Empire Theatre, Halstead. Tel: 07778 025490
FEBRUARY
Saturday 23rd February 2019. The Story of Guitar Heroes. Doors open 7.00 for 7.30pm, All seats £18.50. Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Hank Marvin, Brian May and Slash are just some of the outstanding guitar heroes you will have chance to experience in one amazing show! This outstanding live concert style ‘rockumentry’ will be performed by one extraordinarily talented renowned musician: Phil Walker, and backed by his exceptional band. With over 20 guitars used on stage, Phil and his band will accurately recreate the sound and ambiance of each guitar hero taking you on a journey through the decades from when the first legends of the Rock ‘n’ Roll era began in the 1950’s, through to the most creative and inspirational modern guitar heroes of today. Whatever kind of music you listen to, from rock to pop, from folk to reggae, they all have one thing in common: the guitar. Whether it’s electric or acoustic, there’s no other instrument that can boast that it’s been the catalyst for so many new ideas, and that it’s been at the heart of so many revolutions not only in music, but also in culture and society. The Story Of Guitar Heroes highlights many of the prolific artistes that have made this happen.
MARCH
Saturday 16th March 2019. Dolly & Kenny Tribute. Doors open 7.00 for 7.30pm, £15.00. The Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers Tribute Show features the songs of Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton who have long been regarded as the King and Queen of country music. In this fabulous two hour tribute show Dolly & Kenny sing classic country duets from "Islands in the stream" to "We've got tonight", "Real Love" to "Anyone who isn't me tonight". Kelly O'Brien as Dolly Parton is just outstanding singing Dolly's most loved songs plus many more. Peter White as Kenny Rogers is brilliant performing many of Kenny's hits including "The Gambler", "She believes in me" and "Coward of the county". In this sensational tribute show Kelly O'Brien performs the beloved hits of country legend Dolly Parton, brilliantly recreating the vitality and voice of the little lady from Tennessee. Kelly is the best in the business; she sounds like Dolly Parton, she looks like Dolly and she's as witty and entertaining as Dolly. This is the UK's leading Dolly Parton tribute. Official UK No.1 tribute awards winner 2016! The similarities between Kelly and Dolly are striking, and not just in the veracity of voice; the set includes up-tempo numbers like "9 to 5", "Baby I'm Burning" and "Islands in the Stream", as well as powerful ballads such as "I will Always Love You", "Jolene" and "Coat of Many Colours".

The Quay Theatre, Sudbury, Tel: 01787 374745
JANUARY
Tuesday January 22nd, 6:45pm. ROH: The Queen of Spades. In Tchaikovsky’s intense opera of obsession and the supernatural, Gherman is caught between the woman he loves and a destructive fixation. The Queen of Spades is based on a short story by Pushkin, and comes to the Royal Opera House in a new production that has already garnered five-star reviews in Amsterdam. The production is set in 1890, the year of the opera’s premiere. In his study, Tchaikovsky imagines the opera into life as his own story, its characters giving voice to his unfulfilled desires. Aleksandrs Antonenko and Eva-Maria Westbroek head the cast and Royal Opera Chorus, conducted by Antonio Pappano, Music Director of The Royal Opera. This is an engrossing portrayal of a tortured creative artist and a gripping piece of gothic storytelling.
Friday January 25th, 7:30pm. Shell Shock: The Diary of Tommy Atkins. “There’s nothing wrong with me… it’s the others!” ‘Shell Shock’ is a globally acclaimed award winning solo comedy drama - a stage realisation of a former soldier’s diary charting his chaotic rollercoaster of a journey through trauma related stress and anxiety. As he rails against the world, Tommy's observations on the absurdities of the everyday are “comic and convincing” (InDaily) and “fabulously witty” (Clothesline), but as life appears to conspire against him nothing is safe from Tommy's increasing outrage... post office queues to Ikea, computer games to ‘phone zombies, all feel the force of his frustration - "like a Michael McIntyre routine ramped up to 11..." Adapted from Neil Blower Watkin's biographical novel, 'Shell Shock: The Play' was created in association with associated charities as a stigma reduction project, using humour to open conversations about mental health. Performances are followed by an informal interactive feedback sessions where others are encouraged to share their experiences in all walks of life and, wherever appropriate, find professional help and advice.
