Monthly News

A busy month at The Mission

11 / 2009

November has been The Mission Theatre's busiest month in its five year history. The building has been in use seven days a week with local and touring companies bringing a huge range of drama, music and performances to the Main Auditorium and The Theatre Upstairs.

The month began with an evening of acoustic and folk music from Lou Brown and Blackheart, promoted by WildThymeMusic. The quality of the musicians was, as ever, faultless, and folk fans were treated to a varied evening of new compositions and pieces. Next was Pomegranate Theatre's new play "Preparing For Elizabeth". This one-woman show, written and performed by Penelope Wildgoose, followed an actress' preparations to perform as Elizabeth I. As she donned both makeup and costume, the line between actress and character blurred and we began to hear Elizabeth's life story in her own words. This was extremely well acted and we wish Penelope every success as she continues her tour around the South West. Touring company AsOne Theatre then brought "Hey Baby" to The Mission for one night only. This production was a collaboration between the author and the company, and was a funny, touching look at pregnancy from the viewpoints of 5 different characters.

Local company Stentorphon Opera then took to the stage with their inaugural production of a double bill of one-act operas: "La Serva Padrona" and "Gianni Schicchi", sung in English. Formed last year in preparation for Bath's first Festival of Opera, this company aim to give performers the chance to work with professional singers wherever possible and bring opera to a wide audience. These two one-acts were hilarious, and extremely well-received by both reviewers and audiences.

The following week saw Bath-based Platform 8 Productions return to The Mission Theatre, this year bringing the extremely successful "Out of Order" by Ray Cooney. This British farce had audiences in stitches, with twists, turns and an ever-increasing number of bodies being racked up in the wardrobe. The star of the show was the fantastic set - Platform 8 had created an entire hotel room on the semicircular stage, complete with London skyline and working window - which knocked out various members of the cast with hilarious consequences.

Sunday evening was a rather more peaceful affair. Birmingham-based Darren Dutson-Bromley is currently touring with an evening of jazz, blues and chillout guitar solos. His interesting and amusing introductions were well placed between the fantastic range of songs, and the appreciative audience responded with requests and queries. This was Darren's first visit to The Mission and we hope to welcome him back in the future.

This week we have welcomed Beaufort Productions to The Mission to perform their adaptation of Henry James' "The Turn Of The Screw". Their opening night last night was absolutely first class - the acting was superb, particularly from the two youngsters who work alongside the adult company - and the visual and dramatic effects had audiences gripping their seats from the start. This is theatre not to be missed, but Beaufort only have one more performance here in Bath tonight, so please come along to The Mission this evening if you are free.

Up next is Bath's ever-popular Gilbert and Sullivan Society performing Offenbach's "La Belle Helene" at the end of this week, which promises to sell out so be sure to book your tickets in advance. Next Sunday sees the Singers on Sunday bring another evening of top quality young performers to The Mission, and then we end the month with a special event organised by Mr B's Book Emporium. Martin Bell is giving a talk next Wednesday evening to introduce his new book on the expenses scandal and its ramifications - "A Very British Revolution". Tickets are £5 on the door and include a glass of wine. What a month!

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