Book in for a night of music, comedy, theater or dance at Mercury Theatre. Come to this cultural center to see a national or international touring show or take in one of the performances by the excellent “Made in Colchester” theater group. The events program runs throughout the year. You’ll find more local talent on display in the Digby Gallery within the same building.
Mercury Theatre came about after the formation of the Colchester New Theatre Trust in 1968. After a period of fundraising and a grant from the local council, the architect Norman Downie drew up his plans. The building was completed in 1972. Since then it has grown to become the most popular theater in Colchester and runs a year-round program of plays, musicals and more.
Make sure you book your tickets early when one of the large, national productions comes to town. The small, intimate feel of the Mercury Theatre makes it a great place to see these notable productions and you’ll never be too far from the action on stage. Just as popular with locals are the shows put on by the talented “Made in Colchester” group. Their performances have ranged from works by playwrights as diverse as Brecht, Alan Aykbourne and Melvyn Bragg.
Throughout the year there are also regular shows aimed at children, so check the timetable to see if anything coincides with your visit. If you can, come along for some family fun at Christmas time when lively pantomime takes center stage.
Spend some time before the performance browsing the work of local artists in the Digby Gallery and pick up a souvenir or a present.
The Mercury Theatre is located just west of High Street in Colchester city center. You can park nearby for a fee. Prices and times for shows vary, so consult the Mercury Theatre website or a timetable in the visitor center to make sure you don’t miss your show. The Mecury Theatre is also where groups can book a guided tour of the Layer Marney Tower, a historic mansion in the countryside 6 miles (10 kilometers) south of Colchester.