Accessibility Review of Mercury Theatre’s ‘Jane Eyre’ Directed By Lily Dyble

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Hi everyone and welcome to another review! We’re coming into the colder months now so won’t be too long until my favourite time of year. But until then, I got the chance to see ‘Jane Eyre’ at The Mercury Theatre in Colchester.

Starring Olivia Marus as Jane Eyre. It tells the classic story of a young Victorian orphan through her difficult childhood, into become a passionate young woman in the Victorian era.

The show is very dark and simple with only a flight of stairs as the set, but with a great use of lighting and sound design each scene feels vastly different from the last. There some uses of bright lights during the show for the more dramatic moments. But they are very far and few between. I think I count three time when this actually happened.

There were some scenes where things did become more difficult to see. This was due very low lighting, or just low lighting then what I would personally need. The use of sounds really adds to the atmosphere of scene brilliant, so it really helped when I struggled to understand the scene from the visual elements.

A stepped wooden platform on a dark stage with several performers arranged across its levels. The platform rises like a wide staircase into the background, and each level holds one or two performers dressed in muted brown and gray clothing that suggests historical peasant or servant attire, including long skirts, aprons, and headscarves. Most performers are slumped, lying, or sitting in weary poses, some leaning on boxes placed on each step as if they are workstations or beds. Metal buckets and piles of what looks like rags or mop heads sit beside some of the boxes, hinting at cleaning or labor. Bright, cool-toned stage lights shine diagonally from both sides toward the center and down from above, cutting through haze so that the light beams are clearly visible and framing the performers in a dramatic, somber atmosphere. The surrounding stage area beyond the lit platform is mostly in darkness, with only faint outlines of curtains and side lighting rigs visible, so attention is focused on the central group.
Photo Credit: Johan Persson

Olivia Marus and the rest of the cast did an outstanding job, conveying the emotion, and what was at stake in each of the scenes. Andera Gatchalian also really stood at to me as she did an awesome display of emotion and depth for both her characters. To the point where I wanted to look her up in the programme at the interval. As said before Olivia, Andera and all of the cast did a fantastic job in this show. You really did sit there watching this and really wanted things to work out for all the characters.  

This was an excellent modem take on the story in terms of set design, but keeping the known classic story. Directed by Lily Dyble, this show fully displayed her heart, passion, and knowledge within the industry and I fully can’t wait to see what she will be up to next. I will be keeping my eye out for her name in the future, and hopefully that will happen soon! A definite one for the future!  

A large, dramatic staircase on a theater stage with both sides lined in tall orange flames. The stairs form a wide pyramid shape, made of dark rectangular blocks that step upward to a flat platform at the top. A single bright spotlight from above shines down toward the top center of the structure, cutting through haze or light smoke and emphasizing the heat of the fire. On the staircase, a person in a dark dress with short sleeves is walking upward toward the top, facing away. The flames are continuous along the outer edges of the stairs, rising several inches to a foot high, with bright yellow and orange tongues and darker smoke near the top. The stage floor and background are very dark, almost entirely black, so the fire and the figures are the main visible elements. On the lower left side of the image, two people stand on the stage floor, facing the staircase; both wear dark clothing, one in a suit-style outfit with a lighter shirt. On the right side of the stage, two more people stand spaced apart, also facing the staircase; they wear sleeveless or short-sleeved dark outfits, their faces and arms lit by the orange glow. In the front right corner, nearer to the camera, a figure in a long, light, semi-transparent garment stands watching the scene, mostly in shadow except for some orange highlights from the fire. The overall atmosphere is intense and theatrical, with strong contrasts between the bright flames and the surrounding darkness, giving a sense of a climactic or ritual-like moment in a performance.
Photo Credit: Johan Persson

On to the accessibility then:

If you have some useful vision: I think here overall you will be able to follow the story with very little effort. There will be times of both bright and dark moments through the show. But these won’t be for very long. There isn’t a clear difference for each character in terms of costume. Which I think would have really helped here with a lot of blacks or dark blues. The exception to this would be the characters of Mr Rochester and Adele. But will have no problem following the storyline as whole.

If you have little to no useful vision: I think here, there will be some elements of the show you will unfortunately miss out on including some dance and minimal physical scenes accompanied by sound effects. But you will be able to follow the story no problem. Here is an Audio Described performance and Touch Tour on the 10th September 2026, should you wish to have that available to you.

‘Jane Eyre’ is running at The Mercury Theatre in Colchester from 26th September until 10th  October 2026, and then will go on a UK Tour! Information and tickets for The Mercury Theatre will be here. But do check to see if it is coming to theatre near you soon! This is one not to be missed!  

Until Next Time,

The VI Critic

Accessibility Review of ‘Jellyfish’ Written By Jess Coppen-Gardner

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Hi everyone and welcome back to another review. However this one is a little different! This time I got to head to the capital London to go and see ‘Jellyfish’ at The Omnibus Theatre in Clapham Common!

‘Jellyfish’ written by Jess Coppen-Gardner and directed by Lillith Freeman tells the story of twins Nova (played by Jess Coppen-Gardne) and T (played by Teddy Walker) who are both celebrating their one hundred birthday. Both social media influencers and believe they have found a way to live for eternity. Whilst taking part on a live streamed interview during their celebrations it is discovered that all is not quite as it seems…

As I haven’t been to this theatre before. I wanted to briefly touch on the building and the environment. This is very much a small theatre, with a small auditorium, and a small cafe/bar alongside it. When entering the theatre at the beginning. I had to walk through the outside setting of the cafe/bar. As this was in the high of the UK summer was a little problematic as it was difficult to fully see where the path was. Both during the afternoon but especially at night when leaving. The cafe/bar had some okay lighting in the afternoon with plenty of seats and tables. But unless you wanted to sit on the outer tables of the inside. Once it starts to fill up, getting around or being guided by someone might be a little tricky. I then later discovered there was a main entrance to the theatre that was separate from the cafe/bar. which I found to be easier. After speaking to the box office staff. They offered to reserve me a seat on the front row. Which I thought was a nice touch. But I’m sure if had asked they would have also have happy obliged and done this. 

