Celebrating Music and Books in a Beautiful City
15–24 May 2020
Official Partner:
www.thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
PA RT N ER S Official Partner:
Strategic Partners:
Supported by:
Official Book Seller:
Official Media Partner:
Official Broadcast Partner:
Official Travel Partner:
Official Ticket Agent:
Trusts:
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The Roper Family Charitable Trust
The Trevor Osborne Charitable Trust
The Coles-Medlock Foundation
Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation
THE BATH F ES TIVA L 2020
WELCOME TO THE BATH FESTIVAL 2020 A 10-day celebration of music and books in the unique buildings and open spaces of our beautiful city. A festival of over 140 events that will start conversations, inspire and promote the positive impact that music, words, books and performance can have on people’s lives. An annual event produced by the charity Bath Festivals, only made possible thanks to the very generous support of our volunteers, members, patrons and partners. Turn the page to hear more about the festival events from the programmers themselves.
MUSIC
BOOKS
VISIT
TICKETS
MAP
See p41–44 for our handy pull out diary in the centre for a quick view of the whole festival programme.
EXPERIENCE
Look out for our tabs in the top corner of each page to navigate your way through the brochure.
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P8-27
P28-65
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3 BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
THE BATH F ES TIVA L 2020
BATH’S VENUES COME ALIVE WITH MUSIC This year’s music programme offers magic and mystery with the possibility of something unexpected, and celebrates the best of the beautiful venues of Bath. An extraordinary cast of musicians from well-known artists such as Patti Smith, John Grant, Chris Wood, Teddy Thompson and Get The Blessing, to new talent with our Classical Music Rising Stars collection: six concerts which feature the most exciting musicians sharing their spectacular performances, supported by classical music radio station Scala Radio.
performed by the internationally renowned Heath String Quartet in three concerts. We are thrilled to announce the return of the Bath Festival Orchestra and to welcome BBC Radio 3 to the festival to record the concert. Janácek’s Sinfonietta and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 are at the core of a fabulous evening with the Bath Philharmonia who are joined by two brilliant young soloists and the Band of the Royal Marines School of Music. Festivals are about igniting conversation and inspiring thought and Apphia Campbell’s award-winning and unmissable theatre performance WOKE will do just that. Set against a live soundtrack of gospel and blues it follows two women’s fight for civil rights. For the first time we will be using The Edge performance space which sees the start of a festival partnership with the University of Bath.
Festivals create unique moments and none more so than an intimate performance of Henryk Górecki’s evocative Symphony of Sorrowful Songs against the stunning backdrop of the Roman Baths conducted by Charles Hazlewood and performed by the Paraorchestra with soprano Victoria Oruwari. The Welsh National Opera and Wales Millennium Centre production of Poulenc’s La Voix Humaine gives you the chance to visit one of the city’s most beautiful unseen locations and be part of this must-see immersive experience that will be talked about for years to come.
After their sell-out 2019 event, The Dodge Brothers return with Mark Kermode alongside pianist Neil Brand for a barnstorming live soundtrack to the 1928 silent film Beggars of Life; a co-promotion with Bath Fringe Finally, with headliners McFly and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell & Astro, the Finale Weekend on Bath Rec is an ideal introduction to the festival experience for the whole family.
We return to Bath Abbey with an irresistible programme of Renaissance choral music with The Gesualdo Six. Bertrand Chamayou, one of today’s most exciting pianists, gives a virtuoso recital at the Assembly Rooms where we also celebrate the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth with eight of his unparalleled string quartets
La Voix Humaine Bertrand
Page 12 Chamayou
John Grant 4
p9
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Immerse yourself and enjoy! Sarah Dennehy and James Waters, Music Programmers
Charles La Voix Hazlewood Humaine with the La Voix Page 12 Paraorchestra Humaine p11
La Voix Humaine Page 12 WOKE p12
Patti Smith p17
p21
Embracing the spirit of enquiry, the 2020 literature programme is a hotbed for writers, politicians, comedians and journalists to explore new ways of seeing the world and open up conversations. From Marcus Brigstocke tearing through the Sunday papers to Laura Dockrill talking about post-partum psychosis; Emily Eavis on 50 years of Glastonbury to Patrick Barkham on the importance of nature; and a Secret Service Brainteaser Quiz at Boston Tea Party to Fran’s Bookshop Live! at Walcot House. Look out for Adam Buxton in the Forum taking a brief break in his tour to share his memoir Ramble Book with us. And also our returning Lunchtime Lecture collection every weekday at 12.30pm. Within these pages and on our festival stages, we have something for everyone. In 2020 we are working with local and national partners to enrich and add unique flavour to the programme. Scala Radio are our broadcast partner and will launch My Life in Books and Music events – our first interviewee is Ian McEwan with Simon Mayo. Celebrating difference, we have a special co-commission project with the Victoria Art Gallery to celebrate their Toulouse-Lautrec exhibition with storyteller Jan Blake. Bath Writes launches with championing local authors Kim Sherwood, Dan Richards, Natasha Pulley and more.
Ian McEwan p29
Neil Gaiman: Ray Bradbury at 100 p38
Emily Eavis p52
Bath Spa University student programmers highlight an issue pertinent to them – mental health within university education. Local poet Rebecca Tantony has packed our poetry and spoken word collection full of local, national and international voices. Keep an eye out for Buddy Wakefield, Nikita Gill and 2019 T.S. Eliot winner Roger Robinson. In this time of unprecedented political upheaval, we have plenty to ponder. Look out for Steve Richards, Rachel Johnson, A.C. Grayling, David Lammy and Camilla Cavendish, helping us consider the big ideas of the day. We welcome authors from the freshest new talent to the most established names to showcase their new novels and add to your to-read lists. Don’t miss Lionel Shriver, Abi Daré, Robert Webb and Tayari Jones to name a few. As well as contemporary writers we celebrate those of the past. Sam Weller talks to Neil Gaiman over Skype about the Ray Bradbury centenary, James Runcie and Claire Tomalin discuss Dickens and, of particular Bath relevance, Janice Hadlow and Helen Moffatt take an alternative look at Austen.
THE BATH F ES TIVA L 2020
WRITERS, READERS, REVELLERS AND MORE
Be inspired, and have fun! Madeline Toy, Head of Literature Programming and Kate Abbey, Literature Programmer
David Lammy p55
Adam Buxton p61
Tayari Jones p65
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
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EXPERIENCE
THE BATH FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE From the minute you arrive in the city we invite you to immerse yourself in the festival. EMBRACE THE BEAUTY OF BATH: UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE Whether resident or visitor, you can’t fail to be wowed by this beautiful city with breath-taking architecture on every corner. Shops, cafés and restaurants enter into the festival spirit by creating imaginatively themed window displays – there’s even a competition to find the best one. Look out on social media for how to vote for your favourite. FESTIVAL HUB The historic Assembly Rooms is the hub of the festival; rich in history, this wonderful building has for centuries been the place to be seen...if only the walls could talk. You’ll also find our pop-up box office where you can buy tickets throughout the festival. During the first festival weekend, don’t miss our special Literature Lounge marquee, featuring brilliant books and fabulous authors.
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POP-UP JAZZ LOUNGE In partnership with Wiltshire Music Centre, from Friday to Wednesday, you’ll hear live music pouring out from our pop-up jazz lounge. Make sure you visit for free performances from international acclaimed contemporary jazz band Empirical and local jazz artists. Follow us on social media to find out the time and secret location: @thebathfestival PARTY ON: FESTIVAL ON THE STREETS Discover poetry, music and theatre all around the city centre with free pop-up performances from the creative students of Bath Spa University and the best of Bath’s local talent. FESTIVAL BOOKSHOP AND POP-UP READINGS Independent bookseller Mr B’s Emporium run the beautiful festival bookshop at the Assembly Rooms. Come and browse the books, swoon over the stationery, and look-out for our free literature readings – who knows who you’ll hear.
JOIN THE PARTY You’re invited to join Bath’s biggest FREE party as the city centre bursts into life for one night only. Join the fun and follow the Party In The City trail from park to pub, from church to museum, to hear the best from the local creative scene. Musicians, poets, bands and choirs will perform in over 30 venues across the city. There will be outdoor stages in Queen Square, Parade Gardens and SouthGate. Bring the whole family along to an evening of live music and enjoy food and drink from pop-up stalls and bars.
FESTIVAL COMMUNITY COMMISSION To open this year’s Bath Festival there will be an outdoor performance of Common Ground, a street theatre performance commissioned by the The Bath Festival’s Creative Learning programme. Common Ground is devised by choreographer Deepraj Singh, composer Omar Shahryar and artists Claire Loder and Edwina Bridgeman and is inspired by the natural environment around us. The performers and co-creators are children from St Michael’s Junior School, Roundhill Primary School and adults supported by Action on Hearing Loss EDS and Carrswood Day Service. KEEP PARTY IN THE CITY FREE Help us to keep Party In The City a free event by donating £1 when you pick up a guide to who is playing where and when. This guide will also be available online from April at www.thebathfestival.org.uk
F REE OP EN ING NIGHT PA RTY
PARTY IN THE CITY
THANK YOU A big thanks to all the venues who take part in Party In The City and to all the musicians, singers and performers who give their time and their talent. Date: Friday 15 May Time: From 5pm – late Venue: Various venues in Bath city centre Price: FREE Sponsored by
*Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
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MUSIC
CLASSICAL MUSIC RISING STARS
MARTA FONTANALSSIMMONS, MEZZO SOPRANO
SATURDAY 16 MAY
Brahms 8 Zigeunerlieder Debussy Trois Chansons de Bilitis Turina Poema en forma de canciones Marta Fontanals-Simmons mezzo soprano Christopher Glynn piano Marta Fontanals-Simmons recently made a critically acclaimed debut at the Royal Opera. She returns to Bath with a kaleidoscopic set of songs ranging from Brahms’s charming gypsy songs through the erotic intensity of Debussy to the sunny charm of Turina with the energy of Spanish folksong. WORKSHOP
Ticket price includes cake and coffee from the St Swithin’s Garden Cafe which will be served at 11.30am before the concert starts at 12pm. Date: Saturday 16 May Time: 12pm – 1pm Venue: St Swithin’s Church Price: £16.50* Event Code: A5
Supported by
COME AND SING BRAHMS WITH BATH CAMERATA
BRAHMS GERMAN REQUIEM
Join Benjamin Goodson, Bath Camerata and Piano 4 Hands for a unique chance to explore this masterpiece from within – what is the piece about and what do the words really mean? Why did Brahms describe it as a ‘human requiem’? With interesting insights from Brahms’s life, this singing workshop explores the work’s most poignant moments. Some prior singing experience will help get the most out of the workshop (music will be provided).
Elizabeth Cragg Alex Otterburn Piano 4 Hands
Date: Saturday 16 May Time: 12pm – 2pm Venue: Prior Park Chapel Price: £11* Event Code: A6
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‘Marta FontanalsSimmons’s Pinocchio has real star quality’ THE TIMES
soprano baritone piano duo
Bath Camerata Benjamin Goodson conductor Brahms’s German Requiem is undoubtedly one of the great choral works of all time. Alongside its profound depth and rich romantic beauty it is also an intensely personal reflection on grief and redemption. This performance features the composer’s own arrangement for piano duo and chamber choir, highlighting the tremendous intimacy and detail in Brahms’s score sung in German. ‘The excellent Bath Camerata’ THE OBSERVER Date: Saturday 16 May Time: 8pm – 9.15pm Venue: Prior Park Chapel Price: £16.50* Event Code: A19
Book for both the Bath Camerata workshop and the evening concert to receive 10% off tickets to both events.
BY IAIN BURNSIDE
Mathilde Wesendonck
What could possibly go wrong?
Minna Wagner
Mathilde was a prolific writer of plays, poetry and prose. Music lovers are indebted to her for five poems that Wagner set, now known as the Wesendonck Songs, several of them marked Sketches for Tristan and Isolde. The comings and goings between house and villa culminated in a public scandal. All the music is by Wagner including a complete performance of the Wesendonck Songs.
Otto Wesendonck
Wagner in words and music This music theatre piece explores the spaces between those songs. In 1855 Wagner’s patron Otto Wesendonck and his wife Mathilde built a sumptuous villa overlooking Zurich. Two years later they bought the house next door, Asyl, and invited Wagner and his wife Minna to move in. The Wagners were at one another’s throats. Mathilde was young, beautiful and highly intelligent.
Date: Saturday 16 May Time: 5pm – 6.45pm Venue: St Swithin’s Church Price: £16.50 – £22* Event Code: A14
SATURDAY 16 MAY
Susan Bickley mezzo-soprano Victoria Newlyn actor Matthew Brook baritone Iain Burnside piano
MUSIC
WAGNER: THE VIEW FROM THE VILLA
JOHN GRANT + SUPPORT FROM TEDDY THOMPSON Acclaimed musician John Grant has earned a reputation as one of the most expressive voices of our time. As a singer-songwriter he has exquisite command of language, as a live performer, undoubtedly up there with the best. In this rare stripped–back live show, John will perform as a duo playing songs from across his celebrated career. Opening for John Grant, singer-songwriter Teddy Thompson has been called “one of the most gifted singer-songwriters of his generation,” by The New York Times. Date: Saturday 16 May Time: 8pm Venue: The Forum Price: £16.50 – £33* Event Code: A20
*Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225463362 463362 BOOKING thebathfestival.org.uk 01225
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MUSIC
FAMILY FRIENDLY
ORCHESTRAL WORKSHOP
S UN DAY 17 MAY
Award-winning Bath Strings Academy presents a BBC Ten Pieces Orchestral Workshop led by members of the BBC Symphony and BBC Concert Orchestras with four times World Champion DJ, Mr Switch. Join us for an inspirational day of family music-making as we play Gabriel Prokofiev’s Concerto for Turntables and Orchestra and create our own original compositions, culminating in a performance for friends and family. Open to players of orchestral instruments of all ages; bursaries and discounts available – visit www.thebathfestival.org.uk for more details. Date: Sunday 17 May Time: 10am – 4.15pm Venue: Roper Theatre Price: £44* | Under 26: £33* Event Code: B1
BERTRAND CHAMAYOU, PIANO Schumann Blumenstück, Op. 19 Schumann Carnaval, Op. 9 Ravel Miroirs Saint-Saens Les cloches de Las Palmas, Saint-Saens Mazurka No. 2, Op. 24 Saint-Saens Mazurka No. 3, Op. 66 Saint-Saens Étude en forme de valse, Op. 52 No. 6
Bertrand Chamayou is a regular performer in venues such as the Lincoln Center, London’s Wigmore Hall and has appeared at the Lucerne, Salzburg and Edinburgh International Festivals. This mercurial talent offers glorious romantic music by Schumann and music from his native France – Ravel’s evocative ‘Miroirs’ including the brilliant Alborada del Gracioso and concludes with true Gallic sparkle from Saint-Saens. ‘Chamayou is a remarkable musician, no question’ GUARDIAN Date: Sunday 17 May Time: 11am – 1pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £16.50 – £27.50* Event Code: B5
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Generously supported by Captain Brian Woodford
Sponsored by
Date: Sunday 17 May Time: 5pm Venue: Walcot House Price: £16.50* Event Code: B15
Winner of six BBC Folk Awards, he’s played with The Royal Shakespeare Company and was a key member of The Imagined Village along with Billy Bragg and Martin Carthy. A wise and soulful craftsman, his concerts are a cliché-free zone.
