Mission Theatre

The Mission Theatre stands in the centre of Bath, a grade II listed building that began life in 1797 as a Congregational hall. During the Second World War it served as an Air Raid Wardens’ post, then housed The People’s Mission until 1998. After years of neglect it was bought by Next Stage Theatre Company in 2004 and converted into a theatre. The council now owns the building and has granted a 99-year Community Asset Transfer to Next Stage. The theatre seats one hundred and also offers a smaller upstairs space for thirty. Next Stage Theatre Company runs the venue as a theatre, arts centre and community facility. The building’s past uses give it layers of local significance. Air Raid Wardens once gathered here to coordinate responses across Bath. The People’s Mission provided social support before the welfare state expanded. The conversion respected the original architecture while creating modern spaces. Visitors find a 100-seat theatre on the ground floor with a bar and café that opens before performances. Upstairs there is a separate 30-seat theatre called The Theatre Upstairs. The bar serves drinks and snacks and is used for community gatherings. The building’s high ceilings and large windows remain from its days as a Congregational hall. The upstairs foyer overlooks the street below, linking the theatre to the city around it.