Neil D’Arcy-Jones picks his cultural highlights for the coming week.

1. Until March 9 Big Fish, Headgate Theatre, Chapel Street North, Colchester, Wednesday until Saturday, March 6 to 9, 7.45pm, £12, £10 concessions. 01206 366000.

The ridiculously-talented group of young performers that make up Mad Hatter have one of their largest casts yet for this show, which tells the tall stories of Edward Bloom, who has lived a full and fantastical life, populated by witches, giants, and mermaids.

Except his adult son, Will, is no longer amused by his father’s incredible tales, insisting on a rational rather than a fanciful account of his life.

2. The Scummy Mummies Show Returns, Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, tonight, 8pm. £16. 01206 573948.

Following their sell-out UK tour, the pair are back with their comedy show for less-than-perfect parents. Join Ellie and Helen as they celebrate the scummier side of parenting, from drinking wine at teatime to hiding from the PTA.

3. Medea Electronica, Lakeside Theatre, Essex University, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Thursday, 7.30pm, £6 to £15. 01206 873261.

Pecho Mama’s bold and genre defying debut is a powerful and deeply moving retelling of the Greek tragedy, Medea. Staged amidst an electrifying live gig, this is a heart stopping story of a family caught in the brutal throes of a marriage unravelling.

4. Colchester Heritage Tour with High Steward Sir Bob Russell - Tour A, starts Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street, Colchester, Sunday, 10am. £5 donation. 01206 500900.

With all the party political shenanigans going on at the moment, I bet Sir Bob prefers taking people around Britain’s oldest recorded town rather than sit in the Commons. And he’s raising money for a good cause too.

5. Jon Boden and the Remnant Strings, Colchester Folk Club, Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street, Colchester, Monday, doors 7.45pm. £20. 01206 500900.

A real treat for folk lovers as Bellowhead’s Jon Boden brings songs from his new album in a stripped back show with strings.