A £1m grant has secured the future of Colchester's prestigious Mercury Theatre.

The theatre, which has its own resident company, has been given the lion's share of a £1.34 million investment to theatre companies by East England Arts announced yesterday (Thursday).

Marketing director Philip Bray said the money, to be spread over the next three years, is the "final piece in the jigsaw" which will allow the theatre to safely continue with its already acclaimed work.

"It is lot of money, much more than we could have ever hoped for," he said.

It is among a number of live drama organisations benefiting from extra cash investment from the organisation formerly known as Eastern Arts Board.

The Mercury has enjoyed a remarkable last year, having turned itself around from the brink of closure to receiving major awards including a national prize.

Dee Evans, chief executive of the Mercury Theatre said: "This is excellent news - at last all our energy can be focused on the work, not just survival."

It will be used in three main areas including community and education, resourcing of the production by the Mercury Theatre Company and playing a larger role across the region.

The money will be spread out to give the theatre £300,000 in 2002/2003, which will increase to an extra £50,000 on top of that for the next two years.

Cheers - Mercury staff toast their £1m cash handout

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