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Thespians

 
Paul T. Davies Review by Paul T. Davies 4 Published: 14 May 2026 Mercury Theatre - Colchester Show Dates: 9 May 2026-23 May 2026

There is a unique aspect to British comedy that perhaps does not translate well into other cultures. From Up Pompeii!, the Carry On films, Morecambe and Wise and many more, innuendo is king. Kenneth Williams famously said: “If I see an innuendo in a script, I whip it out immediately!” There is no chance of that with Mischief’s first musical, Thespians, premiering at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester. In fact, the puns are impossible to count in this glorious entertainment.

The puns are impossible to count in this glorious entertainment.

We are taken back to the island of Icaria and the creation of theatre itself, meeting Thespis, widely considered to be the first actor, who becomes a hit at the Festival of Dionysia by stepping away from the chorus and engaging in dialogue as a specific character. The whole situation is spoofed perfectly by an outstanding ensemble. The book and lyrics by Jonathan Sayer crackle with jokes, while the music and lyrics by Ed Zanders are tight and witty, with poignancy when needed.

There is not a weak link in the cast, and the lead actors are comedy gold. As Polly, the real talent behind the success, Claire-Marie Hall brings humanity and gravitas as everything escalates around her. Mia Jerome is outstanding as the seer Melampus, her visions reducing the audience to hysterics, while Luke Latchman and James Spence are wonderful as star-crossed lovers Atlas and Thespis.

However, the evening belongs to the comic genius of Marc Pickering as Adonis – not his real name – who plays the delusional fish-out-of-water character to the hilt, physically and vocally perfect. Rhys Taylor is excellent as The Tyrant, campy and fun, bringing a pleasing Diana Rigg-like quality to the role, while Mischief stalwarts Matt Cavendish and Allie Dart are tremendously entertaining narrators.

The musical numbers celebrate silliness while also moving the action forward. The Dionysia is staged like the Eurovision Song Contest, with different styles and genres, while the Old Man Tango is a delightful spoof of Cell Block Tango from Chicago. The pace never drops – assured direction from Robyn Grant – and the second act progresses brilliantly, with the pressure of fame and the threat of death hanging over the troupe. There are also plenty of theatrical jokes to keep fellow thespians happy.

Performed on Jasmine Swan’s outstanding, colourful and highly functional set, Thespians could well join Mischief’s other successes in the West End.

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The Blurb:

MISCHIEF, the team behind the multi award-winning The Play That Goes Wrong, rewrite ancient history with a brand-new musical comedy, THESPIANS, the first musical created by ‘the funniest theatre troupe in Britain’ (The Telegraph).

534 BC. Greece’s smallest island is battling to avoid defeat in a nationwide prayer competition set up by a thin-skinned tyrant – where the loser is put to death.