of resources and you will be amazed how quickly you go from 'not sure' to 'performance ready'. The songs are uniquely arranged by Rock Choir founder Caroline Redman Lusher to make songs easy to sing yet still challenge you in places. Rock Choir offers the chance to sing pop, rock and Motown songs together in a comfortable, unauditioned way. There are 10+ rehearsals a term and any commitment you make will fit nicely around the main holiday times in the year.

Join me on my Diamond Jubilee lap of honour as I celebrate 60 Glorious Years of fun, laughter and low level disruption! Marvel! As I offer new insights into the hot topics of the day such as the demise of the SCART lead, The Culture Wars, the differences between crab sticks and rhubarb and the origins of Tiramisu! Guffaw with delight! As I delve into my back catalogue using my patented ‘Old Bit Randomiser’ for old favourites like ‘Interspecies Tennis’, ‘The time I went up in the Space Shuttle' and ‘When Nan got her hair caught in the knitting’! Cough Awkwardly! As Gary, (my son from my first marriage) attempts to take over the business again. Tap your Feet! As Stouffer The Cat spits a little Steflon Don! Watch in Wonder! At the return of The Badger Parade with guest appearances from The Knitted Character and Abu Hamster. Plus one lucky audience member will get to join me in a double act! So get on board the laughter train!

The Leopard in My House is proof that this leftie, working-class, Radio 4 favourite truly deserves his place in the UK comedy pantheon. Join multi award-winning, BAFTA-nominated writer and comedian Mark Steel for his new tour ‘The Leopard in My House’. The topic? His battle with throat cancer. A battle he is winning (thankfully) and which only his rapier wit could fashion a comedy tour show out of. Cancer has done nothing to dull Mark’s acute political observations or quash his “frankly bonkers” energy: you will laugh, you will cry, but you’ll laugh again, and again, and again. Mark Steel is best known for his critically-acclaimed BBC Radio 4 show Mark Steel’s in Town (now in its 13th series), as well as his hit podcast What The F★★★ Is Going On…?. He has presented the BAFTA-nominated Mark Steel Lectures for BBC Two, and is a regular on BBC One’s Have I Got News for You and BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz. He has also written several acclaimed books, including an adaptation of his critically acclaimed stand-up show Who Do I Think I Am? for Audible.

Based on the beloved book by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort. These pirates SO love underpants! Join our swashbuckling party of pirates on their quest to find the fabled Pants of Gold for the Captain’s Treasure chest! Dodge hungry crocs beneath Long-John Bridge, bob upon the waves of Big Knickers Bay, spot sharks in fancy underpants and trek across Three Pants Ridge. Filled with music, puppetry and glittering pants of gold, arrr you ready to set sail for a family adventure? Pirates Love Underpants is suitable for children aged 1+.

Three-time Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke is joined by Ncuti Gatwa ( Doctor Who; Sex Education ) in this joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy. While assuming the role of a dutiful guardian in the country, Jack lets loose in town under a false identity. Meanwhile, his friend Algy adopts a similar facade. Hoping to impress two eligible ladies, the gentlemen find themselves caught in a web of lies they must carefully navigate. Max Webster ( Life of Pi ) directs this hilarious story of identity, impersonation and romance, filmed live from the National Theatre in London.

The Juggle is a brand new tour from confessional multi-award winning comedian Suzi Ruffell. It’s hard to be good all the time. A good mother, a good daughter, a good partner, a good friend, a good person. To be ambitious but not ruthless; a success but not a sell-out. A gentle parent but not a pushover. To be smashing life and make it look easy. The juggle. Suzi is exhausted and she hasn’t even started. This is a stand-up show and a support group! Suzi has appeared on Live at the Apollo, The Jonathan Ross Show, The Last Leg and QI. Suzi co-hosts smash-hit podcasts Big Kick Energy with Maisie Adam and Like Minded Friends with Tom Allen, as well as having her own podcast, OUT with Suzi Ruffell. She even finds time to host on Virgin Radio. Suzi’s debut book, Am I Having Fun Now? is released in June 2025.

Described as ‘a truly gifted stand up’ by The Sunday Times, join Joanne as she revisits her irreverent and critically acclaimed show The Prosecco Express. Due to a relentless ageing process, Joanne is suddenly in her late thirties with no husband, no kids, no pension and no plan. She is full of questions: if she doesn’t birth anything, who will be obligated to watch her die so she doesn’t have to do it alone? Can she start a GoFundMe page to get a golden tomb built for single people to get buried in together, or do we all just get thrown into a mass grave and covered in cat hair?

Come and join Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor as they recreate the match that gripped a nation – the 1985 World Snooker Final. A record-breaking 18.5m TV viewers stayed up to watch the legendary match and this is your chance to see the rematch with snooker royalty as we recreate the final frame from that special night. Snooker legend John Virgo is your host and referee for an evening guaranteed to include his famed, hilarious snooker impressions. A night not to be missed, there will also be a Q&A, providing you with the opportunity to pose the questions you always wanted to ask!

Fresh off the stage in London's West End, The Dazzling Diamonds proudly present their smash-hit comedy variety drag show. This isn't just any show - these "ladies" deliver a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud spectacle like no other. Featuring a cast of three internationally acclaimed performers, the show is a dazzling mix of outrageous comedy, sensational live vocals and jaw-dropping dance routines. Expect iconic hits from Tina Turner, Adele, Lady Gaga, Elton John, and many more - though not quite like you've seen them before! Heading out on the road for their third and biggest tour to date, The Dazzling Diamonds are bringing an all-new show packed with hilarious new routines, alongside some of the fan favourites that audiences have come to know and love. They've been wowing audiences everywhere, leaving them with aching jaws, tears of laughter, and standing ovations night after night. Don't miss your chance to see why audiences are calling this "the funniest night on the road." So, grab your gang, dust off the sequins, and get ready for an evening of glitz, glamour, and non-stop entertainment. The Dazzling Diamonds are here to shine - and trust us, you won't want to miss a moment!.

Avalon Comedy's The Comedy Network is a monthly series of laugh out loud comedy nights, featuring the best up-and-coming comedians - we can promise you a great night with lots of laughs and talent. Previous line-up guests have included Sophie Duker (Taskmaster), Jayde Adams (contestant on the 2022 series of Strictly Come Dancing), Simon Brodkin (also known as Lee Nelson) and many more. The Fri 2 May line-up is to be confirmed. Stay tuned for updates! Please note: Line-up subject to change.

The World’s Official No. 1 Eagles tribute returns for another outstanding show promising more of their trademark musical prowess, acute attention to detail, and incredible showmanship. This phenomenal group of musicians have been touring for over two decades and remain true Eagles fanatics! Their longevity and continued international acclaim are due in no small part to their extraordinary mastery of the Eagles’ distinctive sound. Featuring the very best from the Eagles’ repertoire including Hotel California, Take it to the Limit, Life in the Fast Lane, Take It Easy, Lyin’ Eyes, Desperado and plenty more!

The Signatures are the UK's leading Northern Soul Band. The band put their own expression to many classic Northern Soul numbers creating a true balance between authentic and modern in sound. The Signatures give a full set of passion and energy guaranteeing to get the audience out on the floor.

Magic of Motown 20th Anniversary Tour Seen by millions, The Magic of Motown is back with its 20th Anniversary Tour! It’s no surprise that this show is one of the biggest success stories in British theatre history. Come celebrate our brand-new show as we Reach Out and show you there ain’t no mountain high enough with the biggest Motown party of the year. Get ready for all the hits, glittering costumes, dazzling dance routines and outstanding musicianship in this breath-taking live concert spectacular. You will be going Loco down in Acapulco as we take you back down memory lane with all the Motown classics from artists such as: Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, The Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson, and many, more. Celebrate the sound of a generation with one very special night of The Magic of Motown! This is a tribute show and is no way affiliated with any original artists/estates/management companies or similar shows. The promoter reserves the right to alter the programme.

Somewhere in a parallel universe little Alfie’s natural comedic performance skills were recognised by his doting parents who encouraged and developed his blossoming talent. After several years as a stage school brat Alfie’s angelic face was launched on stage and screen and the rest is history. Meanwhile, in this universe Alfie Moore was told to stop messing about in class before being ‘encouraged’ into the grinding, grimy world of an apprenticeship in the Sheffield steelworks. When recession hit he traded steel for copper by joining Humberside Police. In his 40s the two universes collided when Alfie made a bid for showbiz success – but unfortunately 30 years of shift-work and being punched in the face quite a lot, had left him with ‘a face for radio’. A face not so much ‘lived in’ as inhabited by a settlement of squatters with little regard to property maintenance and repair. This is the true story of ‘Fair Cop’ Alfie’s big plan to transition from the BBC radio waves to TV star. Could it be done? Or had Father Time decided that his time had passed?