SYMPHONY OF SORROWFUL SONGS AT THE ROMAN BATHS
S UN DAY 17 26 MAY
In a world of soundbites and distractions folk musician Chris Wood is a truth seeker. His writing is permeated with love and wry intelligence, uplifting and challenging as he celebrates the sheer onething-after-anotherness of life. Tom Robinson and Chris Difford are fans while Stick In The Wheel and The Unthanks look to him as an influence.
MUSIC
CHRIS WOOD
Górecki’s astonishing meditation on loss and transcendence Paraorchestra Victoria Oruwari Soprano Charles Hazlewood Conductor Cathartic and hauntingly beautiful, Henryk Górecki’s Symphony of Sorrowful Songs is an astonishing meditation on loss and transcendence. Performed by Paraorchestra, with acclaimed soprano Victoria Oruwari; Charles Hazlewood conducts this harmonic ‘spiritual minimalist’ composition around the great Roman Baths in this unique and intimate premiere. Under the artistic lead of international conductor and musical revolutionary, Charles Hazlewood, Bristol-based Paraorchestra is an integrated orchestra of disabled and non-disabled musicians creating ambitious and ground-breaking music experiences that provoke emotive responses. They were the first orchestral headliner at Glastonbury Festival and regularly collaborate with high profile artists that span genres. Sung in Polish, this evocative work brings tears and rousing joy; taking audiences on a spellbinding and uplifting journey through grief and solace.
Date: Sunday 17 May Time: 8.15pm – 9.15pm Venue: Roman Baths Price: £27.50 – £38.50* Event Code: B20
In Partnership with
Standing only. *Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
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MUSIC
CLASSICAL MUSIC RISING STARS
TIMOTHY RIDOUT, VIOLA
M ON DAY 18 MAY
Beethoven Sonata in F major Op. 17 Schumann Drei Fantasiestücke Op. 73 Schumann Dichterliebe arranged for viola Timothy Ridout viola Jonathan Ware piano Timothy Ridout’s career has exploded like a cork out of a bottle. Aged 24, he has already played concerti with the Philharmonia Orchestra and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe and performed chamber music with artists such as Joshua Bell and Steven Isserlis. His programme of romantic music will perfectly showcase his wonderful musicianship.
Ticket price includes cake and coffee from the St Swithin’s Garden Cafe which will be served at 11.30am before the concert starts at 12pm. Date: Monday 18 May Time: 12pm – 1pm Venue: St Swithin’s Church Price: £16.50* Event Code: C3
Supported by
‘Timothy Ridout... is a fine, young violist with a solid tone, perfect intonation, solid technique, and charisma’ AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE
LA VOIX HUMAINE BY FRANCIS POULENC A co-production between Wales Millennium Centre and Welsh National Opera commissioned for Festival of Voice.
You are invited to a special and intimate drinks party in a Georgian grade one listed residence in Bath…
David Pountney Claire Booth Christopher Glynn Mathilde Lopez Francis Poulenc Jean Cocteau
A woman is on the phone to her lover who is ending their relationship. Her devastation unfolds before our eyes as we, the audience, eavesdrop on her despair in the confines of her home.
Director Soprano Recorded piano Assistant Director Music Lyrics
English translation by Richard Stokes © Ed. Ricordi S.A.
Taking place in a private home in Bath, director David Pountney has taken a 20th century opera classic and created an intense theatrical experience. La Voix Humaine is an opera up-close, immersive and unrestrained. Bookers will receive confirmation of the venue prior to the festival.
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Date: Monday 18 – Friday 22 May Time: Mon – Tues, 7pm – 8pm Wednesday – Friday, 6pm – 7pm Venue: Secret Location Price: £33* Event Code: LVH
MUSIC
BATH FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA
M ON DAY 18 MAY
Mozart Symphony No 36 in C ‘Linz’ Ligeti Ramifications Strauss Brentano Lieder Strauss Morgen Brahms Serenade No 1 in D Major Johanna Wallroth soprano Peter Manning conductor
We are thrilled to announce the return of the Bath Festival Orchestra. Founded by Yehudi Menuhin in 1959 the orchestra was at the heart of the festival. The chamber orchestra will provide a platform for brilliant young musicians who have emerged from our music colleges, celebrating the unique voice that young talent plays in developing the performing arts.
Distinguished conductor Peter Manning is joined by sparkling Swedish soprano Johanna Wallroth, who has just won First Prize in the prestigious Mirjam Helin International Singing Competition in 2019. We offer a wonderfully varied programme ranging from the brilliant classicism of Mozart’s Linz to Brahms’s symphonic D major serenade. Add in Ligeti’s enigmatic Ramifications and Strauss’s gorgeous Brentano Lieder and this promises to be an unmissable evening. We are delighted to welcome back BBC Radio 3 to the festival to record the concert for future broadcast. Date: Monday 18 May Time: 7.30pm – 9.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £16.50 – £27.50* Event Code: C10
*Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
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MUSIC
CLASSICAL MUSIC RISING STARS
JONIAN ILIAS KADESHA, VIOLIN
GET THE BLESSING
+ THE BRACKISH + RUN LOGAN RUN
TUES DAY 19 MAY
Mozart Violin Sonata in F K. 377 Stravinsky Divertimento arr. Dushkin Enescu Violin Sonata No. 3 Jonian Ilias Kadesha violin Noam Greenberg piano A truly exceptional musical talent, Jonian Ilias Kadesha enthrals audiences with the sheer brilliance and exuberance of his playing. Playing concerti and recitals with some of the world’s greatest musicians he offers us a programme ranging from Mozart’s elegant perfection to the unqualified romantic fervour of Enescu. ‘To regard him simply as a huge talent is not enough: there is an element of pure genius in this young man’ SÜDDEUTSCHE ZEITUNG Ticket price includes cake and coffee from the St Swithin’s Garden Cafe which will be served at 11.30am before the concert starts at 12pm. Date: Tuesday 19 May Time: 12pm – 1pm Venue: St Swithin’s Church Price: £16.50* Event Code: D3
Supported by
RMT Music & The Bath Festival present an evening of genre-bending jazz, post-jazz and psychedelia from members of Bristol’s melting-pot of international musicians. Get the Blessing are a Bristol four-piece who, in two decades of playing their own brand of jazz-rock, have won global acclaim. The line-up comprises Jake McMurchie saxophone, Pete Judge trumpet, Jim Barr bassist and Clive Deamer drums. ‘Trip-hop informed contemporary jazz-rock at its very best’ TIME OUT Support acts are also Bristol-based. The Brackish is a four-piece offering a prog rock/punk guitar-rich mix-up. Run Logan Run is a heavy spiritual duo, part of the new wave of crossover jazz.
In Partnership with
Date: Tuesday 19 May Time: 7.30pm (Doors: 7pm) Venue: Komedia Price: £16.50* Event Code: D13
LA VOIX HUMAINE Date: Monday 18 – Friday 22 May Time: 7pm – 8pm Venue: Secret Location Price: £33* Event Code: LVH
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See page 12 for more details
This is the second year of our Young Producers project working in partnership with Mentoring Plus, developing young peoples’ skills in producing music events. Students from Ralph Allen School, Beechen Cliff School, Oldfield School, St Gregory’s Catholic College and St Mark’s School, In partnership with
Date: Tuesday 19 May Time: 7.30pm Venue: Walcot House Price: £8.80* Event Code: D14 Funded by
TUES DAY 19 MAY
under the collective name YNG‑XI, are working with local artists to produce an event that brings the best underground musical talent to Bath.
A one-off live music event programmed by young people for young people. The line-up will be announced on Friday 3 April – check our social media for updates: @thebathfestival
MUSIC
YNG-XI PRESENTS…
THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK AT THE PUMP ROOM One of Britain’s most talented pianists, Tom Poster, offers a lovely atmospheric programme of music of, about and for the night. He will play his own arrangements of Gershwin, Kern, Porter and other gems from the Great American Songbook, alongside music by Chopin, Marta Szymanowska, Grieg, Fanny Mendelssohn, Debussy, Clara Schumann and Poulenc. ‘a marvel, who can play anything in any style’ THE HERALD Date: Tuesday 19 May Time: 9pm – 10pm Venue: The Pump Room Price: £11 – £22* Event Code: D16
In Partnership with
Sponsored by
*Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
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MUSIC
CLASSICAL MUSIC RISING STARS
MATILDA LLOYD, TRUMPET
WEDNES DAY 20 MAY
Marcello Concerto in D minor S D935 Charlier Solo de Concours Gershwin Three Preludes Henri Tomasi Triptyque Rachmaninov Three Songs Deborah Pritchard Seven Halts on the Somme Matilda Lloyd trumpet John Reid piano There is no more uplifting sound than the trumpet played with true brilliance. Matilda Lloyd’s playing has a bloom and sparkle all of its own. Her programme takes in the baroque and the romantic with Marcello and Rachmaninov and concludes with Deborah Pritchard’s haunting meditation on seven locations on the Somme battlefield. ‘The truly memorable artist on the bill is Matilda Lloyd, she is remarkable’ TELEGRAPH Ticket price includes cake and coffee from the St Swithin’s Garden Cafe which will be served at 11.30am before the concert starts at 12pm. Date: Wednesday 20 May Time: 12pm – 1pm Venue: St Swithin’s Church Price: £16.50* Event Code: E1
Supported by
THE GESUALDO SIX: GREAT ENGLISH MOTETS Byrd White Gibbons Tomkins Tallis Tallis Byrd
Ave verum corpus Christe qui lux es et dies I O Lord, in thy wrath When David heard If ye love me Loquebantur variis linguis Vigilate
And works by Cornysh, Dunstable, Tye, Plummer and Parsons The Gesualdo Six Owain Park director Some of the finest English renaissance polyphony sung in Bath’s magnificent Abbey by a vocal group fast becoming internationally celebrated for their recordings and live performances. The sound of this group is incredibly beautiful and their renderings of great music by Byrd, Gibbons and Tallis promise to be a festival highlight. ‘The Gesualdo Six… managed to extract every drop of emotion, colour and drama from the music.’ ARTSTALK HOLLAND Date: Wednesday 20 May Time: 8pm – 9.45pm Venue: Bath Abbey Price: £5.50 – £27.50* Event Code: E7
LA VOIX HUMAINE Date: Monday 18 – Friday 22 May Time: Wednesday: 6pm – 7pm Venue: Secret Location Price: £33* Event Code: LVH
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See page 12 for more details
MUSIC
WOKE
BY APPHIA CAMPBELL
Set against a powerful soundtrack of original music and traditional gospel and blues sung live, the two women challenge the American justice system, become criminalised through political activism, and ultimately are faced with the same choice: stay and fight, or flee? WOKE won the coveted Scotsman Fringe First Award for its premiere season, and was highly commended by the judges of the Amnesty Freedom of Expression Award. Apphia Campbell is the creator of the hit show Black is the Color of My Voice, which toured to sold-out audiences in Shanghai, New York, the UK and at Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Date:
ednesday 20 – W Thursday 21 May Time: 7.30pm Venue: The Edge Price: £16.50* Event Code: WO
In Partnership with
WEDNES DAY 20 MAY
A multi award-winning theatre performance that follows two women’s fight for civil rights. One is notorious Black Panther Assata Shakur; the other, a present-day university student enrolling as the Ferguson riots begin.
EMPIRICAL Empirical are one of the most admired and individual bands in contemporary jazz, and will be bringing their award-winning sounds to this year’s festival. Empirical are currently Wiltshire Music Centre’s Nimmo Artists in Residence for 2020. The ensemble comprises of Nathaniel Facey alto sax, Tom Farmer double bass, Lewis Wright vibraphone and Shane Forbes drums.
Date: Wednesday 20 May Time: 7.30pm Venue: Masonic Hall Price: £16.50* Event Code: E8
Sponsored by
‘Empirical are exactly what top-class modern jazz should be – trailblazing yet wholly respectful of tradition.’ TIME OUT Empirical will be performing at our free pop-up jazz lounge in the city centre which will run from Friday 15 until Wednesday 20 May before they finish their festival time with this spectacular performance at the Masonic Hall. See page 6 for more details. *Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225463362 463362 BOOKING thebathfestival.org.uk 01225
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MUSIC
CLASSICAL MUSIC RISING STARS
MARTIN JAMES BARTLETT, PIANO
TH URS DAY 21 MAY
Music by Bach, Mozart, Liszt, Schumann, Wagner, Rachmaninov and Gershwin. A young virtuoso plays an astonishingly varied programme! The twin geniuses of Bach and Mozart start us on a journey into the wild romanticism of Franz Liszt and his transcriptions of Schumann and Wagner. We move into the 20th century with two arrangements of gorgeous Rachmaninov songs and conclude with three great Gershwin songs including Fascinating Rhythm and The Man I Love. ‘Martin James Bartlett is not only a prodigy of the piano but an accomplished artist who counts among the greats of his generation’ NICE MATIN Ticket price includes cake and coffee from the St Swithin’s Garden Cafe which will be served at 11.30am before the concert starts at 12pm.
LA VOIX HUMAINE
WOKE
Date: Monday 18 – Friday 22 May Time: Thursday: 6pm – 7pm Venue: Secret Location Price: £33* Event Code: LVH
Date: Wednesday 20 – Thursday 21 May Time: 7.30pm Venue: The Edge Price: £16.50* Event Code: WO
See page 12 for more details 18
Date: Thursday 21 May Time: 12pm – 1pm Venue: St Swithin’s Church Price: £16.50* Event Code: F3
See page 17 for more details
Supported by
MUSIC
CONCERT FOR THE PEOPLE OF BATH 1812 – A BLAZE OF BRASS WITH BATH PHILHARMONIA AND THE BAND OF THE ROYAL MARINES
TH URS DAY 21 MAY
Copland Fanfare for the Common Man Mozart Horn Concerto No 4 in E flat Janáček Sinfonietta Tower Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman No.2 Haydn Trumpet Concerto in E flat Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture Ben Goldscheider horn Matilda Lloyd trumpet Bath Philharmonia The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines School of Music conductor Jason Thornton For the third year we are delighted to be presenting the annual concert dedicated to the memory of Brian and Margaret Roper; a concert that encourages future generations to develop their love of classical music. There is nothing more exciting than a large brass fanfare and this concert is full of them! The Band of the Royal Marines School of Music joins Bath Philharmonia in Janáček’s astonishing Sinfonietta with its 25 brass players, Copland’s iconic Fanfare for the Common Man and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable celebration of Russia’s 1812 victory over Napoleon. Our sparkling evening is completed by two concertos performed by two of today’s most brilliant young brass soloists. ‘Goldscheider is becoming a musical Bear Grylls, fearlessly leaping through its dangerous terrain.’ HUFFINGTON POST ‘Flawless technique, a degree of artistry and communication that only the finest performers possess.’ BRITISH BANDSMAN MAGAZINE ON MATILDA LLOYD Generously supported by Roper Family Trust.
