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