Community Asset Transfer of The Mission Theatre to Next Stage Theatre Company

The Mission Theatre - Bath’s very own independent theatre - has its future assured for the next 99 years.

Next Stage Theatre Company is thrilled to announce that it has been granted a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) of The Mission Theatre on a 99 year lease.

The awarding of the CAT by BANES Council is a momentous event in the 27 year history of Next Stage Theatre Company. The Mission Theatre will remain the home of this prestigious company, allowing it to continue to bring the standard of theatre to Bath which has earned Next Stage its national reputation for excellence.

Ann Ellison BEM, Artistic Director of Next Stage Theatre Company and The Mission Theatre, says:

Andrew Ellison and I are absolutely delighted that the council have looked favourably on our application for a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) on The Mission Theatre, Bath. From the moment we stepped inside the lovely ex-chapel in 2002 we both knew we had found the perfect building to turn into a theatre - a performing space for Next Stage Theatre Company, and a welcoming venue for local and regional theatre companies and performers. And we were right. Since The Mission Theatre opened its doors in January 2005 it has rapidly become a popular and much-loved city-centre community arts venue.

The original ten year lease granted by the council was extended into a 25 year lease in 2010, but Andrew and I have been working ever since then to ensure a much longer future for our theatre. It has taken a number of years and many months of work to achieve the CAT and we could not have done it without the help and support of so many Next Stagers, patrons and Friends. We would especially like to thank and acknowledge the members of Next Stage’s steering group and the team at the Council who have also worked tirelessly to help us deliver this project.

Today is a real day of celebration, not just for Andrew and me, not just for Next Stage Theatre Company, nor the team that lovingly look after The Mission Theatre, this is a day for all who love the performing arts in Bath and the region to celebrate the permanent addition to the city’s cultural scene, of its very own independent theatre: The Mission.

Councillor Richard Samuel, deputy leader and cabinet member for Economic Development and Resources, said:

The Community Asset Transfer decision I made represents the best way forward for the restoration of The Mission Theatre and secures the building as a place for performing arts for many years to come, providing substantial benefit to our local community that we serve. CATs are a means of ensuring that better community outcomes can reached from the use of the council’s assets. It is important to remember that we hold these assets on behalf of our community.  Decisions such as this are not purely about money. They are about what the council can do to make the lives of as many of our citizens as full as possible. In that regard having a flourishing performing arts venue enriches lives and provides clear social purpose.

The CAT will ensure that The Mission Theatre becomes a permanent feature of Bath’s cultural landscape, providing, as it has for the past 16 years, an intimate, elegant and versatile venue, not only for resident Next Stage Theatre Company, but also for established and up-and-coming performers and companies from Bath, Somerset and beyond.

The asset transfer gives Next Stage the security to be able to fundraise for crucial repairs to the fabric of the building. Next Stage aims to restore the roof and the stonework of the beautiful eighteenth century chapel, ensuring it remains a well-preserved jewel in the city centre of Bath.

As well as the restoration of the beautiful Grade II listed building, Next Stage will ensure that improvements to The Mission Theatre will make the venue more environmentally friendly by reducing energy usage and carbon emissions.

The CAT will enable Next Stage to increase its outreach work with children and young people in the community by expanding its Youth programme and engaging with local primary and secondary schools. The company plans to appoint a Youth Coordinator who will liaise with local schools, seeking to enrich learning through drama workshops and opening The Mission to a whole new generation of young theatregoers.

Next Stage’s bid for this CAT was supported by Next Stage Patrons, including Sir David Hare, Dame Harriet Walter DBE, and Robert Lindsay, in addition to local Councillors, festival organisers, theatre practitioners, and members of the local community.

Here are some of their messages of support:

I am absolutely sure that NEXT STAGE will be able to use The Mission Theatre creatively and for the benefit of the whole community. It has an outstanding track record which serves as unarguable proof of its dedication and value.
Patron Sir David Hare

I have been a supporter of Next Stage for several years. The Covid pandemic has proved how vitally important it is to look after our closer communities and I am sure Next Stage will know just how to maximise the benefit from a Community Asset Transfer so that it embraces and enhances the artistic life and social cohesion of its audience.
Patron Dame Harriet Walter DBE

Theatre is about community; it serves the local people with imagination and inspiration. I became Patron of The Mission Theatre knowing full well that their commitment was to serve their community with a creative and inspirational spirit and in that they deserve as much recognition during these very strange and complicated times for theatre. The show must go on!
Patron Robert Lindsay 

The Mission Theatre's Triumphant Re-opening

Last week, we celebrated as The Mission Theatre triumphantly reopened its doors to the public for the first time in over 400 days! The incredibly successful reopening saw us welcome back socially-distanced audiences into our auditorium to see the highly-anticipated Next Stage production of The Memory of Water.

Front of house staff worked to an exceptional standard to ensure that all of our new Covid safety systems were implemented perfectly, including staggered arrival times, Track and Trace check-ins, at-seat refreshment service, and our new digital programmes.