Date: Thursday 21 May Time: 7.30pm – 10pm Venue: The Forum Price: £11 – £27.50* Event Code: F11 *Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
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MUSIC
TH URS DAY 21 MAY
SILENT MOVIE NIGHT WITH THE DODGE BROTHERS AND NEIL BRAND In the days of silent film, audiences were swept along with the story on the big screen by live music in the cinema. Returning to The Bath Festival following their sell-out 2019 event are skiffle band The Dodge Brothers, featuring film critic Mark Kermode on double bass and pianist Neil Brand. They provide a barnstorming live soundtrack to the 1928 silent movie Beggars of Life. Iconic flapper girl Louise Brooks stars as a girl on the run with Wallace Beery as a rail-riding hobo. “Never has a film and a band been more perfectly matched than ‘Beggars of Life’ and the Dodge Brothers.” BRYONY DIXON, BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE Date: Thursday 21 May Time: 7.30pm (Doors: 7pm) Venue: Komedia Price: £16.50* Event Code: F12 In Partnership with Bath Fringe
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SEAN SHIBE, GUITAR
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T
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MUSIC
CLASSICAL MUSIC RISING STARS
D OL
Fennessy Rosewood Bach Lute Suite in E minor, BWV 996
F RIDAY 22 MAY
Winner of the Royal Philharmonic Society Young Artist Award, and a former BBC New Generation Artist, Sean Shibe is the guitarist of the moment. His programme takes us on a journey ranging from music from the Scottish renaissance court through Dave Fennessy’s haunting soundworld culminating in the genius that is Bach. ‘Shibe is another Bream, or something close. His playing unites finesse and poetry, and beautifully suggests a continuity of idiom.’ THE SUNDAY TIMES Ticket price includes cake and coffee from the St Swithin’s Garden Cafe which will be served at 11.30am before the concert starts at 12pm. Date: Friday 22 May Time: 12pm – 1pm Venue: St Swithin’s Church Price: £16.50* Event Code: G4
Supported by
PATTI SMITH AND BAND Patti Smith. Queen of Punk. Musician. Artist. Activist. Poet. In the 70s, Patti became highly influential on the New York punk scene. An artist for over four decades, people are deeply spell-bound by Patti’s creativity and charisma.
LA VOIX HUMAINE Date: Monday 18 – Friday 22 May Time: Friday: 6pm – 7pm Venue: Secret Location Price: £33* Event Code: LVH
See page 12 for more details
In 1975, Patti’s first recording, Horses, was inducted into the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress in 2010. 13 albums, four Grammy nominations, and a Golden Globe nominee for the song Mercy Is from the film Noah; these are just a few of this astonishing woman’s awards, nominations, honours and accolades. Date: Friday 22 May Time: 8pm Venue: The Forum Price: £27.50 – £44* Event Code: G16
In Partnership with
*Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
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MUSIC
HEATH QUARTET PLAYS BEETHOVEN
CELEBRATE BEETHOVEN’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY
SATURDAY 22-24 MAY
Date: Friday 22 May Time: 7.30-9.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £12 – £35* Event Code: BHD
Date: Saturday 23 May Time: 11am – 1pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £12 – £35* Event Code: BHE
Date: Sunday 24 May Time: 11am – 1pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £12 – £35* Event Code: BHF
Beethoven String Quartet in D major Op. 18 No. 3 Beethoven String Quartet in E flat major Op. 74 ‘Harp’ Beethoven String Quartet in C sharp minor Op. 131
Beethoven String Quartet in A major Op. 18 No.5 Beethoven String Quartet in F major Op. 135 Beethoven String Quartet in F major Op. 59 No. 1 ‘Razumovsky’
Beethoven String Quartet in B flat major Op. 18 No. 6 Beethoven String Quartet in B flat major Op. 130 with Grosse Fuge
Quartets from Beethoven’s early middle and late period make this a wonderful musical feast. The youthful exuberance of Opus 18 and the sparkle of the Harp lead to the utterly unique Op. 131 quartet which is one of the most emotionally rich in all music and was the focus of the film A Late Quartet. ‘The music’s potency and bravura were conveyed with thrilling conviction’ GUARDIAN
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Beethoven’s audiences must have been stunned when they heard his first Razumovsky quartet with its symphonic scale unlike anything heard to that date. It is set in context by a sprightly quartet from Beethoven’s first set and the programme is rounded off with Op. 135 – the last major work Beethoven completed. ‘The miraculous Heath Quartet’ GUARDIAN
Our Bath Beethoven cycle concludes in the only way possible – with the Grosse Fuge. A titanic work in its own right, it was originally conceived as the finale to the Op. 130 quartet, we hear it that way this morning in a programme which offers us both ends of Beethoven’s life – the brilliant young man with everything before him and the visionary at the end of his life composing music for the future as much as for the present. ‘It was a fortunate audience that experienced the Heath Quartet giving a soul affirming demonstration of what chamber music is all about’ NEW ZEALAND HERALD
MUSIC ‘It tickled the fancy, plucked the heartstrings, and whisked Lehar’s waltzes into the lightest of confections; a perfection of verbal wit and comic timing.’ THE TIMES
Oliver Gooch Conductor Simon Butteriss Director Iford Arts Chamber Ensemble
This fully-staged and costumed salon-style production of the greatest of all operettas, in a witty new version by Simon Butteriss, conducted by Oliver Gooch, features Vilja, Red As The Rose In Maytime, Merry Widow Waltz and a spectacular Can‑Can from Maxim’s world-famous Grisettes.
Franz Lehár
English lyrics Christopher Hassall Additional lyrics Jeremy Sams Dramatized narration Simon Butteriss Hanna Glawari Danilo Valencienne Camille Baron Zeta Njegus
Máire Flavin James McOran Campbell Emily Vine Robin Bailey Toby Stafford Allen Simon Butteriss
S UN DAY 24 MAY
IFORD ARTS THE MERRY WIDOW
Date: Sunday 24 May Time: 5pm Venue: Guildhall Price: £59 Event Code: J6
IFORD ARTS FESTIVAL 2020 Belcombe Court Bradford-on-Avon 28 Aug – 5 Sept Opera: Carmen Concerts & picnic proms Holy Trinity Church Bradford-on-Avon 19 Sept Opera: Acis and Galatea Early Opera Company (staged concert)
Ifordarts.org.uk
*Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK NOW 01225 463 362
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F ES TI VA L PA RTNER
BATH FESTIVALS IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE SUPPORT FOR 2020 FROM BATH RECREATION, THE CHARITY WHICH OWNS THE BATH RECREATION GROUND. Bath Recreation, formerly known as Bath Recreation Ground Trust, has a long history which goes back to the 19th century. The body owns and manages the Recreation Ground, the Glasshouse playing fields at Combe Down and Broadmoor Lane orchard and play area in Weston. Its aim is to provide opportunities for the community to engage in sport and recreation. In 2018 and 2019 the hugely successful Bath Festival Finale Weekend was held on the Recreation Ground. As a major cultural event in the city it supports Bath Recreation’s ethos that recreation is a key component to bringing communities together and fostering positive lifestyles. Bath Recreation chief executive John Flinn, said: “Our relationship with Bath
Festivals started two years ago and we are delighted to be supporting their outreach programmes to introduce more people to the joy that the festivals and performing arts can bring to the community.” Bath Recreation supports a number of other community events including Bike Bath, Bath Carnival, the Bath Half Marathon and the Rotary Club firework display. Since 2014, it has worked on a sports project with local primary schools which has given more than 3,000 children activities on the Recreation Ground. The sports programme is managed by Bath Recreation’s staff alongside Bath Cricket Club, AK15 Dance and Bath Rugby Community team. At the end of each year a week-long recreation festival is held for schools. The Bath Festival Finale Weekend 2019 on the Bath Recreation Ground
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FA M I LY
S UN DAY 24 MAY
FAMILY ARTS DAY Get creative with us in Parade Gardens! This year we are going green, upcycling all kinds of objects into wonderful things and planting wildflowers to take home and grow, all alongside our favourite Family Arts Day fun. Bring your children along for hands-on activities. They can try a new instrument and make some music, create a story or do some craft. Explore the gardens with our treasure hunt, listen to live music from the bandstand, watch pop-up dance performances or simply enjoy a family picnic overlooking the river. Date: Sunday 24 May Time: 11am – 3pm Venue: Parade Gardens Price: Entrance to Parade Gardens: £2 Adults / £1 Concession / FREE for Discovery Card Holders and children under 5
Funded by
25 BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225463362 463362 BOOKING thebathfestival.org.uk 01225
MUSIC
23 – 24 MAY
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MUSIC
23 – 24 MAY *Ticket price includes booking fee
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BOOKS
ART & DESIGN
CURRENT AFFAIRS
SATURDAY 16 MAY
FROME: THE COMPASSION PROJECT Our Frome neighbours were involved in a collective project to combat isolation and loneliness, resulting in a dramatic fall in emergency hospital admissions and increased community projects and activities. Director of Compassionate Communities UK, Dr. Julian Abel and journalist Lindsay Clarke discuss the startling results with Alex Clark. Date: Saturday 16 May Time: 10.30am – 11.30am Venue: Literature Lounge Price: £9.90* Event Code: A1
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
ADAM RUTHERFORD In an age of false science and conspiracy theories, How To Argue with a Racist is a fascinating and timely refutation of current resurgent racism. The leading scientist and broadcaster delivers an accessible and masterly account of genetics and its dangerous misuse through history. Date: Saturday 16 May Time: 11am – 12pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: A3
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TOULOUSE-LAUTREC: CELEBRATING DIFFERENCE Join journalist and writer Agnès Poirier as she talks to Jon Benington, curator of the Toulouse-Lautrec exhibition currently running at the Victoria Art Gallery in Bath, and Jan Blake, storyteller and part of a special co-commission project between the gallery and The Bath Festival. They discuss the life and works of the aristocratic artist whose immersion in the colourful and theatrical life of Paris in the late 1800s led to a collection of enticing and provocative pieces portraying the decadent nature of that time. Date: Saturday 16 May Time: 10.45am – 11.45am Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: A2
In Partnership with
BOOKS
SATURDAY 16 MAY
FICTION
IAN MCEWAN: MY LIFE IN BOOKS AND MUSIC Part of our partnership with Scala Radio, join the bestselling, Booker-winning and critically acclaimed author as he talks to Scala Radio’s Simon Mayo about the books and classical tracks that have shaped his life and inspired his writing. They also discuss his latest novel, Machines Like Me, a story which asks: what makes us human? Provocative and thrilling, it warns of the power to invent things beyond our control. Date: Saturday 16 May Time: 11am – 12pm Venue: The Forum Price: £13.20* Event Code: A4
*Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225463362 463362 BOOKING thebathfestival.org.uk 01225
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BOOKS
FICTION
PETINA GAPPAH
SATURDAY 16 MAY
One of the Guardian’s 2020 fiction highlights, Petina Gappah’s new novel Out of Darkness, Shining Light follows an epic journey through 19th-century Africa and is not only symbolic of slavery’s hypocrisy, but a portrait of a world trembling on the cusp of total change. Yaa Gyasi calls it ‘engrossing, beautiful and deeply imaginative.’ She talks to Kim Sherwood.
Date: Saturday 16 May Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm Venue: Literature Lounge Price: £9.90* Event Code: A7
NEW TALENT
FEEL-GOOD FICTION Join Joe Haddow as he talks to Libby Page and Clare Pooley about their novels, both welcome distractions from the daily grind. Sunday Times’ bestseller Page’s The 24-Hour Cafe has been deemed ‘charming and full of heart’ by local author Lucy Diamond and the acclaimed Mike Gayle calls Pooley’s The Authenticity Project ‘thought-provoking and uplifting’. Date: Saturday 16 May Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: A8
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NEW TALENT
THE PATH TO PUBLICATION Debut author Abi Daré won The Bath Novel Award 2018 with her stunning book The Girl with the Louding Voice. For this special event she’s joined by her literary agent Felicity Blunt as they talk to award founder Caroline Ambrose about the book’s themes, the award process and their working relationship. Date: Saturday 16 May Time: 2.30pm – 3.30pm Venue: Literature Lounge Price: £9.90* Event Code: A9
NOTRE-DAME: THE SOUL OF FRANCE
NEW TALENT
SHAHNAZ AHSAN AND PAUL MENDEZ
Date: Saturday 16 May Time: 2.45pm – 3.45pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: A10
FAMILY FRIENDLY 12+
PATRICK NESS In a rare visit to the UK and a special YA event for The Bath Festival, the twice Carnegie medalwinning author talks to Bath Children’s Literature Festival’s Janet Smyth about his exciting new novel Burn. One for fans of the Chaos Walking trilogy, it’s a tale of dragons, cults and alternate universes. Don’t miss it!
Sponsored by
Date: Saturday 16 May Time: 3pm – 4pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: A11
Shahnaz Ahsan’s Hashim and Family follows protagonist Hashim and his bride Munira over 20 years and is a story of family ties, migration and connection to home. Paul Mendez’s Rainbow Milk is a powerful comingof-age story tackling subjects from immigration and religion to sex and race as nineteen-year-old Jesse struggles to make sense of the world. Two debut novels from two extraordinary new talents. They talk to Alex Clark.
SATURDAY 16 MAY
Parisian writer and broadcaster Agnès Poirier talks to journalist Georgina Godwin about the defining moments in the creation, history, and near destruction of this iconic symbol in the fire of April 2019. This insider account explores the conflict and controversy over reconstruction plans that reveal a deep malaise at the heart of France.
BOOKS
HISTORY
Date: Saturday 16 May Time: 4.30pm – 5.30pm Venue: Literature Lounge Price: £9.90* Event Code: A12
DON’T FORGET SPARKFEST Be curious and try something different. 8 May until 6 June see page 66 for event details.
*Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
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BOOKS
FICTION
SIMON MAYO
SATURDAY 16 MAY
One of Britain’s best-known broadcasters, authors and Books of the Year podcaster Simon Mayo discusses his latest novel Knife Edge with Joe Haddow. 27 minutes. 7 murders. Victims all from the same news investigations agency. Who is responsible and what did those seven people know? And who will be the next victim... Date: Saturday 16 May Time: 4.30pm – 5.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: A13
PSYCHOLOGY
LAURA DOCKRILL The award-winning author and illustrator’s memoir What Have I Done? has been hailed as ‘desperately needed’, ‘humblingly honest’, ‘a must-read’ and ‘generous and brave’ by the likes of Adele, Caitlin Moran, Paloma Faith and Sophie Dahl. It tells of her battle with, and recovery from, post-partum psychosis. Laura talks about her devastating experience and how she is determined to break the silence around post-natal mental health. Date: Saturday 16 May Time: 5.15pm – 6.15pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: A15
NATURE
RAYNOR WINN The long-distance walker and author Raynor Winn returns to Bath following her sell-out festival event in 2019. The Salt Path stormed to the top of the charts becoming both an international and Sunday Times bestseller and was Costa Book Award shortlisted. This year she joins Georgina Godwin to share The Wild Silence, her ground-breaking magical new book about the meaning of home.
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Date: Saturday 16 May Time: 6.30pm – 7.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: A16
BOOKS
POETRY & SPOKEN WORD
BURNING EYE BOOKS SHOWCASE
SATURDAY 16 MAY
Burning Eye Books is a small independent publisher in the south west specialising in promoting spoken word artists, dispelling the myth that performance poetry does not transfer well to the page and seeking the bold and fearless who may be rejected from the mainstream. Hosted by Shagufta K Iqbal and Bridget Hart, they present Afshan D’souza-Lodhi, Tom Denbigh and Molly Naylor who read from their latest collections.
