Friends of Next Stage

The kindness and generosity of our FONS (Friends of Next Stage) has always been invaluable, but especially over the last few years as the future of live theatre hung in the balance. Our Friends have been instrumental in the maintenance and running of Next Stage and The Mission, including our Raise the Roof! appeal which could not have been done without them.

Next Stage actors are currently preparing scenes and excerpts from forthcoming shows to display at our Autumn FONS social. These invitation-only socials, hosted by our Artistic Director Ann Ellison BEM are just one of the privileges you get as a Friend of Next Stage.

Also included in the Friend of Next Stage membership, is priority booking throughout the year for all Next Stage and Next Stage Youth Productions and a reserved seat included in the booking. Friends of Next Stage are also entitled to a free programme for any Next Stage or Next Stage Youth productions.

If you would like to join our Friends of Next Stage scheme, follow this link to find out more.

The Mission Theatre's Artistic Director interviewed about Raise the Roof!

On January 15th 2022, our Artistic Director Ann Ellison was interviewed for BBC Radio Wiltshire, and BBC Radio Bristol, to speak about our Raise the Roof! Appeal.

After almost a year of fund-raising we are now within £10,000 of our goal, the once unimaginable £110,000. The support we have received from the community allowed us to go ahead with the required works in November 2021, securing the building ahead of the rainy winter months. However, as bills come due, we are asking for another push to raise the last few hundreds and get us over the finish line.

To listen to Ann’s interview with BBC Radio Bristol, click below.

CELEBRATING A SUCCESSFUL 2016 BATH COMEDY FESTIVAL

Those of you who were lucky enough to see any of this year’s Comedy Festival shows, including the ones at The Mission Theatre, will understand why the Festival’s Director, Nick Steel (pictured with the Mayor) was looking so happy at the reception held by The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Bath, Councillor William Sandry in the Mayor’s Parlour on Wednesday 20th April.

Thanking everyone who had been involved, Nick was celebrating one of Bath’s best Comedy Festivals so far and already looking forward to 2017. The Mayor spoke generously about the contribution Nick and his team have made to the Bath cultural scene with a high-class Festival despite receiving very little funding.

Ann and Andrew Ellison (pictured with Jem Roberts and John Wood) represented The Mission Theatre and were delighted that this performing space that they created over 11 years ago has always been a Comedy Festival venue. Here’s to next year!