Audiences were just as thrilled as we were. Here’s just one example of the lovely comments we have received since our re-opening:

Such a lovely evening! Really special to be back in our beloved Mission and to see it buzzing once again. You had all worked so hard to make it work with the distancing guidelines and yet managing to keep the friendly informality! And such a good show - really enjoyed it and excellent performances all round. A truly amazing feat richly deserving the first night standing ovation and great reviews. JB

It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to bring live theatre back to The Mission after so long. You can buy your tickets for the June run of The Memory of Water, and all of our other upcoming shows, here.

Markets at The Mission

As part of our Raise the Roof! Appeal, The Mission Theatre will be hosting two Markets at The Mission to raise funds for our crucial repairs to the roofs:

Saturday 26th June
The Book Bazaar

and

Saturday 17th July
The Make and Bake

These events will be a chance to buy books, CDs, DVDs, baked goods and preserves, plants, gardening tools and various handmade items, all whilst supporting our Raise the Roof! Appeal and providing funds for our essential roof repairs.

At both of the Markets there will be displays of photos and images relating to the roof works and opportunities to discuss progress of the appeal. There will also be a chance to sign and leave a message in our Heritage Book.

During lockdown so many people have spent time sorting through possessions and finding items which they plan to give away or take to charity shops once lockdown eases. If this applies to you, we hope you may have books, jewelry, handmade art or craft pieces, pictures and other nice items at home that you would be happy to let us have to sell in aid of our Raise the Roof! Appeal. If you have items which you would like to donate, please contact us at nextstagebath@aol.com or call 01225 428600 and we can arrange a collection or drop-off.

Next Stage Youth Summer Enrolment

We are delighted to announce that Next Stage Youth (NSY) is restarting at The Mission Theatre, Bath with enrolment on Sunday 6th June 4.30-6pm.

To find out more about Next Stage Youth click here.

Led by professionals and Next Stage actors, our youth members will be adhering to Government guidelines on social distancing, whilst The Mission Theatre will provide hand sanitisers, masks if desired and the auditorium space will be thoroughly sanitised between sessions.

Anyone aged 11-18 is welcome. There are no auditions and newcomers are invited to attend a couple of 'taster sessions' before committing to the company.

NSY meets throughout the year on term-time Sundays at The Mission Theatre. The 90 minute sessions cost just £12 each, meaning that the fee for a 10-week term is £120. This Summer we will be running a half term of 5 sessions, finishing on July 4th.

NSY are trained and supported by talented adult actors from the parent company, Next Stage, as they take on challenging scripts, and have the chance to perform in cutting-edge dramas.

Next Stage Youth members performing in Tom’s Midnight Garden (2019).

To find out more, or to express an interest in enrolling, contact Ann Ellison on 01225 428600 or by emailing nextstagebath@aol.com

The Mission Theatre is re-opening!

At last the news we have been waiting to bring you: The Mission Theatre will re-open in May with the much postponed and eagerly anticipated Next Stage production of The Memory of Water by Shelagh Stephenson. For more information and to buy your tickets please click here to go through to the event page.

Production dates are as follows, all performances start at 7.30pm:

May
Tuesday 25th, Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th

June
Monday 7th, Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th

Richard Matthews making a cautious entrance in The Memory of Water.
Rehearsal photograph March 2020.

The summer season will also feature a varied and exciting programme of shows from visiting companies, including:

Alive and Brel - postponed from last year’s Bath Fringe festival, the finest songs from the iconic master of the modern chanson, Jacques Brel, are brought to life when this trio of singers perform their cabaret revue.

Queen Margaret - presented by Downpour Theatre Company, this show, inspired by Shakespeare's tetralogy, uses original Shakespearean text alongside new dialogue to retell the Wars of the Roses through the eyes of Margaret of Anjou.

Captain Breadbeard’s Bready Brilliant Comedy Cookbook - a surreal 2-handed comedy sketch show about a sailor with a beard made of bread, and his sidekick, Davy Scones. Fast-paced, pun-tastic and fun for the whole family.

Kate Bush Stripped! - from the Kate Bush tribute band Moments Of Pleasure: The Music Of Kate Bush. Hear the passionate and stunningly authentic vocals of Lisa-Marie Walters together with 'stripped back' piano arrangements by Mark Feven.

To find out more about these brilliant productions, and to buy tickets, please visit our What’s On page.

We will of course be observing all Covid safety regulations with socially-distanced seating, regular fogging and deep-cleaning after every show, at-seat service of drinks, contactless payment, electronic programmes and staggered arrival times. For more information about the Covid safety measures at The Mission Theatre please click here.

Bath Community backs The Mission Theatre

Patrons send support for Raise the Roof!

In the first week of our Raise the Roof! Appeal all four of Next Stage Theatre Company’s Patrons sent in messages of support for the cause.

Next Stage is extremely proud to have attracted the patronage of four such giants in the UK theatre industry, and their support in this crucial campaign to raise £110,000 to replace the degraded and leaking roofs on The Mission Theatre is hugely appreciated.

Only a few hours after the launch of the Raise the Roof! Appeal, Dame Harriet Walter DBE emailed the company:

"I am sending all good wishes and hopes for a successful Raise the Roof! campaign".

