The Lakeside Theatre is located underneath the iconic Albert Sloman Library at the University of Essex Colchester Campus. Enter via the Lakeside Theatre Café on Square 5 and then head downstairs to the theatres and Box Office.
Book online (no booking fees)
01206 873261
In person at the Box Office on show nights, located at: Lakeside Theatre, University of Essex Colchester Campus, Square 5 (ticket prices are more on the door and subject to availability on event/show nights)
We are cashless! Tickets can be purchased online or via the Box Office on show nights and we accept a range of credit and debit cards.
We are unable to offer refunds for any ticket types. Usually we can offer ticket exchanges or account credit when requested at least 72 hours before the start time of a show. Any printed tickets must be returned to the box office before credit can be given.
General Concessions
University of Essex staff, University of Essex alumni, people aged 60 and over, non-University of Essex student/NUS card holders, Blue Light Card holders, Universal Credit recipients, Income Support recipients, Housing Benefit recipients, Registered Disabled, Wheelchair Users. (Valid ID/ Documentation will be requested)
University of Essex Students and under 18s
We offer fully discounted tickets to University of Essex students, under 18s and students taking UoE accredited courses at other institutions.
Group Discounts
Got a gang together? 10 or more and we can do you a nice little deal, please email arts@essex.ac.uk or call 01206 873261
By Car
Free parking after 4.30pm on weekdays, and free all weekend and Bank Holidays.
If you are driving to Lakeside Theatre from London and the South via the A12, take the exit marked Colchester (A133). It is recommended to follow roadside directional sign posts to the University of Essex (Wivenhoe) as there are a few entrances to the University.
Directions and more information about getting to our campus can be found here. We recommend parking in the Valley/Visitor car park, which you can see here.
By Train
Trains run between London Liverpool Street and Colchester station approximately every 10 to 20 minutes. Local bus and taxi services connect Colchester station to the University.
By Bus
From Colchester North Station (Forecourt): 61, 62, 74/74B, 76, 78. From Colchester Town Centre (High Street stops V and Z): 61, 62, 74/74B, 76, 78, 78X.
Customers with access needs who require a carer are entitled to one complimentary ticket with their ticket purchase.
Wheelchair Users and Step-Free Access
Customers who require a wheelchair space are requested to let the Box Office know as far in advance of a production as possible. We are fully accessible from the main entrance which is located via the Lakeside Theatre Café which is underneath the Albert Sloman Library on Square 5 of the University of Essex Colchester Campus.
We have an accessibility lift to all floors and we can accommodate up to four wheelchair users in the main auditorium and two wheelchair users in the studio theatre. Occasionally we can offer the use of one of two disabled parking bays at the stage door for Blue Badge holders. However, these are regularly used by members of staff. There is also no step-free access from the seating areas that can be accessed from the stage door to our toilet facilities and café. Please enquire in advance by calling 01206 873261 or emailing lakeside@essex.ac.uk.
Patrons with reduced mobility who may require further assistance with steps or seating are also requested to let the Box Office know as far in advance of a production as possible.
The Valley Road car park opposite Lakeside Theatre has disabled parking bays for Blue Badge Holders. There is a distance of around 150 metres on a slight hill between the car park and the theatre entrance, OR you may use the access route which takes you from the car park to Square 5 via the Ivor Crewe Lecture Theatre Building (the big silver building), this route is flat and includes use of an accessibility lift. The Access Route can be found here.
Visually Impaired and Hard of Hearing/d/Deaf
We welcome Assistance Dogs at all performances, please inform us when booking. An infrared enhancement system is available in the main auditorium at all performances. Our system is suitable for use with a hearing aid with a T setting. Please let us know of any requirements you or anyone in your party may have. We will do all we can to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. For more information about access at Lakeside Theatre please email lakeside@essex.ac.uk or call our office on 01206 873261 (please leave a voicemail).
Find out more about accessibility at the Lakeside Theatre.
Babes in Arms
School Groups
Food and Drink
Page updated 24/11/2025.
