Mercury Theatre Colchester has announced its Spring and Summer 2026 season, marking the first full programme from Artistic Director Natasha Rickman. The line-up features three world-premiere musicals and two world-premiere plays, cementing the Mercury’s reputation as a powerhouse for new writing and bold theatrical storytelling.
The season opens with The Manningtree Witches (28 February – 14 March), adapted by award-winning Mercury Playwright Ava Pickett from A.K. Blakemore’s acclaimed novel. The production reimagines the story of Essex’s silenced women and will be directed by Rickman, in association with Frantic Assembly, with support from Eleanor Lloyd Productions and the National Theatre’s Generate Programme.
Next, Dermot O’Leary’s beloved children’s book Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape (2–18 April) leaps from page to stage in a magical family musical featuring music, puppetry, and adventure. Co-produced with Little Angel Theatre and Mayflower Southampton, the show will debut in Colchester before touring the UK.
Comedy favourites Mischief return to the stage with Thespians (9–23 May), their first ever musical, co-produced with HOME Manchester and JPT Productions. Set in Ancient Greece, this laugh-out-loud new comedy from Jonathan Sayer and Ed Zanders promises mayhem, music, and the invention of acting itself.
Caroline – A New Musical (3–13 June) celebrates the rebellious spirit of the pirate radio station Radio Caroline, telling a story of love, ambition, and rock ’n’ roll. Written by Vikki Stone and directed by Douglas Rintoul and Alex Thorpe, the musical is produced as part of the new East Anglian Touring Consortium, showcasing collaboration across the region.
The Mercury’s commitment to community creativity continues with two further premieres: Anne Odeke’s new adaptation of The Wind in the Willows (20–22 March) performed by the Mercury Young Company, and Caryl Churchill’s Love and Information, staged by the Mercury Adult Company over the same weekend.
Natasha Rickman said:
“I am so excited to share this season with audiences, especially as it centres the stories of Essex past and present. We’re proud to platform the incredible talent that comes out of this region and continue building a world-class arts scene here in Colchester.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
