The Theatre Royal Bath have announced the inaugural season of the Ustinov Studio under new Artistic Director Deborah Warner, acclaimed multi award winning theatre and opera director.

Known for her grand and ambitious work on all scales: from Shakespeare productions featuring incredible talents including Ralph Fiennes, Fiona Shaw and Glenda Jackson, five star opera productions in some of the world’s legendary venues and more intimate adaptations in the likes of Wilton’s Music Hall.

Warner has held prestigious positions such as  Resident Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Associate Director of the National Theatre, and Associate Director of the Barbican. 

Her inaugural season seems like it will reflect that wealth of experience: opening with a production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest,  followed by a re-staging of Benjamin Britten’s Phaedra. Originally performed at the Royal Opera House, Phaedra will be performed as a double bill with a newly commissioned dance piece Minotaur choreographed by Kim Brandstrup.

Continuing the season will be a production of Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, one of the earliest English operas directed by Isabelle Kettle and conducted by Michael Papadopoulos, both of whom participated in the 2019-21 Jette Parker Young Artist Stage Director Programme.

Closing the season will be a specially commissioned celebration of theatre in all its forms devised and performed by lip sync artist Dickie Beau: ¡Showmanism!

Of the season, Warner says: “I am excited to propose a new kind of programme for the Ustinov Studio. The past eight years have established the Studio as an undeniable and powerful force in contemporary theatre. As we enter a new decade it is essential that both this standing, and the theatre’s reputation, continue to flourish and build. 

Where the recent emphasis has been on UK premieres of existing international work, I am proposing shifting that emphasis, instead including revivals of major classics alongside the development of new plays/theatre work - interpreted in the broadest sense, i.e. adaptations of existing novels; staging of poems; presentation of new theatre artists and their work etc. In addition I am proposing a major commitment to a music theatre programme - ie classical song in the form of song cycles (fully staged performances of this most theatrical genre) cantatas, solo/duo voiced pieces etc., as well as an annual staging of an opera each year. 

Whilst this kind of programme is more usually found in a Festival situation, I think it is extremely well suited to a space committed to pushing and broadening our ideas of theatre. 

The principle of the programme is one of diversity, with a repertoire constantly challenging and nudging ideas of theatre.”

Director of Theatre Royal Bath, Danny Moar, adds: “Deborah’s track record as an extraordinary theatre maker of international renown speaks for itself.

Her appointment cements the Ustinov’s reputation as one of the country’s leading studio spaces and her opening season promises a thrilling new direction for the venue and its audiences.”

Here’s to thrilling new directions, Besties!