Theatre & Performing Arts

There's no shortage of Theatres in Colchester, with the Mercury Theatre and the smaller Headgate Theatre serving the city centre, and the Lakeside Theatre based on the University of Essex at Wivenhoe Park.

The Mercury Theatre is the city's largest and main producing Theatre, whilst the Headgate Theatre is proudly the home of amateur theatre in Colchester. The Lakeside Theatre stages smaller productions, as well as shows by students at the University.

Aside from the traditional theatres, Colchester Arts Centre often programmes plays and more challenging productions, whilst in the summer months you can find pop-up productions in a variety of gardens, churches and unused recreational spaces around city.

You'll may also see some big-name performers (and tribute artists too!) throughout the year at Charter Hall, which is connected to Leisure World recreation centre, and Lower Castle Park, which sits in the historic grounds adjacent to Colchester Castle.

You can browse our listings for upcoming Theatre, Stage and Performing Arts shows in Colchester here.