Dame Harriet Walter, Next Stage Patron since 2001.

Harriet has been a Patron of Next Stage since 2001. The support of such a highly-acclaimed and well respected actor is a real boost to Next Stage and, hopefully, Harriet’s endorsement will encourage more generous donations to the Raise the Roof! Appeal.

Sir Alan Ayckbourn CBE is Next Stage’s longest-serving Patron. Since 1995, this giant of British theatre has been highly supportive and involved in Next Stage’s work, inviting the company to perform in 2000 and 2001 at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough when he was the Artistic Director there. In 2014 Sir Alan and Lady Ayckbourn came to Bath to celebrate Next Stage’s 20th birthday and to watch Ayckbourn’s plays - House and Garden - performed by the company at The Mission Theatre.

Sir Alan Ayckbourn CBE, Next Stage Patron since 1995.

Alan’s message of support regarding Raise the Roof! to be passed on to supporters was:

“Wonderful news that Next Stage is planning to reopen soon, with that marvellous play “The Memory of Water”. Please be generous and help them to fix their roof and stop the memory from becoming an actuality!”

Sir David Hare, Next Stage Patron since 2000 and a leading playwright in British theatre, has written to the company in support of the Raise the Roof! campaign:

“What a perfect moment to shore up the future of a company which has given so much pleasure in the past, and to make sure it does in the future.”

Sir David Hare, Next Stage Patron since 2000.

Next Stage is very grateful to David, for his words of encouragement and also for his donation to Raise the Roof!

Leading British actor, Robert Lindsay, Next Stage’s Silver Anniversary Patron since 2018, sent in the following message of support:

“Very sad to hear that The Mission Theatre has sprung some leaks. It's a beautiful little Georgian building which showcases so much great theatre and entertainment in one of Britain's most popular heritage cities. I urge the people of Bath to get behind Next Stage's Raise the Roof! Appeal and give as generously as possible. Once the target of £110,000 is reached the roof can be repaired, helping to ensure The Mission Theatre's long-term future as a much-loved performing arts venue in the heart of the community. These are tough times for theatres everywhere, but, looking ahead, the shows MUST go on, and preferably in dry auditoria! Very best wishes for a successful campaign.”

Robert Lindsay, Next Stage’s Silver Anniversary Patron since 2018.

Next Stage Theatre Company would like to thank all of its Patrons for their support and encouragement in this ambitious and crucial fundraising effort to help to ensure the future of The Mission Theatre.

For more information on the appeal, including how you can get involved, please click here.

For more information on Next Stage and their patrons, please click here.

Raise the Roof!

Water is now leaking through the ceilings into both the Main Auditorium and The Theatre Upstairs.

Next Stage has kicked off the fundraising effort by donating £20,000, as you can see on our fundraising barometer. Now we are asking anyone who can to make a donation, large or small, to Raise the Roof! We desperately need your help to prevent any further water damage and preserve The Mission Theatre as a thriving performing arts venue for years to come.

There are five ways in which you can help us to Raise the Roof!:

1. Sponsor a Slate/s - £30 per slate
2. Become a Friend - £60
3. Make a Donation
4. Organise a Fundraising Event
5. Offer Matched Funding

Please click here to find out more about each of these ways to make a donation. Every penny will be gratefully received and acknowledged in our Heritage Book, to be permanently displayed at The Mission Theatre.

Announcing the launch of our fundraising appeal.

Next Stage Theatre Company, resident at The Mission Theatre, needs your help to raise £110,000 to replace both the pitched and flat roofs on our beautiful 250 year old Grade II listed ex-chapel.

We know that these are difficult and uncertain times for everyone, but these repairs are now a matter of urgency since the roofs have deteriorated with age, and over the last year this degradation has accelerated due to the theatre’s forced closure and lack of heating.

We will be sharing updates on our website, as well as over social media, and through the Raise the Roof! Barometer, and we would love for you to be a part of it.

Thank you so much in advance, from all of us at The Mission Theatre, for your generosity.

Please click here to go through to our Raise the Roof! webpage, or, if you wish to discuss any aspects of fundraising email us at nextstagebath@aol.com or call 01225 428 600.

Happy New Year from The Mission Theatre

Everyone at The Mission Theatre offers good wishes for the year ahead.

Currently, due to Government guidelines, the theatre is closed.

All of us are looking forward to welcoming performers and audiences back to the theatre as soon as we are allowed to do so.

Second National Lockdown Impact

A statement from our Artistic Director, Ann Ellison BEM, following the second national lockdown in England:

On Thursday 5th November England went into a month-long lockdown. I am sure many of you will have realised the implications this has for theatres, and you will therefore not be surprised to learn that Next Stage's attempt to re-open The Mission Theatre with a late-Autumn mini-season starting on Monday November 9th has had to be aborted. It is with great reluctance that I have had to take the decision to reschedule all of the planned productions. We will of course let you know as soon as we are able to confirm new performance dates and there will also be updates on our websites.

