Colchester's Mercury Theatre wins 2024 business of the year

Bosses celebrated in style at an awards ceremony at Firstsite gallery.

The theatre also won the award for large leisure business of the year.

Working tirelessly over the years, the theatre is an integral part of the city.

Smiles - Members of the Mercury Theatre team enjoying their award (left to right - Elodie Gilbert, Anthony Stuart-Hicks, Steve Mannix, Rhianna Howard, Abbi Roberts) (Image: Mercury Theatre)

Executive director Steve Mannix said: “We’re a bit overwhelmed to be awarded business of the year - it’s amazing to be recognised.

“It is very much reflective of the team and what they do, whether you are behind the bar or you direct a show.”

“City centres and town centres are changing, but arts culture is an absolute part of that offer.

"People come from far and wide - 60 per cent of our audience come from Colchester but 40 per cent come from outside.”

Speech - Steve Mannix accepting the award for the theatre (Image: Mercury Theatre)

Steve has been at the theatre for nearly ten years and says it is the sense of community that has kept him there.

The team of just over 100 staff members who make the Mercury tick is key to making a success of the venue, with visitors attending every day.

Refurbished three years ago, the venue has spent nearly £12million and has given back to the community by spending £10million of that money by employing contractors and suppliers from the area.

Before - Mercury Theatre before its refurbishment three years ago (Image: Credited)

Mr Mannix added: “The arts and culture reflect a city, we work with young people, schools, people come to after school clubs, youth theatres.

“We’re part of the DNA and the fabric of Colchester and the region.”

“We should be about reflecting the community and telling their stories. We're a place for debate, learning, finding out things about the world.”