'Artistic powerhouse' theatre awarded £148,000

The Mercury Theatre in Colchester is set to benefit from funding

Thousands of pounds have been awarded to upgrade a theatre in Colchester.

The Mercury Theatre is set to benefit from a share of £24.2m through Arts Council England's Capital Investment Programme.

The venue will receive £148,000 and a spokesperson said it would help the theatre in its ambition to be one of the most sustainable regional theatres in the UK.

Dating back to 1972, the theatre calls itself an "artistic powerhouse".

Some of the funds will be put towards LED lighting and the installation of digital equipment, to allow live streaming from the stages and rehearsal spaces.

Hazel Edwards, south east area director of Arts Council England, said: "By enhancing the infrastructure of cultural spaces across the region we are expanding access to arts, culture and creative pursuits.

"We are also supporting cultural organisations in becoming more inclusive, reducing their carbon footprint, and enhancing their digital capabilities. We are delighted that together, we can nurture a more vibrant and accessible cultural landscape for all."