Theatre Royal Bath
Main House
The Da Vinci Code
The world premiere production of the first stage adaptation of Dan Brown’s international phenomenon, The Da Vinci Code, runs for a week, Monday 31st January to Saturday 5th February.
Directed by Luke Sheppard, this new staging stars Olivier Awardwinning Nigel Harman (Eastenders, Hotel Babylon), Danny John-jules (Red Dwarf, Death in Paradise) and newcomer Hannah Rose Caton.
The curator of the Louvre has been brutally murdered, and alongside his body are a series of baffling codes.
The Da Vinci Code takes audiences on a pulse-racing journey as Professor Robert Langdon and fellow cryptologist Sophie Neveu, attempt to solve the riddles, leading to the works of Leonardo Da Vinci and beyond, deep into the vault of history.
In a breathless race through the streets of Europe, Langdon and Neveu must decipher the labyrinthine code before a shocking historical secret is lost forever. The Da Vinci Code is adapted for the stage by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel.
Fatal Attraction
From Tuesday 8th to Saturday 12th February, James Dearden’s intoxicating staging of Fatal Attraction brings the movie thriller based on the classic Paramount Pictures Corporation motion picture to Bath.
This new production stars Kym Marsh (Coronation Street, The Syndicate, Morning Live, Hear’say) as Alex Forrest with Oliver Farnworth (Coronation Street, Mr Selfridge, The Royal, The Girl On The Train) as Dan Gallagher and Susie Amy (Footballers’ Wives, Hollyoaks, Echo Beach) as Dan’s wife, Beth.
When happily married New York attorney Dan meets charming editor Alex on a night out in the city, they both commit to a night of passion they can’t take back.
Dan returns home to his family and tries to forget the mistake he has made, but Alex has different ideas.
Dan’s about to discover that love is a dangerous game, and Alex has only one rule; you play fair with her, and she’ll play fair with you.
This provocative and gripping tale of seduction and suspense promises edge of the seat entertainment as Fatal Attraction is brought to the stage for the first time.
SAS Great Escapes
On Friday 11th February at noon, the Theatre Royal’s Special Events programme presents SAS Great Escapes and welcomes back Damien Lewis, an unrivalled storyteller when it comes to retelling the unknown heroic deeds which took place during World War II.
Hosted by Jane Tapley, Damien will be talking about his latest book with gripping accounts of unbelievable endurance.
An Hour And A Half Late
From Wednesday 16th to Saturday 26th February, a new production of this comedy opens its UK tour at the Theatre Royal.
Olivier Award-winning actors Griff Rhys Jones and Janie Dee star in this devastatingly funny portrait of a couple whose rosy life in leafy London takes a sudden turn after a spur of the moment, candid conversation launches an outpouring of emotions, home truths and anarchy.
Directed and adapted by Belinda Lang, An Hour And A Half Late is written by Jean Dell and Gérald Sibleyras.
Actor, writer, presenter, comedian and two-time Olivier Award-winner Griff Rhys Jones returns to Bath after last appearing in the classic Molière comedy, The Miser in 2017.
One of the UK’S most versatile actors, Janie Dee is the winner of Olivier Awards for Carousel, Comic Potential and Hello Dolly! Janie was a regular star of Bath’s renowned Peter Hall Seasons.
Tickets for all performances are on sale at the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 and online at www.theatreroyal.org.uk.
Ustinov Studio
Forgiveness
The Ustinov Studio’s popular Visiting Company Season continues with four freshly announced shows starting with Forgiveness (inset below) on Thursday, 10th February.
Hilarious and heart-rending in equal measure, Forgiveness is a true story by Jonny Donahoe which shows how despite a childhood shattered by abuse it can be possible to reach a place of peace.
Jonny does not know his dad. He is very suddenly a dad.
This new solo show about reluctant fathers, bad life choices and one very unfortunate chicken explores the cycles of abuse that form and affect who we are; if and how we can escape them and move on, and how the stories we tell about our lives become the stories we live and relive.
Jonny Donahoe is the co-creator and performer of Every Brilliant Thing, which he performed more than four hundred times over four continents, including a five month run offbroadway, a show that was filmed and screened on HBO.
First Time
On Tuesday 15th February, awardwinning HIV+ theatre maker Nathaniel
Hall, recently seen in Channel 4’s It’s A Sin, performs his critically acclaimed show First Time described by Broadway World as “heartbreaking, eye-opening and uplifting” in their five star review.
Can you remember your first time? Nathaniel can’t seem to forget his. To be fair, he has had it playing on repeat for the past 15 years. Now the parties are over, the balloons have all burst and he’s left living his best queer life.
Exploring the ups and downs of living with HIV since age 16, First Time is the funny and moving autobiographical, solo show written and performed by HIV activist Nathaniel about his personal experiences of growing up positive in a negative world.
Yukon Ho!
