On 8 November 2004, the City of Bath added to its already rich cultural heritage when Next Stage Theatre Company took possession of the 'People's Mission', soon to be transformed into The Mission Theatre.

After an extensive programme of renovations, the building now houses a 100-seat auditorium (The Mission Theatre itself), a smaller 30-seat performing space (the Theatre Upstairs), and a Bistro with full Bar Licence.  Also included is access and toilet facilities for disabled persons.

Three years on, The Mission Theatre is now a vibrant and busy venue for all manner of events such as plays, rehearsals, workshops, educational initiatives, live music, film shows, arts festivals, business meetings, conventions, and, shortly, our first wedding reception!

Ann Garner, Artistic Director, writes: "It is amazing to think that it took  three and a half years' work from when Andrew Ellison and I first saw the Mission and realised its potential to the completion of the contract on 8 November 2004."

She adds: "Given the time-consuming complexities of the final legal drafts, we were extremely grateful to the Council that we had been allowed to begin a transfer of props and costumes to our new home from September.  Many Next Stagers gave up hours in evenings and weekends to sort, store, box and transport  to The Mission the paraphernalia associated with running a theatre company."

Click on the thumbnails below for images of The Mission before and after Next Stage took possession.

Before......
Toilets	Auditorium	Auditorium	Theatre Upstairs
Work in progress...
After......
Toilets	Auditorium	Auditorium	Theatre Upstairs