The Lakeside Theatre is located on the ground floor of the iconic Albert Sloman Library. Enter via the Lakeside Theatre Café and then head downstairs to the theatres and Box Office.
Book online (no booking fees)
01206 873261 (our phone-lines are currently unstaffed, please leave a message)
In person at the Box Office, located at: Lakeside Theatre, University of Essex, 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 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.
Concessions
University of Essex Staff, Alumni, people aged 60 and over, NUS cardholders, Universal Credit, Income Support, Housing Benefit, 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 (please leave a voicemail)
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.
Disabled customers who require a carer are entitled to one complimentary ticket with their ticket purchase.
Wheelchair Users
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. We have an accessibility lift to all floors and we can accommodate up to 4 wheelchair users in the main auditorium and 2 in the studio. There is limited disabled parking at the stage door for Blue Badge holders, please let us know in advance if you require it by calling 01206 873261 (please leave a voicemail) or emailing arts@essex.ac.uk The Valley Road car park opposite Lakeside Theatre has disabled parking bays for Blue Badge Holders. There is a distance of 50 metres on a slight hill between the car park and the theatre entrance. 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 arts@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
Group Discounts
Food and Drink
Page updated 18/10/2024.