A night of laughter, cabaret, mystery, and glamour! Roll up, roll up...a scintillating night out of sparkling entertainment – the UK’s longest running burlesque show – is back touring the nation. And, it’s bigger than ever. Join us for the good old-fashioned night out as we bring you the ultimate variety show, blending stylish cabaret, comedy, music, circus and burlesque to light up all your senses. With world-class entertainers and stars of the stage and screen – prepare for an extravaganza of glitz and glamour! Expect fun, feathers and fabulous costumes as we pick from the finest selection of specialty artistes, cabaret and circus stars, comedians and champagne showgirls! It’s the perfect night for everyone. An Evening of Burlesque is filled with artistic spectacle that has enraptured audiences for centuries. This sensational variety show brings together a bounty of beautiful stars for an unrivalled variety show for the 21st Century! Expect the unexpected with plenty of glitter and glamour! It’s cocktails and cabaret o’clock! An Evening of Burlesque Cabaret - we are waiting for you!

Whether you're a brother or whether you're a mother, when the feeling's gone and you can't go on, its time to put on your dancing shoes, for the night out of the year you have been waiting for, as we celebrate the songs of music royalty, the Bee Gees. With a brand-new show, complete with stunning light and video show, prepare to experience the distinct sound of one the greatest bands to have ever graced the stage in this unforgettable concert spectacular. Immerse yourself in the brothers music through the Sixties, Seventies, and Eighties including hits they wrote for artists such as Celine Dion, Diana Ross, and Dolly Parton. Join us for this breath-taking concert spectacular, taking you on a musical journey through all your favourite songs, including Night Fever, Stayin Alive, More Than a Woman, You Should Be Dancing, How Deep is Your Love and many more! This fabulously authentic production ensures the Gibb brothers incredible legacy of classic hit songs is well and truly stayin' alive!

Experience the magic of Whitney Houston like never before with Saving All My Love For You - a breathtaking celebration of the voice that defined generations. This spectacular tribute brings Whitney's greatest hits to life, from heart-melting ballads including "I Will Always Love You" and "Greatest Love of All" to sparkling dancefloor anthems such as "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" and "How Will I Know" that will have you moving all night long. Featuring a world-class vocalist embodying Whitney's iconic sound, supported by a fantastic live band and powerhouse backing vocalists, this show radiates the energy, elegance, and sheer magic of Whitney's unforgettable performances. With stunning costumes, every element radiates Whitney's timeless magic, creating an atmosphere filled with joy, wonder, and pure musical brilliance. Don't miss an evening filled with soul-stirring music, electrifying hits, and moments of pure enchantment. Saving All My Love For You - a magical celebration of the one and only Whitney Houston!

La Bouche Manouche featuring Irene Serra present an evening of much-loved gypsy jazz tunes and foot-tapping swing numbers from the Great American songbook, all in their inimitable Manouche style! For this performance, they will be showcasing music from their newly released second album, "Got A Little Rhythm!" and playing a set of their most popular repertoire that has seen them amass over 5 million views on YouTube. From Django Reinhardt originals to Billie Holiday classics, favourite swing tunes, French chansons and tangos, this show is an unmissable evening of gypsy jazz celebration. Featuring critically-acclaimed Irene Serra on vocals, La Bouche Manouche is a vintage jazz quintet influenced by the chic era of the Jazz Age. Their creative repertoire is rooted in the sound of the Parisian Hot Club, featuring Django Reinhardt originals, gypsy tunes and Edith Piaf classics as well as French Chansons, Latin flavours and songs from the Great American Songbook. With Andy Ruiz-Palma on lead guitar, Nathan Mansfield on violin/trumpet, Amy Baldwin on double bass and Sol Grimshaw on rhythm guitar, La Bouche Manouche is made up of highly experienced, in-demand performers who have played in many prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, the Barbican Centre, the Southbank Centre, the Royal Festival Hall and Ronnie Scotts. Catch this highly anticipated performance from one of the UK's top gypsy jazz bands!.

rePunK'd is a high-energy tribute that brings the unfiltered power of classic punk and the daring innovation of new wave back to life. Relive the mid-70s to early 80s through their explosive, authentic sound that captivates audiences of all ages. Get ready for an electrifying setlist featuring hits by The Clash, The Sex Pistols, The Boomtown Rats, Blondie, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and more! rePunK'd channels the unapologetic attitude and raw energy that defined a generation. From iconic punk anthems like 'Pretty Vacant' by The Sex Pistols, 'London Calling' by The Clash, and 'No More Heroes' by The Stranglers to the iconic new wave hits like Blondie's 'Hanging on the Telephone' and Elvis Costello's 'Pump It Up', rePunK'd revives the music that defied norms and inspired a movement. Experience a nostalgic journey for those who lived it, a time-machine for those who wish they had, and an epic introduction for the next generation. With every performance, rePunK'd celebrates the timeless legacy of punk and new wave music that continues to resonate worldwide.

Joel returns to his stand-up roots with a brand-new show. With glamorous tales from behind the camera and less glamorous anecdotes of first-time fatherhood, Joel remains a charming, exhausted, happy idiot. As one of the nation’s most familiar faces on television, Joel has established himself as one of the UK’s most trusted and beloved presenters and a firm favourite in UK households. As presenter of Saturday night smash-hit The Masked Singer, ITV2’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here: Extra Camp, BBC’s reboot of Survivor, the hugely popular quiz show In With A Shout and the front man of the National Television Awards, Joel has also hosted BBC’s Live at the Apollo and co-hosts hit podcast, Never Have I Ever with his wife, Hannah.

Come with us to the place you belong, for a night of the very best country classics! Leave your 9 to 5 worries at the door and get ready as - for one night only - we celebrate the Kings and Queens of country music.

Fresh off the back of their stint as opening act for ADELE’S August 2024 Munich Residency, we are excited to welcome The Spice Girls Experience to “Live at Kilworth “ for the first time. Join Ginger, Scary, Sporty, Baby and Posh as they perform all of your favourite chart-topping Spice Girls hits including Wannabe, Stop, Say You’ll Be There, Who Do You Think You Are, Viva Forever, Too Much, Goodbye, Holler, 2 Become 1, and Mama, all with their superb live backing band. Don’t miss your chance to Spice Up your Life at Kilworth!

The UK's Premier Tribute to Global Phenomenon… 'Ms Rachel'! Bringing 'Ms Rachels' character to life in a FUN, interactive LIVE on stage performance with lots of audience participation for the little ones! With over 5 Billion Views and over 8 million subscribers on Youtube, 'Ms Rachel' is the biggest viral sensation to hit our children's screens since 'Baby Shark!' 'Fun for Little Ones Live' encapsulates the bubbly personality, sweet singing voice and educational content; bringing to life a fun show for children. The production also includes Interactive Screen Content throughout featuring unique and on brand animation & scenery, plus Puppetry, Characters & Voices on screen with Monty & friends. This UK Premier tribute is the only one of it's kind, with little people across the country going crazy for her.

Award-winning Colchester Operatic Society Second Edition (CO2) return to the Mercury theatre with this whimsical and family friendly musical. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, based on Roald Dahl's classic novel, features an original score by Marc Shaiman, with lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman, and a book by David Greig. It also includes iconic songs from the 1971 film, such as "Candy Man" and "Pure Imagination". Willy Wonka invites five lucky golden ticket winners, including young Charlie Bucket, into his secretive factory. There, they discover a world beyond their own imagination, with Oompa-Loompas, nutty squirrels, unbelievable sweets and of course plenty of chocolate. Get your own golden ticket to this sweet treat of a musical and come on a journey with CO2 into Willy Wonka's magical world. Accessible performances There will be a captioned performance of Sun 21 Sep, 12pm.

Get your dice ready and place your bets, as the award-winning Colchester Operatic Society presents Guys and Dolls! Guys and Dolls follows Nathan Detroit, who runs an illegal dice game, his fiancée of 14 years, Adelaide, big time gambler Sky Masterson, and sweet Sarah Brown, leader of the Save-a-Soul Mission. Will Adelaide ever get her big white wedding? And why is Sarah mixing with gamblers? Considered to be one of the greatest Broadway musicals, Guys and Dolls is a true classic, featuring well known songs: 'Luck be a Lady' and 'Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat'. Accessible performances There will be a captioned performance of Sun 8 Feb, 3pm.

