A theatre in Colchester has celebrated a double victory after collecting two major honours in the space of a week.
The Mercury Theatre has been recognised for its work in environmental sustainability and its contribution to the community.
At a ceremony in London, the theatre was presented with the UK Theatre Award for Excellence in Sustainability.
The national award was given after the venue cut energy consumption and carbon emissions by installing solar panels, improved insulation and more efficient heating and ventilation systems.
Judges also recognised its adoption of environmentally responsible working practices, its support for businesses in the area and wide-ranging efforts to improve accessibility.
Steve Mannix, chief executive of the Mercury Theatre, said: “We are delighted to have won this award.“It’s been a real team effort.
“We started a few years ago with our capital project – we spent £12m – £10m of which we invested in the local economy.
“We continue to prioritise local suppliers today.
“Our building has world class features to reduce our carbon footprint, and we are proud to play our part, but we continue to learn more every day.”
Success in Colchester Business Awards in same week
The theatre was also named Community-Led Business of the Year at the Colchester Business Awards in the same week.
That prize highlighted the organisation’s role across the city in bringing people together through creativity, performance and opportunities for participation.
The two accolades add to an impressive haul this year, following earlier wins at the Stage Management Association Awards.
At those awards, the team received the Team Excellence Award, and the East Anglian Clean and Green Awards, where it won Sustainable Workplace of the Year.
The venue also secured UK Theatre Award nominations for Excellence in Touring for Caroline: A New Musical, as part of the East Anglian Touring Consortium, and Best New Play for The Manningtree Witches.
In addition, the organisation reached the finals of the Colchester Business Awards across three other categories, including The Charity Award, the Contribution to Theatre and the Arts Award and the Live Entertainment Venue Award.
Natasha Rickman, artistic director of the Mercury Theatre, added: “We were absolutely delighted to be recognised as winner of the community-led business of the year.
“Our community is at the heart of everything we do, and it was a real honour to be recognised in this category.”
Source: https://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/26657001.mercury-theatre-colchester-wins-two-major-awards/