Saturday January 26th, 7:30pm. The K T Bush Band. The KT Bush Band was formed in 1977 by Vic King (drums), Brian Bath (guitar) Del Palmer (Bass) and Kate Bush on Vocals and keyboards. The set consisted of classic soul and rock covers with original songs from Brian and Kate before they were released on her 1st album `The Kick Inside’. Songs such as `James and the cold gun’ `Them heavy people’ and `Oh to be in love’. The band quickly gained a loyal following around London in clubs and pubs. Now 41 years later Vic and Brian have reformed the band with new singer Sallie -Anne Hurst, Steve Bevan on bass and Emily Francis on keyboards. The band will be playing classic songs from Kate’s early albums plus some songs that were only played during the early years of the band.
Sunday January 27th, 7:30pm. History Sunday 2. Talk 1. Andrew Phillips in conversation with John Sayers: Reflections of a lifelong Sudburian with special reference to his life at the heart of the Silk business. Talk 2. Peter Rednall: The Railway that might have been. What were the hopes and aspirations of the promoters of a West Suffolk light railway that was planned in the early years of the twentieth century?
Monday January 28th, 2:30pm & 7:30pm. Film: Christopher Robin (PG). Christopher Robin -- now a family man living in London -- receives a surprise visit from his old childhood pal, Winnie-the-Pooh. With Christopher's help, Pooh embarks on a journey to find his friends -- Tigger, Eeyore, Owl, Piglet, Rabbit, Kanga and Roo. Once reunited, the lovable bear and the gang travel to the big city to help Christopher rediscover the joy of life.
Wednesday January 30th, 6:45pm. ROH: La traviata (Live Broadcast). From the thrill of unexpected romance to a heartbreaking reconciliation that comes too late – Verdi’s La traviata is one of the most popular of all operas. Alfredo falls in love in with the courtesan Violetta in glamorous Paris society, but underneath the surface run darker undercurrents, leading to a tragic ending. The opera’s wealth of melodies includes the famous Brindisi and the exuberant ‘Sempre libera’ – both showing the lyricism of Italian opera at its most immediately appealing. Richard Eyre’s production for The Royal Opera brings out all the emotional colour, from the giddy discovery of love, through painful confrontation to the inevitable conclusion. Lavish period sets and costumes enhance the reality of a moving story based on true life.
Thursday January 31st, 7:00pm. NT Live: I'm Not Running (Live). I’m Not Running is an explosive new play by David Hare, premiering at the National Theatre and broadcast live to cinemas. Pauline Gibson has spent her life as a doctor, the inspiring leader of a local health campaign. When she crosses paths with her old boyfriend, a stalwart loyalist in Labour Party politics, she’s faced with an agonising decision. What’s involved in sacrificing your private life and your piece of mind for something more than a single issue? Does she dare? Hare was recently described by The Washington Post as ‘the premiere political dramatist writing in English’. His other work includes Pravda and Skylight, broadcast by National Theatre Live in 2014.
FEBRUARY
Friday February 1st, 7:30pm. LDN Wrestling Live. LDN Wrestling live events - celebrating 15 years of Britain's top promoters - is coming here, with an explosive evening of top action. Bringing a host of top American wrestling stars to the ring to face the very best of home-grown talent and fans' favourites in two hours of rip-roaring entertainment for all the family to enjoy. If you've been before, you know how good it gets. If you haven't, give it a try and we guarantee that the kids will be talking about it for weeks afterwards! Family friendly prices to make this the best value ticket in town. Book in advance for the best seats!
Saturday February 2nd, 7:30pm. Bootleg Boss: Bruce Springsteen Tribute. The Bootleg Boss is the real deal. A Springsteen fan has lived and breathed the spirit of the New Jersey landscape and delivers the timeless music of The Boss. From the early days of Greetings from Asbury Park through Born to Run, The River and later albums, the Bootleg Boss gives 100% commitment in an amazing show with his E Street Band of seasoned musicians. Filled with passion, bootleg boss was raised on Rock and Roll. It’s in his blood.
Sunday February 3rd, 2:00pm. Met Opera: Carmen. Bizet’s masterpiece of the gypsy seductress who lives by her own rules has had an impact far beyond the opera house. The opera’s melodic sweep is as irresistible as the title character herself, a force of nature who has become a defining female cultural figure. Carmen was a scandal at its premiere but soon after became a triumphal success and has remained one of the most frequently staged operas in the world.
