Next Stage Theatre Company was thrilled when we learnt that patron Dame Harriet Walter was going to spend time in Bath during the Summer performing in As You Like It by William Skakespare. Harriet, a patron of Next Stage since 2001 has always been a great friend and supporter of the Company’s work and during her time in Bath in August she was able to glimpse the works going on at The Mission Theatre as a result of our 20:20 Vision appeal. This was launched in January when the Mission Theatre was celebrating its 20th birthday. The resulting fundraising, now nearly at its target of £20,000, has enabled us to repair and replace all of the crumbling woodwork on the window frames around the building.
Always an active and supportive patron, in a busy summer Harriet found time to send a message of support to include in Next Stage’s programme notes when we toured to the Minack Theatre in Cornwall with The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. She wrote: “This Next Stage production promises to be a great event in the most beautiful of settings. It’s a wonderful heart-opening play and I just know you will love it.”
Next Stage Theatre Company performing at The Minack Theatre, July 2025
It was delightful to see Harriet performing as Jaques in Ralph Fiennes memorable production at Theatre Royal Bath. Next Stage Director Andrew Ellison along with Artistic Director Ann Ellison BEM caught up with Harriet at the end of her time in Bath when she and members of the company delivered a fabulous lunchtime presentation about Harriet’s book She Speaks! What Shakespeare’s Women Might Have Said.
Everyone at Next Stage is so grateful that Harriet, despite all her commitments and demanding work load, has always found time to take interest and pleasure in her relationship with the Company and the work it does. Thank you Harriet!