Architect Norman Downie Opened 1972 Production The Butterfly Lion | Address Colchester CO1 1PT, UK Phone +44 1206 573948 | |
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Capacity Main Theatre 499
Studio Theatre 80 Hours Closed today SundayClosedMonday10AM–6PMTuesday10AM–6PMWednesday10AM–6PMThursday10AM–6PMFriday10AM–6PMSaturday10AM–6PM Similar Balkerne Gate, Colchester Arts Centre, Firstsite, New Wolsey Theatre, Hollytrees Museum Profiles | ||
The Mercury Theatre is a theatre in Colchester, producing highly regarded original work under the title "Made in Colchester" and also receiving touring shows. The theatre has two auditoria, and the Artistic Director is Daniel Buckroyd. The theatre also contains The Digby Gallery, which showcases local art.
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History
In 1968, the Colchester New Theatre Trust was formed to identify a site for a new theatre and to oversee its constructions. The Mercury Theatre, designed by Norman Downie, was opened on 10 May 1972, after a successful fund-raising campaign, supported by a large grant from the Borough Council. It originated with the Colchester Repertory Company, formed in 1937.
The theatre was initially structurally identical to the Salisbury Playhouse, though the Playhouse was later extended.
David Buxton, the first Artistic Director, was succeeded by Michael Winter in 1984. After David Forder’s retirement as Administrative Director in late 1990, Michael became Artistic Director and Chief Executive. In May 1994, Pat Trueman succeeded him in the joint role, until 1998. Adrian Stokes joined as Associate Director in 1995 and initiated the Community Education Programme.
In 1998 Dee Evans arrived as Chief Executive and Gregory Floy as Artistic Producer. Together, in 1999, they formed the Mercury Theatre Company with Gregory as Artistic Director. In 2012 the Company was superseded by Made in Colchester, introduced by newly appointed Artistic Director Daniel Buckroyd and Executive Director Theresa Veith.
Featured artists
Productions at the Mercury have included the work of Martin Clunes, Gwen Taylor, Simon Gray, Toby Longworth, Ingrid Lacey, Michael Grandage, Mike Poulton, Michael Deacon, Colin McCormack, David Oakes, Donald Freed
Michael Grandage made his directoral debut at the Mercury with "The Last Yankee" Trevor Howard began his career at the Colchester Repertory Company.
Gari Jones, formerly of the National Theatre, regularly pilots new work at the Mercury Theatre.