Highlights from Next Stage's 30th Birthday Celebrations - May 14th - 21st 2024
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It’s hard to believe that it’s been 30 years since Next Stage Theatre Company began operating in Bath, producing fantastic, high-quality productions of not only the greatest pieces of contemporary theatre out there but also a multitude of hidden gems. None of it would’ve been possible without the contributions of the company’s members, patrons and business partners throughout Bath and beyond - and our 30th birthday weekend was as much a celebration of them as it was of Next Stage itself.
Our chosen production for Next Stage’s 30th anniversary was a play written by one of the company’s patrons, Sir Alan Ayckbourn - The Girl Next Door.
Opening on Tuesday 14th May, reviewer Rebecca Beard said of the production: “Deftly delivered moments of humour and tenderly delivered moments of poignancy reveal a writer at the top of his game, and the talented cast and crew of Next Stage Theatre more than did this work justice. Congratulations to you all and here's to many more birthdays to come.”
Running throughout the week, The Girl Next Door recieved rave reviews from audience members and an exciting week culminated in our Gala Evening on May 18th - the day that, 30 years before, Next Stage’s opening night of Educating Rita was staged.
In attendance this May at The Mission Theatre were many longtime supporters of Next Stage, including business partners, Friends of Next Stage, family members and, most importantly, Bath’s local MP Wera Hobhouse and The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Bath Cllr. Dine Romero.
At the end of the performance, both The Mayor and Wera made speeches to the packed auditorium, highlighting the important role Next Stage has played in the local theatre scene in Bath. At the end of the speeches, all were invited to join in a toast and enjoy some birthday cake!
On Sunday 19th May, as the early summer sun beamed down, members of Next Stage took some time to relax, socialize and enjoy a 30th birthday barbecue.
At the company party, we announced the winner of 2024’s Tina’s Trophy - a beautiful crystal vase awarded annually to a member of the company who has excelled in on-stage or backstage roles with Next Stage. This year, long-serving Lighting Designer Kris Nuttall - who has been instrumental in the company’s high-quality productions for many years with his lighting expertise - was the recipient.
Finally on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st May Next Stage Theatre Company, along with Friends and patrons, was granted the privelege of having two Civic Receptions with The Mayor of Bath, Cllr Dine Romero, in the historic Mayor’s Parlour in the Guildhall. Here everyone had the opportunity to chat with Madam Mayor, and to hear more about the history of their impressive surroundings.
It was an unforgettable week of celebrations, closing off the first 30 years of Next Stage’s rich history. Artistic Director Ann Ellison BEM commented:
“It was extremely rewarding to have so many people celebrating Next Stage’s 30th during the week and we were all particularly touched by the kind words from The Mayor and our MP regarding the important role Next Stage has played in the city since 1994. Andrew and I loved seeing so many friends and company members in the theatre, at the party and in The Mayor’s Parlour. We were delighted that past members of the company - some of whom were involved at the very start of our existence - were able to join us for the celebrations. Thank you to everyone for creating many happy memories.”
We would lastly like to thank all of you who are reading this article, but perhaps couldn’t make it to the celebrations, for your involvement in Next Stage’s history - no matter how big or small your contributions might’ve been, they have been vital to our continuing operation and we wouldn’t be where we are without you all.