The actual auditorium itself is more of a studio like space, with rows of seats leading up and a front row on the floor. Unfortunately I can’t comment on the leg room of the raised setting as I didn’t experience it. But from other experiences previously, this might be something you want to keep in mind. The lighting as a walked in was on the darker side, so I would be careful when walking up the steps also. But the staff could have not been more helpful, friendly and more than happy to accommodate.   

When I read about about this show, and read that it was a dark comedy I’ll be honest I was quite fifty fifty as to whether or not I was going to like this show. But I came out of the auditorium having thoroughly enjoyed it, both Jess and Teddy’s comedic timing was on point and the characters themselves are designed to be comedic also. The characters themselves are influencers but came across massively exaggerated for effect which I loved! 

The set itself was very simple, with a white backdrop, two white boxes for chairs, a white wooden table and a plastic flooring for practical reasons. Through the scene changes there where colourful projects of red and blue liquid, with music playing. These had very low lighting but never lasted for longer for a minute. The lighting was simple with a warm white light for most of the scenes. Aside from two karaoke scenes which the lighting is more colourful and flashing briefly for a few minutes. The story was quite easy to follow, there were a few parts of the story that I maybe didn’t get the reference of or didn’t understand, but that didn’t take away at all for this amazing story.     

On arrival, I was greeted by the director Lillith Freeman and she showed me to a table with the props from the show, even some slime which was a new one for me. She expertly explain each prop and where about it would appear in the show without giving anything way. This was great as this going in I could then sometimes recognise some of them and think “we’re at this part in the show now” so even though full audio description wasn’t available. It really helped trying to follow the show’s timeline of events. What I found amazing is that the writer Jess Coppen-Gardner had incorporated small elements of Audio Description into parts of the show which was lovely to see! I would love it if more and more shows would do this more. 

Overall then, I loved this show and it genuinely surprised me! The story was simple, but enjoyable. Was certainly dark in story but also physical space. But it was beautifully made accessible for people with sight loss! I would love to see a fully Audio Description performance in the future. The Touch Tour was also really good! I would be really nice if the cast and the set and space could be Incorporated into the Touch Tour, maybe if the cast could come out in costume within the actual space of the show  to hopefully allow people with Sight Loss to get as a full of an experience as possible! Ultimately this show was amazing, and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I highly recommend it, and I can’t wait to see what this show, the writer, director, and the production company have coming in the future! 

Accessibly Rating: 

If you have useful or limited vision: Overall I think, you should be fine, providing you sit on the first two roles. Both actors wear very different costumes to each other, as well as having very distinctive voices from one another, so following the story should be a problem. There are dark moments, but only really during the scene changes. The karaoke scene do have some flashing colourful lighting so might be something to watch out for if that sort of thing bothers you. 

If you have little to no vision: I feel the touch tour is must here. As well as the show notes provided that go into much more detail. Physically you aren’t missing anything here in terms of story. There are a couple of loud moments. Only one I can think of. Most of the actual story is dialogue driven, so you won’t miss anything. But if you would like some description throughout the show, do take a companion with you. 

‘Jellyfish’ written by Jess Coppen-Gardner, directed by Lillith Freeman and starring Jess Coppen-Gardner and Teddy Waker is running at the Edinburgh Fringe from 5th – 31st August 2026! Go and get your tickets now so you can say ‘I was there at the start…!” All the the information of the show will be linked here. As well as the show notes, will be linked here! 

Until Next Time,

The VI Critic. 

Trailer:

Accessibility Review of Mischief’s ‘Thespians’

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Hi everyone and welcome to another review!

This time I got the chance to go and review ‘Thespians’, written by Mischief’s Jonathan Sayer (‘The Play That Goes Wrong!’, ‘Peter Pan Goes Wrong’ and ‘A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong’), with music and lyrics by Ed Zanders.

Set in 534 BC in ancient Greece on a small island with a tiny community of five, nothing ever happens… until one day it does! Thespians, his sister Poly, Adonis — the head of the guard — and the elders are forced to travel to Atlantis for a deadly prayer competition. But suddenly, everything begins to change.

Going into this show, I had medium expectations as this was from the same company behind ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’, as well as their popular TV shows. So when I got invited to this by Mercury Theatre, I was very interested to see what they would do with a musical comedy.

A colorful stage musical scene with actors dressed in ancient Greek-style costumes. In the center, a young light-skinned man with short blond hair stands on a round marble-patterned platform. He wears a white sleeveless tunic with a deep V-neck, gold trim, and a wide brown and gold belt. His arms are raised enthusiastically, mouth open in mid-song or shout, and he wears brown sandals and gold wrist bracers. On his left and right are two light-skinned performers in matching costumes: pink sleeveless jumpsuits with split skirts, gold belts, metallic gold shoulder pieces, dark purple capes, and bronze-style helmets with crests. Each holds a tall spear upright. The performer on the left poses with one arm extended and knees bent in a dance stance. The one on the right has an animated expression, mouth open, with the spear angled slightly forward. Behind them, slightly to the right, stands a person with short dark hair, glasses, and medium skin tone wearing a bronze muscle armor chest plate, red knee-length skirt panels, and an orange cape, watching the central trio. Further right is a woman with medium-brown skin and curly shoulder-length hair, dressed in a light blue, flowing, off-the-shoulder gown with layered ruffles. A bow is in her hand and a quiver of arrows hangs at her side. The set is designed like a marble Greek temple, with pale blue and pink marbled columns, arches, and a balcony rail across the back. The floor has an ornate circular design in blues and golds with stylized patterns. The background lighting is purple, giving the scene a fantastical, mythological atmosphere.