Lost Atoms tells the story of a relationship: an extraordinary, transformative love. Or is that only in hindsight? Perhaps it was just typical? Or toxic? Or doomed from the start? One thing’s for sure: It changed their lives. Two people plunge deep into their shared pasts and propel themselves into multiple imagined futures. At times hilarious, at times devastating, Lost Atoms explores how memory impacts the way we look at love, and asks what makes a truly “successful” relationship? Following sellout tours of Othello and Metamorphosis Frantic Assembly returns with a brand-new play for its 30th Anniversary year, written by Anna Jordan (Succession, Killing Eve, The Unreturning, Yen).

A Mercury Production Love and chaos collide in Noël Coward's timeless comedy Private Lives, directed by 2024 RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award-winner Tanuja Amarasuriya. Amanda and Elyot are charming, rich, utterly reckless - and divorced. When they meet unexpectedly on the first night of their honeymoons with new partners, in the balmy moonlight of the French Riviera, old flames re-ignite, and impulsive love takes hold. But they divorced for a reason, and their fiery romance soon spirals into a chaotic riot of passionate desire, slanging matches and outrageous battles. Set against a backdrop of 1930s glamour, Noël Coward's Private Lives is a sparkling comedy of manners - hilarious, stylish, and a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with razor-sharp wit, sizzling chemistry, and timeless sophistication. Content to Consider This show is 14+, and contains physical violence, depictions of alcohol consumption and smoking and scenes of emotional conflict.

A Mercury Production Roll up, roll up for the greatest show on earth! To celebrate ten golden years of the legendary duo Antony Stuart-Hicks and Dale Superville, the Mercury Theatre present the mother of all pantos - Mother Goose! Gertie Goose (Stuart-Hicks) and her daughter run Three-Rings Circus, but their nest egg is running low, and if they can't pay the rent, it's curtains! Just when all seems lost, a fairy with a few tricks up her sleeves casts a spell on Billy the Goose (Superville) - and suddenly, he's laying golden eggs faster than you can say "honk!" With riches at their wingtips, the circus is saved! But trouble is brewing… A wicked rival circus owner, green with envy, swoops in disguised as a beauty guru, tempting Gertie with the promise of eternal youth - but at a terrible price: Billy must be traded! Will she fall for the fowl play, or will good triumph over greed? Expect breath-taking sets, dazzling costumes, side-splitting comedy and plenty of Mercury magic in this eggs-traordinary festive treat for the whole family. So flock to the box office, grab your golden tickets and get ready for an unmissable adventure this Christmas! Content to Consider and Accessibility Please be aware this show will contain flashing lights and loud music. If you'd prefer to attend a Relaxed Performance (where lighting and sound effects will be reduced), we will be holding these on Fri 5 Dec 2025, 12pm (also a Schools Performance) and Sat 10 Jan 2026, 2pm (also a BSL interpreted performance). Our Audio Described performances (with pre-show touch tours available) will be on Sat 6 Dec 2025, 2pm and Sat 17 Jan 2026, 7pm; our Captioned performances will be on Sat 6 Dec 2025, 7pm and Sat 17 Jan 2026, 2pm; and our BSL performances will be on Fri 5 Dec 2025, 7pm, Fri 9 Jan 2026, 7.30pm (also an adult performance - 18+); and Sat 10 Jan 2026, 2pm (also a relaxed performance). If you are attending a relaxed performance, or would like to know more about specific elements of the show, our social story will be available nearer the show (please be aware that this will contain spoilers). If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. Adult Performances Out 18+ adult performances are known for being a little more risqué! If you want to leave the kids at home and double the laughter, these performances will be in January 2026 on: Tue 6 Jan, 7.30pm; Wed 7 Jan, 7.30pm; Thu 8 Jan, 7.30pm; Fri 9 Jan, 7.30pm (also BSL interpreted); Tue 13 Jan, 7.30pm; Wed 14 Jan, 7.30pm; Thu 15 Jan, 7.30pm and Fri 16 Jan, 7.30pm.

Award-winning British garden designer and BBC Gardeners’ World presenter, Adam Frost, is leaving the garden and heading back out on tour! In his most personal show to date, Adam will discuss the plants that have shaped his life and reflect on what’s brought him to where he is now. He’ll unearth the inspiration he’s found through a life in the garden, the people he’s met along the way, the music that’s steered his course and why he identifies as an ‘old romantic fool’. Adam will share previously untold stories of how his passion for plants has taken him around the world and challenged him with unexpected experiences – from curating a garden in Japan during a monsoon to meeting heroes. Closer to home, gardening is fundamental to Adam’s sense of family, wellbeing and recovery. In September 2021, he found himself grappling with the mental scars of the pandemic and facing a momentous house (or more importantly, garden) move. He’ll talk about navigating that change and reconnecting with nature. Adam will also explore the creative act of putting a garden together and how he’s had to learn to embrace his artistic side. Don’t miss your chance to hear Adam’s amusing anecdotes and poignant reflections, and to immerse yourself not just in gardening, but in human nature itself and the madness of it all.

Laurie Lee's extraordinary story, told in a captivating weave of music and his own words. Following sell-out five star performances at The RSC and Oxford, Red Sky at Sunrise follows Laurie Lee through his much-loved Cider with Rosie trilogy - Cider with Rosie, As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning and A Moment of War, when he famously walked out of the Slad valley one summer morning, and ended up fighting with the International Brigades against Franco's forces in the Spanish Civil War. Anton Lesser (Game of Thrones, Andor Wolf Hall, Endeavour) and Charlie Hamblett (Netflix's Missing You, Killing Eve, Ghosts) play the role of Laurie Lee older and younger, along with a rich array of other characters. Together, they celebrate Lee's engaging humour, as well as his darker side, in a performance that has startling resonance with modern events. A 'breathtaking' musical programme by Orchestra of the Swan weaves around Lee's writing, from the lush Gloucestershire countryside made famous in Cider With Rosie, to the arid landscapes of Spain. Featuring music from Vaughan Williams, Britten, Turina and de Falla, with guitarist Mark Ashford performing Albéniz and Spanish Romance.

Almost 40 years ago, Lionel Richie & Diana Ross released Endless Love. A song which Billboard voted as the number 1 Duet of all time and stayed in the charts for a staggering 27 weeks. It has since become synonymous with couples, lovers and enjoyed by millions of people around the globe to this very day. However. what no one could have foreseen is that since its original recording, these two icons of popular music would never perform the song together again! Yes! Incredibly for 40 years Lionel Richie has been asking Ms Ross to share that magic moment with him once more. but as yet she has declined. This brings us to the show you see before you. What if they did perform Endless Love again?If they spent one more magical night on stage?A chance to perform many of their songs BUT with each other?A mesmerising collection of hits and memorable moments from the decades, wowing audiences once more?..Ultimately, a glorious celebration of their music..together at last! Together, the set list of these two musical heavyweights is unrivalled. Endless Love as a show is beautifully presented by a dazzling cast and a highly energised band, the result is a joyful, emotional rollercoaster from the glitz, glamour and sentiment of soaring love songs, rocking out to 80's classics and gettin' down to outright floor fillers. there really is something for everyone. It's impossible not to sing along and it's going to be one of the most memorable and enjoyable shows you'll see. After all, it's been 40 years in the making... Please note this production is in no way affiliated with the original artists

ANY DREAM WILL DO’s Keith Jack and stars of JOSEPH sing the biggest musical hits of a generation. Dreamcoat Stars is back for their 3rd UK tour. Bringing incredible live musical entertainment to the nation! Experience the UK's biggest and best night of musical smash-hits in this star-studded concert Starring Any Dream Will Do’s Keith Jack; TV star and UK tour Joseph Sam Cassidy; West End’s leading man Graham Tudor; and introducing our first Pharaoh Andrew Geater. With new songs and arrangements of everyone’s favourite West End and Broadway classics, Les Misérables, We Will Rock You, Dirty Dancing, Hairspray, West Side Story, and the toe-tapping Jersey Boys. Feel the spine-tingling vocal power of four sensational singers from the global hit show Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat coming together for an unforgettable evening of musical theatre. A hand-picked selection of non-stop hits with phenomenal vocal arrangements, incredible four-part harmonies, slick choreography, and memorable stories from the star's time in Joseph. Grab your coat of many colours and join us on your Dreamcoat journey where Any Dream Will Do. This is a show that will raise your spirits in a night of theatre you’ll never forget. Go Go Go get your tickets now!

"I can hear someone out there. They're singing to me." Whale sings his heart out into the ocean blue. But nobody will join his song. Just as he feels like he will forever be alone, a quiet, beautiful voice reaches him through the noise of the sea. Whale sets off on a journey into deep coral caves, through glittering jellyfish blooms and past wild-eyed sea monsters, determined to find another who can hear his song. Join Hoglets Theatre on a magical journey of singing whales who are finding out that being different can be difficult, but it can also be beautiful. A deep-sea adventure with a beautiful message of empathy, friendship and neuro-diversity overcoming adversity. The Tale of the Loneliest Whale features beautiful handmade puppets, original songs and music and immersive, sensory experiences. If it's your first visit or you are unfamiliar with the Mercury building, you can find out more about our spaces here.

