Pick of Diary Events in Bath
Thu 1-Sun 11 Jun. Bath Fringe. Various events with a festival of all the arts in numerous venues.
What’s On in Bath Fringe Festival – W/C 5th June 2023 – to end of Festival on June 11th
Photo: Celebrate Me. See The Rondo on Friday 9th of June 8pm
| SHOW | Bluffing Your Way in Ballet |
| BY | Seizing the Day |
| COPY | Beyond the tutu! Bluffing Your Way In Ballet pirouettes its fast-paced and irreverent way through the history of this most dynamic of performing arts, with stories and dances from the ballet greats including Isadora Duncan, Anna Pavlova, Vaslav Nijinsky, Marie Rambert – and Darcey Bussell! You’ll hear funny and moving stories from ballet’s leading performers: Louis XIV of France who helped create the five positions of the feet Vaslav Nijinsky who beguiled audiences with his unbelievable mastery those leaps! Margot Fonteyn and Rudolph Nureyev with their perfect dance partnership Strictly Come Dancing’s Dame Darcey Bussell who brings Ballet and dance to new and larger audiences And more! Seizing The Day Company will demonstrate – in avant-garde fashion – the intrigue, tragedy, and magic of ballet’s greatest stars, past and present. Alexandra Pickford was formerly with the Royal Ballet Company and English National Ballet and has danced with some of these great stars. She is delighted to share her knowledge and experiences with you! “Bluffing Your Way in Ballet has such warmth and charm. Congratulations again on a brilliant night of theatre”. Jessica Campbell, Senior Producer, Bristol Old Vic “This wonderful group of performers led by the effervescent Alexandra Pickford. Bluffing Your Way in Ballet amused and delighted. There were moments of absurdity, beauty and true pathos”. Edson Burton MBE Recommended age 16+ – the show contains adult themes and the occasional use of strong language but is mostly just good fun! Plus! Come to the FREE pre-performance dance taster at The Mission Theatre at 6.30pm (doors open at 6.15pm for this). The dance taster is led by Alexandra Pickford, now dancer and producer in Bluffing Your Way In Ballet. The Mission Theatre 6.30pm to 7pm. All welcome. You will warm up and try some moves from our Show, Bluffing Your way in Ballet, including Les Sylphides, the Rite of Spring and Romeo and Juliet! For more details contact Alexandra at jeanpickforddancersearcher@gmail.com |
| VENUE | The Mission Theatre |
| DATE/TIME | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 5th, 6th, 7th of June 8pm (doors at 6.15) |
| TICKETS | https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/5741830 |
| SM HANDLES | The Company FB – https://www.facebook.com/groups/seizingthedaycompany The Venue Twitter – @mission_theatre FB – https://www.facebook.com/TheMissionTheatreBath/?locale=en_GB |
| SHOW | The Rank and File |
| BY | by Ken Loach |
| COPY | Ken Loach introduces one of his BBC plays from the 1960s. With the subject of strikes and labour disputes a contemporary concern, this play from over 50 years ago has resonance. We are delighted Ken Loach has agreed to introduce this play, one of his earliest collaborations with the BBC. |
| VENUE | The Museum of Bath at Work |
| DATE/TIME | Tuesday 6th of June 7.30pm (doors 7.00) |
| TICKETS | Available on the door |
| SM HANDLES | The Venue IG – @museum_of_bath_at_work Twitter – @BathAtWork FB – @museumofbathatwork |
| SHOW | Raising Kane |
| BY | Fake Escape |
| COPY | In 1941 a precocious young upstart of New York’s glittering theatre scene tried his hand at making a movie; accidentally creating the greatest motion picture of all time. His name was Orson Welles. Fake Escape Artistic Director, and Bath’s very own, David Shopland returns to the stage after more than a decade to portray one of the most unique personalities in Hollywood history as triumphs, tragedies and the truth are twisted upside down until fact and fantasy inevitably collide. Presented in glorious black and white! ***** A Masterpiece WestEndWilma on Fake Escape’s Saving Britney |
| VENUE | The Little Theatre Cinema – (screen 2 – upstairs) |
| DATE/TIME | Wednesday 7th of June 6.30pm (doors 6.00) |
| TICKETS | https://bathboxoffice.org.uk/whats-on/raising-kane |
| SM HANDLES | The Company IG – @fakeescapetc Twitter – @FakeEscapeTC FB – @fakeescape The Venue IG – @TheLittleTheatreCinema Twitter – @LittleTheatreUK FB – @TheLittleTheatreCinema |
