Bath’s Theatre District Grows: An Exciting New Chapter with Venue 4
Architect Steve Tompkins of Stirling Prize-winning practice Haworth Tompkins artist's impression of the Venue 4 performance space at night.
I have always felt that Bath’s creative pulse beats strongest in its thriving literary and arts scene, and at the heart of this sits Theatre Royal Bath – a cultural cornerstone of the city. For many years Theatre Royal Bath has continually proven itself to be a great home for adventurous storytelling and I have been lucky enough to attend many of their shows and press nights over the last few years.
Last week, I was delighted to attend a warm and intimate event at The Egg Theatre, held for a select group of guests from across Bath’s arts and creative communities. The occasion? The launch of Venue 4’s fundraising campaign and our first peek at the vision behind it. Imagine a brand-new performance space and studio theatre, crafted for and by the community—this is Theatre Royal Bath’s next bold step, and honestly, I can’t wait to see it come to life.
Last week, I was delighted to attend a warm and intimate event at The Egg Theatre, held for a select group of guests from across Bath’s arts and creative communities. The occasion? The launch of Venue 4’s fundraising campaign and our first peek at the vision behind it. Imagine a brand-new performance space and studio theatre, crafted for and by the community—this is Theatre Royal Bath’s next bold step, and honestly, I can’t wait to see it come to life.
Many locals will already be familiar with the three key venues that currently form the backbone of the Theatre Royal Bath group: the beautiful historic Main House, the innovative Ustinov Studio, and the much-loved Egg Theatre, which specialises in family-friendly productions and children’s workshops. But Venue 4 will offer something completely new – a flexible, welcoming community theatre space, designed to unlock access to creativity for everyone. This will be 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.
There’s something magical about being in a room full of creative individuals - especially when that room is inside The Egg Theatre, buzzing with the energy of Bath’s arts community. The event last week was held to introduce this ambitious project to those of us working in and around Bath’s arts scene. Over glasses of delicious Wolf Wine and carefully prepared canapés from The Garrick’s Head pub, attendees were given the chance to learn more about what Venue 4 will soon bring to the city. The atmosphere was as sociable as it was energising – a clear reflection of the creative spirit that Venue 4 hopes to nurture.
What makes this project so exciting is its community-first approach. Venue 4 is being envisioned as a launchpad for creativity: a space for emerging artists and amateur performers, for community-led productions, for workshops, rehearsals, development, experimentation – and above all, access. It’s about breaking down barriers, opening doors, and making sure that the next generation of local creatives can take root and thrive right here in Bath.
There’s something magical about being in a room full of creative individuals - especially when that room is inside The Egg Theatre, buzzing with the energy of Bath’s arts community. The event last week was held to introduce this ambitious project to those of us working in and around Bath’s arts scene. Over glasses of delicious Wolf Wine and carefully prepared canapés from The Garrick’s Head pub, attendees were given the chance to learn more about what Venue 4 will soon bring to the city. The atmosphere was as sociable as it was energising – a clear reflection of the creative spirit that Venue 4 hopes to nurture.
What makes this project so exciting is its community-first approach. Venue 4 is being envisioned as a launchpad for creativity: a space for emerging artists and amateur performers, for community-led productions, for workshops, rehearsals, development, experimentation – and above all, access. It’s about breaking down barriers, opening doors, and making sure that the next generation of local creatives can take root and thrive right here in Bath.
Speeches were given by several key figures involved in the project, including Theatre Royal Bath Director Danny Moore, and Katherine Lazar, who will take on the role of Producer and Programmer for Venue 4. During her speech Katherine Lazare, Theatre Royal Bath’s Head of Community Engagement, explained that “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.”
Katherine’s address was a particular highlight for me. She outlined a thoughtful, inspiring hypothetical scenario involving a recent Bath Spa University graduate, who – thanks to Venue 4 – might find her first professional foothold in the UK theatre industry through collaboration, mentorship, and space to develop new work. It’s a powerful vision, and one that feels deeply encouraging for a university city passionate about seeing young talent flourish. Theatre Royal Bath’s Director, Danny Moar, highlighted that the idea for Venue 4 builds on the organisation’s previous experience of launching The Egg Theatre, with the goal of creating the new community theatre space for grown-ups. Moore pointed out: “what we see on stage at the Theatre Royal is part of a much bigger story. A local thriving creative scene is inseparable from any story of successful productions transferring to the West End. Venue 4 is how we demonstrate this; by putting our shoulder behind local performers and makers.”