From the very start of the show, I could tell it was going to be a little tricky visually, as most of the cast’s costumes — aside from Adonis and ‘The Tyrant’ — were very similar in colour to the set. Thankfully, the lighting helped with this to a degree, but it is definitely something to consider. The same also applies to some of the moving set pieces.

With this also being a musical, I first need to say that the singing performances from everyone were phenomenal, as were the songs themselves. However, after the show I did feel that I could have done with a little more story and slightly fewer songs, as there were moments where multiple musical numbers happened one after another. They were great songs, but I personally wanted a bit more time for the story to breathe between them.

I loved the entire cast! Marc Pickering (Adonis) delivered an exciting comedy performance, and I definitely got my fix of classic Mischief humour. Claire-Marie Hall (Poly) had an excellent singing voice, and honestly I would have loved one more solo from her alongside the one she already has in the show. I also really enjoyed Rhys Taylor as ‘The Tyrant’. Their performance and comedy style reminded me a lot of Anthony Stuart-Hicks. But genuinely, the whole cast were outstanding.

Colorful stage performance with four actors standing on marble-like platforms. They are in mid-pose with arms raised, as if celebrating or singing. All four wear matching blue tunic-style costumes tied with light-colored rope belts, and theatrical half-masks with exaggerated noses and expressions, reminiscent of ancient Greek comedy masks. The center actor’s tunic is shorter, showing bare legs with sandals; the others wear longer, robe-length tunics. Behind them is a large curtain painted with a night sky: deep blue background, clouds, yellow stars, and a crescent moon framed by draped blue “fabric” along the top. On both sides of the stage are cream-colored stone-like columns and arches suggesting an ancient Greek temple or theater. Tall vertical banners hang on each side, reddish-orange with the words “THE DIONYSIA” written vertically. Warm stage lighting from above creates a golden glow on the actors and platforms, with some purple and blue light on the backdrop. At the very bottom edge, the tops of a few audience members’ heads are just visible, facing the stage.

So onto the accessibility ratings:

If you have limited to no vision:
I would say that, because there is limited physical comedy, you will likely have a lot of fun with this show. There is also a Touch Tour and an Audio Described performance on Saturday 23rd May, which is a fantastic addition and really helps give a fuller understanding of the show as a whole. However, if you cannot get tickets for the audio described performance, I still think you would have a wonderful time, and I would highly recommend this show.

If you have limited to useful vision:
As mentioned before, the colour palette of the show is made up of very pale tones, which may make parts of the production difficult visually. I would recommend sitting in Row C or closer if possible, to help get the best view of the action and facial expressions.

‘Thespians’ is running at Mercury Theatre from Saturday 9th until 23rd May 2026!

If you love anything that Mischief has done in the past, then you will absolutely love this too. It’s a great night out, full of laughs and plenty of comedy chaos! You can find information and tickets on the Mercury Theatre website.

Until next time,
The VI Critic.

Accessibility Review of ‘Feel The Beat’ By Jodie&Co

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Hi everyone and welcome to yet another review, but this one is going to be very different.

I was kindly invited by Jodie&Co to come and see ‘Feel The Beat’, a fully immersive and completely accessible dance show!

This is by far the best fully accessible show I have come across in quite some time. From the very moment you walk in the door, you are greeted by an ‘Access Guide’, and they start by asking how best they can assist you. There is a full table of samples, from props to materials that the dancers themselves are wearing in various costumes. Once the show is about to start, you are offered sighted guiding to your seat. Seating options differ, including two seats with a gap for your guide dog, single seats with space, or seats with other members of the audience around you. Under my seat, I found a fluffy cloud, which I was curious to find out the purpose of.

Once the show started, I found out that audio description was fully embedded into the show itself, featuring descriptions of the dancers, the different costumes they wore, and how their bodies were moving during various dance routines. They even described each setting as it was being set up, and what props were going to be used—for example, a large bin of cotton wool or ball pit balls. They also gave warnings for sounds if they felt the noise might disturb some people, or, in my case, warned me they were about to pour a load of plastic balls onto the floor—just in case my dog got excited, which luckily she didn’t.

A rectangular table covered with a black cloth filled with sensory and promotional items. On the left side of the table, two large display boards lie flat; they are mostly black with yellow and purple text that reads “FEEL THE BEAT” and “Visual Story & Access Information,” and they each have a photo of a person moving to music. In front of these boards is a large, mound-like mass of shredded white plastic or paper strips, like a big pom‑pom. Next to it are several sheets of shiny red and orange plastic material laid out flat. Further along the table, there are tangles of thin cords or strings in neon yellow and purple colors. In the middle of the table sits a clear plastic bag partially filled with small, multi‑colored, reflective pieces, giving a sparkly effect, and beside it there is another clear bag containing light blue soft material. Near the center‑right is a fluffy pile of white stuffing or cotton‑like material, with some loose, iridescent fiber‑optic style strands and blue and green ribbon‑like strands spread beneath or around it. To the right are several rectangular blue textured pads stacked together, and above them is a folded piece of pale purple, finely striped fabric. Three grey plastic chairs with dark seats are lined up behind the table. In the background on the right, a red fire extinguisher is mounted on the wall, and the floor is wooden with visible planks.