Est running time: 3 hours 21 mins (including 1 interval of 35 mins)
Tuesday February 5th, 2:30pm & 7:30pm. Film: Game Night. Max and Annie's weekly game night gets kicked up a notch when Max's brother Brooks arranges a murder mystery party -- complete with fake thugs and federal agents. So when Brooks gets kidnapped, it's all supposed to be part of the game. As the competitors set out to solve the case, they start to learn that neither the game nor Brooks are what they seem to be. The friends soon find themselves in over their heads as each twist leads to another unexpected turn over the course of one chaotic night.
Thursday February 7th, 7:30pm. And The Rope Still Tugging Her Feet. Inspired by 1984’s Kerry Babies scandal,the play is a dark, comic take on a time in Ireland when “The most dangerous place to be was in a woman’s womb” Bishop Joseph Cassidy. It tells the story of a young unmarried mother accused of murdering a newborn washed up on the Kerry coast, and her subsequent vilification at the hands of church and state. And the Rope... is dedicated to women who have suffered at the hands of mistaken ideologies, particularly those who have suffered the loss of a child. And it’s also fast-paced, entertaining and funny, because the Irish, despite everything, are... “Never sit on a boy's lap unless you have the thickness of a telephone directory between you.” All nun's, everywhere.
Saturday February 9th, 7:30pm. Viva Neil Diamond. Whilst performing in Las Vegas two years ago Bob Drury was described "one of the world's finest vocal tributes to Neil Diamond" and he's now back touring the UK with his new show celebrating the legendary Neil Diamond and his incredible back catalogue of songs. Bob Drury's one-man show is an absolute 'must-see' for any Diamond fans. Prepare to be blown away by his vocal likeness which has been delighting audiences around the world. This year's show includes all the favourites such as Cracklin' Rosie, America, Love on the Rocks, Play Me, Hello Again, Forever in Blue Jeans, Beautiful Noise, I'm a Believer, Red Red Wine and of course Sweet Caroline, plus Neil Diamond's UK hit Pretty Amazing Grace and a few lesser known songs that are sure to become your favourites by the end of the evening. A fantastic evening guaranteed!
Sunday February 10th, 7:30pm. History Sunday 3. Talk 1. May Berkouwer: Dressing for Mr. Gainsborough: The Fabric of Fashion in Gainsborough’s portraits. Taking a closer look at Gainsborough’s portraits, we will bring to life the fabrics and fashions of the sitters. May Berkouwer, textile conservator, will help identify the textiles portrayed, how they were made and might have felt. Talk 2. Jonathan Belsey: Spanish Lady, Flanders Grippe, Naples Soldier and Blitzkatarrh – how global pandemic flu brought death home to Suffolk from the trenches in 1918. In the final months of the First World War, the German offensive ground to a halt and more young men were dying of influenza than gunshot wounds. Over the following year, around 50 million people died worldwide as a result of a new mutation of the flu virus – more than had died of the Black Death 600 years previously. In this talk, Jonathan will explore how West Suffolk was affected by the flu pandemic and consider the potential risks of it returning a century later.
Tuesday February 12th, 8:00pm. Slattery Will Get You Nowhere. Comedy Legend Tony Slattery reveals all in conversation with comedy historian Robert Ross. After playing to packed houses during 2017's Edinburgh Festival with a return to his greatest triumph Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Tony Slattery is back with a no-holds-barred reflection on his life and work. From the Cambridge Footlights to the demons that have consistently dogged his success. As an extended version of his Edinburgh 2018 show, this will contain archive clips and a chance for audience questions. As you would expect of the King of Improvisation, this is an unstructured and unpredictable gallop through several lifetimes worth of poignant and hilarious anecdotes. Anything can happen, and it probably will...
Wednesday February 13th, 7:30pm. The Noise Next Door: Remix. The Noise Next Door are the UK's premier improv comedy troupe who have taken the comedy world by storm! The boys are back with a brand new, full-length adult evening show... Eight time sell-out veterans of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and one of the country's most sought after comedy club headliners. The Noise Next Door leave audiences everywhere in awe of their lightening-quick wit and totally original comedic talents. They have been performing their own distinctive brand of off-the-cuff comedy together since they met at university. Taking audience suggestions, the cheeky and charming quartet transform them into fantastically funny scenes and songs in the blink of an eye with a perfect blend of ludicrous characters, witty one-liners, epic stories and explosive physicality.
