Ain’t Misbehavin’
A Made in Colchester production
Take a step back into the raunchy nightclubs of 1920s Manhattan with Ain’t Misbehavin’ – a vivacious revue celebrating the legendary jazz musician Fats Waller and his energetic, exuberant and effervescent music.
Join our extraordinary performers on a journey through an amazing period of American musical history, the Harlem Renaissance – an era where musicians were free to experiment with new styles and joints were jumpin’ with talented dancers, singers and instrumentalists jamming to a new beat known as swing.
This show is guaranteed to get your toes tapping and fingers snapping with its sassy, sultry musical celebrations of life and love, and its huge sense of fun; a delightful evening of escapism!
On Stage Seating
Immerse yourself in 1920’s Manhattan, and book one of our on stage seats. Don’t fear, the show features no audience participation (except from maybe a cheeky wink from a cast member) and the production is performed virtually in the round so you will have an excellent view! This unique experience, imagined by our ingenious designer takis, enables you to sit back, relax and enjoy the best seats in the house as we get this joint jumpin’!
Check out some of our gorgeous production pictures:
Cast includes: Carly Mercedes Dyer (Hadestown, Dreamgirls), Wayne Robinson (Bat Out of Hell, In the Heights), Renée Lamb (Little Shop of Horrors, SIX), Adrian Hansel (Five Guys Named Moe, Hairspray) & Landi Oshinowo (Big Fish, Sister Act).
Our Made in Colchester production has been directed by Tyrone Huntley and choreographed by Oti Mabuse, click here to read more.
Mercury Theatre Colchester presents a co-production with Paul Taylor-Mills in association with Tamasha Theatre Company. An IGNITE production with support from Arts Council England under the Sustained Theatre Programme.
Based on an idea by MURRAY HORWITZ and RICHARD MALTBY, JR.
Orchestrations and Arrangements by Luther Henderson
Vocal & Musical Concepts by Jeffrey Gutcheon
Vocal Arrangements by Jeffrey Gutcheon & William Elliott
Originally choreographed by ARTHUR FARIA
Conceived and Originally Directed by RICHARD MALTBY, JR.
Originally produced by the Manhattan Theatre Club
Originally produced on Broadway by Emanuel Azenberg, Dasha Epstein, The Shubert Organsation, Jane Gaynor & Ron Dante
Performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) Limited

A lively musical revival
The Stage

A beautifully crafted piece of theatre
The Spy in the Stalls

It's great night that will leave you going home on a high.
East Anglian Daily Times

A resounding smash hit
Colchester Gazette

...a fine piece of entertainment that left the joint jumpin'.
Grapevine LIVE

...it's a delight from start to finish.
Colchester Life

...get to the Mercury Theatre and see this toe-tapping
TheatreLife

feel good show
The V.I. Critic

...it is a good night out!
Adrian Hansel
Renée Lamb
Carly Mercedes-Dyer
Landi Oshinowo
Wayne Robinson
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