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The Mercury Theatre in Colchester, Essex is at the heart of the town's arts scene - an active theatre venue involved in putting on plays of national and international importance, as well as in the creation of its own theatre pieces by local artists (Made in Colchester). An evening out at the Mercury Theatre is a perfect way to end a day of sightseeing or shopping in Colchester town centre.
About the Mercury Theatre
Located right next to Balkerne Gate, the Mercury Theatre stands on the western part of the town centre, overlooking the 2000 year-old Roman Wall and beside the Victorian water tower "Jumbo". Named after the Roman god of poetry and communication, the theatre's striking rooftop feature is reminiscent of a statuette of Mercury found on Gosbecks Archaelogical site, dating back to Roman Colchester. The statuette is now on display in Colchester Castle Museum.
The main auditorium in the Mercury Theatre has a capacity of 499 seats. The Studio Theatre has a capacity of 102 seats.
There is a small art gallery within the theatre, the Digby Gallery, which hosts free art exhibitions by local artists. The gallery is open 10am - 5pm Monday to Saturday. http://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/your-visit/digby-gallery/
What's on at the Mercury Theatre
The Mercury Theatre always has a programme full of entertainment, putting on plays, shows, musicals and concerts. From local theatre groups through to ballet and the family favourite panto at Christmas, find out what's on at the Mercury Theatre tonight or during your visit.
Winner of the 2010 Essex Tourism Award - Access For All. Seats are held for Audio Described and Captioned performances up until two weeks before the performance and after this point they will be available on a first come first served basis; there is limited free disabled parking under the canopy for blue badge holders which operates on a first come first served basis; a lift operates to all levels of the theatre; wheelchair spaces are available; an infrared enhancement system is available in the auditorium at all performances (for use with or without a hearing aid); Touch Tours are available; RNID typetalk and text phone (01206 245518). Cloakroom - 20p per item. Theatre Bar - open 30 mins before the performance (except mid-week matinees), during the interval and after the show; tea, coffee and a wide range of drinks are on sale. Kiosk - open 30 mins before the performance and during the interval; ice-cream and confectionary are on sale plus tea, coffee and soft drinks.
Opening Details
Open all the time
Box office opening hours 10am-8pm. Sundays - Box Office open 90 minutes before performance. Closed Christmas Day.
Prices
Buy your tickets for events at the Mercury Theatre by phone, online or in person. Various offers and discounts exist for different shows, so check out the Mercury Theatre website for more details.
The Mercury Theatre Box Office is open from 10am to 8pm, or 90mns before shows.
Also at this Venue
Events at this Venue
date | event |
---|---|
Tue 7 May | Sara Pascoe and Friends |
Address
Balkerne Gate,
Colchester,
Essex,
CO1 1PT
Directions
Map reference: TL 992251 Lat: 51.88937 Long: 0.89441
By Road:
The closest car park to the Mercury Theatre is St Mary's Car Park. Discount parking vouchers can be bought in advance from the Mercury Theatre. Find out more information about parking offers on their website.
Parking: with charge
Accessible by Public Transport: 1 mile from Colchester station
Facilities
Baby changing facilities
Coach parties accepted
Credit cards accepted (with charge)
Disabled toilets
Facilities for groups
Facilities for educational visits
On-site light refreshments
Public toilets
Accepts groups
Facilities for conferencing
Facilities for corporate hospitality
Children welcome
Disabled access
Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
Guided tours for groups
Smoking not allowed
Facilities for hearing impaired
Facilities for visually impaired
Winner of the 2010 Essex Tourism Award - Access For All. Seats are held for Audio Described and Captioned performances up until two weeks before the performance and after this point they will be available on a first come first served basis; there is limited free disabled parking under the canopy for blue badge holders which operates on a first come first served basis; a lift operates to all levels of the theatre; wheelchair spaces are available; an infrared enhancement system is available in the auditorium at all performances (for use with or without a hearing aid); Touch Tours are available; RNID typetalk and text phone (01206 245518). Cloakroom - 20p per item. Theatre Bar - open 30 mins before the performance (except mid-week matinees), during the interval and after the show; tea, coffee and a wide range of drinks are on sale. Kiosk - open 30 mins before the performance and during the interval; ice-cream and confectionary are on sale plus tea, coffee and soft drinks.
Self-Assessed Accessibility Details
Parking
Designated parking for guests with disabilities
Within 50 metres approx. of entrance
- The surface of the car park and pathway leading to entrance:
is solid
Drop-off point for guests outside entrance
- The route from the parking area to the entrance:
Is flat (i.e. without steps)
Public Areas
- Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift:
From the entrance to reception / ticket area
To a specially adapted public toilet suitable for wheelchair users
Good contrast between the floor and walls
Lift equipped with raised floor numbers or braille numbers or letters
Contrast markings on clear surfaces such as glass doors
Baby changing facilities
Visitor information available in large print (14pt and over)
Visitor information available in audio format
Entrance
Entrance is well lit
Automatic door at the main entrance
General
Seating available for visitors with limited mobility
Clear signage
Effective lighting for visually impaired visitors
Wheelchairs provided
Free
Routes/pathways suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility
Displays at suitable height for wheelchair users / children
Audible alarm system
Visual alarm system
Notes
The Mercury Theatre has full step-free access as well as disabled toilets, and many provisions for different impairments and disabilities. The theatre was the winner of the 2010 Essex Tourism Award - Access For All. Seats are held for Audio Described and Captioned performances up until two weeks before the performance and after this point they will be available on a first come first served basis; there is limited free disabled parking under the canopy for blue badge holders which operates on a first come first served basis; a lift operates to all levels of the theatre; wheelchair spaces are available; an infrared enhancement system is available in the auditorium at all performances (for use with or without a hearing aid); Touch Tours are available; RNID typetalk and text phone (01206 245518).