Friday February 15th, 7:30pm. The Quo Experience. Rockin’ All Over The World - Whatever You Want – Down Down – Living On An Island – In The Army Now - What You’re Proposing – Burning Bridges… just a few of the many hits spreading five decades of Status Quo’s incredible music history. ‘The Quo Experience' is an East Anglian based band including David Wood as ‘Francis Rossi’ and Dave Crawte as ‘Rick Parfitt’; both have spent years studying every detail of Rossi and Parfitt's looks, playing styles and stage performances to make sure they are both as close to the real thing on stage as is possible, without actually being the legendary rock duo themselves! The magic and chemistry that the Parfitt/Rossi partnership brought to a Quo 'live' performance is now being continued within The Quo Experience. However, The Quo Experience is not all about Rick and Francis; it also features Graham Partridge, who captures the magic of Status Quo’s long-term keyboard player Andy Bown's playing and vocals perfectly; Leon Smith, an excellent Matt Letley/Leon Cave style drummer and Del Fletcher, a very talented bassist and performer. With such an impressive line-up of seriously experienced musicians and passionate Quo fans, along with a stage show that includes the legendary Status Quo wall of white Marshalls and replica guitars, The Quo Experience is fully armed to take the act as far as is possibly achievable in the tribute band industry. The Quo Experience is, however, not just another Quo tribute band - it is an 'experience'; an ongoing chance to 'experience' the sounds and looks of "Britain's biggest singles chart band of all time" as we all remember it!

JANUARY
Sat 26 January, 8:00pm. Jackson - Live in Concert. Jackson Live in Concert now features the hugely talented ‘CJ’ recreating the Michael Jackson experience with his stunning rendition of all his favourite songs
FEBRUARY
Fri 1 February, 7:30pm. Derek Acorah - Love, Life, Laughter Tour. A thoroughly modern medium whose appeal crosses the generations to young and old alike, he remains the forerunner in the field of paranormal and spiritual matters.
Sat 9 February, 7:30pm. Wayne Dilks a Tribute to George Michael. This heartfelt tribute show features many of the Superstars greatest hits, from his “Wham!” days of the 1980’s right up until his untimely death in 2016
MARCH
Fri 1 March, 7:30pm. The Carpenters – Voice Of The Heart. All the hits that every Carpenters fan adores.
Sat 2 March, 7:30pm. Bon Jovi Forever. The only Bon Jovi tribute show you need to see!
Sat 16 March, 7:30pm. The Floyd Effect - Wall Around the Moon Tour. Pink Floyd’s recording career spanned almost three decades and, for its 2019 tour, The Floyd Effect has chosen two of their most remarkable albums to create its Wall Around The Moon tour

Haverhill Arts Centre, High Street, Haverhill, T: 01440 714140
JANUARY
SAT 19 - SAT 26 JAN 2019. ALADDIN BY CENTRE STAGE. Come join Centre Stage as they open the New Year with a fresh take on the classic tale of Aladdin. An evil emperor rules over the people of China with a firm but outrageously silly rule and so a young lad must help the people of Xi’an dethrone him. Watch as Aladdin, a simple working boy, joins forces with the emperor’s most trusted advisor and a couple of wish granting marvels to take down the emperor. A magical night of intrigue, laughter and love is guaranteed for all.
22 January 2019 6.45pm. The Queen of Spades. Tickets £16.50, £13.50, £10.50. A Royal Opera House live broadcast
MON 28 JAN - MON 18 FEB 2019. MARY POPPINS RETURNS (U). Starring the practically perfect Emily Blunt
Mon 28 JAN 2019 7:30PM. DISOBEDIENCE. Estranged daughter Ronit returns home to a London Orthodox Jewish community following the death of her father. But an attraction to a childhood girlfriend ignites a secret love aff air which delves deep into the forbidden territory of lesbianism. A powerful love story.