Date: Saturday 16 May Time: 6.30pm – 7.45pm Venue: Literature Lounge Price: £9.90* Event Code: A17 ENTERTAINMENT.
JAN BLAKE
ENTERTAINMENT
World-renowned storyteller Jan Blake has been performing across the globe for 25 years. Here she presents The Son of the Buffalo Woman, a unique event that fuses epic storytelling with song, and history with percussive rhythms. Together with John Pradere, Jan resurrects one of the world’s most exciting birth-of-a-hero stories, The Epic of Sundiata. One not to miss! Date: Saturday 16 May Time: 8.30pm – 10pm Venue: Literature Lounge Price: £11* Event Code: A21
Sponsored by
THERE WILL BE CAKE Prepare to laugh out loud at the all-star improv super-group featuring Olivier Award-winning Pippa Evans, Rachel Parris (The Mash Report and Austentatious), director of Monkey Toast Improv Paul Foxcroft and that Radio 4 guy Marcus Brigstocke. Your suggestions and stories are turned into hilarious scenes on stage and then there’s cake. With a huge range of improv experience between them they formed this excellent group a few years ago, playing to delighted audiences all over the country. ‘This show is an utter joy to behold and experience’ **** BROADWAY BABY Date: Saturday 16 May Time: 8pm – 9.15pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £13.20* Event Code: A18
Sponsored by
*Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
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BOOKS
ENTERTAINMENT
MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE’S SUNDAY PAPERS
S UN DAY 17 MAY
Bringing his popular event to The Bath Festival for the first time, relax over breakfast with comedian Marcus Brigstocke alongside panellists journalist Alex Clark, podcaster Joe Haddow and local author Dan Richards as they review the news stories of the week. Listen as they tear apart the tabloids, play havoc with the headlines and blast the broadsheets; picking out the topical, heart-warming and funny stories of the day.
Date: Sunday 17 May Time: 10am – 11.30am Venue: Komedia Price: £16.50* Event Code: B2
Ticket includes tea or coffee and breakfast bap (vegan and gluten free options will be available).
LIFESTYLE
A LOCAL GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE LIVING Jen Gale (The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide) is a local blogger who took on a challenge not to buy anything new for 365 days. Tom Hunt (Eating for Pleasure) is a chef, sustainability campaigner and founder of Bristol’s Poco Tapas. They talk to Dan Burgess and share tips and advice on everything from cutting down on food waste, supporting local ethical businesses, joining local action groups, and making smart second-hand choices – getting the whole family involved. Local action. Global change. Date: Sunday 17 May Time: 10.45am – 11.45am Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: B3
BLOODBATH
BAD MOTHERS Motherhood in fiction is often portrayed as tender, blissful perfection but as every mother knows there are darker sides – loss, despair, fear, exhaustion, confusion. Leading suspense authors Lucy Atkins and Sarah Vaughan discuss how this intensity and dysfunction makes rich material for any writer with Jo Nadin. Date: Sunday 17 May Time: 11am – 12pm Venue: Literature Lounge Price: £9.90* Event Code: B4
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GEORGE ALAGIAH
LIFE GOES ON Acclaimed psychotherapist Julia Samuel (This Too Shall Pass: Stories of Change, Crisis and Hopeful Beginnings) explores the themes around difficult and transformative experiences with writer and lecturer Mary Cregan (The Scar: A Personal History of Depression and Recovery). Their conversation brings discussions about our understanding of depression, medical intervention, loss and recovery to the fore.
Date: Sunday 17 May Time: 2.15pm – 3.15pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: B8
S UN DAY 17 MAY
PSYCHOLOGY
Drawing from his experience of covering conflict and news across the world throughout his 30-year career, the awardwinning BBC News at Six presenter talks to books journalist Caroline Sanderson about his debut political thriller, The Burning Land; an exhilarating and powerful tale of greed and corruption set in modern-day South Africa.
BOOKS
FICTION
Date: Sunday 17 May Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: B6
NEW TALENT
ROWAN HISAYO BUCHANAN AND NAOISE DOLAN Joe Haddow talks to two authors about their beautiful novels that feature flawed characters exploring the uncertainties of modern life. Naoise Dolan’s debut Exciting Times looks at the personal and financial transactions that make up a life: it’s heartbreakingly raw and dryly funny. Rowan Hisayo Buchanan’s Starling Days explores friendship, attraction, love and misunderstanding and is utterly hypnotic. You’ll want to share these novels with everyone you know. Date: Sunday 17 May Time: 1pm – 2pm Venue: Literature Lounge Price: £9.90* Event Code: B7
*Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
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BOOKS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
RABBI JONATHAN SACKS
S UN DAY 17 MAY
The former Chief Rabbi talks to Alex Clark about his latest book Morality: Restoring the Common Good in Divided Times which delves into the current cultural climate and asks how we can strive for a better, happier place to live together with an aligned moral foundation. Expect profound insights and inspiring conversation. Date: Sunday 17 May Time: 2.30pm – 3.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: B9
POETRY & SPOKEN WORD
RAISE THE BAR PRESENTS BUDDY WAKEFIELD AND GUESTS Raise the Bar and The Bath Festival proudly present an afternoon of spoken word poetry headlined by international writer and threetime World Poetry Slam Champion Buddy Wakefield. The show coincides with the world tour of A Choir of Honest Killers, his first book of prose and poetry in eight years. One of the world’s most prolific and accomplished performance poets, he will be joined by Tom Sastry and Bath Spa University alumni poet Tierney Elliott.
Date: Sunday 17 May Time: 2.30pm – 4.30pm Venue: Komedia Price: £8.80* 3 6 Event Code: B10
BOOKS
PSYCHOLOGY
EXPLAINING HUMANS
Date: Sunday 17 May Time: 3pm – 4pm Venue: Literature Lounge Price: £9.90* Event Code: B11
CLASSIC LITERATURE
JAMES SHAPIRO Join the renowned critic, author and Columbia University professor for an absorbing and revelatory look at the timeless, global mark left by Shakespeare’s genius. Shakespeare in a Divided America explores how Americans of all stripes – presidents, activists, writers and soldiers – have turned to Shakespeare’s work to address myriad issues from race to gender from free speech to immigration.
S UN DAY 17 MAY
Camilla Pang’s book Explaining Humans is a unique exploration of what it means to be human. Applying science to the complexities of human relationships and the pitfalls of social etiquette, it is a funny and insightful text for all of us, whether neurotypical or neurodiverse. She talks to Georgina Godwin about her diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and how it led her to write her ‘instruction manual for humans’ after struggling to understand the world around her.
Date: Sunday 17 May Time: 4pm – 5pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: B12
FAMILY FRIENDLY
MONTY HALLS: MY FAMILY AND THE GALAPAGOS Writer, broadcaster and marine biologist Monty Halls and his family share their amazing Galapagos adventures, diving deep into the culture of this beautiful place and seeing first-hand the desperately needed conservation work happening. Fresh back from their second trip, and coinciding with their new television series, they bring us their experience of the most important archipelago on the planet. Date: Sunday 17 May Time: 4.45pm – 5.45pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: B13
*Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
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BOOKS
S UN DAY 17 MAY
LIFESTYLE
ENTERTAINMENT
Progressive funeral director Louise Winter and end of life doula Anna Lyon want to change the way we think and talk about death and dying. They talk to Alex Clark in this intimate event, which will consider how exploring our mortality can change our lives.
The Bafta-nominated comedian is back with a brand-new show about big life changes. Join the viral sensation and star of BBC’s The Mash Report as she performs stand-up and songs about sudden love, the highs and lows of relationships, family, weddings, kids, going viral, going mental, and the baffling state of play in society right now.
LIFE. DEATH. WHATEVER.
Date: Sunday 17 May Time: 5pm – 6pm Venue: Literature Lounge Price: £9.90* Event Code: B14
CLASSIC LITERATURE
RACHEL PARRIS
Date: Sunday 17 May Time: 7pm – 8.45pm Venue: Komedia Price: £16.50* Event Code: B17
NEIL GAIMAN: RAY BRADBURY AT 100 Commemorating the centenary of the birth of legendary fantasy and sci-fi guru Ray Bradbury (Fahrenheit 451, The Martian Chronicles), join two-time Bram Stoker, award-winning Bradbury biographer and writer Sam Weller in a spirited discussion with the one and only global bestseller Neil Gaiman (coming to us live via Skype from the US). They muse on Bradbury’s inestimable influence and enduring popularity. Date: Sunday 17 May Time: 6.45pm – 7.45pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: B16 Sponsored by
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SECRET SERVICE BRAINTEASER QUIZ NIGHT wits against some of the greatest minds of our time with ingenious brainteasers and hidden codes and show off those James Bond credentials. Up to six people per team. Date: Sunday 17 May Time: 7.30pm – 9pm Venue: Boston Tea Party, Alfred Street Price: £7.70* Event Code: B18
S UN DAY 17 MAY
Do you have what it takes to be a spy? Join your host, the bestselling historian and journalist Sinclair McKay, as he tells the astonishing stories of the secret heroes of MI5 and MI6 who operate from the shadows, alongside testing YOUR mental agility to discover if you have what it takes to be a secret agent! Pit your
BOOKS
ENTERTAINMENT
POETRY & SPOKEN WORD
ROGER ROBINSON FOLLOWED BY THE TONGUE FU BAND Winner of the T.S. Eliot Prize 2019, BritishTrinidadian dub poet Roger Robinson joins us to kick off an evening of poetry and music with a solo reading from his stunning new collection, A Portable Paradise. Then things take a more musical turn… Tongue Fu is the UK’s leading poetry and music show, earning critical acclaim across the UK and around the world. Writer, musician and founder Chris Redmond is joined by Anthony Anaxagorou, Joelle Taylor and Liv Torc as they re-work material live on-stage with jaw-dropping improvised soundtracks from a crack team of quick witted, genre-hopping musicians. No two shows are the same! Date: Sunday 17 May Time: 8pm – 10pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £13.20* Event Code: B19
*Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
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BOOKS
BE CREATIVE
CREATIVE WRITING WITH SAM WELLER
M ON DAY 18 MAY
Everyone has a story to tell, but not everyone knows how to start getting their story down on that daunting blank page. Join creative writing professor Sam Weller (Dark Black) as he leads a fun and energetic writing workshop, which will help guide you through the fundamentals of compelling and engaging storytelling from building characters to structuring plot. Date: Monday 18 May Time: 10am – 12.30pm Venue: Bath Central Library Price: £22* Event Code: C1
HISTORY
LUNCHTIME LECTURE
Acclaimed historian Sinclair McKay brings to life the history of this fated city which experienced one of the most notorious and destructive bombings of WW2. Combining impeccable research and first-hand accounts, he brings a deep understanding of morality, survival, and the importance of memory to the forefront.
Indian Sun is the first biography of the godfather of world music who took Indian classical music to the world’s leading concert halls and festivals. Marking Ravi Shankar’s centenary year, biographer Oliver Craske charts his momentous life, with full access to the family archive and a special look at his 1966 Bath Music Festival duet with Yehudi Menuhin.
DRESDEN: THE FIRE AND THE DARKNESS
Date: Monday 18 May Time: 10.45am – 11.45am Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: C2 Sponsored by
OLIVER CRASKE ON RAVI SHANKAR
Date: Monday 18 May Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: C4 Sponsored by
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* Ticket price includes booking fee
KEY TO EVENTS: Event code
Multi-Arts
Family
Event
Music
PULL OUT
Books
Time
Venue
Various 5pm – late All day
Various Various To be announced
66 7 6
Various To be announced Literature Lounge Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms The Forum St Swithin’s Church Prior Park Chapel Literature Lounge Assembly Rooms Literature Lounge Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms Literature Lounge Assembly Rooms St Swithin’s Church Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms Literature Lounge Assembly Rooms Prior Park Chapel The Forum Literature Lounge
66 6 28 28 28 29 8 8 30 30 30 31 31 31 32 9 32 32 33 33 8 9 33
Various To be announced Roper Theatre Komedia Assembly Rooms Literature Lounge Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms Literature Lounge Assembly Rooms
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DI ARY
EVENT CALENDAR
Page
FRIDAY 15 MAY SparkFest FREE Party In The City FREE Empirical Pop-Up Jazz Lounge
SATURDAY 16 MAY FREE A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 A8 A9 A10 A11 A12 A13 A14 A15 A16 A17 A18 A19 A20 A21
SparkFest Various Empirical Pop-Up Jazz Lounge All day Frome: The Compassion Project 10.30am – 11.30am Toulouse-Lautrec: Celebrating Difference 10.45am – 11.45am Adam Rutherford 11am – 12pm Ian McEwan: My Life in Books and Music 11am – 12pm Marta Fontanals-Simmons, mezzo soprano 12pm – 1pm Come and Sing Brahms 12pm – 2pm Petina Gappah 12.30pm – 1.30pm Feel-Good Fiction 12.30pm – 1.30pm The Path to Publication 2.30pm – 3.30pm Notre-Dame: The Soul of France 2.45pm – 3.45pm Patrick Ness 3pm – 4pm Shahnaz Ahsan and Paul Mendez 4.30pm – 5.30pm Simon Mayo 4.30pm – 5.30pm Wagner: The View From The Villa 5pm – 6.45pm Laura Dockrill 5.15pm – 6.15pm Raynor Winn 6.30pm – 7.30pm Burning Eye Books Showcase 6.30pm – 7.45pm There Will Be Cake 8pm – 9.15pm Brahms German Requiem 8pm – 9.15pm John Grant + support from Teddy Thompson 8pm Jan Blake 8.30pm – 10pm
FREE B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8
SparkFest Various Empirical Pop-Up Jazz Lounge All day Orchestral Workshop 10am – 4.15pm Marcus Brigstocke’s Sunday Papers 10am – 11.30am A Local Guide to Sustainable Living 10.45am – 11.45am Bad Mothers 11am – 12pm Bertrand Chamayou, piano 11am – 1pm Life Goes On 12.30pm – 1.30pm Rowan Hisayo Buchanan and Naoise Dolan 1pm – 2pm George Alagiah 2.15pm – 3.15pm
SUNDAY 17 MAY
41 BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
DI ARY
Event code
Event
Time
Venue
B9 B10 B11 B12 B13 B14 B15 B16 B17 B18 B19 B20
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks aise the Bar Presents Buddy Wakefield R Explaining Humans James Shapiro Monty Halls: My Family and the Galapagos Life. Death. Whatever. Chris Wood Neil Gaiman: Ray Bradbury at 100 Rachel Parris Secret Service Brainteaser Quiz Night Roger Robinson followed by Tongue Fu Symphony of Sorrowful Songs
2.30pm – 3.30pm 2.30pm – 4.30pm 3pm – 4pm 4pm – 5pm 4.45pm – 5.45pm 5pm – 6pm 5pm 6.45pm – 7.45pm 7pm – 8.45pm 7.30pm – 9pm 8pm – 10pm 8.15pm – 9.15pm
Assembly Rooms Komedia Literature Lounge Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms Literature Lounge Walcot House Assembly Rooms Komedia Boston Tea Party Assembly Rooms Roman Baths
36 36 37 37 37 38 11 38 38 39 39 11
FREE C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 C8 LVH C9 C10 C11
SparkFest Empirical Pop-Up Jazz Lounge Creative Writing with Sam Weller Dresden: The Fire and the Darkness Timothy Ridout, viola Oliver Craske on Ravi Shankar Lunch with John Partridge A History of Britain through Books 10 Lessons for an Ageing World Anthology Launch La Voix Humaine Novel Nights Bath Festival Orchestra The Cost of Education?
