The Barn Theatre in Cirencester has announced a major expansion to its programming model, opening its doors to a new wave of visiting productions from 2026.
In addition to its acclaimed in-house work, the venue will welcome a select number of Barn Visiting Productions—shows created by companies whose work aligns with the theatre’s commitment to high-quality, accessible storytelling.
The unsubsidised theatre is also launching Barn Supported Partnerships, designed to offer producers and theatre-makers access to the Barn’s producing infrastructure. These partnerships will support new work and touring productions, allowing shows to debut in Cirencester before expanding to wider audiences.
Since opening in 2018, the Barn Theatre has built a strong reputation as a producing house. Its recent successes 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 new initiative marks a significant evolution for the venue, aiming to diversify its annual programme while maintaining the high production values associated with its Built by Barn productions.
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.”
The initiative will run alongside the theatre’s existing Built by Barn programme, led by CEO and Artistic Director Iwan Lewis, with a continued focus on developing tour-ready productions for regional and commercial stages.
More information can be found here.