| SHOW | Sex, Art and the Art of Survival |
| BY | Helen Prior |
| COPY | A former art historian, Helen, a British comedian with Ukrainian and Russian ancestry, will take you on a journey of life through her curated gallery of art masterpieces. Be prepared for an exciting rollercoaster. Helen will take you on a journey with the help of the art masterpieces. After a serious brush with cancer, Helen managed to transform herself from a victim into a victorious survivor. No waste of life for Helen – she embarked on all sort of adventures – and her last adventure is comedy! “Playfully bold-faced and witty. This lady hits like late night shots of sweetened vodka.” Alfie Evers. “Helen is very, very funny. Her gags had the crowd in hysterics. See her while you can!” Promoter David Lewis “Her material is unique as it is strong, and her performance sold her set.” The Nott “Helen’s Prior first stand–up comedy show proves to be fresh, funny, and frank.” Loureviews Age Restrictions: 16+ |
| VENUE | Burdall’s Yard |
| DATE/TIME | Wednesday 7th of June |
| TICKETS | https://www.jokepit.com/comedy-in/bath/sex-art-and-art-of-survival-a-comedy-show-written-a/8431 |
| SM HANDLES | The Company IG – @helen.prior FB – helen.prior 94 www.hilariousbird.co.uk The Venue IG – @burdallsyard Twitter – @burdallsyard_ FB – https://www.facebook.com/burdallsyardbath/ |
| SHOW | The Trouble with Tribbles ARCC: It Came from Bathwick |
| BY | ARCC |
| COPY | The Trouble with Tribbles ARCC : It Came From Outer Bathwick Hey revellers! After Professor Quatermass defeated the COVID virus threat from Alpha Centuri, finally it’s safe to venture out again. Where better than to see and listen to ARCC performing the latest episode in our continuing mission to seek out strange films and play along with our unique form of improvised soundtrack, thus changing the experience and message in subtle and not so subtle ways. Extracts from iconic and classic science fiction movies as you never imagined them. Expect, as always, the unexpected… and tribbles. |
| VENUE | Newark Works |
| DATE/TIME | Thursday 8th of June 8pm (doors at 7.30) |
| TICKETS | Available on the door |
| SM HANDLES | NA |
| SHOW | Human Nature |
| BY | Maple Leaf Theatre Written by Scott Jerram |
| COPY | Human Nature is a show based around the idea of how much we, as humans, are related to the animals we evolved from. It is set in 1985 and follows the events of the cold war had it ended in a full scale nuclear war. We join one of the main characters, Aiden, alone making video diaries for the future. He, like a few others, had survived the catastrophe that had befallen most of Europe in the year prior. We see some of Aiden’s past during some flashbacks he has. Aidan is later joined by another, Evie, who has been alone for longer. She is noticeably more animalistic than Aidan. The play also looks at how animalised we become when we lose human contact and all of the technology we rely on so heavily. We have to go back to basics and learn how to live again. Age Guidance: 14+ Contains mild nudity and sexual content, strong language, a gunshot and flashing lights. |
| VENUE | The Rondo |
| DATE/TIME | Thursday 8th of June 8pm (doors 7.30) |
| TICKETS | https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/rondotheatre/human-nature/e-edvojv |
| SM HANDLES | The Venue IG – @rondotheatre Twitter – @rondotheatre FB – @rondotheatre |
| SHOW | Celebrate Me |
| BY | Really Truly Theatre Written by Polly Lamb |
| COPY | Barbara is turning 92 and her birthday preparations are in full swing. The music will be vintage, the buffet won’t be beige, and the guest list is nearly complete. Dutiful Laura is buckling under the burden while her sister Michelle sips herbal tea and aligns her chakras. But behind the party balloons and banners, Barbara and her granddaughter Sophie are planning an alternative celebration which could shake up the relationships of six women for good. As they prep the punch, three generations discover that they can celebrate the power, pain and beauty of making their own choices, whatever they may be. Find out where the pieces fall as you join Barbara and her family in this engaging, funny and moving new comedy drama. Contains strong language and some adult themes. Praise for Really Truly’s Lockdown Blues: “…they all vividly, wittily, poignantly, angrily, tearfully, bring the audience a fascinating glimpse of their individual worlds…never less than riveting insights brought to extraordinary life by six gifted actors. Magic.” John Christopher Wood, Bath Echo “Polly Lamb’s play demonstrates her extraordinary perception and humanity, expressed with humour and poignant empathy by six brilliant actors…touches of Alan Bennett in the skill of its writing. An exceptional treat.” Gay Pirie-Weir, The Fine Times Recorder |