Various All day 10am – 12.30pm 10.45am – 11.45am 12pm – 1pm 12.30pm – 1.30pm 12pm – 2.30pm 2.45pm – 3.45pm 6pm – 7pm 6.30pm – 8.30pm 7pm – 8pm 7pm – 9pm 7.30pm – 9.30pm 7.45pm – 8.45pm
Various To be announced Bath Central Library Assembly Rooms St Swithin’s Church Assembly Rooms The Bird Hotel Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms Walcot House Secret Location Mr B’s Emporium Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms
66 6 40 40 12 40 45 45 45 46 12 46 13 46
FREE D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 D10 LVH
SparkFest Empirical Pop-Up Jazz Lounge Creative Writing with Kim Sherwood Sometimes in Bath Jonian Ilias Kadesha, violin The Story of Ideas The Mitford Sisters: A Lasting Legacy The Untold Story of The Falklands Alternative Austen The Glossy Years James Runcie: The Road to Grantchester A.C. Grayling on Democracy La Voix Humaine
Various All day 10am – 1pm 10.45am – 11.45am 12pm – 1pm 12.30pm – 1.30pm 12.45pm – 1.45pm 2.30pm – 3.30pm 3pm – 4pm 4pm – 5pm 5.30pm – 6.30pm 6pm – 7pm 7pm – 8pm
Various To be announced Bath Central Library Assembly Rooms St Swithin’s Church Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms The Bird Hotel Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms Secret Location
66 6 47 47 14 47 48 48 48 49 49 49 12
SUNDAY 17 MAY
MONDAY 18 MAY
TUESDAY 19 MAY
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Page
Event
Time
Venue
D11 D12 D13 D14 D15 D16
Kiran Millwood Hargrave Green is the New Black Get The Blessing YNG-XI Presents Rachel Johnson The Great American Songbook
7pm – 8pm 7.30pm – 8.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 8.15pm – 9.15pm 9pm – 10pm
Mr B’s Emporium Assembly Rooms Komedia Walcot House Assembly Rooms The Pump Room
50 50 14 15 50 15
FREE E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 E6 LVH E7 WO E8 E9 E10
SparkFest Empirical Pop-Up Jazz Lounge Matilda Lloyd, trumpet Beowulf Celebrating Charles Dickens Around the World in 80 Trees The Prime Ministers Emily Eavis: Glastonbury at 50 La Voix Humaine The Gesualdo Six: Great English Motets WOKE by Apphia Campbell Empirical Valentine Warner Nikita Gill and Mimi Khalvati
Various All day 12pm – 1pm 12.30pm – 1.30pm 1.45pm – 2.45pm 2.30pm – 3.30pm 5.45pm – 6.45pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 7pm 8pm – 9.45pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.45pm – 8.45pm 8pm – 9pm
Various To be announced St Swithin’s Church Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms Secret Location Bath Abbey The Edge Masonic Hall Assembly Rooms Mr B’s Emporium
66 6 16 51 51 51 51 52 12 16 17 17 52 52
F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 LVH WO F10 F11 F12 F13 F14
SparkFest Wordsworth at 250 Michael Frayn and Claire Tomalin Martin James Bartlett, piano The Regency Revolution Massacre, Revenge and The Raj Forgotten Stories My Lost Family Caroline Hirons: Skincare David Lammy La Voix Humaine WOKE by Apphia Campbell Fran’s Bookshop Live Concert for the People of Bath The Dodge Brothers and Neil Brand The Power of Poetry in Uncertain Times Robert Webb
Various 10.30am – 11.30am 11.45am – 12.45pm 12pm – 1pm 12.30pm – 1.30pm 2pm – 3pm 2.15pm – 3.15pm 4.15pm – 5.15pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 7pm 6pm – 7pm 7.30pm 7.30pm – 10pm 7.30pm – 10pm 7.30pm 8pm – 9pm 8.30pm – 9.30pm
Various Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms St Swithin’s Church Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms Secret Location The Edge Walcot House The Forum Komedia Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms
66 53 53 18 53 54 54 54 55 55 12 17 55 19 20 56 56
TUESDAY 19 MAY
WEDNESDAY 20 MAY
THURSDAY 21 MAY
KEY TO EVENTS:
Multi-Arts
Family
Music
Page
DI ARY
Event code
Books *Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
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DI ARY
Event code
Event
Time
SparkFest Grayson Perry: National Treasure My Father’s War and What Remains Joanna Trollope Sean Shibe, guitar How to Build a Healthy Brain Apocalypse How? Alison Weir Patrick Barkham Nicci French: It’s Better With Two The Windrush Generation The Photographer of the Lost The Lost Decade 2010-2020 La Voix Humaine Stanley Donwood Outside the Stereotypes The Heath Quartet play Beethoven Richard Herring Patti Smith and Band
Various Various 10.45am – 11.45am Assembly Rooms 11am – 12pm Masonic Hall 11.30am – 12.30pm Assembly Rooms 12pm – 1pm St Swithin’s Church 12.30pm – 1.30pm Assembly Rooms 1pm – 2pm Masonic Hall 2.15pm – 3.15pm Assembly Rooms 2.45pm – 3.45pm Assembly Rooms 3pm – 4pm Masonic Hall 4pm – 5pm Assembly Rooms 5pm – 6pm Masonic Hall 6pm – 7pm Assembly Rooms 6pm – 7pm Secret Location 7pm – 8pm Masonic Hall 7pm – 8pm Mr B’s Emporium 7.30pm – 9.30pm Assembly Rooms 8pm – 9pm Assembly Rooms 8pm The Forum
66 57 57 57 21 57 58 58 58 58 59 59 59 12 60 60 22 60 21
Various 10.45am – 11.45am 11am – 12pm 11am – 1pm 11am – 12pm 12.45pm – 1.45pm 1pm – 2pm 2pm – 3pm 2pm – 11pm 3pm – 4pm 3.15pm – 4.15pm 3.45pm – 4.45pm
Various Assembly Rooms Masonic Hall Assembly Rooms The Forum Assembly Rooms Masonic Hall Assembly Rooms Bath Rec Ground Masonic Hall Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms
66 61 61 22 61 62 62 62 26 63 63 63
Various Various 10.30am – 11.30am Masonic Hall 10.45am – 11.45am Assembly Rooms 11am – 1pm Assembly Rooms 11am – 3pm Parade Gardens 12.30pm – 1.30pm Masonic Hall 2pm – 11pm Bath Rec Ground 2.30pm – 3.30pm Masonic Hall 2.30pm – 3.30pm Assembly Rooms 5pm Guildhall
66 64 64 22 25 64 26 65 65 23
FRIDAY 22 MAY G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7 G8 G9 G10 G11 G12 LVH G13 G14 BHD G15 G16
SATURDAY 23 MAY H1 H2 BHE H3 H4 H5 H6 H7 H8 H9
SparkFest A Doctor’s Story of Love and Loss Around the World in 10 Books The Heath Quartet play Beethoven Adam Buxton Alastair Campbell The Science of Fate Lionel Shriver The Bath Festival Finale Weekend The Call of the Wild Claudia Hammond: The Art of Rest Gimson’s Presidents
SUNDAY 24 MAY
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SparkFest Britain’s Knitted History J1 Mark Billingham J2 BHF The Heath Quartet play Beethoven Family Arts Day Emma Gannon and Emma Jane Unsworth J3 The Bath Festival Finale Weekend First on the Scene J4 Tayari Jones J5 Iford Arts Opera: The Merry Widow J6
KEY TO EVENTS:
Multi-Arts
Venue
Family
Page
Music
Books
LUNCH WITH JOHN PARTRIDGE
Ticket price includes a welcome drink, two course meal and a glass of wine.
M ON DAY 18 MAY
The actor, singer and Celebrity Masterchef winner joins us for an entertaining and heartwarming talk about his life long connection with food followed by lunch. His debut cookbook There’s No Taste Like Home is a wonderful collection of recipes, inspired by memories of food and family given his own unique and creative twist.
*Ticket price includes booking fee
45
His talk is followed by a delicious two course meal, using recipes from his book. Date: Monday 18 May Time: 12pm – 2.30pm Venue: The Bird Hotel Price: £39* Event Code: C5
BOOKS
LIFESTYLE
CLASSIC LITERATURE
A HISTORY OF BRITAIN THROUGH BOOKS: 1900-1964 Join Christopher Tugendhadt and literary journalist Alex Clark for a journey through Britain as told through seminal books of the 20th century: from Lord of the Flies to A Room of One’s Own. Exploring the experiences, attitudes and prejudices of the previous century and how they’ve
shaped modern Britain, we gain a unique insight into the politics, social changes and psyche of a nation. Date: Monday 18 May Time: 2.45pm – 3.45pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: C6
CURRENT AFFAIRS
10 LESSONS FOR AN AGEING WORLD In 2020, the number of people aged over 65 will outnumber those aged five and under. Award-winning journalist Camilla Cavendish contests ageing taboos and talks to Alex Clark about her brilliant book Extra Time, which explores how governments,
businesses, the NHS and the media should handle the final decades of life. Date: Monday 18 May Time: 6pm – 7pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: C7
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
BOOKS
BE CREATIVE
NOVEL NIGHTS
M ON DAY 18 MAY
NEW TALENT
BATH SPA MA IN CREATIVE WRITING ANTHOLOGY LAUNCH
Come and see the future writing stars of tomorrow! Students from the MA in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University will read a selection of their work from their latest anthology. Fiction, poetry, short stories and non-fiction; this will be a relaxed and entertaining evening of creative talent that will inspire you.
Novel Nights hosts an evening of readings by emerging writers followed by a discussion about the craft of writing with shortlisted Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Kim Sherwood. She will talk about using research as part of the creative process in writing historical fiction. Her award winning novel, Testament, explores the impact of the Holocaust in Hungary on three generations of a Jewish family. Her second novel, set amongst the smugglers of 18th century Devon, will be published in 2021. Date: Monday 18 May Time: 7pm – 9pm Venue: Mr B’s Emporium Price: £8.80* Event Code: C9
The evening will be hosted by spoken word poet and bath spa reader in Creative Writing Lucy English. Date: Monday 18 May Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm Venue: Walcot House Price: FREE (ticket required) Event Code: C8
Sponsored by
CURRENT AFFAIRS
THE COST OF EDUCATION? Is the true cost of university education not only financial, but also the impact it has on students’ mental health? Join head of student well-being at Bath Spa University Sara Gallagher, NUS president Zamzam Ibrahim and Rife Magazine alumni Ella Brandt as they discuss the challenges facing young people and universities today with award-winning education and social affairs journalist Louise Tickle. This event was programmed by Bath Spa University Student Programmers: Ross Bell, Tesni Roberts, Charlee Rowe, Jessica 4 6 Silvester-Yeo and Abigail Stewart.
Sponsored by
Date: Monday 18 May Time: 7.45pm – 8.45pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: C11
BOOKS
BE CREATIVE
CREATIVE WRITING WITH KIM SHERWOOD
HISTORY
Date: Time: Venue:
Tuesday 19 May 10am – 1pm Bath Central Library Price: £22* Event Code: D1
LUNCHTIME LECTURE
SOMETIMES IN BATH
THE STORY OF IDEAS
Join award-winning journalist, columnist and author Charles Nevin as he takes us on a captivating story-tour through our elegant and intriguing city. Beau Nash, a young Horatio Nelson, Emperor Haile Selassie and many more personalities come to life in stories that chart the history of Britain’s oldest resort and premier purveyor of health, happiness and romance. He talks to Caroline Sanderson.
The Map of Knowledge explains how the big, bold ideas of Euclid, Galen and Ptolemy captivated medieval Europe and the Islamic World. From Alexandria, to Baghdad, Cordoba and Venice, historian Violet Moller reveals the web of connections that ensured key mathematics, astronomy and medicine work was passed on and preserved. Gripping, vivid and illuminating.
Date: Tuesday 19 May Time: 10.45am – 11.45am Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: D2
Sponsored by
TUES DAY 19 MAY
Get your creative energy moving and join award-winning author Kim Sherwood to write a short story in a morning. We will explore the short story form, from structure to language and character. This supportive workshop is suitable for both beginners and more advanced writers.
Date: Tuesday 19 May Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: D4
*Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
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BOOKS
CLASSIC LITERATURE
THE MITFORD SISTERS: A LASTING LEGACY
TUES DAY 19 MAY
Glittering parties, scandals, love affairs and political upheaval. Bestselling author of The Mitford Murders series Jessica Fellowes and acclaimed biographer Mary S. Lovell (The Mitford Girls) talk to Simon Savidge about the vitality and drama of a family that took the twentieth century by storm and continues to fascinate a modern day audience. Date: Tuesday 19 May Time: 12.45pm – 1.45pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: D5
HISTORY
THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE FALKLANDS Join Steven Gale as he talks to historian Rowland White (Harrier 809: The Untold Story of the Falklands) and former Falklands Sea Harrier pilot Commodore Bill Covington CBE, as they discuss the invasion of the Falkland Islands in 1982. Not since WW2 had so much been expected of the small band of pilots who made up the new 809 Naval Air Squadron, re-formed as a task force against the might of the Argentine air force. Date: Tuesday 19 May Time: 2.30pm – 3.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: D6
FICTION
ALTERNATIVE AUSTEN The enduring legacy of Pride and Prejudice lives on with two new wonderful novels imagining the lives of two supporting characters. Former BBC Two controller Janice Hadlow (The Other Bennet Sister) provides a witty and uplifting look at Mary, the bookish ‘ugly duckling’ sister, whilst historical novelist Helen Moffett (Charlotte) considers Charlotte Lucas and her determination to carve a place for herself in the world. They talk about their books and all things Austen to Caroline Sanderson. 48
Date: Tuesday 19 May Time: 3pm – 4pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: D7
BOOKS
LIFESTYLE
THE GLOSSY YEARS
Date: Tuesday 19 May Time: 4pm – 5pm Venue: The Bird Hotel Price: £25* Event Code: D8
Ticket price includes canapes and glass of fizz.
FICTION
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Writer, director and former artistic director of The Bath Literature Festival James Runcie talks to Steven Gale about The Road to Grantchester, a captivating prequel to the hugely successful Grantchester book and television series, following the life, loves and losses of a young Sidney Chambers.
There is a ticking timebomb at the heart of our representative democracy and current politics shows that the problem is as large and widespread as it is serious. In his latest book The Good State, the leading philosopher and author makes the compelling case for the necessary reforms: from proportional representation to a written constitution and a lower voting age.
