The Theatre Royal in Bath says it is proud to announce that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall is to remain as patron of the historic venue for a further term.
HRH The Duchess of Cornwall with the late Chris Harris in 2009
Paul Heal, Chairman of the Theatre Royal Bath, said: “It is with great pride we can confirm that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall has extended her Patronage of the Theatre Royal Bath.
“The Duchess is a keen supporter of the arts and we are thrilled to announce her continued support as the Theatre Royal’s team continue to work to build on the impressive achievements of Bath’s historic theatre.”
In October 2009, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall helped launch a fundraising appeal for the Theatre Royal’s 2010 Refurbishment Project; the first major refurbishment of the Theatre’s Main House for thirty years.
The refurbishment undertaken and completed during the summer months in 2010, included a programme of essential work front-of-house and back-stage to conserve and update the historic Main House; improving existing facilities and safeguarding the future of Bath’s renowned theatre.
In August 2016, the Theatre Royal’s Main House underwent a major seating refurbishment with brand new seats installed across three levels in the auditorium.
Built in 1805, the Theatre Royal Bath, which is a registered charity, has achieved much in recent years.
It continues to present many pre-West End productions and is recognised locally, nationally and internationally. It is a regular date for the National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Almeida Theatre, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures and Rambert Dance Company.
Some of the many international stars who have played in Bath during its illustrious history include Juliet Stevenson, Edward Fox, Dominic Cooper, Ian McKellen, F. Murray Abraham, Kenneth Cranham, Kim Cattrall, Rowan Atkinson, Derek Jacobi, Maggie Smith, Patrick Stewart, Peter O’Toole, Charlton Heston, Colin Firth, Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren.
Originally situated in Orchard Street, the Bath theatre was the first in the country outside London to be granted a Royal Patent in 1768, an honour which was bestowed by a special Act of Parliament.
One of the oldest and most beautiful working theatres in the country, the Theatre Royal Bath moved to its current location in 1805, and celebrated its bicentenary in 2005 marking 200 years since first opening its doors to the public in Sawclose.