30 January 2019 6.45pm. La Traviata. Tickets £16.50, £13.50, £10.50. A Royal Opera House live broadcast
THU 31 JAN 2019 7:00PM. I’M NOT RUNNING. I’m Not Running is an explosive new play by David Hare. Pauline Gibson has spent her life as a doctor, the inspiring leader of a local health campaign. When she crosses paths with her old boyfriend, a stalwart loyalist in Labour Party politics, she’s faced with an agonising decision. Live broadcast.
FEBRUARY
SUN 3 FEB 2019 8:00PM. MONKEY NUTS COMEDY CLUB. Can they make YOU laugh? Stand-up from three UK comics.
MON 4 & MON 25 FEB. THE FAVOURITE. Forget what you thought you knew about the corset-and-carriage costume drama – the rulebook is ripped up in this riotous period comedy. Olivia Colman is outstanding as the frail Queen Anne, while Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone are rival courtiers vying for the monarch’s affections.
TUE 5 FEB 2019 7:30PM. YOUNG PICASSO. Pablo Picasso is one of the greatest artists of all time – and right up until his death in 1973 he was the most prolific of artists. Many films have dealt with these later years – the art, the affairs and the wide circle of friends. But where did this all begin? What made Picasso in the first place?
WED 6 FEB 2019 7:30PM. TULIP FEVER (15). In seventeenth-century Amsterdam; a young orphan girl fi nds herself betrothed against her will to a rich merchant who wants an heir. But when a young artist is summoned to paint her portrait, she finds herself swept up in a torrid affair.
THU 7 FEB 2019 7:30PM. MUG (15) TWARZ. A comedy drama in which a man struggles to return to normality after a workplace accident results in him having a face transplant. Polish with english subtitles
FRI 8 FEB 2019 6:30PM. BURYSOUND 2019, HEAT 3. The Fifths, Heathen, Indecision, Saltfen, Shannon Elsden. Guest Headline: Stretch Soul Gang.
SAT 9 FEB 2019 7:30PM. TONY MCMANUS WITH JULIA TOASPERN. Tony has come to be recognised throughout the world as one of the leading guitarists in Celtic Music. Julia is a multi-talented musician from Berlin who combines classical training on violin with interest in jazz, baroque and traditional music. Together they perform powerful interwoven guitar duets, sing traditional, classical and self-penned songs and treat you to some soaring fiddle sets that explore the harmonic possibilities of old, and not so old, tunes.
SUN 10 FEB 2019 3:00PM. LINTON JAZZ BAND. A concert of big band music with modern and classic tunes in aid of the Haverhill Mayor’s Charity of the Year, The Joshua Tarrant Trust. The trust aims to raise funds and awareness for children with brain tumours.
TUE 12 FEB 2019 7:00PM. THE TRAGEDY OF KING RICHARD THE SECOND. NT Live, encore broadcast. Simon Russell Beale plays William Shakespeare’s Richard II, broadcast from the stage of the Almeida Theatre,London. Richard II, King of England, is irresponsible, foolish and vain. His weak leadership sends his kingdom into disarray and his court into uproar.
WED 13 FEB 2019 7:30PM. FREE SOLO (12A). A stunning and unflinching documentary about free soloist Alex Honnold as he prepares to achieve his lifelong dream: climbing the face of the world’s most famous rock – the 3,200-foot El Capitan in Yosemite National Park – without a rope.
THU 14 FEB 2019 7:30PM. BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S (PG). Based on Truman Capote’s novel, the story of Holly Golightly who meets a young man when he moves into her apartment building. Audrey and George, a Henry Mancini score and wonderful costumes and set. What’s not to love on Valentine’s Day?
FRI 15 FEB 2019 7:30PM. AN EVENING WITH FRANK, DEAN AND JUDY. Strictly Theatre Co. present their swinging tribute to Frank Sinatra's Rat Pack, featuring Swing singers and brothers Paul & Stephen Amer who will be joined by female singer Ellie Darnell, their live show band including a world class brass section PLUS dancing showgirls.
SAT 16 FEB 2019 8:00PM. UNCLE FUNK PRESENT BOOGIE WONDERLAND. Boogie Wonderland is the UK’s number one disco tribute show.
MON 18 FEB 2019 7:30PM. COLETTE (15). Country girl Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette marries a prosperous writer who pushes her to become his ghostwriter. A handsome and compelling account of France’s most famous woman writer.
