A FORMER West End star who started out at the Mercury Theatre at the tender age of eight has been announced as its latest artistic director.
The Colchester theatre has announced Natasha Rickman will take up the role in 2025.
Having grown up in Colchester, Ms Rickman, who is now in her 30s, has had a long association with the Mercury Theatre.
She first got involved in the theatre's youth activities at the age of eight, before becoming an active member of the young company at 11.
Ms Rickman, a former Colchester County High School for Girls pupil, also set up the theatre company A Seat by the Window, to produce her own plays in the Mercury's Studio Theatre, and starred in the Mercury Theatre's production of Arnold Wesker's Roots in the role of Beatie.
Before Ms Rickman turned her attention to directing she was a RADA trained actor who took on roles on the West End, Germany and UEA.
She said: "I am delighted to be joining the Mercury Theatre as artistic director.
"I look forward to building on the theatre's national reputation for ambitious and exciting work, proudly created from its Essex roots.
"Having grown up in Colchester, I have experienced first-hand how the ongoing work of the creative engagement department provides opportunities to flourish through its youth theatre."
Ms Rickman has fond memories of the Mercury Theatre and is delighted to be back at the site.
She said: "I have been lucky enough to work in almost every department of the building over the years, from dressing, follow spot and creative education through to the work onstage.
"This springboard launched my artistic career, and I am delighted to be returning home to welcome artists and audiences to the next chapter of this extraordinary building."
Ms Rickman has directed new work and adaptations by writers including Hollie McNish, Anne Odeke, Abigail Thorn, Naylah Ahmed, Maureen Duffy, Jonathan Holloway, Rachel Garnet, and Leila Nashef.
Her work has seen her direct from a church, the London Library, and on a Boeing 747 jet.
Steve Mannix, executive director of Mercury Theatre, said: "We are delighted to welcome Natasha as our new artistic director.
"She brings a wealth of directorial experience along with a genuine passion for new writing and a commitment to embracing local and regional talent—values that the Mercury proudly champions.
"It’s wonderful to have her return to her Essex roots and step into this role.
"We all look forward to working with her."
Ms Rickman will replace Ryan McBryde who announced he was stepping down from the role earlier this year.
Mr McBryde spent five years working at The Mercury where he directed nine successful productions and helped the theatre through the pandemic.
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