It's Mission accomplished for a £50,000 appeal to expand a city centre theatre – in just two months.

Donations from £2 to several thousand pounds have flooded in to the Next Stage Theatre Company to help it transform a rundown two-storey former bakery building at the back of its Mission Theatre in Corn Street.

It has a 25-year lease on the building where it wants to create light and spacious dressing rooms and a rehearsal space for both its adult and youth companies.

Work will start on the project next month.

The group launched the Space-Mission fundraising campaign, which aimed to bring in the money by the end of the year, with entrepreneur Andrew Brownsword offering to match every penny raised, meaning the group needed to raise £25,000.

The money has come from theatre company members, parents of Next Stage Youth members, keen theatre-goers, other amateur dramatic organisations and local charitable trusts.

Artistic director of the theatre, which opened seven years ago, and Next Stage founder Ann Garner said: "We are all thrilled and overwhelmed by the speed with which we have reached our target.

"Over and over again we have received the same message accompanying donations: that in just seven years, the Mission Theatre has become a much-loved Bath institution that has delighted audiences and performers with its intimacy, friendliness and versatility.

"So many contributors have said that they wanted to celebrate all that has been achieved here so far, and help the Mission take its next step into the future."

Actor Chris Harris, who opened the theatre and who is directing the Theatre Royal panto, said the Mission was a "gem".

He said: "Don't underestimate what they have accomplished. It is a huge achievement."

Any further donations received in the next few weeks will help equip the new rooms with mirrors, work benches and carpeting. The Mission is also hosting a fundraising night on Saturday, January 7, with The Amazing Street Cred Band.

For more information on how to help, go to www.missiontheatre.co.uk, call 01225 428600 or email nextstagebath@aol.com.