Opening night of The Hothouse receives impressive reviews

Bath Voice Theatre Reviews: it may be cold outside but it’s a hothouse inside the Mission Theatre with the Next Stage Theatre’s production of Pinter’s lesser-known play set in an ‘institution’

Set in an unnamed institution which we presume is an old-style asylum dating from before the reforms of the 1970s and 1980s Harold Pinter’s The Hothouse is both a period piece and a morality tale.

Director Bob Constantine’s production of the play in the Mission Theatre in Bath faithfully portrays the dark comedy with chuckles rather than belly laughs. The drama is in a long line of plays and films set in institutions of one sort or another – including One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, the film Shock Corridor and the 2005 movie Lunacy plus more recently Blue/Orange at Bath’s Ustinov Studio.

The story hinges on the institution’s director Roote played with enthusiasm by Brian Fisher whose power is slowly usurped by an understated Gibbs (Dominic O’Connor), boozy Lush (an excellent Richard Matthews) and the manipulative Cutts expertly played by Vanessa Bishop. The narrative is sparked off by patient 6457’s death and resident 6459 giving birth – news that blindsides Roote who slowly loses influence as the drama unfolds on a snowy Christmas Day.

With some outstanding pieces of drama such as hapless Lamb’s terrifying electroconvulsive therapy and Lush’s speech on the nature of sanity the drama showcases Next Stage’s range of talented actors. Other members of the cast include George Gent as Lobb and Dave Dunn as Tubb who as with the rest of the cast gave superbly committed performances.

Staged in the round with two levels of settings – one for an office and one for an interview area – the drama’s lighting was at times seemingly too bright for such a gloomy scene. For the interrogation scenes and moments of high drama then Kris Nuttall’s lighting came into its own concentrating the audience’s attention solely on the actors. There were period props such as a green dial up phone and an archaic heater although the costumes were contemporary in style reminding us that although set in some forgotten institution of the 1950s the themes of how power corrupts and the prospect of power corrupts completely.

It’s not hard to see why this one of Pinter’s lesser-known plays with its setting within the glum surrounds of an asylum of sorts but also the feeling it’s a period piece describing an institution that’s largely been consigned to history. Revived in 2007 at the Lyttelton Theatre and at the Trafalgar Studios in 2013 the play was written in 1958 but set aside until 1979 when Pinter finalised the script ahead of production the following year.

Harry Mottram

The play runs to December 4th, 2021.

Details at http://www.missiontheatre.co.uk/whats-on

Introducing Burdall's Yard

The Burdall’s Yard Logo

Next Stage Theatre Company is thrilled to announce its acquisition of Burdall's Yard as a sister venue to The Mission Theatre. Situated near Cleveland Bridge, on the London Road, to the north of the city, Burdall's Yard will be run by Next Stage as a Community Centre and Arts Hub. Previously a brewery, then a nightclub and most recently a students' arts venue, this wonderful building has three atmospheric performance spaces with beautiful stone-vaulted ceilings - Main Stage, Gallery and Studio. The venue also features a large bar/cafe, a full catering kitchen, excellent toilet facilities and a large open courtyard.

The Main Stage at Burdall’s Yard

Burdall's Yard will open in January 2022, offering day time spaces to any local practitioner who would like to run classes there. We are already receiving interest from dance, art, music, yoga, martial arts, pilates and toddler group facilitators, and have bookings for literary and spoken word events. In the evenings, Burdall's Yard will become a vibrant performance venue suitable for hire by theatre, dance and musical  companies, stand up comedians, bands, musicians and open mic night events. 

Becca Jefferis, Venue Manager for Burdall’s Yard

Becca, who also works for Next Stage as their Youth and Schools' Co-ordinator, says: 

 'I have been thrilled at the reaction of those practitioners and performers we have already shown round Burdall's Yard. Every single visitor has loved the space and seen the potential for its use and some have already made bookings. There is real excitement that Bath and its residents will have a community asset that offers beautiful, accessible spaces at affordable prices to the many creative and recreational groups that seek to run classes in the city. I am sure Burdall's Yard will swiftly become a truly beneficial addition to the Bath community'. 