TUE 19 FEB 2019 7:15PM. DON QUIXOTE. Love and friendship triumph in Carlos Acosta’s vibrant production of this dazzling ballet.
THU 21 FEB 2019 10:30AM. WRECK IT RALPH 2 (PG). Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope von Schweetz jump from the arcade world into the expanses of the internet to save their friends.
THU 21 FEB 2019 7:30PM. THE FRONT RUNNER (15). This pulsating political drama traces the rise and fall of charismatic Democratic senator Gary Hart who was the man to beat in the 1988 US presidential election until the story of an extramarital affair sidelined his campaign.
SAT 23 FEB 2019 8:00PM. KNIGHT AND SPIERS. In 2016, FolkEast Festival masterminded one of the most exciting collaborations on today’s folk scene. Peter Knight, legendary former violinist of Steeleye Span, was paired with leading Bellowhead melodeon player, John Spiers, (also of Spiers and Boden), for a special performance which left audiences in awe. The pairing of violin and melodeon is not a new one, but in the hands of Knight and Spiers, improvisation and invention meet the listener at every turn.
MON 25 FEB - WED 13 MAR 2019. STAN & OLLIE (PG). A shining career seems long put to bed until comic duo Laurel and Hardy, determined to go out with a bang, tour Britain one last time. This is the charming true story of what would become the swansong of Hollywood’s greatest comedy double act.
WED 27 FEB 2019 8:00PM. ARDAL O’HANLON – THE SHOWING OFF MUST GO ON, PREVIEW. Ardal O’Hanlon, star of Death in Paradise, Father Ted, and My Hero (BBC), continues to tour his acclaimed stand-up shows worldwide. Because he loves it. And it’s a compulsion. And the world is a funny place. In an age of raging populism, MeToo, identity politics, the end of truth, the collapsing middle ground, peak avocado and £15 Gin and Tonics, and terrified of being on the wrong side of history, and desperate to prove that his gender, race, age and class don’t necessarily define him, Ardal is forced to saddle his high horse again and ride fearlessly into the culture wars (with a white hankie in his pocket just in case), comedy as ever being the best emergency response mechanism to extreme events there is. (this is a preview show)

Mercury Theatre Company, Colchester, Tel: 01206 573948
JANUARY
30 JAN - 9 FEB 2019. ANNIE. Join Annie, a plucky, charming orphan girl, and her loveable adopted mutt named Sandy, as they take you on a musical adventure in 1930’s New York. Annie dreams of finding her real parents and escaping her dreary orphanage which is run by the cruel and tyrannical Miss Hannigan. Annie’s dreams begin to come true when the personal secretary of billionaire Oliver Warbucks invites her to stay with them. Miss Hannigan and her undesirable friends, however, have other plans! So let Annie into your hearts and come and see Colchester Operatic Society perform this award winning, family friendly musical that includes great well-known songs, including “Tomorrow” and “It’s a hard knock life”. This local amateur dramatic company are well known for producing professional quality shows at this theatre. Let them entertain you with their beautiful harmonies and a story full of fun, heart and adventure.
FEBRUARY
12 FEB. THE MAGIC OF THE BEE GEES. It’s the Bee Gees‘ entire glittering songbook wrapped up in one spectacular live concert show. Enjoy all the Bee Gees’ million-selling hits drawn from three chart-topping decades:Sixties – Massachusetts, Words and I’ve Gotta Get a Message to You. Seventies – all the trio’s songs from Saturday Night Fever – including Stayin’ Alive, How Deep is Your Love and Night Fever. Eighties – You Win Again… and everything in between. Relive platinum-selling hits written by Barry, Maurice and Robin for other million-selling artists – Woman in Love, Chain Reaction, Guilty, Heartbreaker, Grease, If I Can’t Have You and Islands in the Stream.
13 FEB. SIR RANULPH FIENNES: LIVING DANGEROUSLY. In Living Dangerously, Sir Ranulph offers a personal journey through his life, from his early years to the present day. Both light-hearted and strikingly poignant, Living Dangerously spans Sir Ranulph’s childhood and school misdemeanours, his army life and early expeditions, right through the Transglobe Expedition to his current Global Reach Challenge – his goal to become the first person in the world to cross both polar ice caps and climb the highest mountain on each of the seven continents. Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ many endeavours have pushed his endurance levels to the very limits, inspiring generations and making him a pioneer of exploration with an unparalleled story to tell.
