Thank you for your interest in hiring one of our spaces at the Lakeside Theatre. Use the form below to enquire about hiring one of our spaces for your event, performance, society, conference or for rehearsal space.
Please note that from July 2025 we are closed for future new bookings. We will be releasing a limited number of new dates for hiring our spaces for 2026 in Autumn 2025, if you would like to be contacted about open bookings for hiring the Lakeside Theatre, please email us with the subject line “Add to Space Hire Enquiry List” to arts@essex.ac.uk.
We will open bookings for 2027 hire dates in 2026.
The Lakeside Theatre is based at the University of Essex’s Colchester Campus and is conveniently located in the centre of campus underneath the Albert Sloman Library. We offer high-quality facilities with friendly service at competitive prices, as well as the professional experience to ensure your event runs smoothly.
Our Main Stage is a 200 seater theatre and will be available for hire for a limited amount of dates from January 2026. We have not yet opened for bookings for 2027.
Our Studio Theatre is a 30 seater, black box style space which is ideal for R&D or rehearsal space. The Studio can also be hired as an additional space to any Main House bookings.
We will be opening bookings for the Studio Theatre for limited dates in 2026 in Autumn 2025.
The Lakeside Theatre Cafe is the perfect venue for gatherings and Cafe style events. Our seated capacity for the cafe is 40, or 85 for standing only.
We will be opening bookings for the cafe for limited dates in 2026 in Autumn 2025.
Please complete the enquiry form and one of our team will respond to you within four weeks (twenty working days).