 Francesca says:

'I am thrilled to have the opportunity to assist Becca with the running of Burdall's Yard - it is a beautiful venue with wide-ranging uses and potential. I can't wait to see it buzzing with life. We hope that by Summer 2022 our timetable will feature all aspects of the arts including acting and dance classes, geared at both our younger and our older customers, art exhibitions, themed activity weeks, Fringe and Festival events and a busy wifi cafe'.

Ann and Andrew Ellison, founders of Next Stage Theatre Company in 1994, say:

'This is the most exciting and significant development for Next Stage since we opened The Mission Theatre 17 years ago in January 2005.  For years we have realised there is a very real need in the community for day time practitioners to have opportunities to run classes and activities in a theatrical-style space. Unfortunately, The Mission has limited capacity for such events as there is nearly always a company performing in the Main Auditorium with set and props in place and The Theatre Upstairs has no disabled access or provisions for babes and toddlers. Burdall's Yard - with superb disabled and buggy access, different sized spaces, self-contained rooms, storage space, changing facilities and a large welcoming bar/cafe hub - has huge potential to become one of Bath's most versatile and popular arts centres. We hope that you will come along with us on the next stage of our journey and support our newest venture.'

We plan to host some open days and evenings at Burdall's Yard before Christmas when you will have the chance to see the venue for yourself, ask any questions or volunteer to get involved. Dates to be announced.

Meanwhile if you, or anyone else you know, would be interested in hiring the space, please do get in contact with us, we would love to hear from you our email is: burdallsyard@outlook.com and we will be launching our new website very soon.

Next Stage Theatre Company's Frankenstein is a triumphant start to The Mission Theatre's Autumn season

Chris Constantine as Victor Frankenstein and Richard Matthews as the Creature in Frankenstein

On Monday 6th of September, after a summer of rehearsals, Next Stage’s much - anticipated Frankenstein, adapted by Nick Dear from Mary Shelley’s novel, opened at The Mission Theatre. Directed in thrust by Brian Hudd, making his debut as a director with the company, the play was watched by an appreciative first night audience. Central to the story is the role of the Creature played, in this production, by consummate actor Richard Matthews. Richard, who only two months ago was the recipient of Next Stage’s prestigious Tina’s Trophy for exceptional theatrical work with the company, more than demonstrated in the role of the Creature why he was a worthy recipient of the award.

Richard’s extraordinary physicality and vocal range gives voice to the pent up misery and frustration experienced by the Creature as he is cast out into the world to face hostility and rejection wherever he goes. Umbilically linked to his creator, Victor Frankenstein played with passion and conviction by Chris Constantine, the Creature’s story as depicted in this interpretation is a gripping and compelling one. The scenes between Victor Frankenstein and the aberration to which he has given life are central to the play and held the first night audience gripped. Unsurprisingly a stellar cast, supported by a talented production team, has received outstanding reviews (see below). Tickets are still available here and the show runs until Saturday September 11th.

Review – Frankenstein at the Mission Theatre, Bath

7th September 2021

John Matthews as De lacey and Richard mATTHEWS AS tHE creature

Ian Wallers enjoys an impressive adaptation of a Gothic classic that puts the monster at the focus of the action. 

Frankenstein is certainly back and making his mark on Bath. Following the recent opening of the excellent House of Frankenstein museum in Bath celebrating the life of author Mary Shelley and the creation of her most famous creation, comes an excellent and superbly realised production of Frankenstein the play at The Mission Theatre. Written by Nick Dear, this thoughtful and creative adaptation puts the monster firmly at the centre of proceedings, starting with his rebirth and following his search for understanding, acceptance and ultimately love in an unforgiving society. From the very outset, Richard Matthews portrayal of the monster is magnetically awkward, incredibly skillful and full of pain, hope, anger and naive wonder. It’s a superb realisation of a terribly lost soul, damned and betrayed, cast out by his creator and yet desperate to be accepted.