On Saturday 19th February, internationally renowned choreographer Jennifer Irons’ riotous one-woman show Yukon Ho! visits Bath.
Dark, fearless, original, bizarre, at times tragic and very funny, this (mostly) true, cabaret-style show was a hit in Edinburgh and now tours to the West Country.
Yukon Territory in Canada’s frozen north is where North America’s coldest temperature ever (-63 degrees Celsius) was recorded.
A challenging place to live, where many people die tragically young as a result of accidents and the harsh Arctic winters.
It’s where Jennifer (inset) was born and raised, dreaming of leaving. Growing up in a tough, isolated mining town with little prospect of reaching ‘The Outside,’ Jennifer found release through performance. Her passion for dance subsequently led to an extraordinary journey out of the Yukon, and around the world.
In Yukon Ho!, awardwinning choreographer Jennifer is ‘Intrepid Jen,’ telling her story of survival and escape from an unbelievably mad life in the territory, and an eventual reconciliation through reconnection with her homeland.
The Ballad of Maria Marten
On Friday 25th and Saturday 26th February, a critically acclaimed production of The Ballad of Maria Marten tours to the Ustinov Studio for three performances.
It is summer 1827 and in a red barn Maria Marten awaits her lover. One year later, her body is found underneath the flooring in a grain sack, and the manhunt begins.
Focussing on Maria’s life rather than her death, this feminist adaptation by Beth Flintoff brings Maria’s own perspective to the forefront of the infamous ‘Red Barn Murder.’
Featuring an all-female cast including Elizabeth Crarer in the title role, alongside Jessica Dives, Susie Barrett, Sarah Goddard, Bethan Nash and Lydia Bakelmun, the performance is directed by Hal Chambers.
The Ballad of Maria Marten is a clarion call for an equal and safe society, showcasing the power and joy that can be found in female camaraderie.
Tickets for all performances at the Ustinov Studio are on sale at the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 and online at www. theatreroyal.org.uk/ustinov.
The Egg
Snow Mouse
The youngest theatregoers and their families can enjoy Bath favourite Snow Mouse at The Egg until Sunday 6th February.
Back by popular demand for an incredible 7th year, this enchanting winter’s tale is performed by Nikki Warwick and directed by Nik Partridge.
Winter has arrived and the woods are covered in white. A child plays outside in a sparkly new world. Just when starting to feel a little bit lonely, a sleeping mouse is found buried under the soft white flakes.
Sliding, tumbling and laughing; they explore the winter wonderland
together and keep each other safe and warm from the winter freeze.
A perfect first theatre experience for ages 6 months to 4 years, Snow Mouse invites youngsters to join two new friends on their adventures in a magical forest full of play, puppetry and music.
Pebble On The Beach
From Friday 18th to Tuesday 22nd February, Pebble On The Beach tours to The Egg for an unforgettable trip to the seaside presented by the acclaimed M6 Theatre Company.
Everyone’s welcome on Al’s beach in Sandyway Bay. He rents deck chairs, sells beach toys and generally keeps things ship shape. Samantha has decided to have a day at the seaside. She is shy, reserved and cautious and Pebble is Samantha’s best friend.
When Al lets curiosity get the better of him, Pebble goes missing. But in looking for her much-loved friend, Samantha comes out of her shell and discovers the freedom to be herself.
Featuring a lively mix of dancing, singing and puppetry, Pebble on the Beach promises a heart-warming and reassuring tale for audiences aged 3 to 9 years.
Club Origami
On Wednesday 23rd February, Club Origami brings an immersive and interactive dance show which invites children aged 3 to 6 years to create, imagine and explore whole new ways of thinking, playing and moving.
As you scrunch the paper, see how your imagination begins to dance… rip, fold and scrumple, what can be created with a single square of paper?
Presented by Takeshi Matsumoto with Little Big Dance, Club Origami combines dance, fashion and live music with the magic of origami to sweep family audiences up in a spirited and inspiring adventure in a land made purely of paper and play.
Little Murmur
On Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th February audiences aged 7 and over can prepare to be mesmerised when Little Murmur brings a stunning visual treat.
Based on the true story of one child’s struggle with letters and words, Little Murmur is about facing challenges and overcoming the odds.
Tickets for performances at The Egg are on sale at the Theatre Royal Box Office on 01225 448844, The Egg on 01225 823 409 and online at www. theatreroyal.org.uk/whats-on.
Mission Theatre
Alive and Brel
Making a welcome return to The Mission after a triumphant visit in summer 2021, Alive and Brel features the finest songs from the iconic master of the modern chanson,
Jacques Brel.
Brel’s lyrics have new life breathed into them when this trio of singers perform their cabaret revue, ‘Alive and Brel.’ Featuring classics such as Ne me quitte pas, Amsterdam and Jacky, Brel’s music is famed for its emotional power and ironic wit.
His songs, which have been recorded by international stars ranging from Frank Sinatra and Dusty Springfield to David Bowie and Marc Almond, have been likened to miniature films, laced with dark and passionate observations which paint a tableau of imperfect humanity.
