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

Thursday, 5th October 2023 - Sunday, 8th October 2023

School of RockSchool of Rock – Colchester Operatic SocietyMuch-loved favourites and wickedly hilarious new songs, at the Mercury Theatre.
more info

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, 11th October 2023 - Wednesday, 11th October 2023

Showstopper! The Improvised MusicalShowstopper! The Improvised MusicalSpontaneous musical comedy at its absolute finest.
more info

Thursday, 12th October 2023 - Thursday, 12th October 2023

Buddy Holly & The CricketersBuddy Holly & The CricketersBuddy Holly Tribute at the Mercury
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

Thursday, 26th October 2023 - Thursday, 26th October 2023

The Amazing Bubble ManThe Amazing Bubble Man“The Greatest Bubble Show on Earth”
more info

Friday, 27th October 2023 - Friday, 27th October 2023

Milkshake LiveMilkshake LiveChildrens show at the Mercury Theatre
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

Tuesday, 31st October 2023 - Tuesday, 31st October 2023

One Night in DublinOne Night in DublinFranbie Valli Tribute at the Mercury
more info

Wednesday, 1st November 2023 - Wednesday, 1st November 2023

An Evening with Philippa Perry: The Show You Want Everyone You Love to Go ToAn Evening with Philippa Perry: The Show You Want Everyone You Love to Go ToA heartfelt, witty, and thought-provoking evening at the Mercury Theatre
more info

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

Do You Believe in Ghosts?Do You Believe in Ghosts?An experiential ghost story, unlike anything you have ever experienced before. 
more info

Tuesday, 7th November 2023 - Saturday, 11th November 2023

MetamorphosisMetamorphosisKafka’s Metamorphosis at the Mercury Theatre
more info

Saturday, 25th November 2023 - Sunday, 14th January 2024

Sleeping BeautySleeping BeautyColchester's much-loved Panto returns to the Mercury Theatre
more info

Wednesday, 13th December 2023 - Sunday, 7th January 2024

Me…A stage production of this early years favourite
more info

Thursday, 25th January 2024 - Sunday, 4th February 2024

My Fair Lady – Colchester Operatic SocietyMy Fair Lady – Colchester Operatic SocietyThe classic musical at the Mercury Theatre
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

Opening Times

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