A DIVE into the Gazette and Essex County Standard’s archives has revealed pictures from the Mercury Theatre's past, showing photos from its construction and early productions.

We’ve put together a gallery that spans years of the theatre's life from its foundations being laid, to the iconic Mercury statue being placed on top of the theatre, as well as some early productions.

As the theatre was being built at its currently location, during the early 1970s, the name Mercury was suggested by readers of the Gazette and Essex County Standard at the time found it fitting for a Roman town.

The iconic Mercury statue on top of the theatre is actually a copy of one created by Giambologna, a Renaissance artist. It was bought in 1972 at an auction by David Forder and Bernard Mason, costing £710 at the time.

More than 20 years prior to this, a small bronze statue of Mercury was found near the site of a Roman theatre in Gosbecks. A copy of it lies in the theatre foyer, with the original in the Castle Museum.

Whilst the Mercury Theatre is now 50 years old, its roots lead back to the 1930s.

The Colchester Repertory Company was formed in 1937, by Robert Digby and Beatrice Radley. It offered mainly weekly productions at the Albert Hall, now the Co-operative Bank next to the Camulodunum pub.

In 1963, David Forder became the company’s manager, as its reputation grew. Eventually, the theatre began to play a significant role in Colchester’s arts offering, as it still does to this day.

In 1968, the Colchester New Theatre Trust was formed, with the aim of finding a potential site of a new theatre, and to oversee its construction.

The Mercury Theatre was then designed by Norman Downie, opening its doors on May, 10, 1972.

The theatre underwent a £10 million revamp as a result of the Mercury Rising fundraising appeal which was supported by a large grant from Colchester Council.

Today, the Mercury Theatre remains a staple of Colchester’s arts contribution, drawing in acts and shows from around the world and bringing art and culture to the people of Colchester.

Can you name anyone in the pictures? Do you have any from your own personal archive? We'd love to see them, send them to us at liam.maynard@newsquest.co.uk.