| VENUE | The Rondo Theatre |
| DATE/TIME | Friday 9th of June 8pm (doors 7.30) |
| TICKETS | https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/rondotheatre/celebrate-me/e-oxlmxj |
| SM HANDLES | The Company FB – https://www.facebook.com/reallytrulytheatre The Venue IG – @rondotheatre Twitter – @rondotheatre FB – @rondotheatre |
| SHOW | Mississippi Macdonald |
| BY | Mississippi Macdonald |
| COPY | Mississippi MacDonald is an English Soul-Blues singer/songwriter/guitarist, fronting a four-piece band. He is a 6 times British/UK Blues Awards and three times US Independent Blues Awards nominee. He has appeared on BBC Radio 2’s Blues Show with Cerys Matthews, has played extensively in the UK and the US, and has recorded recently in the US with Vaneese Thomas (Rufus Thomas) and Benny Turner (Freddie King, Mighty Joe Young). His previous album, Do Right, Say Right was named in the top 10 Blues Albums of 2022 by Mojo Magazine. Touring his second album for APM Records, Heavy State Loving Blues, he was appraised by Blues In Britain Magazine as “one of finest modern bluesmen in the U.K. and on this release he’s excelled in all areas.” The Heavy State Loving Blues album has charted for multiple weeks at the top of the RMR Global Blues Report, second only to Buddy Guy. “Contemporary British bluesman Mississippi MacDonald proves he’s as legit as they come on his hard-charging new record HSLB…a compelling, engaging artist who is going to make a lot of new friends with this record. Make sure you’re one of them” Rock and Blues Muse |
| VENUE | Chapel Arts Centre |
| DATE/TIME | Friday 9th of June 8pm (doors 7.30) |
| TICKETS | https://chapelarts.org/events/mississippi-macdonald/ |
| SM HANDLES | The Company IG – @mississippimacdonald The Venue Twitter – @ChapelArtsCentre FB – @ChapelArtCentre |
| SHOW | 20:20 Vision X |
| BY | Fake Escape |
| COPY | 72 Hours. No Script. Whatever Happens, Happens. In 2013, three Bathonians got together and created the first ever 20:20 Vision site-specific new writing festival. Now for its 10th Anniversary, ‘Bath’s Favourite Immersive Company’ Fake Escape return to the fringe with their most ambitious project; create a fully realised new play in 3 days. Taking over a secret location, this will be a completely unique experience never to be repeated. Featuring a talented cast with credits from the West End to Off Broadway. This is one event you won’t want to miss! |
| VENUE | Secret Location in Bath! |
| DATE/TIME | Saturday 10th of June 7.30pm (doors 7.45) |
| TICKETS | https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2020-vision-x-tickets-625380047557 |
| SM HANDLES | The Company IG – @fakeescapetc Twitter – @FakeEscapeTC FB – @fakeescape |
| SHOW | Boorish Trumpson |
| BY | Claire Parry |
| COPY | Boorish Trumpson: a power-grabbing rehearsal conductor who will stop at nothing to gain ultimate control over the orchestra. And YOU are the orchestra. #MakeMusicGreatAgain With clowning games, audience interaction and unexpected orchestral manipulations, Boorish Trumpson plays with the audience in an attempt to assert his ultimate power grab. The unique sound design, virtuosic physicality, and playful absurdity of the piece (not to mention a script constructed from verbatim Trump and Johnson quotes) creates a raucous humour whilst the bigger questions bubble below: in our world of troubled politics, how complicit are we in enabling such figures to rise to the top? An interactive, music and clowning-filled interrogation of power and those who wield it, from critically acclaimed Lecoq-trained clown Claire Parry. Praise for Boorish Trumpson: ★★★★★ “Mesmerising clowning and physicality” Express ★★★★★ “Incredibly unique and a whole lot of fun” Bookmarks & Stages ★★★★★ “Unmissable…Simply spellbinding” EverythingTheatre ★★★★ “Hilarious, bold & shrewdly clever masterclass in interactive physical comedy” FringeBiscuit ★★★★ “Claire Parry is masterful” Theatre Weekly ★★★★ “Fantastic comedy timing” VoiceMag |
