Mercury Fur

by Philip Ridley

Directed by Danny Partington

In a lawless, ravaged city, where memories of the past have been brutally erased, the boys and their team survive by realising their clients' darkest fantasies. But just how far are they prepared to go in trading humanity for information? As the light fades and events spiral out of control it becomes clear that on the success of the evening hangs not just their security, but their existence.

The world is at its worst? Let the party begin.

Background

The Marauders first show of 2026 built on their powerful and intense offerings from 2025, exploring a dystopian near future where history, gender, even reality itself are up for grabs. Building an uncanny vibe throughout the entire play, where things make sense… sort of? And inviting the audience into their twisted world via their own butterflies.

The play originated in 2005, where it had a particularly visceral and divisive critical and audience reaction, some walking out half way through, others calling it the most important new play of the century! Actors such as Ben Whishaw (as Elliott) and Olly Alexander (as Naz) came to public attention through West End runs of this lesser seen play. Naturally, the Marauders couldn’t resist inviting themselves to this enticing, twisted play.

One change they did make from the original was changing the character of the ‘Party Piece’ from a 10 year old child to an immigrant- here represented by a Polish actor. As well as giving production less safeguarding paperwork to contend with, it reflected a more modern political landscape, and choosing a different kind of innocent victim to take the fall when society is on the brink of collapse…

“Undeniably living up to their company motto”

“Genuine flickers of beauty between such brutal characters”

“Carrera portrays Darren with an earnestness that lends the character into boyish naivety”

“Blackhurt’s Elliot is brutal, snide and relentless”

“Skellam delivers a devastating monologue…Jarman’s Spinx compliments Skellam’s performance beautifully”

“Waterhouse’s performance is deeply unsettling”