What is Mercury Rising?
We’re glad you asked! Mercury Rising is our capital redevelopment project, a £9.8 million extension and refurbishment of our theatre that began in 2018 and is now nearing completion. This exciting project aims to safeguard the future of performing arts in Colchester and the surrounding area.
What to expect…
Improvements to the building include:
- Transformed bigger, brighter foyer space which is open all day
- Redeveloped main auditorium with additional seats
- Full accessibility throughout for the first time
- A new café/bar where you can work, meet friends and enjoy evening entertainment
- New rehearsal room, community space and dance studio, all equipped to support the best new talent
- Revamped and extended backstage facilities
- An improved interval experience by doubling the number of loos!
Help us return home!
We’ve already raised £9.4 million with the help of Arts Council England, Colchester Borough Council, Essex Country Council, South East Local Enterprise Partnership and European Regional Development Fund, plus generous public and private donations. We still need your support to help us return home in 2021.
You can help by making a donation today!
Mercury Rising
Our £9.8m redevelopment is still underway and on track to be completed in 2020, however arts organisations are facing an ongoing struggle and we are no exception. Don’t let the theatre and arts disappear from your town centre, please consider a small donation to help support us at this difficult time.