The Mercury Theatre in Colchester has announced the installation of a brand-new Assisted Listening System, funded by £8,000 raised at the annual Fireworks Night in Castle Park, organised by King Coel’s Kittens.
The upgraded system is fully Bluetooth-enabled and compatible with the latest hearing aids, offering a more seamless and less intrusive experience for users.
To ensure no audience members are excluded, the existing system will run alongside the new technology during a transition period, supporting a wider range of hearing devices.
Steve Mannix, Chief Executive of Mercury Theatre, said:
“This funding is a game-changer for the Mercury. It means we can offer a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for all our audiences, especially those who rely on assisted listening and we’re delighted to be the first venue in East Anglia to install this system. We’re incredibly grateful to King Coel’s Kittens and everyone who supported the Fireworks Night—your generosity is helping us make a real difference. We’d also like to thank the team at the National Theatre for their advice and support.”
This upgrade forms part of Mercury Theatre’s ongoing mission to improve access and inclusivity for all users.
Jacqueline Bowis, Chair of King Coel’s Kittens, added:
“King Coel’s Kittens was formed in 1962 to raise money to provide tangible items for groups of people with additional needs. The request for funding from the Mercury Theatre for this piece of equipment to allow so many existing and additional people to enjoy and be part of the outstanding productions they deliver fits into the funding criteria of the group. Our grateful thanks to all those people who attended the fireworks and enabled the group to support the theatre.”
The Mercury Theatre has expressed its gratitude to King Coel’s Kittens and everyone who attended Fireworks Night, as these contributions are directly enhancing accessibility and ensuring that everyone can enjoy the magic of live performance.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
