Colchester Operatics Society are to perform a concert with songs depicting the seasons in aid of Mercury Rising, the project to redevelop the Mercury Theatre.
The Society started producing musicals and concerts in 1924 with their first performance of Gilbert & Sullivan’s ‘The Gondoliers’ which was staged at The Hippodrome theatre in Colchester High Street. The society performed every year (with a break when war broke out) and moved to the Mercury Theatre when it first opened in 1972.
The Society, and junior section (CO2), perform at the Mercury twice a year, and to celebrate this special relationship they will present a summer concert, Seasons with Swing, in support of Mercury Rising.
The Mercury Rising project was launched in 2016, it aims to raise £1.7 million in funds in order to complete an £8.7 million extension and refurbishment of the theatre to safeguard it for future generations.
The redevelopment includes an expansion to the foyer and auditorium areas, as well as new rehearsal rooms and improved backstage facilities that will benefit local community groups and will allow the Society to continue to perform their musicals to a very high standard.
Mark Fincham, Chairman & Business Manager of the Society said:
“As well as our main shows, over the years the Society has also produced a number of spring/summer concerts, and many local charities benefit enormously from these efforts. It was an honour and very fitting that the Mercury asked us to perform in aid of the Mercury Rising initiative.
Along with other local groups we have been consulted and updated on the plans and progress of the proposed development by the Theatre and they have demonstrated as always, an unwavering keenness to enhance and facilitate the town’s flourishing amateur theatre scene.
On behalf of Colchester Operatic Society I would like to sincerely wish them well with this mammoth undertaking and look forward to the privilege of being able to share in this bright new initiative.”
The performance will take place on Sunday 11 June, and will feature a guest slot from the junior section CO2, who will perform a medley of songs from ‘Little Shop of Horrors‘, their next show. This will be the first chance to see the cast before they take to the Mercury stage in October this year.
Tickets are available now for just £20 with proceeds going to Mercury Rising. To get yours please follow this link, call 01206 573948 or visit our friendly ticket sales team in person.
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