Well not at the moment it isn't!

When it became clear that a theatre for amateur drama in Colchester was actually going to happen and the Headgate Theatre was transformed from a dream to a reality, it was a matter of, "All hands to the pumps!" There was only a short time to convert an empty building which had last been a health club into a fully-equipped, working theatre. Not only was it necessary to transform the internal structure of the building to make it suitable to receive audiences, but all the essential technical equipment had to be obtained and installed to modern safety standards.

Whilst no corners were actually cut, and certainly safety was always paramount, it is fair to say that there was a high degree of, "Let's get the show on the road." and people piled in with enormous amounts of energy, goodwill and resources. Some lighting and sound equipment was begged or borrowed - but not stolen, of course - and some was bought, and the theatre was born in a remarkably short time.

As you know, the place is a resounding success and is very popular with audiences and performers alike, as well as with the many others who hire it for educational purposes, meetings, conferences etc.

Many of the events use the theatre's equipment and we need to ensure that it remains available and in good working order. So, we have embarked on a full review of the technical set-up and the first part of this has been an audit of our current lighting stock, some of which is on long-term loan. At the same time, the opportunity was taken to have a careful look at where we could improve what we can offer to hirers, to cost any improvements and to see if we can prepare a plan to provide them without breaking the bank.

That process is now well under way and the theatre's management committee approved three reports which charted the way ahead. And so a short while ago a significant number of new lanterns were bought and installed into the main auditorium space. These new lights provide with the capacity to light the apse in a vast number of shades. In addition main theatre lighting has been installed increasing the lighting capacity whilst reducing it's energy consumption.

A similar process for the sound equipment has been adopted and we are already in the process of re-cabling some of the speakers and reviewing the control systems to make it as robust and easy to use as possible.

At the same time other improvements are taking place and in the last few months we have installed a lighting desk, a sound mixer desk, a video projector, a DVD player, a large electrically-operated screen, a double CD player and a computer. The CCTV link from the auditorium to both the lounge and the front desk has been established and we have obtained a pair of radio microphones.

The Headgate Theatre is administered by Theatre Arts
Trust, Reg. Charity No. 1076399