BATH’S Theatre Royal is planning to create a new venue within its historic building.

Provisionally named Venue 4, the theatre hopes to “establish a flourishing community of local creative artists, performers and start-up comedians and give them a space within the theatre to perform.

A statement submitted with the application said: “Venue 4 will be a flexible space and be able to host a programme of activities specifically geared to providing a facility for local community groups, theatre professionals, amateurs and visitors.”

Venue 4 would seat 30-40 people and have its own backstage area and foyer accessed off St John’s Place, on the other side of Garrick’s Head from the main entrance, in a building in the terrace currently used as offices and storage areas for the Egg Theatre. The statement added: “With this design it will be able to successfully operate independently of the other venues as well as being able to be integral as part of the wider site.

“Whilst this could be provided off-site, away from the theatre complex, it would not provide the unique and magical experience of working in a theatre environment for various groups. These groups will have the ability to run workshops from the venue encompassing a variety of disciplines including drama, speech, role play and dance, or for lectures, seminars, courses and classes.

“The proposals also seek to improve the accessibility of the site for all groups in the widest sense. Due to the history of the site, access can be severely restricted for disabled performers, public and staff and the work provides an excellent opportunity to improve the situation The design will provide a wheelchair accessible dressing room for Venue 4 that can also be used for the main house. The design will also mean that further improvements to accessibility to the theatre offices can be considered when and if additional funding is available.”

Aptly named, it will be the fourth venue within the Theatre Royal complex. As well as the main house, there is also the 120-seat Egg Theatre for children’s performances, and the 150-seat Ustinov Studio theatre for experimental contemporary theatre.

The Grade II* listed Theatre Royal was built in 1805.

People can view and make a comment on the planning application can do so here: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/webforms/planning/details.html?refval=24%2F03019%2FFUL#details_Section