Following the speeches, we were treated to a series of short, lively performances that brought the spirit of the new venue to life. Playful, bold and imaginative, they offered a taste of the kind of work that Venue 4 could one day host – and proved a compelling reminder of why accessible, community-driven performance spaces matter. At one point during the evening, I was asked to speak to camera for a short interview piece – a kind gesture that slightly caught me off guard. As many of you know, I’m much more comfortable behind the lens or between the pages of a book, so I’m not sure I gave the most eloquent response in the moment! Hopefully, this article serves as a better expression of my genuine admiration for the project and all it hopes to achieve.
Located in St John’s Close, current street-level offices will be transformed just moments from the existing theatre buildings, and Venue 4 will form the final corner of what the team are calling Bath’s theatre district – a collection of four distinctive yet interconnected spaces offering something for every kind of audience and artist. The new space will be an intimate, fringe-style theatre with its own foyer and dressing-room facilities.
Katherine’s address was a particular highlight for me. She outlined a thoughtful, inspiring hypothetical scenario involving a recent Bath Spa University graduate, who – thanks to Venue 4 – might find her first professional foothold in the UK theatre industry through collaboration, mentorship, and space to develop new work. It’s a powerful vision, and one that feels deeply encouraging for a university city passionate about seeing young talent flourish. Theatre Royal Bath’s Director, Danny Moar, highlighted that the idea for Venue 4 builds on the organisation’s previous experience of launching The Egg Theatre, with the goal of creating the new community theatre space for grown-ups. Moore pointed out: “what we see on stage at the Theatre Royal is part of a much bigger story. A local thriving creative scene is inseparable from any story of successful productions transferring to the West End. Venue 4 is how we demonstrate this; by putting our shoulder behind local performers and makers.”
Following the speeches, we were treated to a series of short, lively performances that brought the spirit of the new venue to life. Playful, bold and imaginative, they offered a taste of the kind of work that Venue 4 could one day host – and proved a compelling reminder of why accessible, community-driven performance spaces matter. At one point during the evening, I was asked to speak to camera for a short interview piece – a kind gesture that slightly caught me off guard. As many of you know, I’m much more comfortable behind the lens or between the pages of a book, so I’m not sure I gave the most eloquent response in the moment! Hopefully, this article serves as a better expression of my genuine admiration for the project and all it hopes to achieve.
Located in St John’s Close, current street-level offices will be transformed just moments from the existing theatre buildings, and Venue 4 will form the final corner of what the team are calling Bath’s theatre district – a collection of four distinctive yet interconnected spaces offering something for every kind of audience and artist. The new space will be an intimate, fringe-style theatre with its own foyer and dressing-room facilities.
At the fundraising launch event, guests heard about growing momentum for the Venue 4 project and I left the evening with a sense of genuine excitement. As a content creator based in Bath and someone who regularly collaborates with the city’s theatre scene, I’m thrilled to see the Theatre Royal Bath group investing in an ambitious project that prioritises creativity, opportunity, and community. I believe wholeheartedly in the importance of accessible arts spaces, and Venue 4 feels like a meaningful step in the right direction.
This is only the beginning, and there’s still much to be developed – but the foundations being laid are strong, ambitious, and inclusive. Significant pledges towards the new venue have already been made, but further support is still needed to reach a target of £1.8million in funding. I’ll be following the journey of Venue 4 closely and look forward to sharing more through my socials as the project progresses.
This is only the beginning, and there’s still much to be developed – but the foundations being laid are strong, ambitious, and inclusive. Significant pledges towards the new venue have already been made, but further support is still needed to reach a target of £1.8million in funding. I’ll be following the journey of Venue 4 closely and look forward to sharing more through my socials as the project progresses.
In the meantime, you can also help by showing your support online by joining the mailing list, sharing your own thoughts on Venue 4 or donating via the link below:
https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/take-part/venue-4/
Thanks again to the Theatre Royal team for inviting me along for the ride!
Keep an eye on this space, Bath. Something wonderful is coming.
https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/take-part/venue-4/
Thanks again to the Theatre Royal team for inviting me along for the ride!
Keep an eye on this space, Bath. Something wonderful is coming.