JAMES RUNCIE: THE ROAD TO GRANCHESTER
Date: Tuesday 19 May Time: 5.30pm – 6.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: D9
Sponsored by
A.C. GRAYLING ON DEMOCRACY
TUES DAY 19 MAY
Over his thirty year career at Condé Nast, Nicholas Coleridge has witnessed it all. He gives the inside scoop on a glittering cast of characters including Princess Diana, David Bowie, Kate Moss and Philip Green. Don’t miss this entertaining, honest and witty look at the worlds of fashion and journalism, covering a whole sweep of British social history.
Democracy is for ALL, not some. Date: Tuesday 19 May Time: 6pm – 7pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: D10
DON’T FORGET SPARKFEST Be adventurous and seek out something new. 8 May until 6 June see page 66 for event details. *Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
49
BOOKS
LIFESTYLE
GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK
TUES DAY 19 MAY
Fast fashion is bad news for the planet and our bank balances. Our mania for big-name labels, cheap fashion and endless pairs of shoes is wearing out the world. But it doesn’t need to be a drab future. The One Show reporter, author and ethical journalist Lucy Siegle and award-winning author and journalist Tansy Hoskins (Foot Work: What Your Shoes are Doing to the World) talk about the issues, what’s going on behind the scenes of the fashion industry and our role as consumers.
Date: Tuesday 19 May Time: 7.30pm – 8.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: D12
Sponsored by
FICTION
KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE Join the bestselling YA author as she talks to Natasha Pulley (The Lost Future of Pepperharrow) about her first adult novel. Chosen as a BBC Radio 2 Book Club book, The Mercies is inspired by the real events of the Vardø storm and the 1621 witch trials, and tells the story of suspicion weaving through a community and a dangerous and powerful love.
Date: Tuesday 19 May Time: 7pm – 8pm Venue: Mr B’s Emporium Price: £8.80* Event Code: D11
CURRENT AFFAIRS
RACHEL JOHNSON Brexit divided not just the nation but the Johnson family. Rake’s Progress is an entertaining look at the writer and broadcaster’s move into politics as well as an insightful analysis of the rise and fall of the Remain cause. She talks to Marion Milne about the campaign trail, the ‘Westminster bubble’ and taking on Ann Widdecombe.
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Date: Tuesday 19 May Time: 8.15pm – 9.15pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: D15
NATURE
BEOWULF
Date: Wednesday 20 May Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: E2
Bestselling author and environmentalist Jonathan Drori follows in the footsteps of Phileas Fogg as he tells the stories of magnificent trees from all over the globe, showing what role they play in every part of human life. Combining history, science, and a wealth of quirky detail it’s the perfect event for nature and travel enthusiasts. Date: Wednesday 20 May Time: 2.30pm – 3.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: E4
Sponsored by
Sponsored by
CLASSIC LITERATURE
CELEBRATING CHARLES DICKENS 150 years since his death, the life of our greatest Victorian novelist is examined by award-winning biographer Claire Tomalin (Charles Dickens: A Life) in conversation with writer and broadcaster James Runcie. Complex of character, with a life rich in melodrama, ambition, reversal of fortune and obsessive love, this event is perfect for old and new fans alike. Date: Wednesday 20 May Time: 1.45pm – 2.45pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: E3
WEDNES DAY 20 MAY
Plunge into the adventures of Beowulf, the sixth century hero who defeated a monster, became king of his people, and slayed a dragon. Surviving in a single manuscript it continues to inspire today. Join leading Oxford professor and author Janina Ramirez to hear about the story, its origins and its enduring legacy.
AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 TREES
BOOKS
LUNCHTIME LECTURE
HISTORY
THE PRIME MINISTERS: REFLECTING ON LEADERSHIP FROM WILSON TO MAY Seasoned political journalist Steve Richards sheds new light on Downing Street inhabitants from Wilson to May. Entertaining and informative, combining unprecedented behind the scenes access, in-depth interviews and an assessment of current PM Boris Johnson, this event brings modern history to life. Date: Wednesday 20 May Time: 5.45pm – 6.45pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: E5 Sponsored by
*Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
51
BOOKS
ENTERTAINMENT
EMILY EAVIS: GLASTONBURY AT 50
WEDNES DAY 20 MAY
Together with her father Michael, Emily Eavis coordinates Glastonbury Festival, one of the biggest music festivals in the world. Mere weeks before the 50th anniversary festival, she joins us on stage to reveal the stories behind the headlines and the history of this now global phenomenon. Date: Wednesday 20 May Time: 6pm – 7pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £13.20* Event Code: E6
Sponsored by
POETRY & SPOKEN WORD
NIKITA GILL AND MIMI KHALVATI
LIFESTYLE
VALENTINE WARNER Featuring recipes that are dear to his heart and personal stories from his childhood through to adulthood, The Consolation of Food is a cookbook that recognises the power of cooking and eating to lift the spirit and soothe the soul. The acclaimed cook talks to Fran Beauman about life and death, TV shenanigans, travel adventures and the life-affirming joy of good food.
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Date: Wednesday 20 May Time: 7.45pm – 8.45pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: E9
Join our poetry and spoken word programmer Rebecca Tantony as she talks to two powerful poets. Nikita Gill is one of the most exciting young writers today and her fans include Cara Delevingne and Jameela Jamil. She reads from Great Goddesses: Life Lessons from Myths and Monsters. Award-winning and T.S. Eliot shortlisted Mimi Khalvati is the founder of the Poetry School and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, she reads from Afterwardness. Date: Wednesday 20 May Time: 8pm – 9pm Venue: Mr B’s Emporium Price: £8.80* Event Code: E10
MICHAEL FRAYN AND CLAIRE TOMALIN
POETRY & SPOKEN WORD
WORDSWORTH AT 250 Join the Wordsworth Trust’s director Michael McGregor for a fascinating exploration of the poet’s life and work, why he matters to our lives today and how the trust is ‘Reimagining Wordsworth’ for a whole new audience.
Date: Thursday 21 May Time: 11.45am – 12.45pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: F2
TH URS DAY 21 MAY
A very special festival event celebrating the extraordinary work of formidable husband and wife team Michael Frayn and Claire Tomalin. Their award-winning writing spans biographies, novels, plays, memoirs and journalism. They talk to James Long about past achievements, current projects and future plans.
BOOKS
ENTERTAINMENT
Date: Thursday 21 May Time: 10.30am – 11.30am Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: F1
LUNCHTIME LECTURE
THE REGENCY REVOLUTION Join acclaimed academic Robert Morrison for a fascinating and lively tour through Regency Britain, taking in such key figures as Jane Austen, Lord Byron, Napoleon and the Prince Regent himself. He takes us behind the scenes of this colourful and chaotic decade whose legacy helped shape modern Britain. Date: Thursday 21 May Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: F4
*Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
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BOOKS
HISTORY
MASSACRE, REVENGE AND THE RAJ
THURS DAY 21 MAY
Political journalist and broadcaster Anita Anand (The Patient Assassin) tells the remarkable story of one Indian’s twenty-year global quest for revenge in search of those he held responsible for the Amritsar massacre of 1919, which cost the lives of hundreds. She talks to James Long and reveals astonishing new insights into what really happened. Date: Thursday 21 May Time: 2pm – 3pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: F5
CLASSIC LITERATURE
FORGOTTEN STORIES Where are the mislaid stories? Why are certain authors excluded from history? Join biographer and Women’s Press editor Sarah LeFanu, poet and historian Louisa Adjoa Parker and Lucy Scholes of the Financial Times and Paris Review as they talk to Bath publisher Kate Macdonald about why stories get lost and how we can recover forgotten fiction and extraordinary people from the past. Date: Thursday 21 May Time: 2.15pm – 3.15pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: F6
In partnership with
HISTORY
MY LOST FAMILY How would you feel if your sons and daughters were caught up in war, each day spent fearing what news a telegram may bring? Historian Annabel Venning tells the enthralling, moving and miraculous tale of her grandfather and his five siblings who faced an extraordinary battle for survival throughout WW2, from Blitz to battlefields and beyond. She talks to James Long.
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DON’T FORGET SPARKFEST Four weeks full of a bright and brave schedule of work. 8 May until 6 June see page 66 for event details.
Date: Thursday 21 May Time: 4.15pm – 5.15pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: F7 In Partnership with
BOOKS
LIFESTYLE
CAROLINE HIRONS: SKINCARE
Date: Thursday 21 May Time: 6pm – 7pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: F8
CURRENT AFFAIRS
DAVID LAMMY Don’t miss prominent social justice campaigner David Lammy MP in conversation with journalist and broadcaster Anita Anand. Drawing on his own experience of discovering the ethnic makeup of his DNA, his book Tribes challenges socially constructed tribalism while reflecting on the positive effects of community. Timely, pertinent and very important.
TH URS DAY 21 MAY
The hugely successful, straight-talking Skincare Queen and beauty blogger extraordinaire is on a mission to help all ages and skin types feel and look fantastic. Expect jargon-busting advice, practical tips and tricks, and product recommendations for all budgets as she talks to beauty and fashion blogger Ruth Crilly.
Date: Thursday 21 May Time: 6pm – 7pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: F9
ENTERTAINMENT
FRAN’S BOOKSHOP LIVE Join Fran Beauman, creator of the popular Instagram account Fran’s Book Shop, for a high-spirited evening of raucous and irreverent chat about all things bookrelated. She’ll be joined by guests John Niven (Kill Your Friends), Kerry Howard (Him and Her), journalist and editor of Erotic Review Rowan Pelling and Simon Farnaby (Horrible Histories, The Mighty Boosh and writer of Paddington 2). Expect gossip and games and lots of laughs and surprises. Date: Thursday 21 May Time: 7.30pm – 10pm Venue: Walcot House Price: £16.50* Event Code: F10
*Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
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BOOKS
POETRY & SPOKEN WORD
THE POWER OF POETRY IN UNCERTAIN TIMES
TH URS DAY 21 MAY
With poetry enjoying such a resurgence, is it the finest medium to reflect our complicated world back to us? Winner of the 2019 Rathbones Folio Prize Raymond Antrobus talks with fellow award-winning poets and teachers Kate Clanchy and Paul Farley about why they choose poetry to communicate and encourage others to do the same. Date: Thursday 21 May Time: 8pm – 9pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: F13
FICTION
ROBERT WEBB Join the bestselling author of How Not To Be A Boy and the star of Peep Show as he shares his debut novel Come Again, a time travelling love story which asks what you would do if you could start over again. He talks to Simon Savidge about the novel that has already been reviewed as ‘funny, unpredictable, clever, beautiful and brilliant’. Date: Thursday 21 May Time: 8.30pm – 9.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: F14
DON’T FORGET SPARKFEST Four weeks full of exciting and dynamic performances. 8 May until 6 June see page 66 for event details. 56
MY FATHER’S WAR AND WHAT REMAINS
GRAYSON PERRY: NATIONAL TREASURE Art historian and broadcaster Jacky Klein (Grayson Perry) considers the artist’s remarkable career, politics and creative process and talks with museum director Chris Stephens (Grayson Perry: The PreTherapy Years) about the development of and reaction to the exciting Holburne exhibition of Perry’s early ceramic pieces.
Date: Friday 22 May Time: 11am – 12pm Venue: Masonic Hall Price: £9.90* Event Code: G2
Date: Friday 22 May Time: 10.45am – 11.45am Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: G1
FICTION
JOANNA TROLLOPE The Sunday Times number one bestselling author Joanna Trollope explores the issues at the heart of a modern family with her trademark wit and warmth in her latest novel Mum & Dad. Chaired by Steven Gale. Date: Friday 22 May Time: 11.30am – 12.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: G3
F RIDAY 22 MAY
ART & DESIGN
With endorsements from John le Carré, Michael Palin and Edmund de Waal, When Time Stopped is a powerful family memoir that dives into the secret past of Ariana Neumann’s father, a man who was the epitome of strength and success. She talks to Dan Richards about discovering the truth after his death including his unknown Jewish heritage and the fate of dozens of family members during the Holocaust.
BOOKS
HISTORY
LUNCHTIME LECTURE
HOW TO BUILD A HEALTHY BRAIN Whatever your age, having a healthy brain is the key to a happy and fulfilled life. Yet, for both young and old, diseases of the brain and mental health are the biggest killers of the 21st century. Psychologist Kimberley Wilson draws on the latest research to give practical, holistic advice on simple lifestyle choices that will protect your physical as well as mental health. Date: Friday 22 May Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: G5 *Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
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BOOKS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
APOCALYPSE HOW? TECHNOLOGY AND THE THREAT OF DISASTER
F RIDAY 22 MAY
As technology governs ever more of our lives, we have become dependent on a complex network of interlinked systems. But what if a part of this network fails or is deliberately hacked? Former UK government minister Oliver Letwin looks ten years into the future and imagines just that in Apocalypse How? He talks to Romesh Vaitilingam about the national grid collapse, freak solar storms and cyber attacks and how we can become more resilient to such threats.
The fifth in the bestselling author’s landmark Six Tudor Queens series, The Tainted Queen tells the tale of Katheryn Howard, a young woman who captured the heart of the king. The acclaimed writer and historian draws on extensive research to recount one of the most tragic tales in English history – that of a naïve young woman at the mercy of her ambitious family. Date: Friday 22 May Time: 2.15pm – 3.15pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: G7
NICCI FRENCH: IT’S BETTER WITH TWO The phenomenally successful writing partnership that is Nicci Gerrard and her husband Sean French talk to Jo Nadin about their first stand-alone novel for ten years, The Lying Room. Dangerously addictive.
NATURE
PATRICK BARKHAM The celebrated nature writer draws on personal experience as a parent and forest school volunteer to explore the relationship between children and nature. Wild Child: Coming Home to Nature considers the importance of green spaces, den building and pond dipping for our current generation of young people.
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ALISON WEIR
BLOODBATH
Date: Friday 22 May Time: 1pm – 2pm Venue: Masonic Hall Price: £9.90* Event Code: G6
Date: Friday 22 May Time: 2.45pm – 3.45pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: G8
FICTION
Sponsored by
Date: Friday 22 May Time: 3pm – 4pm Venue: Masonic Hall Price: £9.90* Event Code: G9
BOOKS
HISTORY
THE WINDRUSH GENERATION (Voices of the Windrush Generation) who unearthed the real stories behind the headlines.
F RIDAY 22 MAY
It was a scandal that wrecked thousands of British lives. Bristol University’s professor of the history of slavery Olivette Otele talks to the award-winning journalist Amelia Gentleman, (The Windrush Betrayal) who exposed the truth behind the tragedy and bestselling writer and journalist David Matthews
Date: Friday 22 May Time: 4pm – 5pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9.90* Event Code: G10
FICTION
CURRENT AFFAIRS
An incredibly moving account of an oftenforgotten moment in history, writer and historian Caroline Scott tells the story of the thousands of soldiers who were lost amid the chaos and ruins of WW1 and of their families desperate to find them. She shares her melancholic yet captivating novel, inspired by her family history. She talks to Steven Gale.
Join acclaimed political and social commentators Polly Toynbee and David Walker for a definitive assessment of the past decade. From Brexit to climate debate, same sex marriage to Grenfell, they talk to Romesh Vaitilingam about what went wrong, what went right, and what lies ahead for Britain.
