A DATE has been set for the long-awaited reopening of Colchester’s Mercury Theatre.

The venue has been closed for two years as it underwent a major budget busting revamp.

Steve Mannix, executive director of the Colchester theatre, said the theatre’s refurbishment had cost £11.3million - more than £1million over its £10million budget.

The Mercury Rising transformation was a three-year campaign to reimagine the theatre and improve accessibility throughout.

The refurbished venue includes a larger foyer space with a new café bar, a redeveloped main auditorium, a new rehearsal room and more toilets.

Mr Mannix said at a press conference yesterday: “We are part of the town and we are part of that economic recovery.

“Yes, we have gone over our budget but equally of that £11.3million we have spent £10million on the local economy.

“The buildings have been built by local people for local people.

“We wanted to be part of that recovery for the town.

“It has felt like working in a goldfish bowl as everyone has been looking in the windows to have a peek inside.”

The funding was secured through Arts Council England, Colchester Council, Essex Council, South East Local Enterprise Partnership and European Regional Development Fund, plus £665,000 from public donations.

The additional funding was secured through the Government’s Kickstart Cultural Recovery Fund.

The building opens for the first time to the public on Saturday, June 26 and the season opens in July with Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville, directed by the company’s creative director Ryan McBryde.

It will be followed in October by the UK premiere of Merlynn Tong’s Antigone directed by Dawn Walton OBE.

Also launching this season is Mercury Originals, a programme of new plays, showcasing the voices of local writers.

The year concludes with the return of the pantomime Aladdin.

Mr McBryde said: “We can’t wait to put on a show and welcome everyone to come and see all of our new facilities and events.

“We’re looking forward to reinventing old stories and conjuring up bold, new ones.”

For details, visit mercurytheatre.co.uk.