Mercury Theatre

Photos: MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET in Rehearsal at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester
by Stephi Wild - Jun 10, 2026

All new photos have been released from the rehearsal room for Million Dollar Quartet at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester. The show will return for an extended run this summer. Check out the photos here!

LANNY, PERICLES, and More Set For English Touring Theatre 2026-27 Season
by Stephi Wild - Jun 9, 2026

English Touring Theatre announced a season of five plays, including world premieres of APPLICATION 39, LANNY, and PERICLES, alongside a new production of ROMEO AND JULIET, touring venues across the UK.

Industry Pro Newsletter: Kennedy Center Ruling, Broadway's Record Season & New York's $150M Tax Credit Boost
by Alex Freeman - Jun 1, 2026

On the legal and legislative front, a federal judge ordered the removal of President Trump's name from the Kennedy Center and temporarily blocked its planned closure, while New York State added $150 million to its theatrical production tax credit program. Broadway closed out its 2025–2026 season with a new all-time box office record of $1.91 billion, and the Broadway League and Actors' Equity announced a new audition initiative called LEAP.

Original West End Cast Will Return to Mischief's THE COMEDY OF SPIES
by Stephi Wild - May 28, 2026

The original West End cast of THE COMEDY ABOUT SPIES will return to London's Adelphi Theatre for an eight-week run, joined by Mischief member Bryony Corrigan. The show won the WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Play.

Cast Set For LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST at Shakespeare's Globe
by Stephi Wild - May 27, 2026

Shakespeare's Globe announced the full cast for LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST, directed by Indiana Lown-Collins in her Globe directorial debut, featuring flamenco dancers and a singer alongside a 14-member cast.

Cast Set For SHEAR MADNESS at The Mill At Sonning
by Stephi Wild - May 27, 2026

The Mill At Sonning announced the cast for SHEAR MADNESS, Paul Portner's record-breaking comedy whodunit directed by Sally Hughes, featuring Rosaleen Burton, Daniel Cane, Gwithian Evans, Jonathan Markwood, Natalie Ogle, and Paul O'Neill.

CRIPS WITH CHIPS to Open at Mercury Theatre Colchester with Free Tickets
by A.A. Cristi - May 26, 2026

Graeae and Mercury Theatre Colchester will present CRIPS WITH CHIPS, a scratch night of short plays by Disabled and neurodivergent writers, directed by Graeae Artistic Director Jenny Sealey. Tickets are free.

Stage One to Launch 2026/27 Producer Placement Scheme With Leading UK Theatre Companies
by A.A. Cristi - May 26, 2026

Stage One announced partners for its 2026/27 Producer Placement Scheme, offering emerging producers paid year-long placements at London and regional theatres, including Sonia Friedman Productions and Sheffield Theatres.

Full Cast Set for MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET at Barn Theatre Cirencester
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 15, 2026

The Barn Theatre in Cirencester has revealed the full cast and creative team for Million Dollar Quartet, directed by Jonathan O'Boyle, with Darren Day leading a cast that includes Connor Payne as Elvis and Joe Bence as Jerry Lee Lewis.

Cast Set For LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST 10th Anniversary Tour From Shakespeare in the Squares
by Stephi Wild - May 15, 2026

Shakespeare in the Squares announced the full cast for its tenth anniversary production of LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST, directed by Toby Gordon, touring London squares for one night each across multiple venues.

Guest Blog: 'It Has Been An Honour And An Enormous Responsibility': Samantha Lane on Adapting TOTO THE NINJA CAT AND THE GREAT SNAKE ESCAPE For The Stage
by Guest Author - May 13, 2026

Adapting Toto the Ninja Cat and The Great Snake Escape for the stage has been both an honour and an enormous responsibility. Not only is the story clearly very close to Dermot O'Leary’s heart (the cats are inspired by his own) but the books are deeply loved by thousands of young readers. When children arrive at the theatre already carrying a story in their imagination, you have to treat that trust very carefully. The challenge is finding a way to stay true to the essence of the book while also allowing the creative team to make something genuinely theatrical and new.

Cast Set for NELL GWYNN at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre
by Stephi Wild - May 7, 2026

Rose Shalloo will lead the cast of the Olivier Award-winning play NELL GWYNN at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, in a co-production from Storyhouse, Shakespeare North Playhouse, and Theatre by the Lake.

Mischief's THESPIANS Will Embark on UK Tour
by Stephi Wild - May 6, 2026

HOME Manchester, JPT Productions, and Mercury Theatre Colchester will present THESPIANS, a new production from Mischief, the company behind the hit comedy franchise.

JANE EYRE New Stage Adaptation Will Come to Storyhouse This Autumn
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2026

Storyhouse in Chester will stage a co-production of JANE EYRE, directed by 2025 RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award winner Lily Dyble, in association with Mercury Theatre, Rose Theatre Kingston, and Northern Stage.

THE PRODUCERS to Close BrightSide Theatre's 14th Season
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 28, 2026

BrightSide Theatre announced the cast and production team for THE PRODUCERS, the 12-time Tony Award-winning Mel Brooks musical, closing the company's 14th season in Naperville.

Shakespeare's Globe Reveals Climate Activities For 2026
by Stephi Wild - Apr 22, 2026

Shakespeare's Globe announced a series of climate-focused events during London Climate Week, including a free Climate Open House with stage readings and an off-grid matinee of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM.

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS Will Return to New Vic Theatre for 40th Anniversary
by Stephi Wild - Apr 21, 2026

New Vic Theatre will revive its internationally toured production of AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, directed by Theresa Heskins, as part of the theatre's 40th anniversary celebrations, with original cast members returning to the Newcastle-under-Lyme stage.

Photos: Inside Rehearsal For THESPIANS At Mercury Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 20, 2026

Rehearsal photos have been released for THESPIANS, Mischief’s first musical comedy, ahead of its world premiere at Mercury Theatre Colchester. The new musical by Jonathan Sayer and Ed Zanders reimagines the origins of theatre in Ancient Greece. See photos from inside the rehearsal room.

Industry Pro Newsletter: The UK Is Investing in Theatre — Is It Enough?
by Alex Freeman - Apr 20, 2026

From Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater suspending operations and Central Works announcing its closure after 36 years, to Duluth Playhouse navigating a leadership transition, regional companies across the U.S. are grappling with the pressures of rising costs and uncertain funding. Across the Atlantic, the UK theatre sector is meeting similar headwinds head-on, with the government distributing £127.8 million to 130 cultural organizations, Stagetext securing funds to expand captioning access nationwide, and SOLT and UK Theatre sounding the alarm over strains on the touring ecosystem.

CAROLINE, THE DISAPPEARING MAN, and More Set For Titilola Dawudu's Inaugural Season as Artistic Director Of Hightide
by Stephi Wild - Apr 20, 2026

Titilola Dawudu, Artistic Director and CEO of HighTide, has announced her inaugural season, including Caroline: The Musical, The Disappearing Man, and more.