Theatre Royal Bath
Main House
Twelve Angry Men
Reginald Rose’s gripping courtroom thriller, Twelve Angry Men, is in session at the Theatre Royal until Saturday 2nd December, with a stellar cast featuring Patrick Duffy (Dallas), Tristan Gemmill (Coronation Street, Casualty), Gray O’brien (Coronation Street, Peak Practice), Michael Greco (Eastenders), Ben Nealon (Soldier Soldier) and Gary Webster (Minder, Family Affairs).
A jury has murder on their minds and a life in their hands as they decide the fate of a young delinquent accused of killing his father.
But what appears to be an open and shut case soon becomes a huge dilemma, as prejudices and preconceived ideas turn the tables every which way, until the nail-biting climax.
This production brings to the stage the taut brilliance of Sidney Lumet’s 1957, three-time Academy Award nominated film, which is considered to be one of the great ‘must-see’ movies of all time. ■ review - page 10
A Christmas Carol
Guaranteed to get audiences into the Christmas Spirit - in more ways than one - A Christmas Carol appears at the Theatre Royal on Sunday 3rd, Monday 11th and Monday 18th December at 2pm and 7pm. Dickens’ festive fable is performed by Olivier Award winner Guy Masterson (above), veteran of many smash hit solo shows including Under Milk Wood, Animal Farm and Shylock during his 30-year acting career.
Famed for his talent of bringing multiple characters to vivid life, Masterson becomes Scrooge, Marley, the Fezziwigs, the Cratchits, Tiny Tim et al in a riveting performance that will dazzle, enchant, and linger long in the memory.
Directed by Nick Hennegan, who also adapted the original performance text by Charles Dickens for this production, A Christmas Carol features original music by Robb Williams.
Sleeping Beauty
This year’s fabulous family pantomime stars Eastenders’ and West End actor Neil Mcdermott, alongside Bath favourite Jon Monie, Eastenders’ Nick Wilton as Dame and Hollyoaks’ Sarah Jane Buckley.
Staged by UK Productions, the wonderfully traditional show takes to the stage at the Theatre Royal from Thursday, 7th December, to Sunday, 7th January.
Promising a laugh-a-minute extravaganza with a new script by Bath’s all-round pantomime legend Monie, the magical story tells of a beautiful Princess, cursed by an evil spell on her 18th birthday party, who can only be awoken by true love’s kiss.
As Fairy Snowfall works with her friends to lift the curse and break the spell, expect plenty of fun in a thrilling quest for a happy ending.
This brand-new show, full of top musical hits, fantastic costumes, stunning sets and exciting special effects promises to keep panto fans both young and old thoroughly entertained.
Neil Mcdermott is well known to television audiences for his roles as Ryan Malloy in BBC’S Eastenders since 2009, and Dr Ralph Ellis in three series of The Royal.
Now starring as Prince Vincent in Bath’s panto, Neil has previously played the title role in Aladdin alongside Sir Ian Mckellen and Roger Allam at London’s Old Vic, and starred as Prince Charming in Cinderella at Hull’s New Theatre.
Jon Monie, who has also written this year’s show Sleeping Beauty, returns by popular demand to star as Lester the Jester. With a record number of more than 1,100 Bath panto performances under his belt, this will be Jon’s 21st Christmas show at the Theatre Royal.
Nick Wilton makes a welcome return to play Nanny Nora. A firm favourite with audiences, Nick has starred as Dame in pantomimes across the UK since 2000.
Sarah Jane Buckley, who appears as Fairy Snowfall, is best known on television as Kathy Barnes in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks. Her many stage credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Twist and Shout, Dancing in the Street and many more productions on UK tour.
Princess Rose will be played by
Maisie Sellwood, who returns to Sleeping Beauty after playing Princess at the Blackpool Grand Theatre last Christmas.
The role of Carabosse will be played by Emma Norman, who has toured for 25 years as a session/ backing vocalist and starred in the West End in The Pirate Queen at London Coliseum.
David Pendlebury, who appears as the King, has performed in numerous West End shows including Disney’s The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera and Starlight Express. ■ See weekend
Special events
There are also two seasonal Theatre Royal Special Events taking place at Leigh Park Hotel and Vineyard in Bradford on Avon, starting on Wednesday, 6th December at noon with a Christmas Lunch, featuring a seasonal talk by Jane Tapley on Charles Dickens and his influence on the Victorian Christmas, followed by a two-course traditional lunch.
On Tuesday, 12th December at 6pm, Carols by Candlelight will feature a festive choir singing as guests arrive followed by a threecourse Christmas dinner.
Tickets for all performances and events are on sale at the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 and online at www.theatreroyal.org.uk.
Ustinov Studio
The Turn of the Screw
From Friday 1st to Saturday 23rd December, opera returns to the Ustinov Studio at the Theatre Royal Bath when a new production of Benjamin Britten’s The Turn of the Screw is staged, specially commissioned for Artistic Director Deborah Warner’s 2023/2024 season in Bath.