I am particularly sad that my cast members in The Memory of Water have once again been faced with a disappointing cancellation. Due to the first lockdown in March the actors lost their show a week before opening night, now they are faced with exactly the same situation. We had been working since September on the re-blocking and refreshing of this play ready to open on the 9th November, but to no avail.

I was, however, incredibly buoyed up after meeting with my cast and crew. Their dedication and commitment to Shelagh Stephenson's compelling play is remarkable and, although this is another sad setback for all of us, everyone is determined that the show WILL go on! We are waiting to see what will happen in December, but if there’s any chance at all of being able to safely produce The Memory of Water this year we will do so.

Another casualty of this second lockdown is Next Stage's planned production of The Hothouse, scheduled for Nov 30th - 5th December. In consultation with director Bob Constantine, I have taken the hard decision that this play will now move to Spring 2021. Bob and his cast have been rehearsing for two months and the play's in great shape with a stellar cast. However with no hopes of opening the theatre before Dec 2nd, and hence no time for tech and dress rehearsals, it seems only fair to ask you all to wait a little longer before seeing this Pinter classic.

I am delighted to say that I've heard from Duncan Steer who, in conversation with Carlton Kirby, had a sell-out event planned here on November 18th. Duncan is as determined as we are to bring this event to The Mission Theatre as soon as we have re-opened and it is safe to do so.

The final casualty of our enforced closure is Downpour Theatre Company with their gripping play Normal. Downpour will be back with us in the Spring and we will work with them to re-schedule their play as soon as possible.

I'm so sorry not to be able to welcome you all back to The Mission Theatre when we had hoped, but rest assured, Next Stage Theatre Company and our talented visiting performers will be here waiting to deliver top-quality entertainment to you as soon as we're given the green light to do so.

I look forward to seeing you all as soon as possible. Meanwhile stay safe and well.

Best wishes,

Ann Ellison BEM
Artistic Director
The Mission Theatre and Next Stage Theatre Company

Our Grant from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund

We are absolutely delighted to announce that Next Stage Theatre Company has been successful in its bid to the Government's Culture Recovery Fund!

The award of over £50k has thrown a vital lifeline to The Mission Theatre. The money will enable Next Stage to forge ahead with its planned re-opening of the theatre for late-Autumn and Spring seasons, starting with the Next Stage Theatre Company production of The Memory of Water which was about to be performed in March by the company but was unable to go ahead because of the national lockdown. Dates and details of all the shows in our late-Autumn season are available HERE and more information about Next Stage Theatre Company is available HERE.

This grant will pay for the wide range of PPE equipment around the theatre that we have put in place to protect, as far as possible, audience members, cast and crew. This includes custom-made Perspex screens both front of house and backstage, automatic hand sanitiser dispensers at key locations around the theatre, health and safety signage, and state-of-the-art santitiser fogging machines that allow us to fully disinfect auditorium chairs between performances. We have also invested hundreds of pounds in Condencide - an evaporator and condenser cleaner which treats the ventilation, A/C and heating systems in The Mission Theatre to kill 99% of germs, and can be reapplied every few weeks to make sure the air flow in the Main Auditorium is kept as Covid and bug free as possible.

We will also use part of the grant to address the safety of technical crew operating in the tech box at the theatre. This small, enclosed area will now benefit from updated kit enabling lights and sound to be operated by state-of-the-art equipment which necessitates only one or - at the maximum - two people being in the tech cupboard at any one time.

Looking ahead, the funding will also help to pay some of the utility bills, rent and outgoings that are part of The Mission Theatre’s monthly obligations but which have been crippling since March when the theatre had to close and had no way of generating income. Even the planned late-Autumn and Spring seasons will not fully cover outgoings as The Mission Theatre’s auditorium will be configured to allow for social distancing which slightly reduces its audience capacity.

In an industry that has, since March, often seemed to be invisible and overlooked by the Government in favour of more obvious businesses, it is with the greatest relief and gratitude that this financial lifeline from the Government has been provided for theatres and cultural venues not only in Bath but around the country. There is no question that performers and audiences alike wish to see the return of live entertainment as soon as possible in our theatres and this generous gifting of sizeable amounts of money will go some way to helping realise this dream.

Everyone in Next Stage Theatre Company would like to express our immense gratitude to Arts Council England and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) for awarding us this grant, and hope that anyone reading this will join with us in celebrating our good news and, hopefully, come back to see us as soon as we re-open.

Next Stage Youth to Restart for Autumn Term

We are very pleased to announce that Next Stage Youth will be restarting in the 2020 Autumn term, with enrolment on Sunday September 20th 4.30-6pm at The Mission Theatre. As always sessions will be led by the company's Artistic Director - Ann Ellison - and her team of tutors.

We have surveyed all of our current NSY members and are delighted that almost every Youther is happy to return in September to continue developing their acting skills and confidence, as well as meeting up with like-minded friends for some much-needed fun in these troubled times. We will of course be following social distancing guidelines and will take every precaution to make sure our Youthers remain safe.

