SEPTEMBER 17 2004, BATH: For the forthcoming autumn and winter season, the Ustinov Studio is pleased to announce the launch of Pay What You Can Fridays.

Each Friday night in the new season, the Ustinov is allowing the audience to Pay What You Can.

At these performances, the usual ticket price of £10 will be waived and instead you can pay what you can. This is part of an ongoing programme of audience development at the Ustinov Studio, as it looks for ways to encourage new people to visit the Ustinov, at the rear of the Theatre Royal Bath. Tickets for these performances are bookable in advance all the theatre requests is a minimum donation of £3 per person.

The Ustinov Studio has firmly established its reputation as one of the most daring venues of its kind in the country. The autumn/winter season continues the Ustinov's dedication to new writing and supporting new work by a variety of up-and-coming and experienced theatre companies.

The first Pay What You Can Friday will be September 17 and a performance of Taking Charlie. This bittersweet play of self-discovery comes from highly acclaimed writer Jonathan Harvey who wrote Beautiful Thing and BBC2 cult comedy Gimme, Gimme, Gimme. Add to that direction by EastEnders and Grange Hill actress-turned-director Susan Tully and you have a tantalising new play, which comes to Bath direct from its international debut at the Edinburgh Festival.

Other shows include Harold Pinter's classic The Caretaker (September 24) and Ustinov favourite Pip Utton's new show direct from Edinburgh Son Of The Father (October 8).

For further information, please call the box office on (01225) 448844. Please note credit card payments are not accepted for transactions of £5 or less.