A young governess is sent to a remote country house to care for two children. She becomes increasingly disturbed by their behaviour but is under strict instruction never to bother their guardian in London. Are they innocent or wicked, possessed or just high-spirited?
Based on Henry James’s famous novella, Benjamin Britten’s The Turn of the Screw is a pillar of 20th century opera and regarded as one of the most dramatic in the repertoire.
The cast of The Turn of the Screw includes BBC Cardiff Singer of the World finalist Sarah Gilford and internationally renowned soprano Anna Cavaliero, who share the role of the Governess.
Royal Opera House soprano Emma Bell, who has performed in The Turn of the Screw across the world, shares the role of Mrs Grose with Sarah Pring, recently seen on Sky Arts’ Anyone Can Sing as a mentor and vocal coach with English National Opera.
Elin Pritchard, who plays Miss Jessel, has performed with Opera North, Opera Holland Park and English National Opera, and Royal College of Music alumni Xavier Hetherington plays Peter Quint. The roles of the children Miles and Flora are shared by Oliver Michael and Arlo Murray, and Catherine Mulroy and Maia Greaves.
The Turn of the Screw is the second presentation of Ustinov Opera following last
year’s
Dido and Aeneas, which marked the first opera ever to be performed in the Ustinov Studio.
Head of Music at the Royal Opera House, conductor and pianist Richard Hetherington once again collaborates with Artistic Director Deborah Warner as the season’s Head of Music, working closely with the musical team for the production.
Director Isabelle Kettle returns to Bath following her triumphantly acclaimed production of Dido and Aeneas, which played to sold out audiences at the Ustinov Studio in October 2022. Tickets are on sale at the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 and online at www. theatreroyal.org.uk/ ustinov
The Egg
wendy: A peter pan Story
The Egg Theatre in Bath continues its “proud tradition of delivering beautiful Christmas treats” (The Stage) this year, as they prepare to stage, Wendy: A Peter Pan Story.
This new adaptation of Peter Pan fuses a classic, much-loved tale with 21st century theatre to create an unforgettable adventure.
Appearing at The Egg from Friday, 1st December to Saturday, 13th January, this show is recommended for family audiences aged 6 years and over.
In the faded kitchen of a once-grand town-house, Wendy is growing up fast, perhaps a little too fast.
Between her homework and caring for her family, Wendy dreams of one last childhood adventure.
In fly Peter and his friend Tink, a mischievous pair who can’t or won’t grow up.
When they steal Wendy away to The Neverland, the stage is set for a thrilling battle against time, against Hook, and against magic!
Award-winning writer James Baldwin’s adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s classic story speaks of the innocence and wonder of childhood and the importance of imagination and creativity.
Midnight Mole
From Thursday, 7th December to Sunday, 7th January, Midnight Mole returns to The Egg for the second consecutive year. This heart-warming adventure full of puppetry and music is presented by the creative team behind The Egg’s hugely popular Christmas show, Snow Mouse.
For younger audiences, aged between 6 months to 4 years and their families, Midnight Mole tells the story of Madame Ranevsky who is in her favourite place, the Cherry Orchard, saying goodbye to it one last time. Under the light of the silvery moon, she plays with her nocturnal friends before Midnight Mole bursts from his mound to join her. With a nod to Chekhov, Midnight Mole leads audiences on a journey of discovery as this hugely popular show returns to The Roper Room at The Egg.
Tickets for all performances at The Egg can be booked at the Theatre Royal Box Office on 01225 448844, The Egg on 01225 823 409 and online at theatreroyal.org.uk/whats-on/
Burdall’s Yard
Exhibition Private View: Panel Paintings by Charlotte Moore
You are invited to join Bath artist Charlotte Moore for an evening of art-gazing and chatting as she opens her exhibition Panel Paintings in Burdall’s Yard’s gallery space. Formerly resident in Australia, Charlotte has lived in and near Bath for the past 20 years, a member of Bath Society of Artists.
Over these years, she has exhibited in Bath, London and other open exhibitions. She studied at Chelsea School of Art and Falmouth College of Art.
Charlotte describes her work and the inspiration behind it as: “It’s mostly about details; details of paintings, stained glass, museums, exhibitions and favourite artists. The paintings are made up of four or six panels bringing together details to complete the picture.
“My enduring interest is in museums and galleries, in the pleasure of looking and discovering beautiful thing out of their time, context and culture”.
Wednesday, December 6, 6.30pm. This private view is free to attend.
My Pub Choir
Christmas is nearly upon us so what better time to don your party hat, grab a drink, and join in the festive fun with Matt Finch at Burdall’s Yard singing along with friends and family.
Matt will conduct and direct from the piano and with over 25 years of experience of running a choir, he has finally come to the conclusion that if the best bit of a choir rehearsal is going to the pub afterwards, let’s combine the two and have fun!
You don’t need any choir experience, just the desire to sing with others and have a great night out.