Throughout all of this, they used a large amount of soft music along with soundscapes to help set the scenes, alongside lighting. This ranged from simple classical music to sounds of waves and the beach. I found this to be very relaxing and calming at times—and so did my dog! There were also various moments within the show where the audience was encouraged to come and interact by walking through the space, allowing you to become fully immersed in the setting itself. Once again, the ‘Access Guides’ were on hand to assist with this and provide sighted guiding, which I did take them up on at one point.

It was very clear from start to finish that this company truly cared about accessibility and had deeply considered all aspects of it to make sure this show was as accessible as possible. I would class its level of accessibility for people with sight loss as platinum tier, and this is the level that all shows should strive to reach.

Not to say that other shows don’t think about accessibility—certainly those that offer audio description and touch tours do—but this show went above and beyond what was required and truly excelled at it. People with sight loss were considered throughout the entire production, from writing to lighting and props. This type of show isn’t something I would usually choose to go to, as I’m more of a traditional theatre-goer who prefers plays and musicals. However, having seen this, and having been kindly invited, Jodie&Co have set the bar incredibly high for the next time I see a show like this—and I don’t think many will reach it.

‘Feel The Beat’ by Jodie&Co is a must-see for sure! If you’re like me and see this advertised and think, “I’m not sure if this is for me…”, then honestly give it a go—you won’t be disappointed.

All the dancers—Faith Prendergast, Jay Yule, and Shivaangee Agrawal—did an amazing job in making the show the top-tier standard it is. This show definitely deserves a run in London, and I can see it going far. Get your tickets now so you can say you were there at the start! I’ll leave a link to Jodie&Co’s website here.

Until next time,
The VI Critic

Accessibility Review Of ‘All The Happy Things’ Written By Naomi Denny

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Hi everyone, and welcome to another review!

Once again we’re back at The Mercury Theatre in Colchester for ‘All The Happy Things’ By Naomi Denny! 

This show has a small cast of three starring Naomi Denny, Gavin Dunn and Michaella Moore.

With this show being staged in The Mercury’s Studio space, raw art was very simple with a purple background with two doorways lite up by LED strips which I thought was a really helpful touch as then to was more able to see the case coming through! The set it self was very simple with only a few stools and a bench, placed in various positions to determine the place that they were trying to create. Combined together with a great use of sound design, it was easy to work out where the characters weere at any given time. 

Described as dark comedy, ‘All The Happy Things’ tells the story of Sienna, a young woman who has lost her sister due to a tragic accident. A few months later in a dead end job, she’s still coming to terms with the loss of her sister Emily and struggling with mental health, whilst struggling to juggle a relationship with her partner Sam. But the one thing that Sienna is still coming to terms with is that she’s is still seeing and having conversations with her dead sister. 

A collage of childhood birthday photos. In the main central photo, two small children with medium brown skin and curly dark hair sit facing each other at a wooden table. The child on the left is leaning forward and blowing toward a small round birthday cake with several lit candles. That child wears a light-colored top and blue jeans. The child on the right is smiling, watching, and holding a fork, with a plate of cake in front of them. That child wears a light shirt and blue overalls and sits in a wooden high chair. The table is sturdy with thick turned legs, and the cake is on a white plate with a white cloth or napkin under it. The background shows a doorway and wooden cabinet doors in a home interior. This main photo appears slightly torn and taped at the top, with rough white edges on the right side, giving it a scrapbook or nostalgic effect. Faded, semi-transparent photos are layered behind it, showing more images of the same children at different moments: smiling close-ups, another angle of the birthday cake, and casual candid shots. The overall color tone is warm and slightly faded, evoking older printed family photographs.
A minimalist theater stage set with cool blue lighting. There are three large, slightly angled translucent wall panels across the back of the stage; the left and right panels each have a tall rounded-rectangle doorway outlined with vertical LED strip lights that glow white with a hint of warm color. The center panel is solid and leans slightly, giving the whole wall a stylized, off-kilter look. On the floor in front of the wall is a pale blue oval or rounded shape that contrasts with the surrounding light gray stage floor. At the center of this blue area stands a simple rectangular wooden coffee table with dark legs; on top of it are a couple of sheets of white paper. Under the table, near the middle, is a black object that looks like a small bag or case. To the far left, just in front of the wall, is a small side table with a dark metal frame and wooden top. On this side table are a folded light-colored towel or cloth and some colorful rectangular items, possibly books or props, along with two small bottles or containers. The background beyond the set is all black curtains, and the lighting on the set is primarily blue from above, giving the panels and floor a soft, cool glow while the surrounding stage remains darker.

This show is simple, and dialog driven with very little to no physical scenes aside from a sexual suggested scene and a dancing scene. It also had a good level of jokes and comedy sprinkled throughout which was very good and had the audience laughing out loud. The story demonstrates how a sibling might act after losing another sibling, but also how grief can effect each person differently, but then also you can come out at the other end of the tunnel. 

Naomi and Michaella do an amazing job conveying the almost imparting relationship that Sienna and Emily have, alongside Gavin Dunn who plays Sienna’s partner Sam and also her work boss, and what other family and partners do to support their partners during this difficult time! But they all did an excellent job!

Unfortunately I didn’t see an Audio Described or Touch Tour available, which would have only added to the enjoyment of the show. Even though yes, the set is simple, and simple props, something like Audio Description should always be available for people with Sight Loss. A Touch Tour would have been very simple and easy to put on for audience members and allowed the cast to let them know of their character more deeply and maybe little secrets about them. Hopefully this is something this production can look into for future shows?

But overall, please don’t miss understand me that this show was an absolute joy to see and would happily see it again, with its amazing cast and story. The story is great, and comedy timing was top tier! If you do get a chance to see this show, you’ll be missing out if you don’t spend an evening out watching this. 

