Mercury Theatre is the artistic powerhouse in the East – a vital, vibrant, welcoming centre of culture for the people of Colchester, Essex and beyond. The award-winning theatre presented in our auditorium and in our studio transforms and enriches the lives of our community. Through our Mercury Productions and Mercury Originals we produce world-class theatre, reinventing familiar stories and conjuring up bold, new ones. Our talent development programme seeks out fresh voices and stories that encourage people to see through the eyes of others. The Mercury’s participation programmes connect communities and celebrate creative potential by providing people with everyday opportunities to be artistic and innovative.

A producing and receiving house with 530 seats in the theatre and a capacity of 96 in the studio, the newly (2021) refurbished Mercury is accessible throughout and boasts a thriving café- bar, dance studio, rehearsal space, participation space and impressive backstage workshop. 

Following the major renovation in 2021, Mercury was awarded a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ certificate, placing it in the top 25% of public buildings in the UK for environmental standards. In 2021 the Mercury was profiled by Theatre Trust as a model of good practice in the UK. 

The Mercury was established in 1937, is registered Charity Number 232387 and receives regular investment from: