The Mercury Theatre in Colchester has unveiled its highly anticipated 2025 season, featuring a mix of thrilling comedy, suspense, new writing, and classic revivals. Highlights include Essex playwright Emma Jo Pallett’s debut full-length play Flumps, a revival of Noël Coward’s Private Lives directed by 2024 RTST Sir Peter Hall Director award-winner Tanuja Amarasuriya, and the annual pantomime Mother Goose. These join the previously announced productions of The 39 Steps and The Da Vinci Code.
Natasha Rickman, the theatre’s new Artistic Director, expressed her excitement: “I am delighted to introduce this season of work, which offers thrilling comedy; suspense; a transfer direct from the West End; new writing from top Essex talent; a glamorous classic and a very special, celebratory festive treat. We have some of the UK’s most exciting artists joining us to bring this season to life, as leading names meet top new voices in theatre. We hope to welcome you to the Mercury soon.”
Theatre Productions
The new Mercury Production of Patrick Barlow’s Olivier and Tony award-winning comedy The 39 Steps, directed by Ryan McBryde, will run from 11-29 March. The cast includes Danielle Bird, Mei Mei Macleod, Mateo Oxley, and Phil Yarrow.
Dan Brown’s bestselling thriller novel The Da Vinci Code will be brought to life in a stage adaptation by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel, running from 7-24 May. Directed by Chelsea Walker, the creative team includes Alys Whitehead, Ryan Day, Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, Arthur Carrington, and Daniel Denton.
Private Lives, directed by Tanuja Amarasuriya, will run from 1-11 October. This sparkling comedy of manners is a co-production with Octagon Theatre Bolton, Rose Theatre, and supported by the Royal Theatrical Support Trust.
The 2025/6 pantomime Mother Goose will mark ten years of the celebrated partnership between Antony Stuart-Hicks and Dale Superville. Directed by Natasha Rickman, it will run from 22 November 2025 to 18 January 2026.
Studio Productions
Emma Jo Pallett’s Flumps will debut in the Mercury Theatre’s Studio from 6-14 June. Directed by Madelaine Moore, this play follows young siblings Felicity and Harvey as they fend for themselves when their mother abandons them.
Additional Highlights
Frantic Assembly’s Lost Atoms, written by Anna Jordan and directed by Scott Graham, will run from 4-8 November. James Graham’s adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s Boys from the Blackstuff will run from 28-31 May, directed by Kate Wasserberg.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
