The Barn Theatre Project was established as a charity by local philanthropists with the vision of building a world-class producing theatre delivering a bold legacy in the arts for the community of Cirencester and beyond. They joined forces with Artistic Director Iwan Lewis and construction of our remarkable facility began in 2014 and finished in 2017, opening our first professional production to critical acclaim in March 2018.
We are based in a former 1940s Nissen hut that has been transformed into a beautiful, state-of-the-art, air-conditioned auditorium that seats 200. The site also provides a studio rehearsal suite, dressing rooms, a green room, an orchestra pit, digital production and post-production suites, a podcast studio and cinema projection equipment.
We have a passionate belief that theatre is for everyone and use ours as a platform to inspire and support a vibrant programme via various community and school outreach initiatives. As a small theatre with a staff of 14 we achieve our aims through collaboration with a vast network of creative freelancers, production companies, theatre companies, producers, schools and colleges, charities and local councils.
During lockdown, our online productions of What A Carve Up and The Picture of Dorian Gray (co-produced with the Lawrence Batley Theatre and the New Wolsey) attracted internationally renowned talent including Stephen Fry, Joanna Lumley and Derek Jacobi. Both productions gained international audiences and received critical acclaim (notably selected as Critics’ Pick in the New York Times).
Outside of professional productions, we also understand the positive impact of amateur theatre in communities. Since our inception, we have provided a venue and professional guidance for the local company, TinkCo, which will be bringing two high-quality amateur productions to the Barn in 2026.