We should like to encourage any potential new members to come along to the enrolment day on Sunday September 20th. If you are aged 11-18 and would like to develop your theatrical skills and interests, Next Stage Youth is the place for you. The prestigious Youth company has been providing first-class training to Bath youngsters for over 25 years. There are no auditions, everyone is welcome and there’s lots of fun and friendship to be had, as well as the chance to perform in full scale productions every year. For more information, visit our Next Stage Youth page.

Membership is £120 for each 10 week term with sessions of one and a half hours every Sunday in term time.

For further information please call Ann Ellison on 01225 428600 or email nextstagebath@aol.com

Scenes from the 2019 Next Stage Youth production of Tom’s Midnight Garden.

Grant from Arts Council England

We are delighted to announce that Next Stage Theatre Company has been awarded a grant from Arts Council England, through their Emergency Response Fund. As The Mission Theatre has been closed and so cannot generate income  this grant is a real lifeline, allowing us to pay the day to day running costs of rent, servicing of equipment, insurance, professional fees and building maintenance that we will incur between now and October.

We would like to say a big thank you to Arts Council England and to The National Lottery for supporting us, and we look forward to welcoming audiences back as soon as it is safe for us to do so. 

The Mission Theatre celebrates its 15th Birthday!

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.

Happy 15th Birthday to The Mission Theatre!

On January 24th 2005, The Mission Theatre opened its doors to Bath audiences for the first time. Fifteen years on, The Mission has become a highly popular and well-loved part of the Bath cultural scene.

As it used to be - a wedding at The People’s Mission last century.

The attractive Grade II listed building that Ann and Andrew Ellison, founders of Next Stage, first saw in 2002 had been derelict since The People’s Mission had ceased to worship there in 1998. The potential for the building to become a versatile arts venue was apparent from the outset, particularly to a theatre company specialising in theatre-in-the-round performances.

After 2 years of negotiations during which hopes were continually raised and dashed, finally in November 2004, Next Stage was awarded a ten-year lease on the dilapidated ex-chapel. Immediately the whole company was involved in an intensive 6 week refurbishment process to transform the building into a working theatre. The work included total electrical rewiring, installing a new block of toilets (including disabled facilities), complete redecoration, creating the bar/bistro in the 50 seater upstairs theatre and, of course, creating dressing rooms and a green room.

Images above > (1) Members of Next Stage working hard in the Theatre Upstairs, November 2004 (2) Artistic Director, Ann Ellison in a cement mixer with long-term supporters, Paul and Jim from Avonvale Carpets, December 2004 (3) The conversion of The Main Auditorium, January 2005.

Chris Harris opening the theatre, with Ann Ellison and Andrew Ellison

Against all the odds, when January 24th 2005 dawned The Mission Theatre was ready to open its doors to the public for the very first time. From October 2004, Next Stage had been rehearsing the inaugural shows that would launch The Mission: Comic Potential by patron Alan Ayckbourn to run for a week in the Main Auditorium in January, and A Visit From Miss Protheroe to launch Next Stage’s Supper Theatres in the Theatre Upstairs Bistro in February.

In January 2005, friend Chris Harris - a talented actor and accomplished pantomime Dame (sadly now deceased) - opened The Mission Theatre.

Next Stage believed they were acquiring an ideal venue for their productions and a meeting place for Next Stage Youth. Within months, it became apparent that The Mission Theatre was going to be very much more than merely a home for the company and within a few years Next Stage had been successful in negotiating an extended lease.

The Mission has given local amateur companies an affordable performance space in the heart of Bath to put on a huge variety of events. Visiting small-scale professional drama companies love the versatility of the stage and performance area, and the theatre’s existence has allowed the creation of new non-professional theatre companies. As well as this, The Mission has hosted many events from local Festivals over the last 15 years including: the Jane Austen Festival, the Bath Festival of Children's Literature, the Bath International Music Festival, the Mid-Somerset Competitive Festival, the Bath Comedy Festival and the Bath Fringe Festival.

Images above > (1) Jane Austen Festival 2019 (2) The Bath Kids Lit Festival (3) Bath International Music Festival.

Sir Alan Ayckbourn with the cast of House & Garden (2014)

The Mission has provided Next Stage Theatre Company with the ability to rehearse in its own space, and to attempt productions that would not have been possible had the company just hired a venue for a week. His Dark Materials Parts 1 & 2 has been staged 3 times since 2007, twice with youth casts, whilst Next Stage productions touring to the Minack Theatre in Cornwall, make use of the versatility of the Mission’s stage to echo The Minack's sweeping grandeur. As part of Next Stage’s 20th Birthday celebrations in May 2014, for the first time ever, The Theatre Upstairs and The Main Auditorium were used simultaneously for the staging of Alan Ayckbourn’s challenging plays House and Garden. The cast were proud and privileged to perform in front of Sir Alan and Lady Ayckbourn when they came to Bath and to The Mission to watch the plays and to join in Next Stage’s celebrations.

