The Billings

OPENING DOORS TO THE LOCAL CREATIVE COMMUNITY

Creativity is a proven route to wellbeing, friendship and fulfilment. Theatre Royal Bath is building a fourth auditorium that gives the whole community access to a creative life.

What we see on stage is part of a much bigger story. Work in the Main House, Ustinov or The Egg depends on a thriving grass roots scene and fuels the wider local creative economy as well as the theatre industry.

Designed by Stirling Prize-winning architects Haworth Tompkins, the fourth venue sits at the heart of Theatre Royal Bath. An intimate, fringe-style theatre with its own foyer, nestled on St John's Place. Following three years of consultation, planning permission has been granted and further design work will now progress to a final blueprint for the space. 

When we say access, we’re not just talking about lifts and handrails: Yes, this venue will be a physically accessible space. It will also be technically well-equipped, easy to use and affordable for all. For the first time, amateurs and emerging artists will be able to harness the power of Theatre Royal Bath’s training, producing and marketing expertise, for their own productions. A gift every creative community project needs, but could never afford.

WHAT NEXT?

We have our first partners signed up, significant support from The Miss Beryl Billings Charitable Trust and funds committed from our own reserves. We are now keen to hear from community groups who want to use the space, local businesses and individual donors. 'In memory’, recognition, sponsorship and naming opportunities are available.

Making this venue a reality means more than mere applause. It’s about keeping a Bath landmark alive and thriving. Investing in our local community. Joining a successful charity with over two hundred years of history. Igniting everyone’s creativity. 

And that’s a legacy to be proud of.

NEWS

David Copperfield: A Life took to the main stage

Last week, 20th-22nd February, 104 memebrs of the local community took to the stage to share their rendition of Dickens' David Copperfield adapted by Mike Akers and directed by Sally Cookson.

 'Fizzing with energy, talent and humour - this is a masterclass in how great storytelling and high production can be an integral part of community theatre.' - Bath Life Magazine

Venue 4's new name was revealed as THE BILLINGS by Queen Camilla

We were delighted to welcome our patron Her Majesty Queen Camilla to Theatre Royal Bath to have a sneak peek at our community production David Copperfield: A Life. The Queen met members of the company before attending a Venue 4 event where she revealed the new name of Venue 4 as THE BILLINGS! The Billings has been named to honour Margot Boyd (born Beryl Billings), a Bath born actress whose legacy under stewardship of the Miss Beryl Billings Charitable Trust has made a huge impact on the work Theatre Royal Bath has been able to undertake to support community theatre and the arts.

The Billings got one step closer thanks to the Wolfson Foundation

So many local community projects need investment – it can be hard to know what to prioritise next. We were thrilled to receive confirmation that the Wolfson Foundation have chosen to support The Billings and make an investment in our community and its creative future.

A recent community consultation has shown that 477 local people have given The Billings a vote of confidence too. You gave some great reasons to support:

'Greater emphasis on the arts is a key element in building healthy communities. This sounds like an exciting project that will provide a wealth of opportunities for local people to engage creatively with the arts.'

'Community theatre can engage, enliven and enhance peoples lives.'

'More accessible theatre spaces are always a bonus'

'If it's a venue for the community, then it can only prove to be beneficial.'

'It provides cultural experiences that bring people together.'   

'Creative community spaces make a difference to the wellbeing of everyone.'

Mystery £50,000 Donor Challenge - You smashed it!

Back in the Summer an anonymous local donor pledged £50,000 if we could raise a further £50,000 by 1st December. Incredibly generous donations from our 1805 Club Members and local philanthropists helped us reach and surpass this target, raising a total of £85,000.

Thank you to everyone who donated and to the original donor who has helped us to unlock a total of £135,000. 

Tenders In

A tender pack detailing the project was published in the Autumn. The Building Committee felt it was important to get detail on the costs beyond the existing quantity surveying report.

Several construction firms have submitted tenders. We anticipate reaching a decision about the submissions in the New Year, with a view to a project plan for building to commence in late Spring 2026.

What will happen in the new venue?

Our core goal is to grow the number and diversity of local people with a story to tell and the skills and confidence to share that story.

Engage participants meet on a weekly basis to learn performance skills and make connections. And the best way to learn is by putting on regular productions. Most people pay termly fees, but there are bursaries available and each year we look to work with 2 new groups from underrepresented communities. The aim is to develop creative confidence.

Creative Agency is our commitment to provide up to six, week-long residency slots for local people making their first work. We can help with light-touch mentoring and advice about reaching an audience or finding collaborators. The aim is to grow the diversity of people making their own work for the first time.

Elevate gives local performers and community companies the chance to get on a Theatre Royal Bath stage. Around half of the programme will be reserved for live performance of all kinds. We hope to operate on a simple ticket income split in the performers’ favour. The aim is to give as many people as possible professional venue experience and, ultimately, bring new and exciting productions to venues like The Egg and the Ustinov.

Local festivals will be able to use the new venue as a base for up to 6 weeks of the year. The aim is to grow connections between venue users, Theatre Royal Bath and the local creative scene.

Private Hire will be available for limited sessions in the year to help cover the costs of our adult participation programme.

Community Venue Supporters

Our sincere gratitude to the organisations and individuals who have supported this capital campaign::

The Miss Beryl Billings Charitable Trust

Mr Andrew Fletcher, OBE

The Wolfson Foundation

The Medlock Charitable Trust

David Franklin

Mr Ian Tarr, In memory of Mr Cecil D'Cunha

Ann Lock

Diana and Bob Potter

Bill and Kirstie Sneyd

Adrian Skeates

Dr S Hammerton

Robin and Val Leveridge

Simon's Charity

Barrie

Janet Gelernter

Peter Jefferson

Other anonymous supporters

We would also like to thank anonymous donors to the campaign and the loyal audience members who have chosen to donate to this capital campaign.