the guide
A SELECTION OF IDEAS TO HELP YOU MAKE THE MOST OF THE WEEK AHEAD IN BATH
This week you really ought to…
SPEND AN EVENING WITH RUBY WAX: This extraordinary comedian talks about her funny and compassionate book How To Be Human. She poses an important question – why have we started treating ourselves more like machines, and less like humans? Ruby has campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness about mental health issues, and was awarded an OBE for her services to mental health in the Honorary British Awards to Foreign Nationals in 2015. Christ Church, Julian Road, Friday, January 11, 8pm. Tickets £8.99, toppingbooks.co.uk
SEE AN ICONIC AND MOVING PLAY: The Oscar-winning film Rain Man is brought to the stage by Bill Kenwright, Classic Screen to Stage Theatre Company’s inaugural production starring Paul Nicholls and Chris Fountain. Self-centred salesman Charlie Babbitt discovers that his long-lost older brother Raymond, an autistic savant, has inherited the family fortune, and he’s determined to have his share. Theatre Royal, Tuesday, January 15, until Saturday, January 19, 7.30pm (matinees Wed, Thurs and Sat 2.30pm). Ticket prices vary, theatreroyal.org.uk
SEE LOCAL PLAYWRIGHTS PERFORM THEIR OWN WORK: Come To Where I’m From is a celebrated nationwide project, now visiting Bath and inviting some of the city’s finest playwrights to tell their story. Since 2010, writers from across the UK have been returning to their home towns to pen plays about the places that shaped them. The Bath edition will involve Hattie Taylor, Matt Grinter, Melanie Delargy and Samuel E Taylor. The egg, Tuesday, January 15, 8pm. Tickets £15/£12, theatreroyal.org.uk
GO TO A MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE SHOW AT: The Forum, where Ben Bowman embarks on a 40-date UK tour celebrating the life and work of this talented and influential entertainer. The UK’S ultimate Michael Jackson tribute star performs his show, Michael – Starring Ben, marking 10 years since Jackson’s death in 2009. With an incredible live band, stunning costumes and iconic dance routines, the show delivers an authentic and powerful recreation of the iconic superstar. The Forum, Friday, January 11, 7.30pm. Tickets £24.50, bathboxoffice.org.uk.
HEAR JAPAN’S VIEW ON WORLD AFFAIRS: Japanese ambassador and veteran trade negotiator Koji Tsuruoka will speak about Japan’s view of world security, development and investment. Formerly Japan’s chief negotiator for the Transpacific Partnership and the incumbent representative of the second largest non-european investor in the UK, Ambassador Tsuruoka is uniquely equipped to put an international perspective on the UK’S attempts to leave the EU. BRLSI, Tuesday, January 15, 7.30pm. Tickets £7/£4, bathboxoffice.org. uk
ATTEND A PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP AT: The Museum of Bath Architecture, aimed at beginner to intermediate level photographers. Learn the basics of photography from composition to Photoshop editing. The workshop will include photo walk, studio lighting session and Photoshop tutorial. Monday, January 14, 10.30-11.30am (booking essential). Tickets £15, museumofbatharchitecture.org.uk; more information from Tim Beale on 01225 333895 or email tbeale@bptrust.org.uk
SPEND AN EVENING WITH CLIVE ARROWSMITH: Join this internationally acclaimed photographer for an entertaining evening, and hear about the fascinating world of fashion and rock photography. Described as a whirlwind, force of nature and true British icon, Clive has photographed the likes of David Bowie, Kate Bush, Brian Ferry and Peter Gabriel, to name just a few. No.15 Great Pulteney, Monday, January 14, 6.30pm (7pm start). Tickets £40 (includes wine and light bites), 10% per cent discount for Discovery Card holders, museumofbatharchitecture.org. uk
TAKE A LAST LOOK AT THE FIRST WOMEN UK EXHIBITION BY: Anita Corbin, who created this photographic exhibition in 2018 to mark the centenary of the Representation of the People Act, which granted the vote to women and paved the way for universal suffrage. These striking images capture the innate pioneering spirit and nature of women, across all manner of disciplines. Fox Talbot Museum, Lacock Abbey, until Sunday, January 13. Free entry, but normal admission charges apply, nationaltrust.org.uk
Why not take the kids to…
PETER PAN AT THE THEATRE ROYAL: Before panto season ends for another year, go and enjoy this much-loved swashbuckling adventure for all the family. Escape to the magical world of Neverland, where Tinkerbell, Tiger Lily and the Lost Boys do battle with the dastardly Captain Hook and his pirate crew. Cast includes Paul Nicholas, Jon Monie and dancers from Dorothy Coleborn School of Dance. Until Sunday, January 13, performance times and prices vary, theatreroyal.org.uk.
A YOUNG WRITERS’ LAB SESSION: These monthly workshops are for budding young writers aged 12 to 18, and present an invaluable opportunity to work with writer Alice Maddicott and other young writers, developing writing skills and creative ideas. Gain exclusive access to Bath Festivals events, and create work for publication and sharing at the festivals. Bath Central Library, Saturday, January 12, 12pm. Tickets £10, bathboxoffice.org.uk
BATH POSTAL MUSEUM: This little gem is suitable for all ages, with video recordings, interactive displays and other exhibits on the history of the Mail Coach, airmail, military mail, sea mail and railways. There are talking heads to listen to, a dressing-up box, a Postman Pat-themed area for kids, plus the chance to actually touch some fascinating relics. Northgate Street/green Street, open Mon-sat, times vary. Tickets £4.50/£1.50, free for Discovery Card holders, more information at bathpostalmuseum.org.uk.
A BATH ABBEY TOWER TOUR: Go behind the scenes and see the abbey from a different perspective. Visit the ringing chamber and bell chamber, stand on top of the abbey’s fan vaulted ceiling, sit behind the clock face, and enjoy spectacular views from the roof. There are 212 steps to the top of the tower arranged in two spiral staircases, with a chance to rest in between; fully guided 45- to 50-minute tour. Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (on the hour). Tickets £8/£4, bathabbey.org
BATH’S VERY OWN TRAMPOLINE PARK: Better Extreme’s unique bounce arena has a mix of fun features, so there’s something for everyone. With a huge main jump arena and a range of other features to enjoy with family and friends, including a toddler bounce area, basketball hoops, dodgeball court, trapeze and foam pit, wipeout zone and a selfie wall. Bath Leisure Centre, daily sessions at various times. Tickets £11/£8.50 (£4 for accompanied underfives), extreme.better.org.uk
A WINTER RAMBLE AT DYRHAM PARK: Wrap up warm and join experienced ranger guides on a free tour of the park, and discover the beauty and history of its living landscape. Enjoy stunning views from various points around the parkland, see the deer in their thick winter coats and find out more about the history of this ancient limestone grassland site. Daily until February 28, 11am-12pm. Free tour, but usual admission applies, nationaltrust. org.uk
‘WALK TO A VIEW’ ALONG BATH’S SKYLINE: Rangers have devised a shorter three-mile circular walk from Bath’s city centre out to the countryside of the skyline. With a duration of approximately one and a half hours, this short walk has stunning views, hidden waterways and Georgian history. Self-led walk, trail details and map at nationaltrust.org.uk