Chris Constantine as Victor Frankenstein and Richard Matthews as The Creature (Photo Pharos Photography)

Frankenstein is, of course, so much more than a monster story. Written at a time when science was experiencing early breakthroughs in its understanding of areas such as the power of electricity and human anatomy, it is also written by an author dominated by both the romantic notions of poetry, but also the teaching of her father, the philosopher William Goldwin, and the reputation of her mother, the famed feminist innovator Mary Wollstonecraft, who died giving birth to Mary. As such, Frankenstein explores the terrible possibilities of the misuse of the potential powers of the new sciences, with man acting as God and yet failing in his responsibilities to care for the creature he creates. Here is a production that shows there’s so much more to this creature than its looks. This is a creation that learns to speak and read in an effort to desperately become more human. He quotes Milton and uses his almost extreme strength to initially help others, but this is no Marvel superhero, rather a tragic, disowned, fatherless lost creature who is cast out and mistreated by society.

Martin Alsop as the servant, Lydia Cook as Elizabeth and Reynold Leming as Monsieur Frankenstein

The strength in this production comes from Matthews’ ability to show all sides of the monster’s life, from his love of bird song and music, to the terrible revenge he inflicts on those who he sees as doing him wrong. One remarkable passage where he enters the bedchamber of his creator’s new wife, Elizabeth, played with a real strength and yearning by Lydia Cook, to speak to her about what has brought him to her home is full of tension and dark promise.

Absolute credit must also go to Chris Constantine as Victor Frankenstein, all entitlement and self wonder, and yet ultimately careless as to the effects of his grand schemes on those around him. His exchanges with the creature, at one moment full of hatred and anger, the next so impressed with his own powers of creation, are very well delivered.

There is a lot to admire about this brave and very impressive production, with the entire cast worthy of applause for bringing this challenging tale to life against a basic set and minimal props. In addition, huge credit – as ever – should go to The Mission Theatre, a wonderful Bath venue that continues to champion grassroots theatre with an admirable range of productions.

Ian Waller Editor, The Bath and Wiltshire Parent and Bristol Parent.

Frankenstein runs at The Mission Theatre until 11 September. For more information and to book tickets click here

Tina’s Trophy for Excellence in Theatre 2021

This prestigious award was created two years ago to celebrate Excellence in Theatre. The crystal vase, named in memory of Artistic Director Ann Ellison’s inspirational mother, is awarded annually to a member of Next Stage who has gone above and beyond: excelling onstage, backstage, around the theatre, or all three. Previous recipients have been Brian Howe (2019) and Caroline Groom (2020).

We are delighted to announce that, for 2021, Tina’s Trophy has been awarded to another outstanding recipient: Richard Matthews.

Realisation dawns on Richard as he realises he is going to be awarded Tina’s Trophy.

Richard has been part of Next Stage since 2006, playing outstanding roles in at least three shows every year since he joined. Richard is a charismatic and accomplished leading man, but is also humble and modest enough to take on smaller roles when required. Looking back over nearly 40 of Richard’s productions with Next Stage some of his most memorable performances have been in:

Humble Boy
His Dark Materials Parts 1 and 2
Festen
Orpheus Descending
Torch Song Trilogy
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
The Real Thing
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
The Winslow Boy
A Voyage Round my Father
Our Country’s Good
The Recruiting Officer
Norman Conquests
Sweet Bird of Youth
The Judas Kiss
Birdsong
Look Back in Anger

Richard is not only one of Next Stage’s leading performers, but he also helps the company and The Mission Theatre in a multitude of other ways behind the scenes.

Artistic Director Ann Ellison BEM says:
”It is always a delight to work with Richard. Like many outstanding actors he is quiet and self-effacing, but he has that amazing natural ability of all great actors to take on a role and “become” the character he is playing. Every one of Richard’s performances is authentic and totally believable. From Norman to Ralph Clark, Jimmy Porter to Oscar Wilde, from Brick to Chance Wayne; Jack Firebrace to Mike and many, many more, Richard has delighted Next Stage audiences for 15 years with his portrayal of some of the most memorable characters in recent theatrical writing.

The Norman Conquests (2014)

Our Country's Good (2013)

Look Back in Anger (2018)

The Judas Kiss (2014)

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (2010)

Sweet Bird of Youth (2014)

Birdsong (2017)

The Memory of Water (2021)

Working with Richard is a joy as he does not need “directing”. Over the rehearsal process Richard finds the character and gradually goes deeper and deeper in to his new persona. I have directed many of the plays he has been in and find it best to let Richard, in his own time and pace, slip gently in to his role - I learn from him!