‘All The Happy Things’ has unfortunately ended at The Mercury. So I would definitely look up this show online and see if its coming to a theatre near you soon! 

Until Next Time,

The VI Critic

Accessibility Review of Ava Pickett‘s ‘The Manningtree Witches’

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Hi everyone and welcome to another review! The first one of 2026! Which means we are back at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester for The Manningtree Witches, their first original production of the year!

The show takes place in the 1640s, when the prosecution of witches and witchcraft was widespread, headed by the ‘Witchfinder General’, Matthew Hopkins.

Set in Essex in 1643, in Manningtree, Matthew Hopkins comes into the town after buying a local inn. But rumours start circulating about a certain group of women and their families. Filled with nothing but speculation, these women and their families have to fight for their lives. But has their fate already been sealed?

This local play, written by local playwright Ava Pickett and adapted from the book of the same name by A. K. Blakemore, becomes a gripping story from start to finish, filled with backstabbing, malicious prosecution, but also love and a hint of comedy.

All the cast gave absolutely fabulous performances! However, I felt Lucy Mangan (Rebecca West), Gina Isaac (Anne West) and Sam Mitchell (Matthew Hopkins) really stood out for me. Lucy did a phenomenal job conveying emotion and feeling within the character of Rebecca, as well as alongside Gina, as they both portrayed a strong mother–daughter relationship.

Sam Mitchell also did a great job as Matthew Hopkins, brilliantly demonstrating that even well-meaning and deeply focused people—especially those who believe they are acting according to “God’s will”—are not always right.

A theater stage scene with a group of people seated in chairs facing a standing speaker under dramatic lighting and fog. The setting looks like a period play: many people wear old-fashioned clothing such as bonnets, shawls, long dresses, and wide-brimmed hats. The speaker stands slightly elevated near the center-left, wearing a long dark coat and light shirt, with long hair, as if addressing the seated group. A strong spotlight shines down from above onto the speaker, and additional bright stage lights from the right create heavy haze and smoke across the scene. The floor is wooden planks, and the audience on stage sits in several rows of mismatched wooden chairs. A large textured element hangs overhead, resembling a thatched or straw ceiling piece, adding to the rustic atmosphere.

This production has a strong sense of local heritage. Being from the Essex area myself, it really touched a part of me. You could truly feel the emotion that these women went through during this time, but you could also feel the strong community spirit that, deep down, they all had for one another.

This is a very dark show, both in theme and lighting. The simple lighting and set design made you, as the audience, really focus on the story the company were successfully trying to tell. However, this did mean I struggled to see certain parts of the show, especially when the lighting became harsher than it already was. There were also moments of very harsh flashes of bright lighting, which were clearly designed to shock the audience. Sadly, as a result, this made it difficult to understand the scene that was happening, as I had to let my eyes readjust each time this occurred.

As a result, this might be a show that some people struggle with. I was sitting in Row E of the theatre, so I was directly in the eyeline of these bright lights. If this is something that might bother you, I would suggest sitting a few rows further back. However, if you need to be as close as possible in order to see, this is something worth bearing in mind.

Don’t let this completely put you off, however, as there are a range of accessible performances available, from Audio Description with a Touch Tour to a relaxed performance too.

A theater stage scene with a man standing in the center foreground under warm spotlighting, and several women seated on tiered wooden steps behind him. The man has light skin and long dark wavy hair, and wears a long dark coat with a wide white collar and tall dark boots. He is facing forward with a serious expression and holding a small object in both hands at waist level. Behind him, women in muted, old-fashioned dresses and head coverings sit or lean on the steps, spaced across the background. The stage floor is wooden, and the back of the stage is dark with haze or smoke catching the light.

If you have no useful vision: I would of course recommend the Audio Described performance with the Touch Tour, as this gives a better understanding of what you might miss visually from the show. However, as the set and stage lighting are very minimal and the story is very dialogue-driven from beginning to end, I feel that even without the Audio Description you would still be able to follow the play very well. The only scene you might miss visually is a very realistic death scene towards the latter end of the show.

If you have some useful vision: There is not much more I can add here that I haven’t already said above.

The Manningtree Witches is a play that is both engrossing and riveting, and is definitely a must-see!

The Manningtree Witches, adapted and written by Ava Pickett, is running at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester from 5th March until 14th March 2026. Unfortunately, tickets for this particular run are sold out. However, I have been assured by the theatre that if you would like to check whether any returns become available and be added to the waiting list, you can get in touch with them directly. Details can be found on the Mercury Theatre website by clicking the link here.

Until Next Time,

The VI Critic

Trailer (With Audio Description):

Accessibility Review: ‘Mother Goose!’ The Beating Heart Of Christmas Comes Back To The Mercury Theatre!

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Hi everyone and welcome back to another review! We’re heading into the festive season, which means we’re entering my favourite time of year… Pantomime season!

This year at The Mercury Theatre is “Mother Goose” — definitely not your traditional pantomime story! When it was first announced, I wasn’t sure how it would work, but I was pleasantly surprised.

The show begins in a very traditional pantomime way, with a fairy welcoming us back — the amazingly talented Sasha Latoya, returning for her fifth. year at The Mercury! She sets the scene brilliantly and gets the audience going right from the start. After the first song, we learn that Gertie Goose (Anthony Stuart-Hicks) owns and runs a local circus. Times are hard for the family, especially as she has taken in a goose as her son, Billy Goose (Dale Superville), along with her daughter, Gracie Goose (Daisy Greenwood). Then one day, their landlady, the very wealthy Baroness Bellinora Badapple (Jaimie Pruden), raises the rent to ridiculous amounts! It becomes a quest to stop the evil Baroness from taking everything they hold most dear.

