Speaker Meeting, August 2025

Ingleside, a private house in Cirencester dating from 1812, was bought by Ian and Chrissie Carling in 2007.  They had a vision to convert the site into a professional theatre with adjacent hotel and restaurant.  And so in 2018 the Barn Theatre opened with its first production to much critical acclaim.  The Barn is dedicated to producing some of the UK's most inspiring professional theatre and attracting and nurturing the best UK talent.

In the picture with Club President Steve is Richard Jones who is the Head of Sales and Marketing at The Barn, and our guest speaker at this meeting.

Richard Jones said the Barn is regarded as one of the top ten theatres in the UK, receiving praise from the likes of Sir Michael Morpurgo amongst others.  With a seating capacity of 200, the theatre attracts around 50,000 visitors a year.   The Barn Theatre is also committed to community outreach, engaging with schools, care homes, and other local organisations.  It receives no funding from the Arts Council or any subsidies and needs to raise £1 million every year.

The Barn is a Producing Theatre as opposed to a Receiving Theatre.  What is the difference?

A producing theatre creates its own shows in-house. This involves having its own team, including an  artistic director, designers, technicians, choreographers and more.  It handles casting, rehearsals, set design, costume creation, and all production elements. The same theatre company work from it regularly. Productions may premiere there and then tour to other venues.

A receiving theatre hosts shows that are produced elsewhere. It provides the venue and facilities for touring companies and provides services like marketing, box office and technical support, but it does not create the show.  West End theatres often fall into this category.

Richard Jones said there are ways we can help The Barn.

We could be a Friend.  The Friends of the Barn scheme is designed to give theatre goers more ways to get hooked on everything it does.  With three membership tiers, it gives special perks and insider access.

Or a Front-of-House Volunteer.  Their responsibilities include meeting, greeting, and assisting audience members to their seats, selling programmes, and generally helping ensure the safety, comfort and enjoyment of the audience.

Or a Barn Champion.  It costs nothing to be a Barn Champion, all that’s needed is a desire to help the Barn spread its message about forthcoming shows and community activities.  Currently there are over 40 Barn Champions across the Cotswolds but more are always needed.  Champions put up posters in windows, shops and schools nearby.   They place leaflets in appropriate places and so on.  And they are invited to special Barn events and celebrations.

Or simply come to the shows and productions.

Richard certainly sparked interest amongst our members, one of whom is already a Friend of the Barn.  

The Barn Theatre in Cirencester

The Barn is located at 5 Beeches Road, Cirencester, GL7 1BN.  Telephone 01285 648255.