THE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE LOST
Date: Friday 22 May Time: 5pm – 6pm Venue: Masonic Hall Price: £9.90* Event Code: G11
THE LOST DECADE 2010-2020
Date: Friday 22 May Time: 6pm – 7pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: G12
DON’T FORGET SPARKFEST Four weeks full of a bright and brave schedule of work. 8 May until 6 June see page 66 for event details. *Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
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BOOKS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
ART & DESIGN
OUTSIDE THE STEREOTYPES
STANLEY DONWOOD
F RIDAY 22 MAY
Egyptian-born and London-raised, journalist and author Alya Mooro (The Greater Freedom: Life as a Middle Eastern Woman Outside the Stereotypes) feels a pull from both of her cultures. What does she identify as and what impact do these opposing messages have on her life? Bringing meticulous research, countless interviews with other women and, of course, her own experiences, she talks to author Ayisha Malik (This Green and Pleasant Land) about feeling like an outsider whilst on the inside.
The cult graphic designer, graphic novelist and long-time Radiohead collaborator talks to award-winning novelist Max Porter about the creative process that has driven his career. There Will Be No Quiet reveals his personal notebooks, sketches and accompanying narratives behind the iconic Radiohead artwork. Not to be missed. Date: Friday 22 May Time: 7pm – 8pm Venue: Masonic Hall Price: £11* Event Code: G13
Date: Friday 22 May Time: 7pm – 8pm Venue: Mr B’s Emporium Price: £8.80* Event Code: G14
ENTERTAINMENT
RICHARD HERRING We’ve all been there. Stuck at a boring family party, on an awkward date or in countless other situations where conversation has become more of a trickle than a flow. Fear the excruciation no more as the podcaster, comedian and writer Richard Herring is here to help with his Emergency Questions! It’ll change your life, removing 6 0 social anxiety and raising
your repartee-game to new heights. It’s the book Adam Kay is calling ‘ridiculously funny and (unexpectedly) genuinely useful’ so it must be good. Date: Friday 22 May Time: 8pm – 9pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £13.20* Event Code: G15
Sponsored by
BOOKS
ENTERTAINMENT
ADAM BUXTON
SATURDAY 23 MAY
The comedian and podcast host joins us to talk about Ramble Book, his funny and poignant new memoir. Expect rambles on parenthood, 80s cultural influences, confrontations on trains, The Adam & Joe Show, boarding school trauma, David Bowie and, we suspect, much much more. Date: Saturday 23 May Time: 11am – 12pm Venue: The Forum Price: £13.20* Event Code: H3
FICTION
AROUND THE WORLD IN 10 BOOKS PSYCHOLOGY
A DOCTOR’S STORY OF LOVE AND LOSS As a palliative care specialist, Dr Rachel Clarke’s training was put to the test when her father was diagnosed with a terminal illness. She talks to Max Porter (Grief is the Thing with Feathers) about Dear Life, her remarkable memoir that considers the role of hospices, the power of human stories and what really matters at the end. Date: Saturday 23 May Time: 10.45am – 11.45am Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: H1
Join Scott Pack and Judith Robinson as they travel the globe in search of great works of world literature. They will do their best to stop off at each continent where they will champion, discuss and recommend ten books in translation. A regular festival favourite that comes with a warning: you will find it hard to leave without buying an enormous pile of new books to read. Date: Saturday 23 May Time: 11am – 12pm Venue: Masonic Hall Price: £9.90* Event Code: H2
*Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
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BOOKS
PSYCHOLOGY
ALASTAIR CAMPBELL
SATURDAY 23 MAY
Better To Live is an honest and moving account of the writer and strategist’s lifelong battle with depression. He talks to Caroline Sanderson about his quest to remove the stigma and shame that still can be attached to mental health problems. Date: Saturday 23 May Time: 12.45pm – 1.45pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: H4
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
FICTION
Do we have a choice over our beliefs, who we fall in love with or what we eat? Do we possess free will or is our life pre-programmed? Leading neuroscientist and presenter Hannah Critchlow draws vividly from everyday life and experts to show how we might alter our fate.
A classic tale about ‘men of a certain age’ who suddenly decide to don a lycra onesie and undertake a triathlon. What’s wrong with a lovely simple walk? Explored in vintage Shriver-style, The Motion of the Body Through Space is written with psychological insight, a rich cast of characters and is, as always, an astute reading of contemporary culture packed with emotionality. She talks to Alex Clark.
THE SCIENCE OF FATE
Date: Saturday 23 May Time: 1pm – 2pm Venue: Masonic Hall Price: £9.90* Event Code: H5
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LIONEL SHRIVER
Date: Saturday 23 May Time: 2pm – 3pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: H6
BOOKS
THE CALL OF THE WILD Lucy Jones (Losing Eden: Why Our Minds Need the Wild) and Dan Richards (Outpost: A Journey to the Wild Ends of the Earth) talk to Max Porter about the vital role wild places play as sources of inspiration, creativity and sanctuary. From the frozen beauty of Svalbard to East London forest schools, they discuss their personal wilderness journeys. Date: Saturday 23 May Time: 3pm – 4pm Venue: Masonic Hall Price: £9.90* Event Code: H7
Sponsored by
HISTORY
GIMSON’S PRESIDENTS: BRIEF LIVES FROM WASHINGTON TO TRUMP With a US election on the horizon in 2020, author Andrew Gimson (Gimson’s Presidents: Brief Lives from Washington to Trump) and Guardian satirical cartoonist Martin Rowson shed light on White House residents from Washington to Trump, Jefferson to Lincoln and at least another 30 or so holders of office. How has the US got to where it is today? Join us to find out. Date: Saturday 23 May Time: 3.45pm – 4.45pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: H9
PSYCHOLOGY
CLAUDIA HAMMOND: THE ART OF REST How we unwind, calm our minds and recharge our bodies is as important as sleep according to Claudia Hammond in her latest book The Art of Rest. Drawing on ground-breaking research, the BBC Radio 4 presenter explains why we need to take rest seriously and why busyness is not a badge of honour. She talks to Caroline Sanderson.
SATURDAY 23 MAY
NATURE
Date: Saturday 23 May Time: 3.15pm – 4.15pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: H8
DON’T FORGET SPARKFEST Four weeks full of exciting and dynamic performances. 8 May until 6 June see page 66 for event details. *Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
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BOOKS
LIFESTYLE
BRITAIN’S KNITTED HISTORY
S UN DAY 24 MAY
Knitting enthusiast and writer Esther Rutter (This Golden Fleece) has travelled the length of the British Isles from Fair Isle to Yorkshire to the Cotswolds and beyond, exploring wool’s influence on our communities, culture and history. Please feel free to bring your own knitting!
Date: Sunday 24 May Time: 10.30am – 11.30am Venue: Masonic Hall Price: £9.90* Event Code: J1
FICTION
EMMA GANNON AND EMMA JANE UNSWORTH Join two of the UK’s most eminent authors, journalists and cultural commentators as they discuss their brilliant new novels Olive and Adults. Both explore figuring out life as a thirty-something woman, social media, marriage and much more. Join them as they talk to journalist Marisa Bate about their inspiration, societal expectation and the ultimate taboo of choosing not to have children. Date: Sunday 24 May Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm Venue: Masonic Hall Price: £11* Event Code: J3
BLOODBATH
MARK BILLINGHAM 20 years and 20 novels. 2020 is a big year for Mark Billingham! Now considered statesman of the crime-writing community, he has amassed over six million sales, 120 weeks in the top ten, two television series and much more. Join us to celebrate this impressive milestone as he talks to Alex Clark about the anniversary edition of his first novel Sleepyhead and looks ahead to the July publication of Cry Baby, a chilling prequel to his debut.
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Date: Sunday 24 May Time: 10.45am – 11.45am Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: J2
Abbie Greaves’ The Silent Treatment features a couple who haven’t spoken for six months – is this where their story ends? Or where it begins? Elizabeth Kay’s Seven Lies starts with one little lie between best friends, although the truth, as it turns out, is far more dangerous. An avid supporter of new crime writing talent, the bestselling Mark Billingham talks to these authors about the debut novels set to be on everyone’s lips in 2020.
The winner of the 2019 Women’s Prize for Fiction for her epic novel An American Marriage joins us for her first UK festival appearance to share her new novel, Silver Sparrow. Destined for yet more success it is a tale of tragedy, family, promises, truths and lies. Join us for this wonderful event which will bring the 2020 literature programme to a close. She talks to Alex Clark.
FIRST ON THE SCENE
Date: Sunday 24 May Time: 2.30pm – 3.30pm Venue: Masonic Hall Price: £9.90* Event Code: J4
TAYARI JONES
Date: Sunday 24 May Time: 2.30pm – 3.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £11* Event Code: J5
S UN DAY 24 MAY
FICTION
BOOKS
BLOODBATH
DON’T FORGET SPARKFEST Be adventurous and seek out something new. 8 May until 6 June see page 66 for event details.
*Ticket price includes booking fee
BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362
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Photo credit: Nick Spratling
8 May - 6 June 2020
SparkFest asks two things of you, to be adventurous and explore the curious. Now in its third year, this festival of theatre, music and dance is set to take over our beautiful World Heritage city once again. SparkFest promises four weeks of bright and brave performances from Bath Spa University graduates, in partnership with The Bath Festival. Take a fresh look at how young talent engages with the region’s artistic community.
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DON’T FORGET SPARKFEST Be curious and try something different. 8 May until 6 June.
Tickets and show information from www.bathspalive.com Tickets can also be booked via Bath Box Office Bath Visitor Information Centre Bridgwater House, 2 Terrace Walk Bath BA1 1LN 01225 463362 www.bathboxoffice.org.uk Follow us on social media @bathspaprods Bath Spa Productions
MUSIC
FOCUS
YOUR PASSION
Focus your passion with postgraduate study at Bath Spa University Register now for one of our postgraduate Open Days and find out about our range of exciting Master’s degrees.
Saturday 28 March Saturday 6 June Saturday 21 November www.bathspa.ac.uk/postgrad-openday
THE BATH F ES TIVA L 2020
1948
OUR HISTORY
Princess Margaret, age 17, was a guest at the first Bath Festival
At Bath Festivals we are proud of our history. The Bath Festival is one of the UK’s longest running and top festivals in the country. Since 1948 the Bath Festival, later re-branded as Bath International Music Festival, has been bringing internationally acclaimed musicians to Bath, and introducing audiences to the rising stars of the music industry. In 1995 the first Bath Literature Festival was held and in 2017 the two became one as The Bath Festival, embracing both music and books. In 2010 the Bath Children’s Literature Festival joined the festival family and has been bringing the best of the wonderful world of children’s books to Bath. Our inspirational creative learning and outreach programme runs year-round alongside the festivals.
1952
1959
1960
1966
1961
violinist Yehudi Menuhin was appointed festival director, a post he held until 1968
more than 60,000 people turned out in the rain to watch a festival procession a mile and a half long
1969 Bath Blues Festival on the Rec included bands Led Zeppelin and Fleetwood Mac, with compere DJ John Peel
a masked ball saw Shakespeare’s Coriolanus performed by the Roman Baths
revellers danced until 6am as jazz musician George Melly declared: “T’aint’t no sin to take off your skin and dance around in your bones.” a banquet at the Roman Baths saw people swimming in the baths. Revellers refused to leave and in the early hours staff had to literally pull the plug
1975 residents of the Circus put candles in their windows for the festival’s opening night
1995
1984
2010
2018
2010 the Bath Children’s Literature Festival joined the festival family
1 7 - 2 6 MAY 2 0 1 9
An orchestra played Handel’s Water Music on a barge on the River Avon
1955
600 people performed on Bath Rec to mark the 150th anniversary of Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar
the first Bath Literature Festival was held. In 2017 The Bath Festival became a combined festival of music and literature, held in May each year
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1951
the theme was mazes and the Beazer maze near the Avon was created
in celebration of our 70th anniversary the first Finale Weekend was held on Bath Rec with headliners Paloma Faith and Robert Plant and the Space Shifters
CREATIVE LEARNING
CREATIV E L EA RNING
Our 2019 Young Producers
2019 Festival commission project Pitch Invasion
Our year-round Creative Learning Programme provides unique creative opportunities and life-enhancing experiences for children and young people. We run music and literature projects led by arts professionals particularly for children and young people who face challenges in their lives and those who wouldn’t otherwise have access to arts activities and creative careers. In 2019 more than 7000 children and young people took part in our events and projects. Among the exciting events planned for the 2020 creative learning programme are: • Common Ground is a specially commissioned community project, inspired by the natural environment around us, will involve children from St Michael’s Junior School, Roundhill Primary School and adults from Action for Hearing Loss and Carrswood Day Service for adults with learning disabilities. Performances of Common Ground will take place as part of Party In The City on Friday 15 May and at Whiteway Green as part of a family and community-wide event. • A festival schools choir bringing young people from local schools together as one voice culminating in a performance on the main stage as part of The Bath Festival Finale Weekend. • Young Producers, a three-year project which enables young people to curate and create their own event as part of The Bath Festival. • Young Writers Lab, an on-going library based creative project for 12 to 18-year-old writers. Look out for the latest issue of their False Starts zine which will be found in Mr B’s Festival Bookshop in the Assembly Rooms.
Join us for the Common Ground performance at Party in the City (p5), our Young Producer’s event YNG-XI presents (p15) and Family Arts Day (p25). We would like to thank Curo Group, Bath Recreation, Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, Coles Medlock Foundation, The Bath Boules Trust and Bathscape Landscape Partnership for their support.
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THE BATH F ES TIVA L
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND STAFF LIST BOARD OF TRUSTEES John Cullum DL Chair Georgina Andrews, Suresh Ariaratnam, Denise Coughlan, Peter Medlock, Christopher Rogers, Alistair Singleton, Vicki Smith, Stephen Taylor, and Richard Turner. Chief Executive Ian Stockley PROGRAMMING AND PRODUCTION Programme Director Kate Hall Head of Literature Programming Madeline Toy Literature Programmer Kate Abbey Music Programmer Sarah Dennehy Classical Music Programmer James Waters Poetry and Spoken Word Programmer Rebecca Tantony Production Coordinator Elysia Collins Volunteer Coordinator Fran Carroll Festival Assistant Tilley Sheridan CREATIVE LEARNING Head of Creative Learning Hazel Plowman MARKETING Marketing Manager Jasmine Barker Digital Marketing Officer Tom Elliott PR Officer Georgette McCready Marketing Consultant Abigail Carney
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THANK YOU Our patrons are playing a vital role in helping us develop our work with young people. We want to say a huge thank you to everyone below for their support. Paragon Patrons: Chris and Monique Bamford Lord Charles Brooke James and Annette Drummond David and Karin Embleton Coles Medlock Foundation Panda Sancturies Trevor Osborne Mark Roper The Peter Stormonth Darling Charitable Trust Circus Patrons: John and Yvonne Cullum Van and Eva DuBose Andrew Fletcher The Mayden Foundation Ian Tarr Crescent Patrons: Lucy Aspin Maurice Avent Anthony Avison and Fenella Barnard Paul and Fiona Kane Rupert and Carol Baines Fiona Bell Chris and Alison Born John and Sally Bowman Henry and Jane Brown Martin Clark and Dani Jeffries-Clark Rob and Deborah Clements Stephen and Gitte Dawson Fenella Dyson John Everitt Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios Ken and Chris Fullalove
DEVELOPMENT Head of Development Stephanie Massie Development Officer Jessie Naish
WEBSITE AND DESIGN Brand and Festival Design So design. so-design.co.uk Website Touchpoint Design
FINANCE Finance Officer Rebecca Wheeler
FESTIVAL TICKET AGENT Bath Box Office
Lady Elizabeth Gass DCVO Charles Grimsdale Barry and Yvonne Gilbertson Eric Grove Richard and Yasemin Hall William and Wera Hobhouse Bernard and Clare Horn Howard and Lyn Jacobs Paul and Claire Jackson Conrad Jones Chris and Sue Kinchin-Smith Sandra Le Marchant Elaine Marson Sheila McCormack Bel Mooney Rod and Karin Morgan Alan Phillips Nigel and Stephanie Pollard Bob and Diana Potter Chris and Denise Rogers Chris and Jan Shepley Colin and Theresa Skellett Marcelle Speller Ian Stockley William and Wendy Jane Stockley Stephen Taylor Richard and Maggie Turner Richard and Sue Wales Brian Woodford Lucy Woodroffe Nicholas and Lucy Wylde Our anonymous Patrons Life Patrons: Lady Evelyn Strasburger June Price (Honorary) Julie Peacock (Honorary) PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS Visit thebathfestival.org.uk/ photo-credits for a full photo credit list Registered Charity No.801617
GET I NVOLV ED
GET INVOLVED Your Support Matters The Bath Festival, Bath Children’s Literature Festival and runs a year-round creative learning programme. More than a third of our income comes from charitable donations and other fundraising so your help is vital. With your support we will be able to keep bringing the very best musicians and speakers to Bath to keep creating opportunities which engage and inspire audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Presenter and author Sara Cox with two festival volunteers
Become a volunteer
Become a patron
Volunteers play an essential role in making The Bath Festival and the Bath Children’s Literature Festival take place.