Behind the scenes Richard is always the first to volunteer to help with the myriad backstage jobs that always need doing on any show, he is one of our most reliable Front of House volunteers and is an excellent ambassador for the company. Generous and undemanding on stage his fellow actors love being cast with such a sympathetic and talented performer.

Congratulations, Richard, on your award, everyone in Next Stage applauds you and hails you as a worthy recipient of Tina’s Trophy.”

Visit to The Mission Theatre of Deputy Mayor, Councillor Kumar and Councillor Dine Romero

Councillor Romero, Artistic Director Ann Ellison, and Councillor Kumar outside The Mission Theatre.

Ann Ellison BEM, Artistic Director of Next Stage Theatre Company and The Mission Theatre, was delighted to welcome Deputy Mayor, Councillor Dr Yukteshwar Kumar and Councillor Dine Romero, Councillor for Southdown, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Communities and Culture to The Mission Theatre on Wednesday 23rd June. The councillors were meeting with Ann following Next Stage’s successful Community Asset Transfer (CAT) bid for The Mission Theatre. The CAT was awarded to Next Stage at the Council call-In meeting on June 14th when any objections to the CAT were overturned. Next Stage has been awarded a 99 year lease at a peppercorn which enables the company to continue its care and refurbishment of the 250 year old Grade II listed building in which the theatre is housed and will also see the company expanding its community work in BANES.

Councillor Kumar had been interested when, as a member of the call-in scrutiny panel, he had heard Ann speak at the meeting describing the cultural links Next Stage has established over the years through tours to the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, QEH Theatre in Bristol, the Minack Theatre in Cornwall, the Jermyn Street Theatre in London’s West End and the Workshop Theatre in New York. Dr Kumar is particularly passionate in his beliefs that cultural exchanges can break down barriers and open up international friendships and collaborations. He wanted to discuss with Ann an initiative which could see Next Stage Theatre Company touring to India and China. Councillor Romero welcomed this initiative and was anxious to know in what ways she could promote and celebrate Next Stage’s work, not only internationally, but most importantly within BANES, its schools and student population and how best this city’s flagship amateur company and its home at The Mission Theatre can be used as a resource within the educational community.

The councillors watching the work of the ASE students.

Whilst visiting the theatre, Councillor Kumar and Councillor Romero were invited by Ann to watch a short piece of theatre performed by American students from the Bath-based Advanced Studies in England (ASE). This institution has liaised for the last seven years with Ann, Next Stage and The Mission Theatre using The Mission’s lovely auditorium for a period of 5 weeks each June and July when Summer School students from America enjoy drama workshops and theatre training, delivered by local practitioners. Most years the students have also watched the Next Stage summer production and taken part in Page-to-Stage workshops with Ann and some of the Next Stage actors. Principal Jonathan Hope said in support of Next Stage’s CAT bid:

Our ongoing collaboration with Ann Ellison and with Next Stage, and our regular use of the performance space at The Mission Theatre, have been crucial in enabling us to offer a raft of acting classes and learning experiences for theatre students who otherwise would not have considered studying with ASE in Bath.

Since 2014, for instance, we have run a 5-week summer school based at The Mission which draws aspiring thespians from across the Pond, and includes valuable interactive talks (and intercultural exchange) with the Next Stage company actors and directors. Our students and visiting faculty have thus been given invaluable insight into the workings of a community theatre, and shared fresh international perspectives with the Bath youngsters with whom they’ve met and collaborated. It is almost impossible to see how these courses could have been developed – and these talented US visitors brought to Bath – without the help of the dedicated team at The Mission.

Ann Ellison with Councillor Romero, Councillor Kumar, Mandy Horlock and the ASE students at The Mission Theatre.

Councillor Kumar and Councillor Romero were impressed with the quality of work delivered by the ASE students under the directorship of Mandy Horlock and enjoyed chatting to them and finding out more about their backgrounds and interests.

At the end of the two hour meeting, both councillors could well understand why Ann in her statement in support of the CAT made to the Council on June 14th had said:

On most days at The Mission, I know that members of the public who come through the doors to see a show will very often be transported by what they see and hear, frequently taking away with them memories, life-changing ideas and images that will stay with them forever. And all of this amazing creativity encapsulated and delivered in a small modest chapel building that has been lovingly turned into a thrilling place of theatre and performing arts.

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