The Mercury Theatre, with Jumbo Water Tower in the background

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About

The Mercury Theatre in Colchester, Essex is at the heart of the town's arts scene - an active theatre venue involved in putting on plays of national and international importance, as well as in the creation of its own theatre pieces by local artists (Made in Colchester). An evening out at the Mercury Theatre is a perfect way to end a day of sightseeing or shopping in Colchester town centre.
About the Mercury Theatre
Located right next to Balkerne Gate, the Mercury Theatre stands on the western part of the town centre, overlooking the 2000 year-old Roman Wall and beside the Victorian water tower "Jumbo". Named after the Roman god of poetry and communication, the theatre's striking rooftop feature is reminiscent of a statuette of Mercury found on Gosbecks Archaelogical site, dating back to Roman Colchester. The statuette is now on display in Colchester Castle Museum.
The main auditorium in the Mercury Theatre has a capacity of 499 seats. The Studio Theatre has a capacity of 102 seats.
There is a small art gallery within the theatre, the Digby Gallery, which hosts free art exhibitions by local artists. The gallery is open 10am - 5pm Monday to Saturday. http://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/your-visit/digby-gallery/
What's on at the Mercury Theatre
The Mercury Theatre always has a programme full of entertainment, putting on plays, shows, musicals and concerts. From local theatre groups through to ballet and the family favourite panto at Christmas, find out what's on at the Mercury Theatre tonight or during your visit.


Winner of the 2010 Essex Tourism Award - Access For All.
Seats are held for Audio Described and Captioned performances up until two weeks before the performance and after this point they will be available on a first come first served basis; there is limited free disabled parking under the canopy for blue badge holders which operates on a first come first served basis; a lift operates to all levels of the theatre; wheelchair spaces are available; an infrared enhancement system is available in the auditorium at all performances (for use with or without a hearing aid); Touch Tours are available; RNID typetalk and text phone (01206 245518).

Cloakroom - 20p per item.
Theatre Bar - open 30 mins before the performance (except mid-week matinees), during the interval and after the show; tea, coffee and a wide range of drinks are on sale.
Kiosk - open 30 mins before the performance and during the interval; ice-cream and confectionary are on sale plus tea, coffee and soft drinks.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Buy your tickets for events at the Mercury Theatre by phone, online or in person. Various offers and discounts exist for different shows, so check out the Mercury Theatre website for more details.
The Mercury Theatre Box Office is open from 10am to 8pm, or 90mns before shows.

Events

Friday, 17th March 2023 - Friday, 31st March 2023

They Don’t Pay? We Won’t Pay

They Don’t Pay? We Won’t Pay!A ferociously funny political farce, at the Mercury Theatre
more info

Tuesday, 28th March 2023 - Wednesday, 29th March 2023

SapSapA contemporary thriller with ancient roots, at the Mercury Theatre.
more info

Friday, 31st March 2023 - Friday, 31st March 2023

LATES – UCC’s Musical Theatre Spring CabaretLATES – UCC’s Musical Theatre Spring CabaretFree entertainment in the Mercury Theatre cafe bar.
more info

Saturday, 1st April 2023 - Saturday, 1st April 2023

Saturday, 13th May 2023 - Saturday, 13th May 2023

Saturday, 3rd June 2023 - Saturday, 3rd June 2023

Saturday, 1st July 2023 - Saturday, 1st July 2023

Saturday, 5th August 2023 - Saturday, 5th August 2023

Saturday, 2nd September 2023 - Saturday, 2nd September 2023

Saturday, 7th October 2023 - Saturday, 7th October 2023

Saturday, 4th November 2023 - Saturday, 4th November 2023

Saturday, 2nd December 2023 - Saturday, 2nd December 2023

Market stalls outside Jumbo water towerColchester Farmers MarketColchester's Farmers Market takes place in the public square outside the Mercury Theatre on the first Saturday of every month.
more info

Wednesday, 5th April 2023 - Wednesday, 5th April 2023

The King of Reggae – The Man The MusicThe King of Reggae – The Man The Music‘Let’s Get Together And Feel Alright’ as Rush Theatre Company bring you their brand new production The King of Reggae – The Man The Music.
more info

Thursday, 6th April 2023 - Thursday, 6th April 2023

BreatheBreatheAn extraordinary journey through a busy forest. Experience a story told from the perspective of an acorn; the hectic forest floor, thrumming underworlds and dazzling heights of icy branches.
more info

Thursday, 6th April 2023 - Thursday, 6th April 2023

EurophoriaEurophoriaThis fabulous jukebox musical brings you the biggest hits and famous misses from over half a century.
more info

Tuesday, 11th April 2023 - Wednesday, 12th April 2023

Room on the BroomRoom on the BroomJump on board the broom with the witch and her cat, at the Mercury Theatre
more info

Thursday, 13th April 2023 - Thursday, 13th April 2023

Buffy RevampedBuffy RevampedThe perfect parody for Buffy aficionados, at the Mercury Theatre
more info

Friday, 14th April 2023 - Friday, 14th April 2023

Top Secret: The Magic of ScienceTop Secret: The Magic of Sciencefun and entertaining for the whole family to enjoy, at the Mercury Theatre
more info

Saturday, 15th April 2023 - Saturday, 15th April 2023

A Shoddy Detective & The Art Of DeceptionA Shoddy Detective & The Art Of DeceptionA multi-rolling, slapstick farce, at the Mercury Theatre
more info

Tuesday, 18th April 2023 - Tuesday, 18th April 2023

Too Much World At OnceToo Much World At OnceA lyrical, theatrical journey that spans continents and lives, at the Mercury Theatre
more info

