The venue has been closed for two years as it underwent a major budget busting revamp. Steve Mannix, executive director of the Colchester theatre, said the theatre’s refurbishment had cost £11.3million - more than £1million over its £10million budget. The Mercury Rising transformation was a three-year campaign to reimagine the theatre and improve accessibility throughout. The refurbished venue includes a larger foyer space with a new café bar, a redeveloped main auditorium, a new rehearsal room and more toilets. Mr Mannix said at a press conference yesterday: “We are part of the town and we are part of that economic recovery.
The refurbished Mercury Theatre
Mercury Theatre, Colchester has announced its reopening season, which sees the unveiling of its extensively refurbished venue after a two-year, £11.3million transformation.
The season opens from 30 July to 22 August 2021 with Ken Ludwig s
Baskerville, a thrilling new look at Sherlock Holmes directed by the Mercury s creative director Ryan McBryde.
It s followed in the main house by the UK premiere of Merlynn Tong s new version of
Antigone (1 to 16 October), directed by Eclipse Theatre founder Dawn Walton.
The season also includes
Sirens by Kenny Emson, with future productions to be announced.
The year concludes with the return of pantomime to the Mercury.