Friday, December 8, 7.30pm-10pm. Tickets: £9. mypubchoir.wixsite.com/ mypubchoir.
POOL (NO WATER)
A unique reunion takes a surprising twist. When an old friend-turnedfamous-artist invites the gang to her new place, they couldn’t predict the terrible accident that would occur.
As they gather around her hospital bed, an unusual idea strikes them: turning her suffering into art.
Presented by Bath Spa Productions and written by Mark Ravenhill, this is a collaboration between graduating Acting and Theatre, Festival and Event Production students, directed by Kirstie Davis.
Please note that this production is recommended for ages 18 and older due to strong language.
This amateur production of ‘POOL (NO WATER)’ is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd.
Thursday 14th and Friday 15th December, 8pm. Saturday, December 16, 4pm. Tickets: £8, concession/bsu student £5. www.ticketsource.co.uk/ bathspalive/pool-no-water/e-eeadex.
Mission Theatre
1984
Winston Smith rewrites history for the Ministry of Truth, but when he’s handed a note that says simply “I love you” by a woman he hardly knows, he decides to risk everything in a search for the real truth.
In a world where cheap entertainment keeps the proles ignorant but content, where a war without end is always fought and the government is always watching, can Winston possibly hold onto what he feels inside?
Or will he renounce everything, accept the Party’s reality and learn to love Big Brother?
Written after World War II, George Orwell’s warning of what could happen if state and technology gain full control remains frighteningly relevant in Matthew Dunster’s enthralling adaptation presented by Next Stage Theatre Company.
Tuesday 28th November – Saturday 2nd December 7.30pm. Matinee Saturday 2nd December, 2pm. Tickets £16. Concessions £12 (Students, NHS and Universal Credit). www. missiontheatre.co.uk/ tickets?category=1984.
The Second Best Bed
When Shakespeare died, he famously left his wife Anne only one thing – the second-best bed. Liz Grand stars as Anne Hathaway in this superb onewoman play by Avril Rowlands, presented by On A Role, full of humour and pathos.
On the night of Shakespeare’s funeral the mourners have all gone home, leaving Anne to remember her life with the most talented playwright the world has ever seen.
Or was he? Did he write the plays? His widow would know if anybody did. Wouldn’t she?
Tuesday, December 5, 7.30pm. Tickets £15. www. bathboxoffice.org.uk.
Phillipa Langley: The Princes in the Tower
Philippa Langley, inset, took the world by storm when, against all the odds and a seven-year investigation, she discovered the grave of King Richard III (1452-1485) in a Leicester car park.
A king finally laid to rest, the rediscovery and reburial of Richard III was watched by an estimated global audience of over 366 million.
Now, coinciding with a major new Channel 4 documentary, Langley, presented by Toppings & Company Booksellers, reveals the findings of a remarkable new research initiative: ‘The Missing Princes Project’ and discusses the release of her new book.
In The Princes in the Tower: Solving History’s Greatest Cold Case, Langley records the painstaking investigative work and research of the project.
By questioning received wisdom, she and her team shed light upon one of history’s greatest miscarriages of justice, revealing a phenomenal untold story.
Wednesday, December 6, 7.30pm. Tickets: £8 / scholars £6 / with book: £25. www.toppingbooks.co.uk/events/ bath.
A Christmas Carol
Hobgoblin Theatre Company wowed The Mission Theatre audiences in October with a fabulous production of The Last Post.
Now they are back with A Christmas Carol - a fun re-telling of the classic Dickensian story.
All the characters are there, from the grumpy Mr Scrooge, loveable Bob Cratchit to Tiny Tim! The 60 minute play has lots of audience participation and is fast-paced and funny. It has been especially written to appeal to families and children, so there’s no need to worry about it being scary!
Treat your family to some festive fun this December.
Friday, December 8, 5pm and 7.30pm. Saturday, December 9, 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets £12. www. bathboxoffice.org.uk.
La Bohème
Following its successful run of Mozart’s The Magic Flute in February, Cardiff Opera is delighted to be back at The Mission Theatre this December with Giacomo Puccini’s heartbreaking festive opera La Bohème.
We invite you to join Mimi and Rudolpho as they fall in love by candlelight on Christmas Eve. Waltz with the vivacious Musetta to aid her cunning plan to win back her aggrieved lover, Marcello.
Celebrate the festive season on the streets of Paris with this rag-tag group of friends and lovers as they find moments of joy amidst the poverty and tragedy of their young lives.
The combination of timelessly stunning music, a cast of talented young singers, and the innovative creative team of Katie Blackwell (Director) and Aleksandra Myslek (Musical Director) - both of whom add an exciting new spin to this well-loved classic – will ensure that Cardiff Opera delivers a memorable night of Passion, Puccini and Piangere (weeping!)
Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th December, 7.30pm. Tickets £18. Concessions £15 (students, NHS and Universal Credit). www. missiontheatre.co.uk/whats-on.