From the producers of the hit musical Forever In Blue Jeans present The Carpenters - Voice Of The Heart It is just over 30 years since the legendary Karen Carpenter passed away and left behind an amazing catalogue of hit songs and golden memories that are still played on radio stations across the UK. This stunning show celebrates the music of The Carpenters, and the evening is guaranteed to lead everyone through a magical memory. Expect all the hits that every Carpenters fan adores, like Yesterday Once More, Goodbye To Love, Close To You and Only Yesterday, mixed with great medleys put together from their many album tracks and songs that link together from The Beatles - Mr Postman, Ticket To Ride and Help, a superb Bacharach and David medley featuring renditions of Do You Know The Way To San Jose and Always Something There To Remind Me and a Carpenters country medley with Top Of The World, Sweet Sweet Smile and Jambalaya. With superb vocals from Carole Gordon and outstanding talent from the brilliant Blue Jeans Band & Singers it will be a "sparkling" night to remember.

Join Dr. Richard Shepherd, the UK's leading forensic pathologist, as he returns to the stage this Autumn with his captivating new tour, Unnatural Causes - Time of Death. Following his successful 2021 and 2022 tours, Dr. Shepherd invites audiences into the world of forensic investigation, where time is crucial in uncovering the truth behind accidents, murders, and unexplained deaths. With over 23,000 autopsies to his name, Dr. Shepherd's career has seen him investigate some of the world's most high-profile cases, from the Hungerford Massacre to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Unnatural Causes - Time of Death offers an insightful look into the vital role time plays in solving mysteries of life and death. This is not just a lecture on forensic science, but a deeply personal account of how a career spent in the darkest corners of humanity has shaped Dr. Shepherd's view on life. Don't miss this unforgettable, deeply moving experience.

Following a smash hit, sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, this ★★★★★ (The Stage) 'astonishingly accomplished' new play kicks off its next journey this autumn. Equal parts hilarious and heart-breaking, Shotgunned is an intimate and relatable piece about how the people we lose shape who we become. If it's your first visit or you are unfamiliar with the Mercury building, you can find out more about our spaces here.

Join us for a heart-warming festive adventure as you and your group journey to Lapland, where the magic of Christmas comes alive in Santa's cosy grotto. This isn't just any visit - Santa needs your help! Gather round for a delightful 20-minute interactive storytelling experience, where you'll sit down with Santa himself as he shares how he's getting ready for the big night on December 24th. He's full of festive cheer, and he has a very special job for his young visitors… Once you've helped Santa with his important preparations, each family will have the chance to meet him one-on-one for a photo and receive a magical gift. Every child will receive a keepsake ornament - something to treasure, hang on the tree, and help Santa find their home year after year. Further Information Each ticket is for one child (under 16) and includes entry for one parent or guardian to join in the festive fun. Every child taking part will need their own ticket - except for our tiniest visitors! Babes in arms (up to 12 months old) are welcome free of charge and this ticket can be added during checkout. Please note, they won't receive a gift. Want to bring an extra grown-up? You can! Additional adult tickets are £5, these can be added during checkout and each child can be accompanied by up to two adults in total. This event will be hosted in our Creative Engagement Space which has been transformed into Santa's home. On arrival please go to our Box Office and speak to our friendly team who will be able to direct you to the space for your adventure to begin. Accessibility: and Content to Consider We've created a cosy, inclusive space for all - with soft mats and cushions for little ones, benches and chairs for grown-ups, and wheelchair-friendly access with space for two in each session. Please ensure you let us know about any accessibility requirements when booking, so our team are aware and can give you a great experience! Content is to be confirmed, so if you have any concerns, please speak to one of our ushers. Creative Engagement Space Event Please note that this performance takes place in our Creative Engagement Space. If it's your first visit or you are unfamiliar with the Mercury building, you can find out more about our spaces here.

Su Pollard: Still Fully Charged celebrates Su's 50 years in show business in a one-woman variety show packed with fabulous songs, hilarious stories, and much-loved characters. In a flurry of costumes, props, and live musical accompaniment, Su takes the audience through her career from the earliest days of auditions, through her many acclaimed musical theatre appearances, to her international TV successes. Still Fully Charged shows why Su has become the national treasure she is today, with audiences describing her as "a powerhouse of a woman … just brilliant!", "absolutely hilarious", "fabulous, entertaining and nostalgic", and "A-MA-ZING!".

Eastern Angles Theatre Production and New Wolsey Theatre Co-Production Meet Gail, Hobby and Salty - three Year 11 students about to leave their school days behind them, fighting their anxieties with imagination and theatre. As their final term nears its end, the trio perform a play inspired by the chaotic first days of their idealistic Drama teacher. With only the props of their classroom to hand and just three actors taking on over 20 different roles, Teechers is a tour-de-force of storytelling and the power of live theatre. Written by John Godber in the 1980s, Teechers is a fast-paced comedy with a vital message about the entrenched inequalities of the UK's education system that are still as punchy as ever forty years later.

It's the annual North Pole Yuletide Party and you're all invited! Mrs Christmas is making all the preparations, but she has so many friends to help and problems to solve, things aren't going as planned. Mrs Christmas and the Elves will need your help too! It won't be long before Father Christmas starts the celebrations and welcomes this year's guest of honour. Will everything be ready and who is this year's extra special guest? From the team behind The Ho Ho Ho Christmas Show comes a new enchanting show about thankfulness. Full of fun, magic and wonder it's the perfect festive treat for all the family to enjoy together! Videos Accessibility: Age guidance 3+. Please be aware that this show contains flashing and moving lights, loud music and noises, one small burst of smoke, bubbles and snow. If you'd prefer to attend a relaxed performance (where lighting and sound effects will be reduced), there will be a relaxed performance for this show on Wed 10 Dec at 1.30pm. There will be a visual story available nearer the show (please be aware that it will contain spoilers).

Truelove Tours presents The Trans Lady Sings! Written and Performed by Alice d'Lumiere Original Composition by Tina Gooding, with additional music by Alice d'Lumiere Contralto? Baritone? No Limits! No Preconceptions! (No Clue)… To gender-fluid spoken word artist Alice d'Lumiere, classical music has always seemed terrifyingly stratified: Soprano, Contralto, Tenor, Bass; is the role you play always ordained by the limits of your vocal physiology? However, in the superficially respectable world of Opera, gender seems temptingly bendy at times… For Tête à Tête: The Opera Festival Alice staged a "Spoken Word Overture". At this evening of new, experimental opera she laid down a challenge to herself in prose and verse; a pledge to try to overcome her deep, childhood inability to sing… Two years, one Arts Council England Developing Your Creative Practice grant, numerous singing lessons with 6 different practitioners, scripting, composing, rehearsing and furiously attempting to relearn how to play to piano later, this self-confessed outsider in gender, and 50+ late-starter in opera, returned to Tête à Tête: The Opera Festival to reveal if she was finally able to hold a note. Trans Lady Sings! is the result of this eccentric endeavour… Themes of vocal identity, gender fluidity, life-long learning and the individual's need for self-expression are humorously explored by a beguiling communicator in a show; combining prose, verse, comedy, a dash of performance art and yes, perhaps this time some actual singing! Contains original music and some possibly foolhardy attempts at the classical repertoire. If it's your first visit or you are unfamiliar with the Mercury building, you can find out more about our spaces here.

Alex McAleer possesses the uncanny ability to apparently tap into his audiences minds and read their thoughts at will. Having played to packed houses at the Edinburgh Fringe, award nominated sell-out shows in Australia, and extensively touring North America and the United Kingdom as the stand-out star of Champions of Magic, Alex has earned his reputation as a funny, engaging, and charismatic entertainer. In this unforgettable show, Alex performs unbelievable demonstrations of his psychological skills, combining mind-blowing moments with sharp wit, making it interactive, engaging, and laugh out loud funny. Don't miss your chance to see Alex McAleer live! Studio Event Please note that this performance takes place in our smaller Studio Theatre. If it's your first visit or you are unfamiliar with the Mercury building, you can find out more about our spaces here.