Friday 4th – Saturday 5th February, 8pm. Tickets £15 (£12.50 concs). https://komedia.co.uk/bath/ whats-on.
My Soulmate’s Husband’s
Soulmate
One day the world wakes up just knowing that soulmates exist. Not only that, but the lucky ones also know exactly where to find theirs.
They have a tugging feeling in their chest that, if followed, will take them straight to the person who is most suited to them.
Erin and Adrian are happily married when Johan arrives on their doorstep. He is Erin’s soulmate. Neither Adrian nor Erin know quite what to do with him.
The three depart on a road trip to find Adrian’s soulmate - the trouble is: they’re not sure where to start.
This new play by Gina Thorley is an upbeat, but bittersweet, black comedy about fate, romance, empathy and the ways we’re taught to think about love, presented by Mudlarks Theatre.
15+, contains strong language and mild sex references.
The Man Who Thought He Knew Too Much Chaplin meets Hitchcock meets Spaghetti Western in this fast-paced whodunnit, an original piece by Voloz Collective.
After winning the Les Enfants Terribles and Greenwich Theatre Award 2020, Voloz Collective are heading on a UK tour with this show which is an intercontinental, intergenre, cinematic caper of accusations, accidents, and accents.
Roger Clement, a Frenchman in 1960s New York, has followed the same predictable routine for years, until a minor delay saves him from an explosion, throwing his ordered world into chaos as Roger chases his would-be assassins around the world to discover the truth.
Raucously funny and endlessly inventive, this Lecoq-trained theatre company delights and stuns with live, original music and virtuosic acrobatics in this award-winning fast-paced whodunnit.
The show comes to The Mission for two performances only– don’t miss it!
Thursday 10th – Friday 11th February, 7.30pm. Tickets £15 (£13 concs). www. volozcollective.com/tickets.
Love Lit
Let’s do it, let’s fall in love! In this Creative Writing Workshop in The Theatre Upstairs we’ll explore how to dream up the perfect couple, create an original meet cute and write a sizzling romance.
There will be tutored sessions, writing time, personal and group feedback all led by experienced facilitator Clare Reddaway. Clare’s first workshop at The Mission was a treat.
Saturday 12th February, 10am4.30pm. Tickets £25. www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/209122028617.
Around the World in 80 Days It’s 1872. The Nightingale has struck again! The famous art thief has stolen three paintings from museums around London and is now attempting to flee the country for the safety of foreign soil.
At the same time, Phileas Fogg and his new valet Passepartout are attempting to go Around the World in 80 Days in order to win a bet of £20,000. But is that just a cover story to hide the dastardly escape of The Nightingale?
That’s what Chief Inspector Fix, Scotland Yard’s finest detective, believes and he will stop at nothing to capture our heroes.
Join Rain or Shine Theatre Company for a knock-about adventure full of mishaps, tomfoolery, British stiff upper lip, curious camels, and lashings of comedy in this adaptation for the stage by Rob Keeves of the original novel by Jules Verne.
Saturday 19th - Sunday 20th February, 7.30pm. Matinee Sunday 20th February, 2.30pm. Tickets £14.£12 concs -over 60 or full time students. £7 children 5-15. www.ticketsource.co.uk/ rain-or-shine-theatre-co/e-yylxee.
Tickets for the Ark: Rebecca Nesbit in Conversation
We are delighted to welcome scientist and author Rebecca Nesbit, inset, as she launches her new book Tickets for the Ark: From Wasps to Whales – How Do We Choose What to Save?
Rebecca’s book reflects on the biggest issue facing humanity: the very future of the planet, its eco-systems and our part in it.
What do we want the ‘natural world’ to look like, and how can we shape a world in which wildlife and people can thrive?
In Tickets for the Ark, presented by Duncan Steer, Rebecca brings clarity to these head-spinningly huge debates at the intersection of science and ethics. Thursday 24th February, 7.30pm. Book + ticket £20. Ticket only £12. Concessions £10. buytickets.at/ radiodaysevents.
Macbeth
Wayward sisters gather on the heath. Change is hovering on the fog and filthy air.
Macbeth, driven to murder by ambition, must now navigate his path to greatness, amidst his unsettled friends and vengeful foes, and the supernatural influences that guide his every step.
Wise + Wayward Theatre’s interpretation of Shakespeare’s tale of ambition and betrayal uses the Bard’s original words, mixed with elements of text from the North Berwick witch trials (as described in James I’s Daemonologie) to emphasise the role of women and witchcraft in the play.
Brought to life with live music, and a cast of 8, this is the perfect production for a cold winter’s night. 11+ - contains scenes of violence.
Friday 25th – Saturday 26th February, 7.30pm. Tickets £14. £10 Under 25s. www.ticketsource.co.uk/stroudshakespeare-festival/t-epzpqx.