THE executive producer of Colchester’s best-known theatre has announced she will stand down in March after years of “glorious productions”.
Tracey Childs, who for nine years has been involved in running the Mercury Theatre, made the announcement on Wednesday that she would be stepping down from her position as executive producer.
Over the last five years, Mrs Childs has run the Mercury jointly alongside executive director, Steve Mannix.
The Mercury, which was founded in 1937, underwent huge change during Mrs Childs’ premiership, particularly as a result of the £14.2 million refurbishment which took place in 2020 and 2021.
But Mrs Childs has said the time has now come for her to move on, having been in the job since October 2014, and has wished her future successor the best of luck in the role.
She said: “It has been my joy and my great privilege to lead the Mercury Theatre, alongside my esteemed colleague and joint chief executive, Steve Mannix.
“I am so proud of the welcoming space we have created, the glorious productions we’ve mounted, and the doubling of the turnover in the last nine years to become a successful, respected £5million organisation.”
‘Unbelievable’, which was the Mercury’s first ever co-production to transfer to the West End, was produced under Mrs Childs’ tenure, with more than 60 other in-house productions also having been performed since she took office.
Mrs Childs, who was known to colleagues as ‘TC’, added her departure would allow for “new ideas and fresh thinking” at the Mercury.
She said: “I feel it is now time to move on and create space for new ideas and fresh thinking in my post.
“I am excited for the right person for this absorbing, challenging, fulfilling role, to work alongside Steve and all of our amazing Mercury staff, in taking the Mercury forward on the next part of its journey.”
Executive director Steve Mannix added: “Tracey’s energy and commitment to supporting artists and creatives make their best work has been inspiring ensuring the highest production standards and the best theatrical experience for our audiences.”
Recruitment for a new executive producer will begin in the next few weeks.
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