Written and performed by Raina Greifer Directed by Pippa Thornton Winner of Best Solo Show at FUSE International 2022 Hi. My name is Raina. I don't like when people see me naked and then don't talk to me. Raina thought she would be the type of person who had a lot of sex. But now she's just the type of person who thinks a lot about sex. When arrives at her spoken word gig to see her exes in the audience, all the questions she's had about her sex life begin to surface. A show about the murky parts of consent, expect impromptu burlesque, PowerPoint presentations, Michael Cera cameos, cringe, and desperation. Sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking, MANIC combines spoken word, DIY puppetry, and TedTalk comedy to ask whether it is possible to say you were violated without implicating a partner. If it's your first visit or you are unfamiliar with the Mercury building, you can find out more about our spaces here.

"Don't Dilly Dally" and book tickets for an afternoon of songs and laughter, as we bring the UK's best Music Hall acts to Colchester for a unique and entertaining show. Among the cast are Music Hall legend Jan Hunt, original star of Phantom Of The Opera & Miss Saigon, Claire Moore, Pantomime legend and star of The Last Laugh, Damian Williams, international musical virtuoso Georgina Jackson, breathtaking Vaudevillian speciality act Ian Marchant, with piano & singalong master Tom Carradine, alongside newcomers Isabella Mason and Kane Verrall. Jump onto your "Bicycle Made for Two" and "Let's All Go Down The Strand" to the "Old Bull & Bush" for a fun, nostalgic afternoon that will have you singing along.

Classic rock anthems, incredible musicians, sensational vocalists and a ROCKTACULAR experience, with a lot of laughs thrown in. All the ingredients that make up the phenomenal, Rock for Heroes! Performed by a superb 7-piece band, the show breathes new life into the music of Guns 'N' Roses, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Dire Straits, Fleetwood Mac, Queen and more! You'd be 'Livin' on a Prayer' if you miss it. It's a show for all the family and a must see for any rock fan, come along and experience an evening that will have you singing till your voice hurts, have you laughing till your sides hurt and ROCKIN' till your feet hurt! So, 'Jump' at your chance to get your tickets today, and let Rock for Heroes take you back to that Summer of '69 and join us for the biggest celebration of the Heroes of Rock! Content to Consider and Accessibility This show contains flashing lights and strobe effects.

Peppa Pig and friends are back in their brand new live stage show! With a new arrival on the way the whole family are busy getting ready. With building and decorating work to be done it’s an oinktastic makeover and Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and George all need your help to get everything ready before the big day. There’s so much to do – will they get it all finished in time? Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show is packed full of music, adventure and surprises for little ones, and is set to delight audiences across the UK.

Oscar-nominated Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, Saltburn) is Jessica in the much-anticipated next play from the team behind Prima Facie. Jessica Parks is a smart Crown Court Judge at the top of her career. Behind the robe, she is a karaoke fiend, a loving wife and a supportive parent. When an event threatens to throw her life completely off balance, can she hold her family upright? Writer Suzie Miller, director Justin Martin, and composer Self Esteem, reunite following their global phenomenon Prima Facie, with this searing examination of modern motherhood and masculinity.

First staged to five-star critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Festival in the late 1990s, Shakespeare 4 Kidz' A Midsummer Night's Dream, an easy-to-understand musical adaptation of Shakespeare's classic comedy, has since toured extensively across the UK and internationally. Its 2007 debut in Dubai marked the start of its global journey, and the production remains a favourite in schools around the world. This lively, funny and accessible musical retelling of William Shakespeare's timeless comedy masterpiece follows the Duke of Athens as he prepares to marry the Queen of the Amazons. Meanwhile, six local tradesmen rehearse a play for the royal celebrations, four young lovers flee into the woods with marriage plans of their own, and the feuding Fairy King and Queen unleash chaos on the mortal world.

Get ready for a night at The Major Oak, the hottest speakeasy in the whole of Sherwood Forest, where Robin and their dangerously talented gang of Merry Fools are set to throw a party so big, even the Sheriff wants in! With Marian & Tuck'd by Robin's side and the sensually terrifying Sheriff out to cause trouble, Robin and the gang invite you to unleash your inhibitions and get well and truly OUTLAWED in style in this madcap cabaret spectacular! Stealing from the rich to give to the poor has never been so sexy! Following sold out shows in Nottingham, The Major Oak is heading out on tour leaving Sherwood Forest behind to bring you the fiercest night of burlesque, drag and comedy the middle ages can muster. If it's your first visit or you are unfamiliar with the Mercury building, you can find out more about our spaces here.

A Mercury Original in association with HighTide "There are things that make me look at you anew". Joanna and Joseph have just relocated to a quiet town in Essex with their young children. When they host their first dinner party in their new home, an old story resurfaces - along with a word that never should have been said. What follows is a rupture. A single moment reverberates through years of trust, affection, and silence, shaking the very foundation of their relationship. In the wreckage, we are pulled back - back to their first meeting, to a shared childhood shaped by army barracks and English hillsides. Together, we march through memory and time, tracing the thread of their connection from innocence through complexity, loyalty, love and all that lies between. Can a lifelong friendship survive the cracks in the country that raised it? This world premiere production is in association with HighTide. Developed during the Mercury Playwrights programme in collaboration with Paines Plough's Tour the Writer, this new play by Tassa Deparis is in response to the Summer 2024 riots and protests. It is directed by Yasmin Hafesji. Content to Consider This show is 16+, and contains references to racism, reference to death and use of strong language. Accessible and Q&A Performances There will be a post-show Q&A on Wed 8 Oct, 8pm. There will be a relaxed performance on Thu 9 Oct, 3pm. Our accessible performances are made possible with the support of John Fowlers. If it's your first visit or you are unfamiliar with the Mercury building, you can find out more about our spaces here.

A Mercury Original "It does not matter what is true, or not true. All that matters is what is written down." Essex, 1643. A country divided. A town on it's knees. A teenage girl with a dangerous secret. As the Civil War rages on, in the quiet town of Manningtree, most of the men have gone off to fight, leaving the women to run the town. 17-year-old Rebecca West is like any teenager, brimming with self-doubt, consumed with unrequited love, and in a constant never-ending cycle of arguments with her sharp-tongued mother. As food runs out, and more men leave, Rebecca and her best friend Judith wait for something, anything to happen in Manningtree. But change is coming. When the mysterious Matthew Hopkins buys a pub, he brings questions. What does a young man like Matthew want with a town like Manningtree? Why has he come? And why is he so interested in Rebecca? But when an incident between Rebecca's mother and a local boy plunges the town into discord, those questions are answered with horrifying frenzy. As suspicion and fear take root and the community turns on each other, Rebecca finds her own girlhood weaponised against her - and is forced to make a devastating choice no daughter should ever have to make. This is a thrilling world premiere that tells the true story of England's first Witchfinder General, and wrenches the women he killed out from the shadows of history and into the spotlight. Adapted by award-winning Mercury Playwright and screenwriter Ava Pickett and directed by Natasha Rickman, this gripping historical drama is a fiercely modern exploration of fear, control, and what happens when women's voices are silenced.

The Silence of Snow: The Life of Patrick Hamilton is a riveting, kinetic solo show which vividly portrays the life of one of the great English writers of the inter-war years, who gave us the term 'gaslighting', meaning to manipulate a person's sense of reality. Patrick Hamilton (1904 - 1962) was a dazzling success whilst still in his twenties, producing the hit plays Rope and Gaslight, and classic novels like Twenty Thousand Streets Under The Sky, Hangover Square and The Slaves of Solitude. But he was also an alcoholic, whose wit became increasingly mordant as his inner and outer worlds collapsed. Set in an electro-therapy clinic in the 1950s, and covering the entire sweep of Hamilton's turbulent life, The Silence of Snow has gripped audiences wherever it has been performed. An arresting blend of original writing and extracts from Hamilton's finest works, the play is a powerful cautionary tale about the dangers of not confronting one's own inner chaos. It is also a hugely witty and engaging tribute to a great English writer. The play is directed by Linda Marlowe, an acting legend for her lengthy collaboration with Steven Berkoff. She is also a hugely-acclaimed solo actress (The World's Wife, Berkoff's Women), and a star of EastEnders, and brings her unique energised style to the play. If it's your first visit or you are unfamiliar with the Mercury building, you can find out more about our spaces here.

As Take That celebrate over 30 years as the UK's number one boy band, The Take That Experience mark over a decade together as their most popular and recognised Take That tribute act. With acclaimed vocal performances, stunning replica costumes and iconic dance routines, The Take That Experience recreate the magic of Take That live on stage with their 'Greatest Hits Tour'. "THE CLOSEST THING TO TAKE THAT" - NIGEL MARTIN-SMITH This incredible show features hit after hit from Take That's career spanning three decades - from classic 90s hits through to their most recent triumphs. Songs include Pray, Relight My Fire, Patience, Shine, These Days, Rule The World and many more.

