Productions
In 2027 we're delighted to be staging four incredible productions in the beautiful main auditorum of the Mercury Theatre, Colchester. Auditions and interviews for actors, musicians and creative, technical and backstage assistants are now available for booking.
Tickets for audience members are on sale from 30 October via the Mercury Theatre box office.
We'll also be offering brand-new courses for 2027 and a series of new musical development projects.
Take part
Music by ALAN MENKEN | Lyrics by JACK FELDMAN | Book by HARVEY FIERSTEIN
Based on the Disney Film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White
Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions
Stop the presses! This Disney film turned Tony-winning Broadway hit inspires everyone to fight for what's right and seize the day.
Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged "newsies". When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what's right!
Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family.
The Mercury Theatre | 5–7 August 2027
Rehearsals 30 March – 4 April (actors only), 24–31 July, 2–5 August 2027.
For more information about taking part, see our Take Part pages.
Book by ROGER O. HIRSON | Music & Lyrics by STEPHEN SCHWARTZ
Originally produced on the Broadway stage by Stuart Ostrow. Directed on the Broadway stage by Bob Fosse. 2013 Broadway revival directed by Diane Paulus. Theo Ending Originally Conceived In 1998 By Mitch Sebastian
There's magic to do when a prince learns the true meaning of glory, love and war in Stephen Schwartz's iconic and unforgettable musical masterpiece.
From Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz, Pippin is the story of one young man's journey to be extraordinary. Winner of four 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, this updated circus-inspired version of Pippin has an infectiously unforgettable score and continues to captivate and appeal to the young at heart throughout the world.
Heir to the Frankish throne, the young prince Pippin is in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power (after disposing of his father, King Charlemagne the Great). In the end, though, Pippin finds that happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavors, but rather in the unextraordinary moments that happen every day.
The Mercury Theatre | 12–14 August 2027
Rehearsals 5–10 April (actors only), 31 July – 7 August, 9-12 August 2027.
For more information about taking part, see our Take Part pages.
Book by Richard Bea | Music by David Arnold | Based on the Woolley/Karlsen/Number 9 Motion Picture | Lyrics by Richard Thomas
Inspired by a true story and based on the hit movie, Made in Dagenham is the uplifting new British musical comedy about friendship, love and the importance of fighting for what is right, brought to you by an all-female and non-binary cast.
Essex, 1968. Like millions of other working women, each morning Rita O’Grady is just trying to get her husband out of bed, get the kids off to school and get to work at the factory on time. But life is about to change forever when it’s announced that the girls in the stitching room of Ford’s Dagenham car plant will have their pay grade dropped to ‘unskilled’. Quickly drawing on a strength she never knew she had, Rita leads her friends in a battle against the might of Ford and the corruption of the Union supposed to protect them. As the girls’ inspiring journey gets bigger than anyone could have imagined, the pressure is too much for some, but can Rita keep up the fight and the happy home she’s worked so hard for?
The Mercury Theatre | 19–21 August 2027
Rehearsals 30 March – 4 April (actors only), 7–14 August, 16-19 August 2027.
For more information about taking part, see our Take Part pages.
Book tickets
Based on a Story and Characters of Damon Runyon | Music and Lyrics by FRANK LOESSER | Book by JO SWERLING and ABE BURROWS
Frank Loesser's celebrated musical comedy about rolling the dice and falling in love under the bright lights of Broadway – with a twist...
Following in the footsteps of Sheridan Smith, Tom Hollander, Idris Elba, Sally Hawkins and Orlando Bloom – the big names of tomorrow are coming to the Mercury in 2027.
See Sky Masterson, Miss Adelaide, Nathan Detroit and the whole cast of huge characters played by some of the UK’s finest – and youngest – stars. In this unique NYMT production, Guys & Dolls is given the Bugsy Malone treatment and performed by world-class child performers.
Place your bets on the next generation of West End stars! A hilarious and heartwarming, high-rolling night out for the whole family.
The Mercury Theatre | 26–28 August 2027
Rehearsals 5-10 April (actors only), 14-21 August, 23-26 August 2027.
For more information about taking part, see our Take Part pages.