So a very Happy Birthday to The Mission Theatre and here’s to the next 15 years. Do come along and celebrate with us and see for yourself why this attractive, intimate, city-centre venue has become a much loved institution at the heart of the cultural scene in Bath. Next Stage Theatre Company, now The Mission’s resident theatre company, is presenting a Bath première - Collaborators by John Hodge - to mark the milestone birthday. The production showcases a stellar cast of the company’s best actors, in a play originally performed at the National Theatre with Simon Russell- Beale and Alex Jennings in the lead roles. On January 24th there is a special Gala night SOLD-OUT performance when the show will be performed in front of The Mayor and Mayoress of Bath who will attend a reception afterwards hosted by Artistic Director Ann Ellison and Director Andrew Ellison with all the cast and crew of the play. Local playwright John Hodge has been in touch with Next Stage, visited the theatre, talked to the director and will be present at the gala night.

Artistic Director, Ann Ellison and Collaborators Director, Bob Constantine with playwright John Hodge at The Mission Theatre - January 2020.

Merry Christmas from The Mission Theatre Team

As 2019 draws to a close and the air is full of festive cheer, we here at The Mission Theatre are delighted to reflect on what has been yet another wonderful year for resident company Next Stage.

The company kicked off it's 25th Birthday celebratory year with a sterling production of W.Somerset Maughan’s For Services Rendered under the artistic eye of Bob Constantine - his second directing role for the company. In March the talented members of Next Stage Youth entered the Mid-Somerset Drama Festival with 5 extracts across 2 categories. The Youth Company were delighted to win 1st place in the Under 19 class, as well as achieving second place in the Year 9 and Under class, with all remaining groups scoring a creditable 'highly-commended'. April saw the return of director Alison Paine, who took on the ambitious play Plenty by Next Stage’s Patron, Sir David Hare. A highly successful production, Plenty saw new members tread the boards with Next Stage as the company staged one of the most challenging productions of the year.

May marked the beginning of an extra-special month for Next Stage, as it commemorated 25 years of existence, since its inception in May 1994. Celebrating in style, the company's production of Here We Go Again, which involved 10-12 extracts from some of Next Stage's favourite past productions over the last 25 years, was acclaimed by all. The final performance on May 18th was an invitation-only event, at which The Mayor and Mayoress of Bath were in attendance. An audience of over 100 past and present Next Stagers, as well as important Patrons, Friends and supporters joined Ann and Andrew Ellison to mark this milestone achievement. Cake, nibbles and bubbly were enjoyed by all after the performance, with a final congratulatory message from Next Stage's Patron Sir Alan Ayckbourn signing off the evening. 

In June a cast of 25 members of Next Stage and Next Stage Youth produced the Charles Dickens classic:Great Expectations. The first run in Bath played to full houses and received rave reviews. The company then toured to the Minack Theatre, in Cornwall at the end of July and played to sold-out audiences all week. Rowena Cade's glorious stage lit up as Next Stage filled the space, telling the well-known story of Pip, Miss Havisham and Estella. This was the company's 11th tour to the prestigious Minack Theatre. 

After a well-deserved break, Next Stage opened The Mission Theatre's Autumn season with a revival of Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie - 20 years on since Next Stage first produced this play in 1999. Under the careful watch of director Claire Rumball - who had played Laura in the original production - this imaginatively staged four-hander was one of the hits in our Autumn season at The Mission. In October Next Stage Youth performed Phillipa Pearce's time-fantasy classic Tom's Midnight Garden to mark the Youth Company's 25th Birthday. The Saturday matinee performance saw the celebration of this milestone event, as well as the awarding of the 10th Bridget Casse Award to winner Harry Lewis. His Right Worshipful The Mayor of Bath Councillor Gerry Curran attended the afternoon's performance and commented on the talented youngsters in the cast and the importance of Next Stage Youth in Bath and the local community. Finally, in November, Next Stage rounded off a memorable year with its revival of Woman In Mind by Alan Ayckbourn, performed exactly 25 years on from when the company first staged the play in 1994.

Thank you to everyone who has come along and supported both Next Stage and The Mission Theatre this year. We hope you have enjoyed your visits and the shows you have seen throughout 2019, and we very much look forward to seeing you all again in 2020.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all, from The Mission Theatre!

Spring 2020 at The Mission Theatre!

Dear Next Stagers, Friends, Patrons and Theatre-goers,

We are delighted to announce the official launch of our Spring 2020 Brochure. At the start of the new year The Mission Theatre will be celebrating its 15th Birthday with resident company Next Stage's production of Collaborators by John Hodge from Tuesday 21st - Saturday 25th January. Presented with a stellar cast, headed by Steve Leanaghan as Stalin and directed by Bob Constantine, this show is one not to miss! Do come along during the week and mark a milestone for the theatre and all who love it, perform in it and visit it regularly. 

On Friday 24th January - The Mission's official birthday - there will be a celebratory performance of Collaborators in front of invited guests and the general public, with the chance for audience members to join in the Birthday celebrations. 

Our new season is jam-packed with exciting dramas, cracking comedy, beautiful dance pieces and compelling Shakespeare, all produced by a range of returning favourites, new companies and the resident Next Stage Theatre Company.

