A THEATRE production written especially for children is to grace the stage at a Colchester venue.

The Mercury Theatre has begun performances of The Instrumentals, the first Mercury Originals production to be written specifically for children.

The production, which is a collaboration between Blouse & Skirt!, Goblin Theatre and Little Angel Theatre, arrives in Colchester following a vastly successful run in London and a UK tour.

When Belle is feeling down, she slips into her grandfather’s basement, discovering his old and dusty instruments. Far from being junk, the instruments quickly cheer Belle up, bursting to life with brilliant puppetry and bold music.

The Instrumentals show caters to all children, with characters, story and inspiration from the African-Caribbean diaspora, filled with uplifting original music. The production flares with soulful sounds and seventies grooves.

Utilising innovative puppetry and lots of comedy, the fun musical journey hopes to have audiences dancing in the aisles.

The Mercury Theatre is also working with Essex Music Service through the show’s run, which lasts into June 4, with the service hosting an Instrument Zoo in the theatre’s upstairs bar.

Gazette: Musical - Elliot Liburd giving a grooving performance onstageMusical - Elliot Liburd giving a grooving performance onstage (Image: The Mercury Theatre)

The free activity runs between 10.30am to 2pm, throughout the show’s run and offers children the chance to try a range of instruments and explore their musical creativity.

The theatre will also host The Instrumentals Workshop on Friday, June 2 from noon until 1pm, offering youngsters the chance to make their own The Instrumentals-inspired puppet.

The show is written and directed by Mia Jerome, with music provided by Cal-I Jonel. The colourful and engaging set, puppetry and costume designs were undertaken by Oliver Hymans.

The engaging show is performed by Elliot Liburd and Maya Manuel, with director Jerome, who is based in Essex, playing a role of the theatre’s Mercury Creatives cohort.

The show is currently onstage at the Mercury Theatre, running until June 4. For tickets and more information, visit bit.ly/3IMo85v.