THE start of a new theatrical era takes place at the Mercury this weekend.

That’s because the Colchester theatre’s new studio space will see its very first visiting production.

There are 12 shows in all which will make-up the premiere season for the Studio, starting with Single Shoe’s production Crazy Glue, which takes to the stage tomorrow from 8pm.

Helping to programme the season was the Mercury’s Stage One apprentice producer, Nathan Brine.

He says: “It’s been a great opportunity for us to put on productions which we couldn’t really do in the Main House. A lot of it is cutting edge but that’s where a lot of the new and exciting work is.”

Crazy Glue follows the tragicomic roller coaster of a couple’s romance as they move from the blossoming of first love through to the thornier terrain of married life.

Following that, next weekend sees 2Theatre, in a co-production with the Mercury, bring their new show Boris and Ingrid for two nights, and then during half term, there’s a family treat in store with The Boy Who Bit Picasso.

Nathan adds: “At the moment we’re trying lots of different things out to see what works in the space but family shows I’m sure will play a huge part in the programming for future seasons.”

For the rest of the spring season highlights to look out for include a visit from acclaimed theatre company Tiata Fahodzi, a UK premiere in Hamlet, Who’s There, and two locally produced shows, Paul T Davies’ Play Something and The Day Shakespeare Died by Dorian Kelly.

• Crazy Glue, Mercury Studio Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester.

Tomorrow, February 6. 8pm.

£12. 01206 573948.

www.mercurytheatre.co.uk For more details of the rest of the new studio season, go on-line at www.mercurytheatre.co.uk