14 FEB. RUSSELL KANE – THE FAST AND THE CURIOUS. He’s back. The keenly-awaited brand new tour show is here. Packing more energy than a Duracell factory, Russell’s RS Turbo laugh engine will motor through love, family and life – once again proving that the fast and the curious amongst us, see more stuff, and get more done.
15 FEB. COLCHESTER MILITARY WIVES – VALENTINES SPECIAL. Following on from Gareth Malone’s success the Colchester Military Wives Choir goes from strength to strength. Now they are back at the Mercury Theatre for a Valentines weekend special. Having previously performed to sell out audiences here over the past four years they will romance us with their songs and reflect on the strength and support we can offer each other when we are in need.
16 FEB. A TRIBUTE TO GEORGE MICHAEL – FASTLOVE. Direct from London’s West End, this is the world’s favourite George Michael tribute show. Get ready for an unforgettable evening celebrating the global superstar that is George Michael. Make new memories whilst reliving old classics. The show features all his hits including Father Figure, Freedom, Faith and many more. This is one show-stopping extravaganza you do not want to miss! You’ll be getting up (to get down) to all your best-loved songs from Wham and George’s solo career including Careless Whisper, Freedom 90, Outside and Too Funky!
18 FEB - 23 FEB. THE MOUSETRAP. Discover why Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has kept people guessing for so long, becoming the longest running show of any kind in the history of theatre. The scene is set when a group of people gathered in a country house cut off by the snow discover, to their horror, that there is a murderer in their midst. Who can it be? One by one the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts until at the last, nerve-shredding moment the identity and the motive are finally revealed. Experience shuddering suspense and a brilliantly intricate plot where murder lurks around every corner.
26 FEB. THE JOHNNY CASH ROADSHOW 2019. The only show to be endorsed by the Cash family is back on top form with a brand new production for 2019! Award-winning front man Clive John dedicates this year to a 50th anniversary tour of the legendary San Quentin State Prison recordings which were televised on Granada Television on February 24th 1969, and later released on June 4 of that same year. Alongside Clive is his iconic wife June Carter played by Emily Heighway, a world class band (Spirit band) and the JCR horns. All supported with full video projection. This show is simply the biggest and best celebration of Johnny Cash in the world today. Songs from the San Quentin live album will be performed, mixed with all the hits and favourite songs that we all know and love.
27 FEB. DAN CRUICKSHANK – ROAD TO PALMYRA. Earlier this year Dan Cruickshank embarked upon a perilous journey to Syria, in order to discover what had happened to the ancient city of Palmyra during the three years of Islamic State control. The aim was to not only assess the destruction but to reveal the human suffering of those who died protecting the ancient city and its history. Palmyra is important because it represents all our histories. It was at the beginning of what we in the west take to be our culture, our civilization. This was not just an attack upon the Syrian people and their identity but an attack upon us all. The Assad regime has stated that the repair of the city can represent a strong, defiant and resurgent Syria, but Dan believes that this is too delicate an issue to be politicised and should be handled with great sensitivity. However, Palmyra has ‘died’ many times before, it can come back to life again, be reinvented. Rebuilding needs to be skilfully undertaken with love and respect; and perhaps, ultimately, heal the nation. Dan will take questions and be available to sign books after the talk.
28 FEB. ROMAN RIVER MUSIC PRESENTS ADRIAN BRENDEL & NOAM GREENBERG. Roman River Music @ the Mercury concert series of world-class musicians continues with the masterful cellist Adrian Brendel and international pianist Noam Greenberg, who bring Beethoven’s most popular sonata along with characterful, beautiful music by Debussy and Poulenc, Beethoven’s version of Mozart’s well-known aria from the Magic Flute, and more. Emerge from the winter hibernation and experience the beautiful sound of the cello projecting into the auditorium. This promises to be a memorable evening of beautiful music played by two truly sensational musicians hand-picked by Roman River’s artistic director Orlando Jopling.
MARCH
1 MAR. THE SCUMMY MUMMIES SHOW RETURNS. Following their sell-out UK tour, the Scummy Mummies are coming back to Colchester