What first brought you to the Mercury Theatre and do you remember your very first visit?
I grew up in Colchester so I’ve always known about the Mercury Theatre, it wasn’t until I went to Colchester Sixth Form that I actually visited to watch a show.
At that time, I didn’t really think it was an accessible place for me, mainly not knowing much about theatres in general.
Not until my friend was cast in Footloose did I actually get the chance to go for the first time - that’s what sparked my love for it.
I genuinely remember sitting there thinking “Wow I want to be on that stage one day”.
I wrote my first play The Blind Truth in 2018 and invited Dilek Latif to watch it at the Lyric Hammersmith; she brought me back to the Mercury as a creative.
The best part has been watching the theatre grow so much since I first saw my friend in a show back then.
Are there any traditions or routines you follow when you come to the theatre?
Definitely as an actor, mainly to do with vocal and physical warmups.
It’s funny I’m working with Frantic Assembly on The Manningtree Witches because I used to do their Run Boy Run workout routine in my rehearsal rooms when directing my own plays.
Let me tell you, it’s intense but well worth it!
What events do you enjoy the most at the Mercury?
I really love the networking events they put on. I recently attended their Mercury Creatives Festival which had a fantastic creative panel.
I’ve managed to get to know a lot of people in the industry just by attending. I even got advice from Chi-San Howard about not having to have trained specifically in Musical Theatre to do it.
Chi was right, I recently just finished Treasure Island, which saw me sing ballads I never knew I could without getting that reassurance.
How important is it to you that Colchester has a vibrant theatre like the Mercury?
I think it’s quite beautiful to have a place that harnesses local talent and gives such a diverse experience, to its audience and community, with its shows and events.
I also think it’s nice that the Café Bar is always busy and the theatre itself is gorgeous.
There’s a market that opens periodically outside the theatre that brings so much culture and local business. I love seeing that.
That’s what theatre should be about, a place where anyone can come, see themselves in the stories told, socialise, have fun and sometimes, maybe, cry!
What role do you think the Mercury plays in the community of Colchester?
I think it plays a big role; I’ve certainly seen the positive impact it's had on the community.
I’ve been commissioned to do some amazing projects with them in the past that celebrate the growing black community in Colchester.
As a black creative, I have been nurtured by them and given opportunities where I can bring my unique stories and grow as an artist. Gail Egbeson and I curated a Black Out Night for Black History Month which had spoken word, Nigerian food and showcased artwork of black students from the Sixth Form.
They have MYC and the Adult company which continue to invest time into the community and growing talent.
You can see what the writers from their Playwriting Programme have gone on to do, just take a look at Ava Pickett who has adapted The Manningtree Witches by A.K. Blakemore.
Have you ever recommended the Mercury to friends or family, and if so, what did you tell them?
Absolutely! Most of my friends are from London, so it’s always an effort to get them to travel anywhere… don’t tell them I said that… but I just say, “Come watch a show at the Mercury” and they will because they know it already from how much I’ve talked about it.
Is there anything you think is a best-kept secret at the Mercury that not enough people know about yet?
Yes, the cakes and sweet treats in the café, they’re delicious!
