This well-equipped “little gem of a theatre” in Colchester Town Centre has been welcoming visiting amateur and professional groups onto our stage since 2002, and a variety of users into our studio and rehearsal spaces and meeting rooms. We have packed seasonal programmes offering genuine choice. From classic and modern drama to musical theatre, stand-up comedy nights to school hires, classical music to magicians – we do our best to make the experience of all our hirers and patrons enjoyable. We also host KATS, a youth drama skills group who perform twice a year in the theatre, and performance and creative arts workshops.

The Headgate has its own in-house production group, Headgate Theatre Productions, who mount 4 or 5 plays each year plus a pantomime following open audition.

The Headgate has a main auditorium with a maximum capacity of 87 people, a studio, rehearsal room and meeting room, along with a licensed bar. Further information about the current spaces and the specification for our equipment can be found on the Hiring Spaces page and you can find out more about our history.

The theatre is run by a full-time manager supported by a large team of dedicated and committed volunteers. We are a registered charity and are always looking for new volunteers to bring in their skills to help us in whatever way they can. Whether you have an interest in acting, working backstage, publicity and marketing, helping front-of-house or in the box office, visit our Volunteers page to find out more.