Community theatre vows to back grassroots talent

Supporters and Trustees of the Theatre Royal Bath are celebrating the launch of a fundraising campaign to build Venue 4 - a new community studio theatre for the public on St John's Place in Bath.

- 

Venue 4 will transform existing street-level offices, situated between the Garrick’s Head pub and The Egg on the Theatre Royal's St John's Close site, into a 40-seat, fringe-style performance space.

With dressing room facilities, easy-to-use sound and lighting equipment, and a dedicated foyer, the accessible space will provide more opportunities for local performers. The growing Engage adult participation programme will also be based in Venue 4, led by Katherine Lazare, Head of Community Engagement.

Katherine said: “Venue 4 is an exciting development in the history of adult participation at Theatre Royal Bath.

“The space will become home to the Engage programme, as well as offer opportunities for local theatre companies and community groups to get professional venue experience. In the heart of the city, and nestled within the centre of Theatre Royal Bath, Venue 4 will be a valuable resource for Bath's thriving creative scene.”

At the fundraising launch event held at The Egg Theatre, guests heard about growing momentum for the Venue 4 project.

The Theatre Royal uses its unique position to produce original shows in Bath, which frequently transfer to the West End or tour nationwide, generating income which can then be invested in the Theatre Royal's work with the local community.