Every night in New Delhi, Uday Kumar (UK) answers panicked calls to the Goldmine Crypto GB Helpline fantasising about being British himself, filling his YouTube channel with visions of a sophisticated new life of affluence, fish and chips and tea with the royals. Then a chance conversation one tea break reveals how he might make it all a reality. And At dawn a mere week later, he leaves the call centre for ever and boards his first ever flight, to take his place amongst the English. What happens next is the subject of Mohit Mathurs hilarious and poignant one- man- play of high hopes humbled in Hounslow and an Influencer stripped of influence amidst the brutal reality of the UK care sector, asking how and why, each year, hundreds of young men like UK vanish without trace. A rare chance to rethink much youve assumed about those who hope to live amongst us in a first piece from an exciting new playwright and west end performer, in collaboration with one the UKs most experienced theatre makers.

The Wind in the Willows Presented by Mercury Young Company "Here today, up and off to somewhere else tomorrow! The whole world before you, and a horizon that's always changing." Adventure, friendship and a whole lot of mischief await on the riverbank! Join Mole, Ratty, Badger, and the irrepressible Mr. Toad in this magical world premiere adaptation of The Wind in the Willows. From acclaimed writer Anne Odeke and director Sian Burford-Thomas, The Wind in the Willows features the extraordinary talent of the Mercury Young Company. This joyful retelling brings fresh energy, Essex charm, and a contemporary twist to Kenneth Grahame's beloved tale. This heart-warming show celebrates the power of friendship, the beauty of nature, and the thrill of adventure - perfect for all ages. This production is a celebration of local talent, from page to stage. With a vibrant young cast and an Essex-based creative team, The Wind in the Willows promises to be a feel-good family treat you won't want to miss. Come along and support the next generation of theatre-makers as they bring a classic to life with heart and humour. Mercury Young Company Mercury Young Company, or MYC, is our year-round ensemble of young people training to be the theatre-makers of tomorrow. Our groups meet weekly to explore playful new methods of storytelling and create exciting pieces of theatre. Our fun, friendly classes focus on training young people to work together as an ensemble. Cooperation, collaboration and communication are our goals. The Wind in the Willows will be the young people's first full production on the main stage. Accessibility: and Content to Consider This is a family show, but further details around content will be released in due course. Offers If you are a MYC parent, you will receive an exclusive discount code, which will be valid until Sun 31 Aug. If you haven't, please contact our box office who will be able to help you.

The naughtiest, funniest, most revolting science show in the world. Brace yourselves for BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates' revolutionary, high-tech, highly-explosive new show, packed with outrageous science stunts. On the surface it's a riot of disgusting experiments built to delight young audiences but under the bonnet it's a brilliantly-constructed curriculum-driven adventure designed to inspire Britain's kids with a lasting fascination for science. Expect enormous bottoms, frt machines, snot cocktails, vast whoopee cushions, pee-powered fireworks and ear-wax-oozing mannequins in this celebration of the fascinating bodily science essential to life. The show transforms complex biology, physics and chemistry into educational hilarity using Stef's signature stunts and encyclopaedic science knowledge. Stefan Gates is an award-winning presenter of 20 TV series (including five for CBBC including Incredible Edibles, Gastrolab and Gastronuts), and a STEM author of 12 books (including Fartology and Science You Can Eat), and he's internationally renowned for his clever, high-octane, highly-educational stage shows that inspire young audiences to fall in love with science.

Posting Letters to the Moon is a romantic, funny and very touching portrait of life during the second World War, featuring readings of letters between Oscar nominated actress Celia Johnson (Brief Encounter) and her explorer and writer husband Peter Fleming (brother of James Bond creator Ian Fleming) posted to India and the Far East during the war working for Military Intelligence. The letters are read by their daughter Lucy Fleming (Love Sarah, The Archers) and her husband Simon Williams (Upstairs Downstairs, The Archers, EastEnders), and give an insight into a young mother's life coping during the war and tell of Celia Johnson's experience of filming with Noël Coward, David Lean and her thoughts while making the classic film Brief Encounter in 1945. Not only are the letters highly engaging, but they also provide a fascinating historical insight into that time of true austerity and fearfulness. The show also includes a Q&A at the end.

Hot on the heels of his fourth sell-out UK tour, the nation's favourite clairvoyant medium, from Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights, Clinton Baptiste is back with a new live show for 2026 and beyond! In a rudderless world, mankind needs an envoy to gather solutions from the all-knowing, all-seeing Afterlife. But who should it be? Of course, there's only one man for the job - Clinton Baptiste. Receiving the audiences' queries and earthbound dilemmas, Clinton will then reach out to spirits for answers. Fear not. He will probe sensitively. Spiritual connection. Mystical congress… …Spectral Intercourse.

Presented by Mercury Adult Company Join us for Love and Information, Caryl Churchill's electrifying exploration of modern life, staged by the Mercury Adult Company and directed by Forest Morgan. This bold and fast-paced production delves into the ways we connect, communicate, and cope in an age of overwhelming data and fleeting intimacy. Comprising over 50 short scenes, Love and Information weaves together a tapestry of human stories - some funny, some poignant, all deeply resonant. From whispered secrets to digital overload, Churchill's razor-sharp writing captures the noise and nuance of everyday life with wit, insight, and emotional depth. Forest Morgan brings a fresh and dynamic vision to this modern classic, guiding a talented ensemble from the Mercury Adult Company in a production that is both intimate and expansive. Whether you're a Churchill aficionado or discovering her work for the first time, this performance promises to leave you thinking long after the final blackout. Don't miss your chance to witness this thought-provoking theatrical experience. Book your tickets now and immerse yourself in the chaos, humour, and heartbreak of Love and Information. If it's your first visit or you are unfamiliar with the Mercury building, you can find out more about our spaces here.

Bringing her fresh, unapologetic and charismatic real talk to theatres across the country, The One Like Judi Love hits theatres on her first official tour! Expect unrelenting and hilarious anecdotes from Judi's life! Expect unrelenting and hilarious anecdotes from Judi's life! Regular panellist on Loose Women and as seen on Taskmaster, The Jonathan Ross Show, The Graham Norton Show, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, and The Royal Variety Performance.

Two best mates. One HUGE party. Luton pinned by austerity. An evening of noughties bangers and shots of shitty gin mixed with the chaos of violence. A night to remember! Set over one chaotic night, the play follows two best friends as they chase the highs of youth against a backdrop of systemic neglect. Painting a tapestry of violence and joy, it is a raw, real-time collision of friendship and survival. Told with biting wit and lyrical intensity, this production is a powerful exploration of class and identity, with a cracking house party that pulses round the corner.

Join Peter Bleksley, a founding member of Scotland Yard’s undercover unit and former star of Channel 4’s Hunted, as he lifts the lid on the most dangerous and hidden aspects of murder investigations. From the gritty realities of infiltrating criminal gangs to his own terrifying experience of becoming the target of a murder plot, Peter shares the untold stories of the most high-stakes cases. For over a decade, Peter worked undercover, posing as everything from drug dealers to contract killers. His double life gave him access to the darkest corners of humanity, uncovering secrets that would save lives - but at the cost of his own safety. Forced into witness protection by an FBI-uncovered assassination plot, his career as a detective came to an abrupt end, leaving him with chilling memories of murderers and the justice system that hunts them. Prepare for an unforgettable evening of true crime as Peter Bleksley reveals the harrowing reality behind solving murders and battling the criminal underworld. This is crime-fighting as you’ve never seen it before.

Across the Square Productions presents Across the Square On a cold December day 1917, Lady Ottoline Morrell has crossed Bedford Square to call on Millicent Fawcett to express her condolences for the loss of a beloved sister. As patroness of the Bloomsbury Group, Ottolines vast circle of friends includes Prime Ministers and novelists, painters and philosophers, whilst Millicent has dedicated her life to the crusade for womens suffrage. Will these two find common ground, shared values? Two differing world views are about to collide over a glass of sherry.

Get ready to rock out with Colchester Operatic Society Second Edition (CO2) and their next production of We Will Rock You, the electrifying jukebox musical that's taken the world by storm! Featuring over 20 of Queen's greatest hits - including Bohemian Rhapsody, Somebody to Love, Don't Stop Me Now and of course, We Will Rock You - this futuristic musical delivers a high-energy, feel-good night of unforgettable music and rebellion. Set in a dystopian future where live music is banned and individuality is crushed, We Will Rock You follows a group of young rebels - the Bohemians - as they fight to bring back free thought, fashion and rock 'n' roll. When two unlikely heroes, Galileo and Scaramouche, revolt against the tyrannical Globalsoft Corporation, they embark on a quest to rediscover the legendary music of the past and ignite a revolution. Packed with laughter, rebellion, and rock anthems that shake the rafters, We Will Rock You is a musical celebration of freedom, identity, and the power of music to change the world. Are you ready to break free? Accessibility: This show contains adult language and innuendo. There is a captioned performance on Sun 20 Sep, 5pm. Offers There is a group offer of £2 off if you buy 10 or more tickets (please note: this does not apply to opening night). You can get 15% off if you purchase tickets to Guys and Dolls and We Will Rock You at the same time. This will be automatically applied when tickets to both shows are in your basket.

