TBE Awards | Meet the Finalists: Theatre Royal Bath
Theatre Royal Bath has earned a place among the finalists at this year’s TBE Awards, proudly sponsored by Thrings, in the Flying the Flag for the South West category.
As a charitable organisation, the theatre presents an ambitious and diverse programme across three distinctive spaces: the historic Main House, the intimate Ustinov Studio, and The Egg – its purpose-built venue for children and families.
We caught up with Andrea Harris, Head of Development.
Why did you enter the 2025 TBE Awards?
Culture, and theatre especially, is all about communities making sense of the world together. The Business Exchange is a great forum for the local business community to connect and grow a resilient regional economy. We wanted to be a part of that.
What achievement are you most proud of in the past 12 months?
Surely, it has to be the incredible coup, the Ralph Fiennes season. It’s the perfect example of how our loyal, local audience here in Bath and our utterly unique ability to take work into the West End can unlock rare talent. It’s a true tale of independent Bath spirit taking centre stage in London and connecting with an international market in the best way.
What does being a finalist in the TBE Awards mean to you / your team?
It means a lot to be recognised as a charity and a business by our peers. We are lucky enough to meet our customers every day, but sometimes the arts can feel quite separate to the wider business community. We are excited to share this moment with our fellow, local independents.
What’s next for you – any exciting plans or goals on the horizon?
Oh yes, it’s Panto season with local hero Jon Monie starring in The Further Adventures of Peter Pan! We’ve got so much more to offer this winter too: The now world famous Mischief Theatre’s Christmas Carol Goes Wrong; Bath’s favourite festive mouse grows up in Snow Mice, for ages 3-9; babies and toddlers can see Aurora, inspired by the northern lights; and, Broadway comes to the Ustinov Studio with the musical, The Last Five Years. At peak times we will be welcoming audiences to 9 shows a day across the building. We’re going to need some mince pies!
Beyond that, 2026 is a year of community at TRB. David Copperfield: A Life is a Main House show in February starring 120+ local amateurs, directed by the renowned Sally Cookson. The project was commissioned as a catalyst to growing our grass-roots connections ahead of Venue 4, a brand new studio theatre for the community at the heart of Theatre Royal Bath. There is a real problem locally for performers to find proper space to share their ideas, or to get a foot in the door of a creative career. Venue 4 is about growing opportunity in local neighbourhoods and bringing their stories into the city and beyond. Look out for a Fundraising Gala night on 21st February and The House Is Open – an event series with community partners, all in aid of Venue 4.
If you win, how will you celebrate?
On the night, at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre, by giving every winner their own standing ovation. Everyone works so hard! We’ll also be looking to make friends with community-minded folk who would like to support community opportunity through building Venue 4.
To find out more about TBE Awards and to book your Awards Night tickets, visit: www.tbeawards.co.uk
