From 16th - 20th September 2025, BATS (Barrow Arts Theatre Society, part of Barrow Upon Soar Community Association) performed several sold-out shows of Shrek: The Musical, much to the delight of audiences, who praised the 'amazing' cast, crew, choreography and costumes (see the Barrow Voice review).

Following on from the success of 2023's 'fantastic' and 'exceptional' revival of the Sound of Music and their ‘high-energy', 'incredibly creative' production of The Wedding Singer, which saw the MMC (Mountsorrel Memorial Centre) decked out like a wedding venue, BATS has recently announced that they will be performing The Little Mermaid in September 2026. Keep an eye on the Barrow Arts Theatre Society Facebook page for further details.

Having had to leave their former home at Humphrey Perkins School, BATS will continue to host its musical productions at the MMC, a mere two miles from Barrow.

With on-site parking, disabled access, comfortable seating and both a bar and cafe, the venue boasts a fully air-conditioned theatre, with its own lighting and sound equipment, which is capable of seating 204 people. James Nelson, the manager of the MMC, said “It's been fantastic working with BATS over the past few years. We have received excellent feedback on their productions. They bring the audience into the action in a fantastic immersive experience for young and old. BATS core values align with the venue, and we have loved hosting them”.

Putting on pantomimes and murder mystery productions, as well as musicals, the group has become known as BATS, over recent years, when Barrow Panto Group and Barrow Youth Theatre joined together to focus on developing and enhancing the theatre skills of, and acting opportunities available to, young people and adults in the local area. Remaining a not-for-proft group, as part of BUSCA, BATS has grown from a small number of members to being so popular that it now has a waiting list.

Whilst committed to staging several, high quality productions a year, it is worth remembering that BATS relies heavily on the hard work, time and goodwill of volunteers and is always looking for help with front of house, lighting and sound, marketing, communications, social media, photography, video and backstage.

Having recently talked to BATS Director, Abi Crossley, about their upcoming pantomime, Snow White, which is back, by public demand, at Humphrey Perkins School for a two-night run on Friday 30th and Saturday 31st January, Abi also noted the financial outlay involved in running their productions. Not only does it cost £4,000 to obtain the license for shows but BATS is also left with no option but to pay apprentices to help them backstage with lighting and sound for the pantomime.

So, this Panto season, throw your support behind your local theatre group. Go and boo and hiss at the cast of Snow White. Please go to https://www.ticketsource.com/barrow-arts-theatre-society to purchase tickets.

Also, don't forget to 'be where the people' are and be part 'of the world' of The Little Mermaid in 2026.

Ruth Miller

Barrow Arts Theatre Society (BATS) is part of Barrow upon Soar Community Association (BUSCA) – Working in a common effort, without prejudice or distinction, to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation, with the object of improving the condition of life for our community.