Showstopping Venue Photography for Mercury Theatre – Colchester’s Performing Arts Center

Theatre photography, what a thrill! I was recently commissioned to collate a portfolio of photographs capturing the extensive renovations carried out as part of the multimillion pound regeneration project at Colchester’s Mercury Theatre. The works were funded by the ‘Mercury rising’ appeal which amassed the amazing sum of £11.3million pounds, enabling the theatre to undergo a complete transformation.

The building actually closed two years ago but, now that works are complete, the theatre is open and ready for everyone to see what an amazing space has been created.

My brief was to capture fresh, up to date images with theatre photography and the amazing team behind the scenes who have been propelling the project forward. With such beautifully open and airy spaces at the front of house and through to the bar and cafe area natural light was no problem at all! The furnishings and colours they have chosen for the building are Simply wonderful and a pleasure to capture.

The completed works have left the building almost unrecognisable and far more accessible to all visitors. The foyer space is bigger and brighter and will be open all day with a new café whilst the main auditorium now contains additional seats; backstage a new rehearsal room has been added along with revamped and extended facilities.

I Spent a whole day on site shooting, behind stage, up in the Gods, in the sound and lighting booths, meeting the team that run things behind the scenes, and I left fully understanding what makes this Theatre so special.

The theatre has become a performance venue for everyone for the future and they have even made a commitment to sustainability through the introduction of a ‘Bring your own cup policy’ to reduce single-use plastic, as well as increasing the buildings energy efficiency with the expansion of LED lighting, converting to 100% renewable electricity and the implementation of solar panels.

This wasn’t just a photoshoot at a Theatre. This was a celebration of the vision and efforts of an amazing team and It plays an important part in being a hub of culture, connecting people through live events and participation programmes, encouraging innovation and artistic expression.

The Mercury Theatre opened its doors to the public for a special weekend of events at the end of June and further information about the theatres amazing transformation can be found here https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/blog/mercury-announces-inaugural-season-in-refurbished-theatre/

The theatre’s emblem and namesake is the messenger Mercury, god of eloquence, messages, and communication. Connection is very much at the heart of everything the team strive for and I was delighted to play my part in helping share that message through my images. Now what are you waiting for? Simply go to their website and book!