The Barn Doors are open! Barn Theatre Cirencester launches new initiative for visiting companies

From 2026, in addition to its successful in-house productions, the Barn Theatre in Cirencester, will open its stage to a select number of Barn Visiting Productions, visiting companies whose work aligns with the theatre’s creative values and commitment to high-quality, accessible storytelling.

In addition, the unsubsidised Barn Theatre is opening the door to new Barn Supported Partnerships. The theatre is actively welcoming producers and theatre-makers and companies who may benefit from the Barn’s producing infrastructure – whether as a supportive incubator for new work or as a high-quality launch venue for touring productions. These partnerships allow shows to take their first steps at the Barn, with the option to grow into wider life beyond Cirencester.

Since opening in 2018, the venue has developed a strong reputation as a producing theatre, with a number of its homegrown productions transferring beyond the Cotswolds. Recent highlights include I’m Sorry, Prime Minister (West End 2026, starring Griff Rhys Jones), A Role To Die For (London 2025), Friends: The Musical Parody (UK Tour 2025/26), and Haywire, developed in partnership with the BBC (UK Tour 2026).

The launch marks a new chapter for the theatre, extending its reach and offering a platform for collaboration with visiting companies. The initiative aims to diversify the theatre’s annual programme while maintaining the high production values associated with its in-house work.

Barn Creative Producer Anthony Houghton said “We’ve had the privilege of working with so many talented artists and companies over the years. Opening our doors in this new way allows us to build on those relationships and support even more exciting work. We’re keen to hear from companies who share our aim of making entertaining work with popular appeal. So, if that sounds like you, we’d love to chat.”

Contact: Anthony Houghton – programming@barntheatre.org.uk

The new model will run alongside the theatre’s Built by Barn productions, led by CEO and Artistic Director Iwan Lewis, whose ongoing focus is on developing transferable and tour-ready work that can move between regional and commercial stages.