You’re looking for a low, modern brick building with lots of glass windows wrapping around the front, and a unique asymmetrical roof-just look ahead for the statue reaching up from the roofline, and you’ve found the Mercury Theatre!
Alright, now that you’ve arrived outside the Mercury Theatre, let me take you back in time-and trust me, if these walls could talk, they’d probably burst into song! Imagine the sound of footsteps on a 1970s pavement as the people of Colchester gather, clutching programmes and excited for a big opening night.
The story of the Mercury Theatre starts in 1968. Back then, the folks in Colchester wanted more than just a good panto at Christmas-they wanted their very own theatre! So, the Colchester New Theatre Trust got everyone together and, after some serious searching for the perfect spot and a lot of fundraising (I bet those bake sales were dramatic), they finally commissioned Norman Downie to design this special place. With a generous grant from the Borough Council, the Mercury Theatre flung open its doors on the 10th of May, 1972. If you squint just right, you might even hear the applause from that very first show.
But the Mercury didn’t just pop into existence out of thin air-in fact, it was built on the spirit of the Colchester Repertory Company, which had been performing since 1937. Imagine the echoes of all those performers: young actors taking their first steps on stage, writers furiously scribbling last-minute changes, and the odd stage manager nervously counting props.
Now, this theatre may look a bit like the Salisbury Playhouse, and that’s no accident-when it was built, they were structural twins! But over time, the Mercury grew its own personality-and quite a reputation. Through the years, a line of artistic visionaries led the way: David Buxton was the founding Artistic Director, and after him came Michael Winter in 1984, who steered the creative ship for some time. There’s a bit of drama behind the scenes, too, with directors and producers changing over, each leaving their own stamp-Pat Trueman, Adrian Stokes, Dee Evans, Gregory Floy, Daniel Buckroyd, and most recently the dream team of Tracey Childs, Steve Mannix, and Ryan McBryde. Whew! That’s more shuffling than a backstage quick-change.
But what’s a theatre without a bit of backstage magic? The Mercury’s walls have seen the likes of John Cleese treading the boards, Martin Clunes bringing laughter, and directors like Michael Grandage making their debuts here. There have been premieres, teary farewells, and the constant hum of artists in rehearsal. Gari Jones from the National Theatre often popped in with something new and bold-sometimes even something eyebrow-raising!
And, of course, the productions! Every year, the Mercury has delivered a little bit of everything. Legendary “Made in Colchester” productions brought to life classic tales like “Jack and the Beanstalk,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Dracula”-oh, and who could forget “Spamalot”? On frosty nights the Mercury rings with ghost stories and musicals, farces and tragedies, all echoing out into Colchester’s quiet streets.
Not only that, but inside there are two auditoria to host these performances (so if you ever get lost, just follow the muffled laughter or the unmistakable rumble of a set change), plus the Digby Gallery, showcasing art by local creators-so you get a little sprinkle of culture with every ticket.
Today, the Mercury is led by Steve Mannix, so if you see someone walking around with a look that says “I hope everything goes right today,” that might just be him. From its opening in 1972 right up until now, the Mercury Theatre has been a living, breathing hub for the creative spirit of Colchester-its doors ready to whisk you into a new story every night.
So, take a moment, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll catch the scent of stage makeup and paint on the breeze. Ready for the next act? Let’s head on to our next adventure!
Wondering about the featured artists, 2018 made in colchester productions or the 2017 made in colchester productions? Feel free to discuss it further in the chat section below.
