A POPULAR theatre is preparing to reopen its doors to the public for its highly anticipated relaunch season.

The Mercury Theatre, in Colchester, has today confirmed bookings will open on May 27 for priority booking and June 1 for general on sale bookings.

Full details of the opening season will be announced on May 27, but patrons can expect top comedy, classic dramas, family favourites, new writing, pantomime and all-round entertainment on the newly refurbished stage.

Open days on June 26 and June 27 will allow visitors to experience the new opportunities the refurbished building has to offer.

These include outdoor dining on the piazza, a bigger and brighter foyer which will be open all day, a new cafe bar, a redeveloped auditorium and new rehearsal spaces.

Ryan McBryde, creative director of the Mercury, said: "Regional theatres are a vital communal gathering point, uniquely positioned to bring people together and create new connections.

"In June when the Mercury reopens its doors, we're launching an exciting new engagement programme that will put the community at the heart of what we do.

The programme is designed to celebrate creative potential and provide people in the region with everyday opportunities to be artistic and innovative.

Tickets are now on sale for the programme.

Mr McBryde added: "We will have over 12 different activities each week for people, including drama and dance classes, creative writing workshops, sensory story-time for toddlers and a social club for our senior patrons.

"We want the Mercury to be packed day and night with people having fun, sharing experiences together and expressing themselves creatively."

The activities for adults include acting classes, an intergenerational community choir and a musical theatre dance class.

For those over 55, there will be a senior social club and family singalongs will be making a comeback in the cafe bar.

The new building will also host tailored parent and toddler classes and drop in sessions, as well as a variety of termly or week-long activities for young people with special educational needs and disability.

Full details of the programmes of events and booking details can be found on mercurytheatre.co.uk.