A THEATRE has received a major boost in its bid to fund a major redevelopment after receiving sponsorship.

The Mercury theatre in Colchester has partnered with customer experience firm GFM Holdings, based in Hawkins Road, Colchester.

The theatre is less than £500,000 away from hitting its target for a £9.7 million revamp.

As well as greater accessibility and new rehearsal studios, the new building, which should be completed by next summer, will also see the current bar replaced with a more flexible space.

It will be available to community groups and businesses, as well as host pre or post-show meet and greets and will be sponsored by GFM for five years.

Steve Mannix, Mercury Theatre executive director, said: “We are hugely grateful to GFM for identifying the importance of regional theatre and the cultural importance of the Mercury Theatre to the community.

“We are very excited to have our first corporate sponsor of the new building and hope their involvement inspires other companies to see the benefits of sponsoring such a loved and respected organisation.”