Cast and crew of Collaborators with Deputy Mayor Cllr Manda Rigby, Playwright John Hodge and Artistic Director Ann Ellison BEM
Friday 24th January 2020 saw the 15th birthday of The Mission Theatre. To mark this milestone achievement, resident theatre company - Next Stage - produced Collaborators by John Hodge. In the audience that night, Next Stage was delighted to welcome Collaborators playwright John Hodge and his family. All cast and crew showed their thanks to the playwright at the end of the performance, in recognition of all his help over the last few weeks.
The special evening culminated with a drinks and canapé reception hosted by Artistic Director Ann Ellison BEM and Andrew Ellison, Director of Next Stage. With over 50 invited guests, including the Deputy Mayor of Bath Cllr. Manda Rigby, Olivier award-winning playwright John Hodge, Next Stage Patrons and Friends, as well as the cast and crew of Collaborators, The Mission was buzzing with excitement.
Images above > (1) Cast applauding playwright John Hodge, (2) Steve Leanaghan, Bob Constantine, Brian Hudd with playwright John Hodge (3) Reception in The Theatre Upstairs (4) Next Stage Artistic Director Ann Ellison BEM with Colin Darracott who was instrumental in Next Stage being granted a lease on The Mission Theatre 15 years ago.
The Deputy Mayor of Bath Councillor Manda Rigby and playwright John Hodge made speeches in which they paid tribute to The Mission Theatre, the important role it plays in the cultural life of the city of Bath and the tremendous work of Next Stage Theatre Company both on and off stage, as it continues to keep the theatre thriving and flourishing. A final speech was made by Artistic Director, Ann Ellison, who thanked the entire Next Stage Company, for without them, her dream of opening a theatre in Bath would not have been possible. Andrew Ellison then proposed a toast to The Mission Theatre and the next 15 years.
Images above > (1) Deputy Mayor of Bath, Cllr Manda Rigby and (2) Playwright John Hodge giving their speeches in The Theatre Upstairs at The Mission.
Throughout The Mission Theatre’s Birthday week there were many appreciative comments from audience members, cast, crew, Next Stagers and members of the public about the importance of The Mission Theatre in their lives. Here are just a few of the lovely messages:
“ …This theatre is a fantastic invitation and a monument to the drive and energy of Ann and Andrew. Long live The Mission!” - John Hodge.
“What a wonderful achievement, 15 years and still going strong.”- AF.
“We always love coming here. Such a friendly place.”- FM.
“15 years of fun! Many congratulations for many more years.” - Avonvale Carpets.
“The Mission has brought so much to so many people, and to drama in Bath.” CG
“What a fantastic theatre” - AK.
“What an amazing success story you have to tell. I have followed The Mission since first seeing it as a ‘Distribution Centre’ for the Big Issue newspaper, and your foresight and ambition have brought it to a wonderful theatre, giving pleasures and enjoyment to so many people.” - VK
“A place where one can see professional acting, exciting visiting companies, old and new friends and an atmosphere and ethos of something really special.” - BH.
Thank you to everyone who has already provided a comment and If you have not yet had an opportunity to sign the book why not call into the theatre to do so, or email your message and we will print and stick it in the book for you.