The brochure is available online and at The Mission Theatre for you to pick up a hard copy during your next visit. 

To view the full programme of events for the Spring 2020 season, click HERE.

19th Jane Austen Festival a hit at The Mission Theatre!

Jane Austen fans flocked to The Mission Theatre last week to enjoy a jam-packed week of Austen treats. The Mission Theatre team were delighted, to once again, be hosting this prestigious festival now in it’s 19th year! Here is a sample of some of the highlights:

Tuesday 17th September - Book signings and table etiquette

Kicking off the festival, writer Sophie Andrews held an inspirational and intriguing book discussion. This free event proved popular and Sophie was thrilled to be able to share her brand new book Be More Jane with everyone who attended. Offering free book signing, as well as tote bags, key chains and bookmarks to purchase, the audience sat attentively listening to every word.

Ending Day 1, Festival favourite John White mesmerised audience members for 2 hours as he laid out a feast and worked through the do’s and don’ts of 19th Century table etiquette. Set in 1812, John showcased a wide range of spectacular silver and porcelain items which audience members were invited to look over at the end of the show. Demonstrating the complex art of dining and all things table related, Tuesday night finished with an informal Q&A session, at which John knowledgeably answers all questions.

Wednesday 18th September - A thousand pins later!

Wednesday morning was spent leisurely making vintage style bonnets and turbans to match each attendee’s festival outfit. Supervised by the talented Sylvia, from Bath Theatrical Costume Hire, this workshop included the use of vintage sewing machines, delicate embellishments, faultless needle work and expert guidance. The end results were beautifully crafted headwear, which participants were able to showcase for the entirety of the Festival. Bath Theatrical Hire ran a series of workshops for Austen fans throughout the Festival across the city. The Mission Theatre hosted two other sessions which included making your own reticule. Gorgeous silks, golden threads and fluttering feathers were left out for participants to use. Around the city, on non-workshop days, Sylvia and her team were kept busy by dressing up those who had hired from their elaborate wardrobe of 18th century costumes.

Thursday 19th September - Drawers, dogs and dark deeds

Audiences enjoyed a wonderful afternoon treat as Jenny Colquhoun filled the stage with petticoats, stays, corsets and shifts in her enthralling hour-long discussion on all things underwear! The delightful Freddie - Jenny’s dog - joined her on stage, in a matching handmade tail suit, and helped hand out ‘doggy’ bags at the end of the afternoon. Perfect pantaloons, silk shifts and whimsical discussions filled the auditorium as Jenny and the audience discussed what might, or might not, have been worn under ladies dresses!

Thursday evening saw a sold-out performance of Bad Girls and Bonnets. A sea of bold, brash and beautiful garments filled the stage as Lucy Adlington revealed how 18th Century ladies stole luxurious items of that era. Authentic paper cuttings were read throughout the evening, highlighting what the wicked women had stolen. Items such as expensive laces, buttons, gold linings and even whole realms of fabric were all on the list. A captivated audience listened to Lucy re-tell these stories and admired her original Regency wear, as well as some beautifully made replicas for 2 hours. The animated actress shared her top tips on how to get away with stealing, these included stuffing silks and small underwear into your stockings; carrying around a pair of scissors in your reticule to snip off any gold/silver linings from others’ outfits; hiding fabric under your petticoat and always swiping buttons that you fancied for yourself! The evening was filled with fun, facts and laughter and audience members were given the chance to touch and browse Lucy’s items at the end of the evening.

Friday 20th September - Recreating Mr Darcy

Actors and Jane Austen Fans alike took part in a highly-creative 90 minute workshop with professional American actress Karen Eterovich. Attendees embodied their favourite Austen characters through period music, 18th Century art and superb literature. Developing their own Austen-like characters - from her novels, or based on real life - the actors filled the space strutting around the Main Auditorium re-enacting poses from Jane’s most well-known Regency names. With Karen’s expert skills, everyone involved was able to fully embody their favourite character or revamp them in their own way. Here is a picture of 2 Jane Austen dancers striking their best gentleman poses.

Saturday 21st September - The Grand Finale

The final day of the Jane Austen Festival was filled with 3 Austen delights. First up was a sold-out talk with Professor John Mullan. A favourite amongst Festival fans, John captivated his audience for an hour and a half, debating and discussing what really matters in Jane Austen’s novels? Listeners were given the chance to ask John questions and have their Jane Austen books and goodies signed by this first-class speaker.

Saturday afternoon saw a debut performance of Your’s Jane Austen - ‘Austen Sisters’. A play still in its early stages, Harker Studio Productions filled The Mission Theatre stage with their authentic props and glamorous costumes. Headed by actress Susannah Harker (BBC’s Jane Bennett in Pride and Prejudice), this on-script performance was accompanied by live music throughout. This new writing went down well with audiences and all were asked to give honest feedback at the end of the performance in order for it to develop further before its next outing.

The grand finale on Saturday evening of The 2019 Jane Austen Festival, was a returning favourite: Cheer From Chawton, presented by long-time supporter of Next Stage Theatre Company - professional American actress Karen Eterovich. This was the fourth time Karen had performed as part of the Festival.

