December 16, 2012

BATS THEATRE TO REOPEN ON 7 FEB IN THE HEART OF WELLINGTON

BATS’ temporary home for 2013 will be none other than upstairs on the corner of Cuba & Dixon Streets.

You may remember it as the former site of The Big Kumara or even Barney’s.

New branding : BATS Out of Site

BATS Moves to Cnr. Of Cuba & Dixon

BATS Theatre is moving to an exciting temporary home – on the corner of Cuba and Dixon Streets – for the next 18 months.  

1 Kent Terrace, owned for many years by the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, and leased by BATS for the past 22 years, was put on the market in the second half of 2011. The building was purchased and BATS was able to secure a long term lease.

Renovations will begin on 1 Kent Terrace in January 2013 and include strengthening work and internal changes to make the building more suitable for BATS’ use.  While the building is being renovated BATS will be relocating to upstairs on the corner of Cuba and Dixon Streets.

Originally, BATS had intended to move to the McKenzie Theatre at Capital E, however, an earthquake report on that building provided an opportunity for BATS to review its plans for a temporary home for 2013. After looking at many possible locations, the Board decided the corner of Cuba and Dixon Streets offered  greater profile and the potential for additional facilities, such as a rehearsal space.

“This is an exciting time for us,” says Chair of BATS Board, Victoria Spackman, “The makeover of 1 Kent Terrace is a dream come true. It means BATS can continue doing what it does so well long into the future – providing an affordable theatre space that supports new and emerging professional talent.”

“We are confident the new, temporary venue will be great for our audience and practitioners”, says Ms Spackman “It’s a big space and, with a few adjustments, will enable us to continue to present cutting-edge work.”

The theatre will re-open on 7^th February with Little Town Liars, part of the 2013 Fringe Festival.

 “Cuba Street is a great place for us to be” says Ms Spackman, “It’s got the same vibe as our current location, but opens us up to new audiences.”

Access to the new theatre space is on Dixon Street, next to Café Pasha. The new space will offer everything people have come to expect from BATS; an intimate theatre, boutique bar and a great selection of new NZ theatre.

As part of the temporary relocation BATS will be launching a new brand: BATS – Out of Site. The new brand will help identify the new location and drive audiences to shows.

“2013 for BATS is going to be another full programme with a huge variety of shows that challenge, amuse and, sometimes, shock. In short, it’s business as usual for BATS,” says Ms Spackman. 

We can’t wait to see you there from the 7th of Feb!