In this section

Venue 4

OUR PLAN FOR A NEW COMMUNITY THEATRE

Your donation will help open the doors to a new venue for the community.

Please choose an amount to donate

Acknowledgement

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 a community that loves theatre as much as we do.

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 theatre passion 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

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. We are a substantial step closer to reaching our target.

More news in the New Year about how you can help get Venue 4 fundraising over the line!

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.

"Being part of this community has had a profoundly positive impact on my mental and emotional wellbeing."

- Engage Acting cast member

"This venue could develop practice, become an ally in the city for the community, and inject and invigorate that scene."

- Kerry Irvine, Producer Bath Spa Productions. Subject Leader, Bath Spa University

"I very proud Egg Theatre show WOW lots people. "

- Shane Long, Engage company member and Achieve Together resident

"A perfect fit with Bath Fringe’s mission to present new and experimental theatre"

- Wendy Matthews, Artistic Director, Bath Fringe Festival

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.