The one-hour long interactive performance showcased Karen’s multi talented take on Austen’s life. Basing the story in Chawton at a Christmas family party, Karen had members of the audience as the imaginary friends and relations of Jane with Karen herself - using the device of recalling Jane’s younger self - depicting key characters and events from Austen’s novels. Drawing largely on Jane’s own words, Karen took her audience on a delightful journey, helped at times by her talented daughter Alice, Alice’s young friend Dilys, Patrick from California and Georgia, one of the Jane Austen stewards.

A packed auditorium laughed, listened and loved the humour, as well as the pathos, in many aspects of Jane Austen’s life. In a Q&A after the show, audience members were able to ask Karen more about her research and her acting skills with many comments about her faultless English accent and her mastery of dialogue and dance.

It was a very special show and everyone who was lucky enough to see it felt privileged to have been in the audience at The Mission Theatre on Saturday night.

Autumn 2019 at The Mission Theatre - brochure now available!

Dear Next Stagers, Friends, Patrons and Theatre-goers,

We are delighted to announce the official launch of our Autumn 2019 Brochure! This season is jam-packed with exciting shows, music events and festivals from both returning favourites and new-comers. The season kicks off with Next Stage Theatre Company’s production of The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams from Tuesday 3rd - Saturday 7th September. Tickets are available online HERE.

Here’s what’s in store!

• Returning this September, with more events than ever before, The Jane Austen Festival brings productions, workshops, discussions and classes throughout a busy week of events. Packed with fun shows and interactive sessions, immerse yourself in the world of Dashwoods, Bennets, Morlands and Prices!

• Local and returning companies Bath Operatics and Drama Society, The Scullions Neoterics and Platform 8 will be delivering theatrical treats from the great playwrights Tennessee Williams, Jean-Paul Sartre and Shelagh Stephenson.

• Come along and see some new writing with Black Dog Productions and Spaniel In The Works; or for those of you who prefer the great classics, Downpour Theatre Company presents Macbeth and Shakespeare Live presents Dogs of War.

• Later on in the season Next Stage Youth will be producing Tom’s Midnight Garden to celebrate their 25th Birthday. The adult company will be presenting Woman In Mind by Alan Ayckbourn as their final production, in this, their Silver Anniversary year.

• Catch the musical workings of the McTaggart sisters in three separate, and equally stunning shows; the beautiful voice of Classic Brit Award Nominee Thomas Cameron; and the Bath Gilbert and Sullivan Society in December with Iolanthe.

• Don’t forget our festive delights with Drama Lama’s pantomime Aladdin and an enchanting version of A Christmas Carol by Neil McGarry. Whatever you fancy this season, The Mission Theatre has something to offer!

You can pick up a brochure today from The Mission Theatre or from a variety of businesses, cafes, eateries and shops around Bath. Check out our What’s On Page to find out more about all these exciting up-coming events and to book tickets.

Another successful year of Fringe performances at The Mission!

The 2019 Fringe Festival has now drawn to a close after a highly-successful fortnight of performances.

The Fringe kicked-off in style at The Mission Theatre on Friday 24th May with a Tantalising Tasters Launch Party evening! Audiences were invited to enjoy appetite-whetting 10 minute tasters of upcoming performances. A full-house were mesmerised for 3 hours with scenes inspired by Shakespeare, modern day dilemmas, OS maps, political parties, abuse, Greek tragedy and the world of panto. Scenes were peppered with dramatic cliff hangers, beautiful singing and hilarious comedy. The ever popular Fringe Fizz also went down a treat! Audience members were joined by The Mayor of Bath and The Mayoress, who became the first members of Helen Wood’s O.S. Map Fan Club, winning a scrumptious bar of Kendall Mint Cake!

Week 1:

The first week of Fringe events opened with Derekk Ross’ 45 minute one-man play; AUTOLYCUS! This witty and cleverly written show ran for 4 performances and later received a spectacular 5 star review. Week 1 also saw Greek mythology made modern by Bedivere Arts, sell-out comedy by Gerard Harris, an intimate and rhythmic evening with guitarist Rob Johnson, thought-provoking new writing by Exit Pursued by Panda Theatre Company and Atomic Clock, as well as side-splitting and informative map fun from Helen Wood!

Week 2:

The second week of Fringe frolics opened with Mechanimal’s latest work; Vigil. A work-in progress this show left audiences wanting more! More great music was enjoyed in the second week with ensemble choir singing from Wildcat Queenz as Christmas came early! And a light-hearted evening of murder ballads with The Hamoaze Band. London-based performers, Jose and Charlie from Moving Pieces wowed audiences with their physical theatre piece; Total Eclipse, and Bath University Theatre Society did the double on the closing weekend with Skakespeare’s classic Romeo and Juliet and the hilarious Party.

The 2019 Fringe Festival has been another successful fortnight of performances at The Mission. With intriguing Q&A’s, great reviews and lots of fun, The Mission Theatre Team can’t wait to host more Fringe events in 2020.