Patrons enjoy a range of privileges including invitations to convivial events, cultural trips, exclusive insights and the chance to meet artists and performers, as well as top level priority booking.
Become a member from £25 Members enjoy priority booking and discounts (subject to membership level) whilst supporting the arts.
Become a benefactor
Become a corporate partner Let your business work with ours. Our corporate partners collaborate with us to broaden access to cultural opportunities and celebrate what makes Bath unique and special.
Benefactors directly contribute to our wonderful creative learning projects (p69) while also gaining the benefits of priority booking and discounts.
For more information visit www.bathfestivals.org.uk/support-us We’d love you to get involved!
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F ES TI VA L BOOKS HOP 72
OUR FESTIVAL BOOKSHOP: MR B’S EMPORIUM OF READING DELIGHTS We’re thrilled that Mr B’s Emporium, the award-winning independent bookshop, will be the official bookseller for The Bath Festival. They will set up the main festival bookshop in the Octagon at the Assembly Rooms and also pop-up bookshops at all other venues. Arrive early to browse the books and talk to the brilliant Mr B’s staff who will be brimming with recommendations for you. After each event, author signings take place in the festival bookshops.
Mr B’s beautiful bricks and mortar shop is located on John Street, only a few minutes’ walk from the Assembly Rooms. Do take the chance to visit what the Guardian have called one of the top ten bookshops in the world. www.mrbsemporium.com 01225 331155 @MrBsEmporium
The Bath Festival is delighted to be in partnership with Scala Radio, the new national entertainment radio station which plays classical music for modern life. Its presenters include Simon Mayo, Angellica Bell, Mark Kermode, Chris Rogers and Alexis Ffrench, offering a playlist which runs from Mozart and Holst to works from living composers Karl Jenkins, Rebecca Dale and Thom Yorke. You can also expect to hear contemporary works including film, TV and video game scores, musicals and classical arrangements of pop and rock songs. Presenter and author Simon Mayo is coming to Bath to talk about his latest novel Knife Edge (p32) and will also be interviewing one of Britain’s greatest living authors, Ian McEwan, as part of the newly launched series of events, My Life in Books
Your perfect nest in Bath, The Bird offers a vibrant environment full of colour and social experiences for locals and visitors alike.
and Music (p29). Simon is on Scala Radio from 10am–1pm, Monday to Saturday, chatting to celebrity guests, taking requests and playing the very best classical music. His fellow presenter and respected film critic Mark Kermode will also be joining us at The Bath Festival to perform with his band The Dodge Brothers (p20). His weekly show on Scala Radio explores the much-loved world of film music and airs every Saturday from 1–3pm. You can listen nationally on DAB digital radio, online, via the Scala Radio app, on your smart speaker, and on Sky channel 0216.
A creeper-clad country house hotel and spa set in 10-acres of newly-restored gardens, filled with luxurious touches, creative interiors and great British food.
Life through a different lens
PARTNERS
SCALA RADIO: CLASSICAL MUSIC FOR MODERN LIFE
UPCOM IN G FES TIVA L S
Amazing authors. Inspiring illustrators. Colourful characters. 10 jam-packed, fun-filled days of reading, talking, writing and drawing for families and schools in our beautiful city.
25 September – 4 October 2020 BATH’S OTHER FESTIVAL
Music • Comedy • Theatre • Dance Street Events • Kids’ Events • Free Events • Talks • Walks • Surprises The Unclassifiable & The Unexpected - throughout the city in venues, pop-ups, streets, open spaces.
BEDLAM FAIR
FREE Outdoor Arts Weekend May 30-31, city centre
FaB FRINGE ARTS BATH FREE Visual Arts Festival, All over the city centre, all fortnight www.fringeartsbath.co.uk
Programmes in print everywhere from end April and on www.bathfringe.co.uk sign up there to get the info first, or www.facebook.com/bathfringe @bathfringe #bathfringe2020
Line-up coming soon! For more information and to sign up to our mailing list visit www.bathfestivals.org.uk and follow us on: @bathkidslitfest
bathfringe.co.uk
Image: Anna Barclay Photography
Where every event is a landmark occasion 01225 477786 bathvenues.co.uk
The best of Bath in one little card AVAILABLE AT BATHGIFTCARD.COM OR BATH VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
CULTURAL EVENTS IN BATH Bath World Heritage Day 19th April 2020
Festival of Nature 30th May 2020
Bathscape Walking Festival 12–20th September 2020
The Bath Festival 15–24th May 2020
Bath Races Ladies Day 13th June 2020
Bath Children’s Literature Festival 24th Sept – 4th Oct 2020
Bath Fringe Festival 22nd May – 7th June 2020
Bath Carnival 11th July 2020
Fringe Arts Bath 22nd May – 7th June 2020
Jane Austen Festival 11–20th September 2020
WWW.BATHBID.CO.UK
Bath Digital Festival 20–24th October 2020 FilmBath Festival 5–15th November 2020
Coming soon! Hallmark Care Homes is opening a stunning new care home in Bath in late 2021. Built on over 20 years of experience, the home will offer a state-of-the-art cinema, therapy room, hair salon and cafĂŠ. Alongside our high quality care, residents will also be able to enjoy our range of inclusive services and varied dining options as part of our wellbeing programme. Frome Road, Odd Down, Bath, BA2 5RF Call 01277 314190 to register your interest today.
www.hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk
Roman Baths, Bath Advertising based on an increase of over 10% in train seats on long distance, intercity services in May 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. Correct as of 18 June 2019. Selected routes only. Visit GWR.com for full terms and conditions.
More seats. More trains. More adventures. Book at GWR.com, on our app, or at a station.
Situated in the South West of England, Bath is easily accessible to visitors and makes a wonderful city break. Bath Spa train station is located in the city centre and, as a mainline station, welcomes frequent trains from London (90 mins) and the south west. Bath is just a 45 minute drive from the nearest airport (Bristol), and is connected to the main London airports via the railway. Bath is also positioned perfectly for road travel, on the M4 motorway which links London to the south west. PARK & RIDE Bath has three Park & Ride services, all of which have a 10 minute journey time and stop centrally. Parking is free and there are services from each site seven days a week. Regular bus services run into the city at least every 15 minutes. All buses are wheelchair and pushchair friendly. If travelling by car we would recommend using the Park & Ride service as parking in Bath is limited at peak times. Once in Bath it is just a short walk to many of our venues. For more information please visit www.firstgroup.com
VISIT
GETTING TO BATH TRAIN Bath Spa is served by Great Western Railway trains, with direct services from many mainline stations. Once you arrive in Bath many of our central venues are just a 10 minute walk away from the station. For more information please visit www.gwr.com PARKING IN BATH Car parks are situated in various locations. For more information, including a map of local car parks, opening times and charges, please visit www.visitbath.co.uk/plan-yourvisit/maps-and-guides BUS AND COACH First Bus run regular services locally and to nearby town and villages – for route maps and timetable visit www.firstgroup.com National Express is the UK’s largest scheduled coach operator and provides a great services to Bath from all over the UK. For more information visit www.nationalexpress.com
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TICKETS
HOW TO BOOK In person at Bath Box Office By telephone on 01225 463362 Online at thebathfestival.org.uk By post to Bath Box Office at the opposite address – cheques made payable to ‘Bath Box Office’. If paying by cheque please include the £1 transaction fee in your payment. Please note postal bookings are dealt with alongside telephone and counter bookings. Bath Box Office Bath Visitor Information Centre Bridgwater House 2 Terrace Walk Bath BA1 1LN Email: bathboxoffice@visitbath.co.uk
Box Office opening hours Monday to Saturday 9.30am– 5.30pm Sunday – Closed Open Sunday 17 and 24 May 10am – 4pm
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WHEN TO BOOK Patrons: Monday 24 February Benefactors, Gold & Silver Members: Thursday 27 February Bronze Members: Monday 2 March General Booking: Thursday 5 March DELIVERY OPTIONS Postal delivery: tickets will be posted to you for a charge of £1 or free of charge if you include a stamped addressed envelope with your booking. Care of box office: tickets will be held for collection at Bath Box Office up until 5pm the day before the event, or at the venue from one hour before the event. Print at home/e-tickets: you will receive your tickets via email shortly after your booking. Not all delivery options are available for all events. All ticket prices include a 10% booking fee and each order incurs a transaction charge of £1. Please note that tickets purchased through partner venues or ticket agents may incur additional booking fees. TICKET INFO Concessions Concession prices are available to under 26s, full– time students, unemployment benefit claimants, visitors with a disability and those whose sole source of income is a DSS state retirement pension. Where available, concessions entitle you to 10% off the original ticket price. Only one concession may apply per ticket. Under 26 ticket offer There are a limited number of half price tickets available for every event at selected price bands. Select Under 26 ticket price at point of purchase. Proof of age may be requested at the event.
Group discounts We offer one free seat for every ten purchased to the same event when booked at the same time. Standby ticket offer Under 26s, full–time students, unemployment benefit claimants, visitors with a disability and those whose sole source of income is a DSS state retirement pension may purchase unsold tickets at half price on the door 30 minutes before the event. Seat allocation is subject to availability and at the Box Office’s discretion. This offer will not apply to sold out events. Other booking information Please quote the event code when booking. Event times are approximate and doors open 15 minutes before each event. Tickets are nonrefundable, but if an event sells out the Bath Box Office are happy to offer returned tickets for resale. A £2 per ticket handling charge will apply on all resold tickets. Transaction and postage fees are non-refundable. Programmes and performers may be subject to change. All information in this programme was correct at the time of going to press. Filming Some events or shows may be filmed or photographed. Buying a ticket affirms your consent to the filming, sound recording or photographing of yourself as a member of the audience.
Bath Festivals is keen to promote equality of opportunities for people with disabilities and to take the necessary steps to meet their requirements. Access Booking ONLINE: Customers with accessibility requirements are now able to book tickets online, this includes tickets for wheelchair users and personal assistants via Bath Box Office. Please visit our accessibility webpage for instructions. TELEPHONE: 01225 463362 IN PERSON: Bath Box Office, Bath Visitor Information Centre, Bridgwater House, 2 Terrace Walk, Bath, BA1 1LN. Venue information and access to performances Our festival takes place in a range of venues across the city. All our venues are wheelchair accessible and most of our venues offer hearing loops and admit registered assistance dogs. Please see map (p66-67) for facilities and visit our accessibility page on our website for more information and images. We are happy to book British Sign Language interpreters for events if required. Please contact our Access Officer at least two weeks prior to the event. We do not offer captioning, audio description or relaxed performances at present, but these are facilities we hope to provide in the future.
Arrival guide If you need to collect your ticket on the day, the Box Office will be open in the venue one hour prior to the event. Upon arriving at the venue, staff and stewards wearing festival t-shirts and lanyards will be happy to help guide you to your seat and any other facilities. We can also provide early entrance options if audience members need to avoid crowds.
ACCES S IBIL ITY
ACCESSIBILITY
Medical requirements We welcome audience members who need to bring medicines, food or drink to manage a medical condition, or medical equipment. A first aider will be on hand in each venue. For more information please visit our Accessibility page: www.thebathfestival.org.uk/your-visit/accessibility If you have any enquiries regarding accessibility at Bath Festivals’ events please contact our Access Officer: access@bathfestivals.org.uk or 01225 614186 If you have any enquiries regarding booking please contact Bath Box Office: bathboxoffice@visitbath.co.uk or 01225 463362
We are working with Dementia Action Alliance to provide training for all staff and volunteers on supporting people with dementia and their carers at the festival.
81 BOOK TICKETS thebathfestival.org.uk 01225463362 463362 BOOKING thebathfestival.org.uk 01225
VENUE L IS T
MAP & VENUE INFORMATION 1. ASSEMBLY ROOMS Bennett Street, BA1 2QH
2. LITERATURE LOUNGE Alfred Street, BA1 2QX 3. THE GUILDHALL High Street, BA1 5AW
4. THE FORUM 1A Forum Buildings, BA1 1UG
5. KOMEDIA 22-23 Westgate Street, BA1 1EP
6. MASONIC HALL Old Theatre Royal, 12 Old Orchard Street, BA1 1JU
7. ST SWITHIN’S CHURCH The Paragon, BA1 5LY
8. WALCOT HOUSE 90B Walcot Street, BA1 5BG
9. PARADE GARDENS Grand Parade, BA2 4DF
10. BATH RECREATION GROUND Pulteney Mews, BA2 4DS
11. ROMAN BATHS Abbey Churchyard, BA1 1LZ
12. THE PUMP ROOM 13 Abbey Churchyard, BA1 1LZ
13. PRIOR PARK COLLEGE CHAPEL Ralph Allen Drive, Combe Down, BA2 5AH
14. MR B’S EMPORIUM 14-15 John Street, BA1 2JL
16. BATH CENTRAL LIBRARY 19-23 The Podium, BA1 5AN
17. ROPER THEATRE Hayesfield Girls’ School, Upper Oldfield Park, BA2 3LA
18. THE EDGE University of Bath, Claverton Down, BA2 7AY
19. BOSTON TEA PARTY 8 Alfred Street, BA1 2QU
20. THE BIRD HOTEL 18-19 Pulteney Road, BA2 4EZ
21. TICKET OFFICE Bath Box Office, Terrace Walk, BA1 1LN
15. BATH ABBEY BA1 1LT
Wheelchair accessible Accessible toilets Hearing loop Assistance dog accessible
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Baby changing facilities
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MAP
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18 9 15 21
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thebathfestival.org.uk
Celebrating Music and Books in a Beautiful City
15–24 May 2020
Official Partner:
www.thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362