Theatre Royal Bath has gained planning approval for Venue 4, a new community studio theatre to be situated at St John’s Place. This intimate space, pending a successful fundraising effort, will become the hub for the theatre’s Engage adult participation program while offering local residents a vibrant venue to develop, rehearse, and stage original performances.
The project represents a major achievement after three years of effort to establish a fourth venue. In 2021, Theatre Royal Bath received Culture Recovery Funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, with a portion earmarked for a feasibility study. This study explored ways to optimize the building and deepen community ties, laying the groundwork for Venue 4.
Director Danny Moar shared the vision driving the initiative: “Theatre Royal Bath is stretched to its limits, and our expanding community work needs its own dedicated space. Venue 4 will be a welcoming entry point for anyone in Bath eager to dip their toes into performance. It’s a chance to connect with our team, tap into the professional theatre world, and tell your story on stage.”
Following a heritage and access survey, a street-facing area ripe for renewal was identified. Stirling Prize-winning architects Haworth Tompkins were brought on board to reimagine it as Venue 4—a fringe-style theatre seating 40, complete with its own foyer. The space will cater to grassroots performers, support the Engage program, and bolster local festivals and community projects.
Katherine Lazare, Head of Community Engagement, highlighted the need for such a venue: “After consulting with the community and hosting the Elevate festival in 2023, it became clear that accessible, well-equipped spaces and industry opportunities were lacking—holding us back from doing more with local people.
Theatre can transform lives, and everyone should have a creative outlet. Venue 4 will bridge the gap between amateur and professional theatre, offering the time, space, and professional resources—like technical gear—that grassroots groups might otherwise find out of reach.”
Theatre Royal Bath has a rich history of community involvement. Local amateur troupes, including Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society, Bath Light Operatic Group, and The Dorothy Coleborn School of Dance, frequently grace the Main House stage. The theatre also runs robust education and engagement programs for adults, alongside offerings for children and youth at The Egg.
Backing this mission is The Miss Beryl Billings Charitable Trust. Bath native Margot Boyd, a celebrated actor, left a legacy through her will to foster “appreciation, understanding, and enjoyment of the theatrical arts in Bath.” Looking forward, the theatre is also planning a second large-scale community production—David Copperfield—set for 2026.
Danny Moar added, “We’re now refining the design into a final plan. We’d love to hear from community groups interested in using the space, as well as individuals or businesses keen to support this exciting venture.”
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