| VENUE | The Rondo Theatre |
| DATE/TIME | Saturday 10th of June 8pm (doors 7.30) |
| TICKETS | https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/bath/rondo-theatre/boorish-trumpson/e-bdloxo |
| SM HANDLES | The Company IG – @clairelpparry1 Twitter – @ClaireLPParry FB – https://www.facebook.com/ClaireLPParry The Venue IG – @rondotheatre Twitter – @rondotheatre FB – @rondotheatre |
| SHOW | The Brackish with support from Shoun Shoun |
| BY | Presented by Bath Fringe By arrangement with Outsider Arts |
| COPY | An immersive, two set-show from one of Bristol’s most revered live outfits. The Brackish are an audacious assembly of guitarists Luke Cawthra (Phantom Limb) and Neil Smith (This Is The Kit), drummer Matt Jones (Zun Zun Egui) and Port Erin bassist, Jacob Myles Tyghe. With five albums under their belts, the band has gained a reputation for awe-inspiring live shows across the European and UK art rock scenes. Their fifth album ‘Donor Zone’ will be released this Autumn by the heralded Bristol label, Stolen Body Records. ‘A Musical Hall Of Mirrors built with warped genius’ 9/10 Guitarist Magazine ‘Breathtaking verve, guts and temerity…. going from deep harmonic abstraction, to driving, algebraic, Beefheartian romps to joyous, triumphant crescendos. If you EVER have the chance to see them play…make sure you do. Otherwise start by buying this album.’ Louder Than War Shoun Shoun From Berlin now Bristol based unflinching, atmospheric noise pop and art rock with the urban ennui of Nico and the noise of Sonic Youth. “Annette Berlin’s Bristol quartet Shoun Shoun release an arresting debut album filled with lo-fi lockdown anxiety and raucous tales of bad behaviour.” Louder Than War “Rather than just rely on raw power they have moulded their sound into something stylish and intelligent and I could easily see them playing a set at the Tate Modern or MOMA.” JOYZINE |
| VENUE | The Bell (back bar) |
| DATE/TIME | Saturday 10th of June 8pm (doors 7.30) |
| TICKETS | https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Bath/The-Bell-Inn/Bath-Fringe–The-Brackish–Shoun-Shoun/36333921/ |
| SM HANDLES | The Company IG @thebrackishmusic Twitter – @outsider_music FB – https://www.facebook.com/TheBrackish/?locale=en_GB The Venue IG – @thebellinnbath Twitter – @thebellinnbath FB – @thebellinn |
| SHOW | Nick Harper – Tempus Fugitive |
| BY | Presented by Bath Fringe By arrangement with Outsider Arts |
| COPY | A Bath Fringe exclusive this evening will be the first live preview from Nick Harper’s forthcoming album, Tempus Fugitive – released this September. In a new, uniquely styled, acoustically driven album and tour, Nick explores the past, present and future in his own singular way. Will this be the one album to unite them all? Only time will tell… ‘Harper has so much musicianship in him it just leaks out all over the place.’ The Times ‘One of the finest guitarists of his generation, the Bard of Wiltshire’ Mojo ‘He deserves to become a major figure in his own right’ The Guardian ‘Dylan for the iPod generation…Betjeman with a guitar.’ Guitarist ‘My musical discovery of 2016!’ Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music ‘Acoustic Hendrix!’ Guitar Magazine ‘Hey, the boy is good!’ Robert Plant ‘That boy is too good.’ Bert Jansch |
| VENUE | The Bell (back bar) |
| DATE/TIME | Sunday 11th of June 8pm (doors 7.30) |
| TICKETS | https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Bath/The-Bell-Inn/Bath-Fringe-presents–Nick-Harper–Tempus-Fugitive/36332305/ |
| SM HANDLES | The Company IG – @outsider_music Twitter – @NickHarperOfficial FB – https://www.facebook.com/NickHarperOfficial/?locale=en_GB The Venue IG – @thebellinnbath Twitter – @thebellinnbath FB – @thebellinn |
To see the full programme and book tickets please visit www.bathfringe.co.uk/whats-on
Facebook & Twitter: @bathfringe Instagram: @bath_fringe
See https://www.bathfringe.co.uk/ for all the events. There really is something for everyone including children.