Tuesday, 18th April 2023 - Wednesday, 19th April 2023

MacbethMacbethFusing live action with innovative video technology, imitating the dog bring their acclaimed style of storytelling to Shakespeare’s tragic tale of ambition and downfall.
more info

Wednesday, 19th April 2023 - Wednesday, 19th April 2023

To the Moon and BackTo the Moon and BackAn intergalactic sensory theatre show exploring space, adventure and the importance of family.
more info

Friday, 21st April 2023 - Friday, 21st April 2023

Whitney – Queen of the NightWhitney – Queen of the NightDirect from The West End, Whitney – Queen Of The Night is back for 2023 celebrating the music and life of one of the greatest singers of our time
more info

Saturday, 22nd April 2023 - Saturday, 22nd April 2023

Northern Soul LiveNorthern Soul LiveThe Signatures are the UK’s premier live Northern Soul act, featuring a highly talented ten-piece band playing music in an exciting and authentic style of power, energy and expression to Northern Soul music.
more info

Saturday, 22nd April 2023 - Saturday, 22nd April 2023

UnderwaterUnderwaterA dance theatre show for babies and their grown ups. 
more info

Tuesday, 25th April 2023 - Saturday, 29th April 2023

Around the World in 80 DaysAround the World in 80 DaysJoin this raggle-taggle band of travelling circus performers as they embark on their most daring feat yet. At the Mercury Theatre
more info

Tuesday, 2nd May 2023 - Wednesday, 3rd May 2023

Stewart Lee – Basic LeeStewart Lee – Basic LeeOne man, one microphone and one microphone in the wings in case the one on stage breaks
more info

Thursday, 4th May 2023 - Thursday, 4th May 2023

A Vision of ElvisA Vision of ElvisPut on your blue suede shoes and come to celebrate the music of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll
more info

Friday, 5th May 2023 - Friday, 5th May 2023

Sadie NineSadie’s Nine LivesJoin the iconic BBC Essex radio host Sadie Nine at the Mercury Theatre
more info

Friday, 12th May 2023 - Friday, 12th May 2023

5 years5 Years5 Years is a new comedy–drama that asks, ‘What do we lose in the pursuit of perfection?’
more info

Friday, 12th May 2023 - Saturday, 27th May 2023

Great ExpectationsGreat ExpectationsCharles Dickens’ best-loved novel is brought to life on stage at the Mercury Theatre.
more info

Friday, 19th May 2023 - Friday, 19th May 2023

The Comedy NetworkThe Comedy NetworkThe Comedy Network is a monthly series of laugh out loud comedy nights at the Mercury Theatre
more info

Wednesday, 24th May 2023 - Wednesday, 24th May 2023

TappedTappedTapped is a witty and sensitive portrayal of managing mental health within a family, at the Mercury Theatre
more info

Tuesday, 30th May 2023 - Saturday, 3rd June 2023

The InstrumentalsThe InstrumentalsBursting to life with brilliant puppetry and bold music, the Instrumentals is full of love and laughter
more info

Tuesday, 6th June 2023 - Tuesday, 6th June 2023

VortexVortexDance, at the Mercury Theatre
more info

Tuesday, 13th June 2023 - Tuesday, 13th June 2023

G4 LiveG4 LiveThe UK’s No.1 vocal quartet extend their exhilarating ‘G4 LIVE’ tour with more dates into 2023!
more info

Wednesday, 14th June 2023 - Wednesday, 14th June 2023

The Doctor Will See You NowThe Doctor Will See You NowJoin Alan Fletcher (AKA Karl Kennedy) Ramsay Street’s most famous doctor, as he looks back and celebrates almost three decades of the TV hit series ’Neighbours’ while looking ahead to its future.
more info

Friday, 16th June 2023 - Sunday, 18th June 2023

ZogZogThe smash-hit stage adaptation is at the Mercury Theatre.
more info

Friday, 28th July 2023 - Saturday, 26th August 2023

UnbelievableUnbelievableThe world premiere of Unbelievable is at the Mercury Theatre, prior to the West End!
more info

Tuesday, 24th October 2023 - Tuesday, 24th October 2023

Emerald StormEmerald StormThis is a show not to be missed, this is Irish dance reborn!
more info

Saturday, 28th October 2023 - Saturday, 28th October 2023

Paul Zerdin: PuppetmanPaul Zerdin: PuppetmanThe America’s Got Talent winner is back with a brand-new comedy show for 2023.
more info

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Disabled access
  • Disabled toilets
  • Facilities for hearing impaired
  • Facilities for visually impaired

Booking & Payment Details

  • Credit cards accepted (with charge)

Catering

  • On-site light refreshments

Children

  • Baby changing facilities
  • Children welcome

Groups

  • Facilities for educational visits
  • Facilities for groups
  • Guided tours for groups

Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities

  • Facilities for conferencing
  • Facilities for corporate hospitality

Parking

  • Parking with charge

Property Facilities

  • Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
  • Public toilets
  • Smoking not allowed

Target Markets

  • Accepts groups
  • Coach parties accepted

Map & Directions

Colchester

Road Directions

By Road:The closest car park to the Mercury Theatre is St Mary's Car Park. Discount parking vouchers can be bought in advance from the Mercury Theatre. Find out more information about parking offers on their website.Accessible by Public Transport: Colchester station is 1 mile away.

Mercury Theatre

Type:Theatre

Balkerne Gate, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1PT

Tel: 01206 573948

Fax: 01206 769607

Awards

  • Other AwardsSelf-assessed Accessibility Information Self-assessed Accessibility Information 2020

Opening Times

* Box office opening hours 10am-8pm. Sundays - Box Office open 90 minutes before performance. Closed Christmas Day.