Britain's What's On Event Guide
Roman Theatre
Heritage Open Day: This is one of two Roman theatres in Colchester, the other being at Gosbecks Archaeological Park also featuring in this year's programme. Going to see a play was a popular leisure activity in the Roman world. Visitors can see a small area of the foundations of the Roman theatre preserved inside a modern building. The theatre could seat 3000 spectators and it was constructed to the standard D-shaped plan, with the curve of the D to the south, forming the auditorium, and the straight part to the north, representing the stage. It may have been this theatre which featured in the destruction of Colchester by Boudica in AD 60. To the rear of the building is a recreated Roman garden with plants of the time. The theatre site was discovered in 1981 during excavations by the Colchester Archaeological Trust and is now in the care of Colchester City Council. The Roman theatre and garden were refurbished earlier this year and are now looking at their best.
Sat 7 Sep:0945-1630; Sun 8 Sep:1030-1630; Free Entry.
Maidenburgh Street, Colchester, Essex CO1 1UB
Sat 7 September and Sun 8 September