The History of BATS

The Friends of Brixham Theatre was formed in 2008 by a group of like minded individuals who were concerned that Brixham Theatre was under-used and was falling into disrepair. This group later re-named itself as Brixham Arts and Theatre Society (BATS), with a wider remit to support the arts in the Brixham area.

BATS made an agreement with Torbay Council, then owners of Brixham Theatre to take on its management from 2010, until the building was transferred to Brixham Town Council. Before being granted a tenancy for Brixham Theatre in September 2013, the community group became Brixham Arts & Theatre Society, a non-profit making company, limited by guarantee.

The Company Mission has always been to support and encourage artistic endeavour in the Brixham peninsula.

Aims:

• Encouraging existing artistic groups
• Supporting new artistic ventures
• Promoting artistic aspirations
• Developing artistic opportunities for all generations
• Creating arts, theatre and community hubs in Brixham

BATS operated on a purely voluntary basis, by the BATS Members, with professional technicians contracted as required. All surplus funds are used to enhance the professional programmes available and specific artistic projects, including fostering new writing and creation, in the Brixham area.

BATS operated Brixham Theatre from September 2013 to May 2018, when the ever-increasing overheads, including a 50% increase in rent, and diminishing hirings made the theatre unviable and the BATS Board handed back the lease under the break clause.

BATS continues to support exciting new projects that advance the arts and culture in Brixham and the surrounding area.  In March 2018 one of the youth drama leaders