"Ballerinas are supposed to be beyond human: to evoke ethereal, otherworldly beings… To have noticeable breasts and hips is to interrupt this fantasy with grotesque sexuality, to remind the audience that you are indeed human." – The Guardian 2018. En de hors: (ballet term) moving outwards, out, outside. En Dewhre: a grotesque and sexual creature, an outsider. Whilst researching into why she couldn't do a perfect pirouette after years of ballet training, performance artist Rebecca Kenny unwittingly dived into a dark side of dance. Quotes like the one above, dancers seeking advice on how to disfigure themselves, enough shame for their bodies to stop them dancing. This solo performance piece is a response to these findings… A creature prowls the stage, a writhing mass of breasts covers its body, it is angry… it is the En Dewhre. Blending spoken word and dance, we explore movement in this new physical form. A visual representation of being dehumanised by patriarchy, and so providing then, an opportunity to reveal what's underneath - a vulnerable RE-presentation of a human body. En Dewhre creates a silliness around the idea of what a perfect dance body is, exploring themes of dysmorphia, fat phobia and toxic beauty standards in the dance world, providing unique commentary on the over sexualisation of the female form. This policing of bodies is a micro version of what happens in the world at large, and En Dewhre aims to challenge those norms, encouraging people to take up space, both on the dance floor and beyond. Over and above all, it is a celebration of ALL bodies, moving. A riotous, ridiculous and ferocious piece of dance theatre using Rebecca's signature clown style with a choreographed twist, incorporating burlesque, spoken word and, of course, ballet. A love letter to the human form, come and celebrate the glorious, fleshy, messy, beautiful place that is your true home - your body! Studio Event Please note that this performance takes place in our smaller Studio Theatre. If it's your first visit or you are unfamiliar with the Mercury building, you can find out more about our spaces here.

Mirth meets murder in the world's daftest whodunnit. Following a decade of five-star, sell-out performances, festival favourite CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation comes to Colchester with the rip-roaring crime comedy made up entirely on the spot to solve an outlandish murder created by the audience. Who? What? How? The choice is yours in this fully improvised, witty and absurd murder mystery. No one knows who the killer is, not even the cast! WINNER - The Comedy Award - Colchester Fringe 2024 WINNER - Best Improv/Musical - Leicester Comedy Festival 2023 Studio Event Please note that this performance takes place in our smaller Studio Theatre. If it's your first visit or you are unfamiliar with the Mercury building, you can find out more about our spaces here.

If you could write just one letter, who would you address it to? Set against the backdrop of Japanese society, this story journeys through the lives of various women. It brings to light the unspoken truths of those who lived in times when they were not allowed to speak. The voice of a woman who worked harder than anyone else, yet was swallowed by society and left unheard. The abandoned dream of a ballerina who lost even the meaning of dance. Dear… A letter which was never delivered. Feelings left unspoken. Was the envelope left unsealed out of fear? Or because it was already known it would never reach its destination? If only it had been sent— And now, that letter with no name, has finally found its way — to you. Kanna Mishima is a contemporary Japanese dancer with a background in ballet, using these experiences to address social issues in Japan through her own unique style and continuously searching for new forms of expression. She has performed in Japan and across Asia, this time she is taking an important step—her first solo work. If it's your first visit or you are unfamiliar with the Mercury building, you can find out more about our spaces here.

Dougie is out and proud, a "gay veteran" of campaigns, marches and promiscuity. Nick is a veteran, a straight guy who yearns for the good old days of Razzle. And Ray? Ray just wants to go home and have a cuddle. They will tell you their stories, the humour, the truth. But a terrifying event brings these three men together in one room. Love is A Bruise examines banter, behaviour and brotherhood and the consequences of falling in love and forgetting who you are. A brand-new play by the double Colchester Fringe award winning writer Paul T. Davies, (The Miner's Crow, Living with Luke), in association with Colchester Fringe Award winning 3 Wishes Theatre, (4:48 Psychosis). If it's your first visit or you are unfamiliar with the Mercury building, you can find out more about our spaces here.

"There are some things a fish just can't do, like ride a bicycle. No matter how hard it tries, it will never be able to get its slippery little fins on the pedals." While everyone else her age is out exploring uncharted waters, this 19-year-old is contained in captivity. Tired of swimming around in circles, she initiates 'Operation: Free Willy - An Agoraphobic Orca's Guide To Escaping Your Tank'. From driving lessons to dating, she dives head-first into adulthood, soon realising that being in the wild isn't all it's cracked up to be. Fish Outta Water is a semi-autobiographical, solo, coming-of-age comedy, written and performed by emerging local playwright Jess Ashley, and directed by Colchester-based West End performer Joe Allen. Jess says: "Since a young age, I've felt different from my peers. In Year 9, my English teacher moved me to the front of the class so that I 'wouldn't get lost in the sea of big personalities'. Fish Outta Water is an insight into my atypical brain, shining a light on both the beauty of neurodiversity AND the urgent need for climate activism. In creating a play for 13–21-year-olds (a notoriously under-represented age group within mainstream theatre), I strive to nurture young peoples' connection to the Arts. This is the play I wish I had seen when I was growing up. I created Fish Outta Water to reassure other socially-awkward sardines like me, that they are not alone. Oh, and to prove to my old English teacher that I do, in fact, have a personality." Winner of the University of Reading's Tom Wilde Award 2024 Studio Event Please note that this performance takes place in our smaller Studio Theatre. If it's your first visit or you are unfamiliar with the Mercury building, you can find out more about our spaces here.

The Night Ali Died is the second multi-award winning solo thriller by Christopher Sainton-Clark (A Year and a Day). Ali is wanted dead by a vicious London gangster and is placed under police surveillance for the protection of him and his family, yet for some reason, on one night, Ali decides to sneak out into the night and leave his family behind, sparking a bloody domino effect that ricochets through the sleepy streets of Norwich. Through the brutal accounts of Ali, a henchman, a detective and a mob boss, find out what on earth happened on the night Ali died. The Night Ali Died premiered at Prague Fringe 2025 and won three awards in its first ever run including a vote as audience favourite. Described as 'like watching a Tarantino film onstage' by Theatreandartsreviews.com, its cinematic style and bold and punchy soundtrack took over the Prague festival with an electric buzz. WINNER OF THE PRAGUE FRINGE PERFORMANCE AWARD WINNER OF THE PRAGUE FRINGE AUDIENCE AWARD WINNER OF THE BROADWAY BABY PICK OF THE FRINGE AWARD NOMINEE FOR THE PRAGUE FRINGE INSPIRATION AWARD NOMINEE FOR THE NEW YORK SOHO PLAYHOUSE FRINGE ENCORE SERIES Studio Event Please note that this performance takes place in our smaller Studio Theatre. If it's your first visit or you are unfamiliar with the Mercury building, you can find out more about our spaces here.

Sit. Stay. Roll over. In 1957, Soviet scientists sent a stray dog to outer space. Now hear her story. MUTTNIK is an interstellar story that has delighted audiences internationally, performed for the first time in England at Colchester Fringe. Written and performed by award-winning, touring theatre artist Bruce Ryan Costella. WINNER Best of Fest, KC Fringe 2019 WINNER Best Solo Show (Drama), Orlando Fringe 2018 WINNER Best Writer, Splash Awards 2024 Studio Event Please note that this performance takes place in our smaller Studio Theatre. If it's your first visit or you are unfamiliar with the Mercury building, you can find out more about our spaces here.

Step into the magnetic world of MAN: A One-Woman Show. Prepare to be captivated by Emma Taylor's ★★★★ Edinburgh Fringe sensation that masterfully dissects identity, gender, and the impact of toxic masculinity. Heralded as "magnetic" by The Guardian, Taylor delivers a 55-minute powerhouse performance, embodying a spectrum of characters with "impressive control" and "sheer quality and intensity" (The Scotsman). This bold, abstract theatrical journey is both deeply personal and universally resonant. From her Hell's Angel teenage years to navigating patriarchal expectations, Taylor's raw honesty and humour shine through in a story that is as empowering as it is thought-provoking. With moments of "tense and tantalising" drama (The Guardian) and dry comedy, she stitches together fragments of her life into an unforgettable tapestry. Don't miss this "fascinating, unique theatrical experience" (The QR). Whether you're drawn to its sharp critique of masculinity or Taylor's magnetic stage presence, MAN is a must-see. If it's your first visit or you are unfamiliar with the Mercury building, you can find out more about our spaces here.