Image shows a inside of a Circus tent pantomime set with a giant screen the middle showing the title mother goose! The colours are the tradition circus colours of red white and blue

This has to be the BEST pantomime The Mercury has ever produced! They had the audience captivated from beginning to end. From Sasha’s and Jaimie’s incredible vocal performances to Ash and Dale’s perfect comedic timing, it was a show I never wanted to end! The sets and costumes were pure panto magic — full of glitter, colour, and stunning design. The Mercury has truly brought the magic of pantomime to life this year.

There was fair use of pyrotechnics — sometimes a little tricky, and at times the lighting was slightly harsh on my eyes. But the sheer enjoyment of the show made all of that melt away, and I was able to fully enjoy it. If I had to pick at anything, I would have liked to see more of a story arc for Gracie Goose and Bailey (Kemi Clarke). It felt like these characters were mainly there as the love-interest element of the pantomime, and I would have enjoyed seeing more of them and having their backstories developed further.

Image shows lots of colourful show lights and smoke with dancers in clown costume dancing behind Gertie Goose (Anthony Stuart-Hicks

It wouldn’t be a pantomime review from me without giving special mention to Anthony Stuart-Hicks and Dale Superville!

This year marks ten years at The Mercury Theatre, and this pantomime truly feels like a celebration of their time here. Even if it hadn’t been planned that way, you can tell that the show was written with them in mind. There was a huge roar every time they came on stage — and rightly so! Their comic timing, laugh-out-loud jokes and undeniable chemistry have been the beating heart of The Mercury’s pantomimes, year after year. They are exactly what pantomime should be. They’ve helped transform The Mercury’s pantomime from a much-loved local tradition into a national player within theatre and pantomime circles. They are the reason I, my family and so many others return to The Mercury year after year. They are the sole reason the pantomime is as successful as it is — and will continue to be for years to come.

Making this year a celebration of the pair was absolutely the right decision. I always worry each year might be their last together! To Ash and Dale — as I’ve said, you are the beating heart of this pantomime and The Mercury itself. It simply wouldn’t be the same, nor would Christmas, without you.

I genuinely can’t give the two of them enough praise without repeating everything I’ve said in previous years. They are pantomime gold.

Image shows a close of Gertie Goose (Anthony Stuart-Hicks in full make up and wear a circus tent inspired dress! With a small tent top on her head!
Billy the goose (Dale Superville) wear a white bowler hat with a feather in it. He is always wearing a white feather like jacket with wings and white gloves. While also wear orange tights and orange sneakers.

Accessibility Rating

If you have little to no vision:
Yes, you will miss out on some of the visual magic, but in terms of enjoying the story, songs and comedy (even without Audio Description), you can absolutely still have a great time. You will miss some physical comedy gags, though the show works hard to keep these to a minimum. Audio Described performances and Touch Tours are available, and if you can’t get tickets for those, don’t be disheartened — you’ll still have an absolutely brilliant evening out.

Limited or Useful Vision:
As mentioned above, there is a lot of lighting, glitter and reflective effects. Pyrotechnics are used a few times and can be bright, but they’re not prolonged — with the exception of the ‘beauty’ scene, where the lighting stays bright slightly longer than expected.

For seating, I suggest Row E or closer. But be warned: if you choose the front row, you’re in for a completely unique experience!

“Mother Goose” is running at The Mercury Theatre from 22nd November 2025 until 18th January 2026. Ticket information and further details can be found by clicking the link here — but hurry, tickets are selling fast!

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year!
Until Next Year!

The VI Critic

Accessibility Review of ‘Lost Atoms’ Written By Anna Jordan

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Hi everyone and welcome to another review!

We are definitely on the build-up to the festive season and my favourite time of year — pantomime season! However, before that magical time, I got to see a show that was very deep and probably very real to some people.

I was kindly invited to The Mercury Theatre in Colchester to see Lost Atoms, written by Anna Jordan and starring Joe Layton and Hannah Sinclair Robinson!

The story follows Robbie, a struggling single man who one day meets a young woman in a coffee shop — Jess! The story then goes on to tell the tale of their relationship and all the ups and downs that go along with that, with a surprising twist that nobody was expecting.

This show touches on very difficult subjects — from grief and loss to miscarriage and the future that might come as a result. It definitely pulls at the audience’s heartstrings at times, but then comes back with laughable yet relatable “I’ve been there” moments. Both Joe and Hannah do an outstanding job from start to finish. The chemistry really comes across and shines. I loved the fact that they went from a younger couple to becoming more long-term just by the slight change in their voices and mannerisms.

The set design was interesting. It was just a simple light stripe in the centre of the stage in a square, with the same light going around the edge of the set, which consisted of multiple mini metal-looking drawers that would open, and the actors would climb onto them in many different ways. Even though I know the cast had practised this many times, I still had the “please don’t fall” thought in my head! The set also had a platform that rose and fell at many different points. This would take many forms depending on the scene — in one it could be a bed, in another a cliff’s edge, and at one point it even became the floor so the audience could have a “bird’s-eye view” of the actors from above, which was interesting to see.

This image depicts a striking theatrical scene set on a dark stage. At the center is a large vertical wall resembling an arrangement of square drawers or lockers, all painted in matte black. The wall is framed by vibrant neon lights outlining a rectangular structure, glowing with an electric blue hue, giving the scene a futuristic or dramatic aesthetic. Two individuals are interacting with the wall—one on the left and one on the right—seemingly climbing or suspended against it.

Props and action were very minimal, consisting only of a couple of armchairs and some photos. I would say ninety per cent of the story was told through dialogue, with a few scenes where sex was implied through dance and lighting. But in terms of storytelling, there was nothing you could miss. There were a few times when the lighting was at its brightest, which was a little blinding for me, but this was only at the end of the first and second acts, so there isn’t too much to worry about.

