The Mission
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Next Stage Theatre Company are delighted to bring this 1962 modern classic by Edward Albee to The Mission Theatre with an in-the-round staging under the direction of the company’s Artistic Director Ann Ellison BEM.
George, a middleaged professor in a small New-england college, and his wife, Martha, stumble home, drunk from a faculty party.
Martha announces, amidst general profanity, that she has invited a young couple she has met that night for the first time - opportunistic new professor, Nick, and his wife Honey - to stop by for a nightcap.
As the young couple are drawn into a traumatic night of dangerous fun and games it becomes apparent that underneath the edgy banter, which is crossfired between both couples, there lurks an undercurrent of tragedy and despair in the personal Hell that is George and Martha’s marriage.
Finally, the root of the couple’s inhuman bitterness towards one another is revealed, providing a stunning, almost unbearable climax that has shocked audiences for years.
Do not miss the chance to see this searing black comedy with Jane Lawson and Richard Matthews taking the iconic roles of Martha and George, whilst Georgi Bassil and Dan Darragh play Honey and Nick. Monday 23rd – Friday 27th May 7.30pm. (NB postponed due to Covid from March 2022). Tickets £15 (£13 concs). First 25 student tickets £5. www.missiontheatre.co.uk/tickets, email nextstagebath@aol.com, phone 01225 428600.
Black Comedy
A work of pure, farcical genius, Peter Shaffer’s Black Comedy presented by Playing Up Theatre Company blends physical slapstick, a great gag about lighting, and visual comedy that is timed to perfection.
Unknown artist Brindsley is desperately trying to impress his potential future father-in-law, as well as a famous German art dealer, by throwing a drinks party.
So he’s ‘borrowed’ (pinched!) some expensive rare furniture from his antique dealer neighbour without his permission. Then there’s a power cut!
In total darkness (don’t worry the audience sees everything, it is the characters who can’t ‘see’ apparently) the teetotal lady upstairs who is afraid of the dark arrives, the antique dealer neighbour returns unexpectedly, and so does Brindsley’s jealous, former mistress.
The problem is no one can see anyone and chaos ensues.
Tuesday 3rd – Saturday 7th May, 8pm. Tickets £12, concessions £10. Bath Box Office 01225 463362. Online at www. bathboxoffice.org.uk.
Dean Friedman: In Concert Hailed by critics and fans alike as one of the finest songwriters of his generation, Dean Friedman (inset) has achieved legendary, pop-icon status for chart-topping hits, Ariel, Lucky Stars, Lydia, Mcdonald’s Girl and more.
After Friedman’s sold-out, 40th Anniversary Tour, he returns to the stage armed with a stunning collection of his insightful and compelling, true-to-life ‘story songs’ - with pathos and humour that deal with family, friends, neighbours, work and the seemingly trivial, yet essential stuff of everyday life. Sunday 15th May 7.30pm. Tickets: £28. Concs £25. VEP (very enthusiastic person) tickets (£58) offer the chance to attend a soundcheck at 6.30pm and have a meet and greet with Dean. Online: www.missiontheatre.co.uk/ tickets. Email: nextstagebath@aol. com. Phone 01225 428600.