Mercury Theatre in Colchester has announced a partnership with four new associate theatre companies in a bid to broaden its appeal and develop new audiences.
The 530-seat theatre, which underwent a major renovation and refurbishment in 2021, will partner for three years with English Touring Theatre, Frantic Assembly, Graeae, and Paines Plough.
The companies will work with Mercury to co-produce new work and receive touring productions. They will also collaborate on community and talent projects.
Mercury Theatre's Creative Director Ryan McBryde said: "Partnering with these extraordinary, world-renowned theatre companies will allow us to broaden the scope of our work, deepen relationships with our local community and provide more springboards for artists across our region."
He added: "We look forward to learning more from our new associates, developing and improving our own practice, and ensuring we’re the best we can be, for all of the brilliant, diverse communities across our region.”
Scott Graham and Kerry Whelan from physical theatre company Frantic Assembly said: “Partnerships like this are exciting opportunities to grow, inspire and learn from each other, finding innovative ways to share work and process."