There are no dark scenes as such, but the lighting is minimal, so some may struggle due to the lack of it. However, the striped lighting mentioned before does change colour to show the mood of the characters at that time.

There are no access performances of any kind here during the run at The Mercury. It is a small run and is going on tour around the country, so I am hoping there will be some at other venues. But I would like the company to think about this, please, for future shows and projects, as this can make your shows appeal to more theatre lovers and make the show even more accessible.

If you have no vision, then I feel you do miss out on some small and tiny elements of this show, but nothing that takes away from the actual story itself. If you are someone who relies heavily on Audio Description, then I would suggest maybe taking a sighted companion with you to help with that. But honestly, the moments you are missing are small and minimal and don’t really add anything major to the story.

The image depicts an indoor scene with two individuals, one male and one female, interacting with a large metal filing cabinet structure that spans the background. The female, positioned on the right, has curly black hair and wears a sleeveless red top with tight dark jeans and sneakers. She is climbing the cabinet, holding onto it with one hand while looking intently in the direction of the male. The male, on the left, is dressed in dark pants, sneakers, and a striped jacket and is similarly interacting with the cabinet, appearing to be in a mid-climbing posture. His focus is directed downward toward an open drawer illuminated by a warm light emitting from inside. The filing cabinet itself is comprised of multiple small, square drawers in a matte black color, creating a geometric pattern. The overall environment is dimly lit, with focused lighting highlighting the characters and the intrigue of the open drawer, suggesting a mysterious or intense mood. The activity appears dynamic, with the characters engaged in an exploration or search, giving the scene a sense of urgency or curiosity. The atmosphere conveys suspense and collaboration, heightened by the interplay of shadows and light.

If you are someone with useful vision, because of the low use of lighting this might be a struggle for you. But the set is so simple that you aren’t missing anything here. I found the colours of the actors’ costumes were bright enough that I could tell who was who, but you may struggle in other scenes where there is no lighting on the actors and only the strip lighting is used. I would suggest sitting in Row D or E at The Mercury. Sadly, for other venues I can’t comment, but do speak to your box office staff and they should be able to advise.

I thoroughly enjoyed this show! It tackled some really hard topics but nothing that wasn’t realistic. Both Joe and Hannah did an amazing job, and you couldn’t help but feel for them many times. They had the audience hooked from the very start and carried on that way to the end. I would highly recommend giving this show a go. It’s definitely something different from the norm and will absolutely pull on your heartstrings at times. But it is an interesting and compelling story that has you wanting to find out what happens next!

Lost Atoms is running at The Mercury Theatre in Colchester from the 4th until the 8th of November 2025. I’ll leave a link here for more information. It is also touring around the rest of the UK, so if you are in another area, I’ll leave a link to the show’s website here!

Until next time,
The VI Critic

Accessibility Review of ‘Private Lives’

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Hi everyone, and welcome back to another review!
I know — two reviews back to back! That doesn’t happen very often. But this show is a completely different experience from the one the night before, so strap in for this one!

This time, I was kindly invited to see Private Lives at The Mercury Theatre in Colchester.

Set in the 1930s, the play follows two newly married couples who book into a glamorous hotel on the French Riviera. It soon becomes clear that the husband of one couple and the wife of the other were once married to each other. Their passion reignites, and what follows is a wonderful mix of drama and comedy as old feelings and fiery tempers resurface.

From start to finish, this was a lively, engaging, and genuinely entertaining production, with just the right touch of seriousness sprinkled throughout. Every cast member delivered exceptional performances. Ashley Gerlach’s comic timing — paired with his little ad-lib moments — was spot-on. Sometimes these moments pushed a point further; other times they simply added a touch of charm. They didn’t have the audience roaring with laughter, but they didn’t need to. It was just enough to make the show that much more enjoyable.

Chirag Benedict Lobo and Pepter Lunkuse had fantastic chemistry — as did the entire cast — but their connection as Elyot and Amanda felt especially genuine. You could really sense that they cared for one another, both as actors and as the characters they brought to life, all while clearly having great fun on stage.

Two actors stand on a brightly lit stage with a red curtain backdrop. The floor has a red and blue checkerboard pattern. Both performers are mid-dance, smiling and animated. The person on the left wears shiny blue silk pyjamas, while the person on the right wears a light pink robe and trousers. Behind them are vintage-style furniture pieces, including a record player, a red armchair, and a lamp.

Visually, the show bursts with vibrant colour — from the detailed sets to the stylish costumes and lighting. It was easy to distinguish one character from another, and everything on stage felt bright and full of life. Personally, I would have liked to have seen a bit more of Ashley Gerlach and Sade Malone, as there was a point where I wondered if they’d return! One scene between Elyot and Amanda did run a little long, but that’s probably just down to personal taste.

For those with some useful vision, the abundance of colour can become a little tiring by the end, as there’s a lot to take in. There’s no harsh lighting, but the first act features quite a bit of fluorescent neon lighting, which is toned down significantly in the second act. The orange and teal tiled floor stood out the most — bright and eye-catching under the stage lights. I’d recommend sitting no closer than row D for the best balance, but if bright visuals bother you, a few rows further back might be ideal.

A performer stands in front of a turquoise-lit backdrop with a red and white checkerboard floor. They wear a cream-coloured dress with orange diamond patterns, long white gloves, and a curly silver wig. Their mouth is open as if singing or speaking dramatically, and one arm is stretched outward. Behind them are white metal café-style tables and chairs.

