The Official Opening of Burdall’s Yard

On the 1st March 2022 Next Stage Theatre Company welcomed over 90 guests to the official opening of Burdall’s Yard (BY) - Bath’s brand new Community Centre and Arts Hub

Previously a brewery and a night club the attractive stone-vaulted venue had stood empty for nearly 2 years. When Ann and Andrew Ellison heard that it was available they immediately started discussions with Simon and Julian Emery - the owners - to negotiate a long lease on the building. The agreement was made in summer 2020 but with Covid lockdowns affecting all walks of life it was not until September 2021 that Next Stage finally got the keys. Since then the company has worked tirelessly to create its second performance space in Bath, having set up and opened The Mission Theatre in January 2005. Almost 17years later to the day, Burdall’s Yard started welcoming performers and classes from January 2022.

However it was Tuesday March 1st that marked the official opening of BY with Ann Ellison BEM, Artistic Director of Next Stage Theatre Company, Andrew Ellison Company Director, Brian Elwell the Gallery Director at Burdall’s Yard and Becca Jefferis the Venue Manager welcoming The Right Worshipful Mayor of Bath Cllr June Player at 7.45pm.

Guests drawn from the arts scene in Bath, the council and Friends and Patrons of Next Stage Theatre Company included Andrew Fletcher OBE, Simon Emery - owner of Burdall’s Yard - Wendy Matthews the Director of Bath Fringe and Estelle Ablett, an art critic.

An inaugural art exhibition curated by Brian Elwell and featuring many impressive paintings from his series: Making Ideas Visible was at the heart of the evening’s events. Guests enjoyed studying the works and chatting to Brian in the attractive bar area at Burdall’s Yard. 

During the evening Walcot State Choir, under the leadership of Su Hart, provided a series of mini-concerts. The Choir hire Burdall’s every Tuesday evening for their weekly sessions and enjoy the welcoming space and good acoustics in the Main Stage area.

After Ann Ellison BEM had welcomed all the guests Madam Mayor declared Burdall’s Yard officially open and a selection of buffet snacks were served.