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 Memory of Water

The cast of The Memory of Water.

After over a year of rehearsal, our wonderful production of The Memory of Water finally had its opening night last week on Tuesday 25th May. Opening to an enthralled socially-distanced audience the company received a well-deserved standing ovation, and a slew of brilliant reviews from local publications.

Every cast member was deservedly praised for their individual contribution to the show and their superb performances. Here are just a few snippets of the great reviews The Memory of Water has received so far:

This is a wonderful ensemble piece...and it absolutely deserved to see the cast receive a standing ovation.
Ian Waller - The Bath and Wiltshire Parent

As re-introductions into theatreland go, Next Stage Theatre Company’s production of The Memory of Water is a real treat. Superbly performed by its cast and confidently staged, this is a high quality production.                      
  Alexandra Ricou, 4 stars

A multi-talented six-strong (very strong!) cast in a tightly-directed and powerful piece that has all Next Stage’s customary high production values.
John Christopher Wood - Bath Echo, 4 stars

Director Ann Ellison says:
“After working on this play since December 2019 it felt amazing to finally place it in front of an audience on May 25th 2021. I could not have been more proud of my fantastically talented cast and I am so indebted to them for staying committed to this production despite the setbacks of lockdowns two and three and the endless waiting for the green light to finally go ahead. They have coped magnificently with the stop/start nature of our rehearsals and also the unlearning of many moves and exchanges in order to implement socially distanced staging. In all my 27 years of running Next Stage I don’t think there’s ever been an opening night that has felt quite so significant.”

If you have not yet had a chance to see this marvellous piece of theatre, there are three more nights of shows available to book from Monday 7th – Wednesday 9th June. You can purchase your tickets online here.

Next Stage Youth Summer Enrolment

Next Stage Youth members taking part in a circus skills workshop.

We are delighted to announce that Next Stage Youth (NSY) is restarting at The Mission Theatre 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!

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

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

Hayley Fitton-Cook and Liz Wilson in a scene from The Memory of Water.
Rehearsal photograph March 2020.

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.

Raise the Roof! Featured in the Bath Chronicle

Next Stage Theatre Company patrons send messages of 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 DBE, 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 Next Stage

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'm so sorry not to be able to welcome you all back to The Mission Theatre as soon as we had hoped, but rest assured, Next Stage Theatre Company 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 company as well as 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.

First up November 9-14th will be Next Stage’s 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. Following The Memory of Water Next Stage Theatre Company will be performing Harold Pinter's The Hothouse November 30th - December 5th, with plans in the Spring for two Next Stage Youth productions and a further adult stage show in late March. Dates and details of our forthcoming Next Stage shows are available HERE and details for all of the shows in our late-Autumn season are available on The Mission Theatre’s website HERE.

This grant will pay for the wide range of PPE equipment around The Mission 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 – made by a skilled and generous member of Next Stage, 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 for Next Stage shows 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.