For blind or visually impaired audience members, I’m delighted to say that an Audio Description and Touch Tour are available for this production. This show is about fifty percent dialogue and fifty percent physical, including a highly physical scene in the second act and near the end. These moments enhance the story beautifully without taking away from the plot, and the audible reactions from the cast ensure you won’t miss out on what’s happening.

Overall, Private Lives is a delightful night out — full of laughter, energy, and heart. It’s a refreshing and thoroughly enjoyable production that offers something a little different. Although it has a short run at The Mercury Theatre from the 9th to the 11th of October 2025, I’ve been told it will also be heading out on tour. So if you can’t catch it in Colchester, keep an eye out for tour dates soon.

The Audio Described and Touch Tour performance takes place on Saturday 11th October at 2:30pm, with the Touch Tour approximately two hours beforehand — but do confirm this with the Box Office team when booking.

Private Lives runs at The Mercury Theatre, Colchester from the 9th to the 11th October 2025.
More information and tickets are available via The Mercury Theatre’s website — click here for details.

Until next time,
The VI Critic

Promotional artwork for Noël Coward’s Private Lives. The image features a large ornate gold key against a dark green curtain background. Tiny figures of two elegant couples dressed in 1930s evening wear stand on the key. The title “Noël Coward’s Private Lives” appears in large, metallic-style lettering on the right-hand side.

Accessibility Review of Tassa Deparis’s ‘Swallow The Lake’

/ thevicritic / 1 Comment

Hi everyone, and welcome back to another review!

I was kindly invited to the Mercury Theatre to see their new Original production, Swallow The Lake — a heartfelt and thought-provoking piece that stayed with me long after the curtain fell.

The story follows Joanna, a young woman who’s spent much of her life abroad due to her father’s career as an army chef. Constantly on the move, she’s never truly had a place to call home. We watch her journey unfold from a curious child to a grown woman searching for belonging — but the question lingers: has she really found happiness?

Written by Tassa Deparis, Swallow The Lake is a touching exploration of childhood innocence, growing pains, and self-discovery. It delves into family tensions, teenage friendships, and the heartbreaks that shape who we become — themes that almost anyone can relate to.

A woman sits barefoot on the edge of a wooden table, surrounded by tall golden reeds that fill the background. She has long curly dark hair and a warm, joyful expression, looking slightly upwards with a soft smile. She’s wearing a loose, cream-coloured blouse with full sleeves and light beige trousers. The lighting is gentle and warm, giving the scene an autumnal, golden glow. The overall feeling is calm, intimate, and slightly nostalgic — as if she’s lost in a happy memory or daydream.

The production takes place in the Mercury Studio, an intimate venue that brings the audience remarkably close to the action. It’s a setting that allows for a real emotional connection between performers and audience members — though, as I discovered, it’s not the most generous when it comes to legroom! Still, the closeness makes the experience all the more immersive and, for many, more accessible.

Lydia Bakeelmun gives a standout performance, showcasing remarkable range and emotional depth. Her portrayal of Joanna is both tender and powerful — by the end, I genuinely felt for her. Matthew Jewson delivers an equally strong performance opposite her, and together they bring a wonderful authenticity to their characters. Watching them transform seamlessly from childhood to adulthood was truly captivating.

Supporting them, Liam Bull and Krupa Pattani shine in multiple roles throughout the show. Both demonstrate an impressive versatility, shifting between characters with ease. It’s a skill that’s much harder than it looks, yet they make it appear effortless.

A man crouches on top of the same wooden table, holding a long stick in his hands and leaning slightly forward as if pretending to draw in the sand or poke at something on the ground. He has short hair and a thoughtful, focused expression, with a hint of curiosity or playfulness. He’s wearing a short-sleeved blue T-shirt and beige shorts. Behind him, the same tall golden reeds create a natural, rustic backdrop, softly lit in warm tones. The lighting feels gentle and earthy, suggesting an outdoor or beach-like setting.

The staging is simple but beautifully effective. Tall beach grass borders parts of the stage, while soft, semi-transparent curtains — gently lit from behind — help define each new scene. A few benches, chairs, and a table are all that’s needed to bring the world to life, letting the performances take centre stage.

Most of the show is dialogue-driven, with minimal physical action or bright lighting. The atmosphere remains soft and natural throughout — calm, reflective, and intimate. However, I was disappointed to find there was no touch tour or audio description available. While some may argue that this production doesn’t strictly require audio description, I believe access options should always be available for those who need them. Even a short touch tour to explore the set and costumes would have been a welcome addition.

For those with useful vision, you can choose how close you sit without worrying about harsh lighting or sudden flashes. If you have little or no vision, the show is still easy to follow thanks to its strong script and clear dialogue. A few small visual moments — like someone pretending to chase chickens or draw in the sand — might be missed, but they don’t detract from the overall experience.

Overall, Swallow The Lake is a must-see for its outstanding performances and emotionally resonant storytelling.It’s an intimate, beautifully acted piece that captures the highs and lows of growing up and finding your place in the world.

Swallow The Lake by Tassa Deparis runs at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester, from 8th to 11th October 2025. For more details and ticket information, visit the Mercury Theatre’s website which you can find by clicking here!

Until next time,
The VI Critic

A striking underwater image featuring a young woman submerged in clear blue water. Her eyes are closed, and she appears calm and peaceful, with small air bubbles surrounding her face. Her curly dark hair floats gently around her head, fanning out in soft waves. She holds her hands delicately near her face, fingertips touching her cheeks and chin, as if caught in a moment of stillness or reflection. The water gives her skin a smooth, glowing look, and the light filters down in a serene, dreamlike way. To the left of the image, in large pale cream-coloured text, are the words: “SWALLOW THE LAKE” and beneath in smaller text: “BY TASSA DEPARIS.”