Lipstick On Your Collar Ltd presents Lipstick On Your Collar. Step back in time to the golden era of music, where the jukebox roared and feet didn't touch the floor. Get your dancing shoes at the ready, grab yourself a milkshake and relax - you are in for an evening of back-to-back hits from the 1950s and 60s! The show packs over forty hits from the likes of Connie Francis, Brenda Lee, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, The Ronettes, Cliff Richard, Cilla Black and many more - from the birth of Rock'n'Roll through to the Beat Group sounds of the British Invasion and beyond. Performed by a full live band, featuring some of the country's top musicians, this incredible show features excellent vocals, tight harmonies and an infectious sense of fun. Dancing in the aisles is guaranteed, so bring your dancing shoes and let the good times roll! Accessibility: The show contains haze, flashing lights and a flame bar. Group offer If you buy 10 tickets, you get 1 free! This discount will be applied automatically.

Maybe you've lost your marbles… or maybe you've found the most transformative piece of theatre that you'll see this year. Probably both. Nominated for a London Pub Theatres award in its debut run, Funeral Teeth promises a night of chaos. What and who are we allowed to grieve? And does that really matter? Loss is the only truly universal experience. Whether it's coming to terms with the passing of a loved one, tucking the first tooth you've lost under your pillow, or realising that you have no idea where your wallet is after spending a blurry night boozing at the pub - we've all been there. What's more, we're going to keep coming face to face with loss. Lose yourself in the latest piece by Succulent Theatre, unpacking what loss looks like to them, what it looks like to you, and what it could look like for all of us. Following the success of their debut show Nasty, about 'Big' girls being gross, mean and sexy', the Succulent girlies are back with another queer, autobiographical, confessional piece of theatre that's gut-busting and gut-wrenching in equal measure. Death, grief and loss can be scary to talk about, but if we don't, we just feel alone. And grief already makes you feel alone. It's not all doom and gloom, though. This feel-good tragicomedy will remind you that life is a celebration and every loss you experience is an opportunity for you to grow. Drugs, sex, love, family and friendship are at the centre of this contemplative work which really puts the 'fun' in funeral. The stories shared are painfully true, often painfully funny, and will hold a mirror up to your own experiences in a way that you might not expect. In their signature style, Succulent dexterously guides you through their losses from cradle to grave. Come watch them pick at a brand new scab and see what comes oozing out. Accessibility: and Content to Consider This show contains some flashing lights, sexual references and swearing throughout. There are scenes involving discussion of suicide, self-harm, sexual assault, rape, eating disorders and death. If it's your first visit or you are unfamiliar with the Mercury building, you can find out more about our spaces here.

Britain's Got Talent Winner Richard Jones 2025 Tour: The Sound of Magic Richard Jones, The Military Illusionist, captivated the nation's heart and mind, earning his spot as the first and only magician to conquer the stage of Britain's Got Talent. Now, he's ready to raise the bar even higher. With his unparalleled talents and a bag of never-before-seen tricks up his sleeve, Richard will have you questioning the very fabric of reality! Whether you're a die-hard magic enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable night of wondrous entertainment, The Sound of Magic promises to be an experience you will be talking about for years to come. Your ticket is a golden key to a realm of inexplicable feats, unbelievable illusions, and a sense of awe that will rejuvenate your belief in the extraordinary! The show will highlight the special link between music and our imagination while taking us on an empowering feel good journey. The show also offers an exciting VIP Ticket option, allowing fans the unique personal experience of meeting Richard Jones before the show for an exclusive 30 minutes of close-up magic, poster signing, a photo opportunity and a gift. VIP ticket holders should arrive for 6pm. Richard says: "Join me on a journey where we will experience truly impossible things come to life before our eyes".

Show Racism The Red Card in association with Live Wire Theatre present Our Little Hour - the musical based on the life of the late, great Walter Tull. Book & lyrics by Dougie Blaxland Music by Chris Anthony Our Little Hour tells the compelling story of Walter Tull; the first black footballer to play at the highest level and the first Black British Army Officer before his tragic death days before the end of World War 1. Following its critically acclaimed, sell-out success in 2024, Our Little Hour comes to Colchester as part of its 2026 revival tour. Hailed as "an intensely moving new musical drama", it tells the inspirational story of how Walter Tull - grandson of a Barbadian slave and orphaned at just eight years old - rose to prominence as the first black footballer to play at the highest level of the domestic game in the UK before achieving another historic breakthrough as the first man of his heritage to be commissioned as an Officer in the British Army. Starring Neil Reidman (The Mousetrap, Eastenders, The Detectorists) - nominated for Best Actor in a Lead Role for the Black British Theatre Award 2024. Written by award-winning playwright Dougie Blaxland and including 16 "hauntingly beautiful original songs" Our Little Hour is a show "not to be missed". Accessibility: and Content to Consider This is suitable for ages 11+ (Key Stage 3). It is inspired by historic events and real-life people. It contains some themes of death, racism and discrimination. There is also mention of war, slavery and being orphaned. If it's your first visit or you are unfamiliar with the Mercury building, you can find out more about our spaces here.

The Mumford & Sons Story recreates the incredible tale of the floor-stomping folk-rock band that took the world by storm in a tribute to the award-winning folk-rock band, Mumford & Sons. Four masterful live musicians come together in waistcoats, skinny jeans and bushy beards to celebrate the best of Mumford & Sons' iconic music and their explosive rise to fame.

Blackeyed Theatre in association with Theatre Royal Winchester and South Hill Park presents Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty Adapted by Nick Lane from the work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Composer - Tristan Parkes "When you have one of the first brains of Europe up against you, and all the powers of darkness at his back, there are infinite possibilities." London, 1901. As the British Empire wages war in the name of a Queen whose health is failing, a series of mysterious events reveals a crack in the high corridors of power. A crack that threatens to destabilise monarchy, government and Empire. And at its centre, controlling the flow of information and influence, a shadowy figure plans a final deadly move. Drawn into the game and unsure who to trust, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson find themselves confronting figures from their past in a desperate race against time, aware that the most powerful person in the world could be in the pocket of one of the most corrupt. But just how much is Holmes willing to sacrifice as he faces 'checkmate'? A thrilling adventure based on the work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty is a world premiere that combines powerful performances, a haunting soundscape and innovative design for an exhilarating theatrical experience. "One of the most innovative, audacious companies working in contemporary English theatre" - The Stage Accessibility: Suitable for ages 11+. This show contains haze and a gun is used in the performance.

This show is currently on priority sale, general sale opens on Fri 29 Aug. If you'd like to secure your favourite seats become a member here. John Mackay & Sally Homer, in association with Debi Allen/Curtis Brown, present: Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf. Returning to the Mercury after selling out in 2023! In this brand new show, Lee shares his stage with a tough-talking werewolf comedian from the dark forests of the subconscious who hates humanity. The Man-Wulf lays down a ferocious comedy challenge to the culturally irrelevant and physically enfeebled Lee. Can the beast inside us all be silenced with the silver bullet of Lee's unprecedentedly critically acclaimed style of stand-up? Stewart Lee ("The world's greatest living stand-up comedian" - The Times), is in danger of being left behind. He's approaching sixty with debilitating health conditions, his TV profile has diminished, and his once BAFTA award-winning style of stand-up seems obsolete.

A Tribute to the award-winning folk-rock band Mumford & Sons The Mumford & Sons Story recreates the incredible tale of the floor-stomping folk-rock band who took the world by storm. Four masterful live musicians come together in waistcoats, skinny jeans and bushy beards to celebrate the best of Mumford & Sons’ iconic music and their explosive rise to fame. “SOUNDED JUST LIKE THEM!” With all the very best hits, including Little Lion Man, I Will Wait, The Cave, Rushmere and many more, this is a stomp and holler not to be missed!

Lipstick On Your Collar is back with its brand new show. Step back in time to the golden era of music where the jukebox roared and feet didn't touch the floor. Get your dancing shoes at the ready, grab yourself a milkshake and relax - you are in for an evening of back to back hits from the 1950s and 60s! From the birth of Rock n Roll through to the Beat Group sounds of the British Invasion and beyond, the show is packed with over forty hits from the likes of Connie Francis, Brenda Lee, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, The Ronettes, Cliff Richard, Cilla Black and many more. Performed by a full live band, featuring some of the country's top musicians, this incredible show features excellent vocals, tight harmonies and an infectious sense of fun. Dancing in the aisles is strictly compulsory so bring your dancing shoes and let the good times roll!