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20 March 2014
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Fashion
Thursday, March 20
24/7 updates online: www.bathchronicle.co.uk
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8 Health & Beauty 12 Homes
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It’s official. Spring is here! We might have avoided the snow (fingers crossed) but nonetheless winter seems to have lasted for a very long time. Today is officially the first day of spring however so we can look forward to the longer and brighter days ahead. Although we are a nation obsessed with the weather, it’s rare for us to mark the changing seasons. But for other cultures it can be a cause for celebration. For example, Persian New Year, or Nowruz, is celebrated on the first day of spring. There’s a whole host of special
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EDITORIAL Lynne Fernquest customs and foods to mark the occasion, as I found out when I went along to meet Iranian-born Simi Rezai-Ghassemi, owner of Simi’s Kitchen. You can read all about on page 16, and Simi has also shared one of her recipes if you want to try it at home. We’re celebrating spring here at Weekend as well. Next week we’ll be bringing you a special bumper issue so make sure you don’t miss it!
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What is a capsule wardrobe?
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Fashion stylist Emmeline Stevens from The Image Consulting Company (www.theimageconsultingcompany.co.uk)
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Capsulize your wardrobe
Stylist Emmeline Stevens from The Image Consulting Company explains how to create a capsule wardrobe
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here is a hint of spring in the air so it’ll soon be time to dust off the mothballs and take a fresh look at your clothes. With the new styles of the season sashaying their wonders temptingly through the window of every high street store, how will you manage your wardrobe? Fashion stylist Emmeline Stevens explains how to create a capsule wardrobe:
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Hot in Hollywood
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nd the award for Best Dressed goes to ... There’s no official style accolade for winners on the red carpet, but you wouldn’t know it with the amount of column inches the awards season spectacle racks up. Now that the all the prestigious red carpets have been rolled away, it’s time to reflect. Choose your favourite frock trend and channel your inner A-lister.
Now that the curtain’s come down on awards season, revel in the red carpets’ unforgettable fashion moments. Lisa Haynes looks at this year’s leading ladies
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Raise eyebrows this spring Emma Dance gets the lowdown on brows from Amy Adams, owner of The Brow Place on Abbeygate Street.
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orget the fashions, it was the eyebrows stealing the shows at fashion weeks across the world this year. 2014 looks set to be the year of the brow. While in the past the fashion might have been for heavily plucked arched brows, this year has seen models strutting their stuff with thicker, fuller brows. “Brows really frame the face,” said Amy. “We are seeing a lot of models with thicker brows now. It draws the attention to the eye area and can help make the eyes look bigger. “There’s been a change in the industry too. There used to be a ‘one size fits all’ approach, but now people are being taught that different shapes suit different face shapes so now we are finding that a lot of people will come and ask our opinion about what will suit them - just like you might do with a hairdresser.”
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Movie star makeover Master a Hollywood makeover at home. Lisa Haynes reveals how anyone can glam up like an Oscar winner
The frocks aren’t the only thing scrutinised on the red carpet. Beauty is just as key in making or breaking a look on the best dressed lists. Unlike the couture dresses, cosmetics worn on the red carpet don’t come with budget-busting price tags. You may not be able to display an Oscar statuette on your mantelpiece, but you can decorate your bathroom shelves with these red carpet-worthy trophies. Choose your winning look.
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Bailbrook House Hotel ENJOY SUNDAY LUNCH IN STYLE
TREAT YOURSELF TO AFTERNOON TEA
From 11am enjoy a complimentary punch or freshly squeezed orange juice with home-made canapes on arrival. Relax and read the Sunday newspapers in the beautiful surroundings of our royal lounges featuring open fires.
There are three elegant lounges situated in the Mansion House, all affording excellent views over the lawns and parkland of the hotel grounds as well as the Avon Valley and the City of Bath.
Lunch is served in Cloisters restaurant from 12.30pm through to 2.30pm Two courses £19.00 per person Three courses £27.95 per person
CLOISTE S
We serve afternoon tea daily as well as the increasingly popular elevenses. Our afternoon teas are hand made by our expert chefs and include a selection of delicious pastries, cakes and finger sandwiches. We serve leaf tea only and our waiting staff will present to you a selection of the finest teas or coffee should you prefer. Somerset Cream Tea from £8.95.
R E S TA U R A N T
Please call 01225 855100 to make a reservation. sales.bailbrook@handpicked.co.uk 01225 855100 bailbrookhouse.co.uk Eveleigh Avenue, London Road West, Bath BA1 7JD
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A fresh spring facelift
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e’re finally leaving winter behind, yet our homes can look as though they’re still suffering from its effects. Thankfully, a few changes, small but significant, can spruce things up. “First go outside, then walk back through your front door with fresh eyes to identify things that could be tidier or more cheerful,” advises Amanda Fox, creative director of homeware and gift specialists, The Handpicked Collection. “Have fun by investing in a set of colourful pegs for hanging coats, or identify something you can paint a bright colour. “Do you fancy bright yellow banisters or perhaps an emerald green door frame? If it’s a small job, you’ll probably only need a few tester pots, rather than a whole litre can of paint.” It’s all too easy to get used to cluttered surfaces, especially in the kitchen, so she suggests making a clean sweep and storing away all but the essentials and allowing attractive items, like quirky mismatched crockery or sleek designer gadgets, to star.
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Today is officially the first day of spring and it’s the perfect time to freshen up our homes. Gabrielle Fagan finds simple ways to give rooms an affordable facelift
Take a similar approach in living areas, by collecting decorative items in one place, deciding which work well together, and then redistributing them in different arrangements throughout the house. “Try to mix-match heights, sizes, textures and colours to make them visually appealing and they’ll look new and different,” says Fox. “Similarly, take down pictures and try each one in a different position. You’ll be surprised how fresh existing artworks can look with different light on them and a change of surrounding environment.” Finally, plump up sofa cushions, fling windows wide open for at least 30 minutes a
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day, and drape a colourful cloth over a table and make fruit a centrepiece. “A glass vase filled with zesty, colourful lemons and limes whose aroma will scent the room is a stylist’s favourite trick,” she says. “Most of these changes won’t cost a thing but they’ll have the effect of putting a spring in your step every time you go indoors!“ Check out the experts’ suggestions for spring room projects:
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A taste of Italy
Emma Dance talks to mentor to Jamie Oliver, Gennaro Conntaldo, as he returns to Bath to mark five years since the opening of Jamie’s Italian in Milsom Place Gennaro Conntaldo isn’t a man who takes life lying down. He may be 65, but he’s got more energy than most 25 year olds and he’s showing no sign of slowing down. When I meet him at Jamie’s Italian he’s been up since 4am, and in the kitchen at the restaurant for two hours and has already cooked up a veritable banquet of dishes. “I love it, I just love it,” he enthuses in his thick Italian accent. “I couldn’t wait to come back here today. I knew Sam Elliot, our executive chef was waiting for me in the kitchen so I got here and I said to him ‘Let’s do it!’ “I remember standing here when we opened five years ago and I still have the same buzz today that I did then.” It may be Jamie Oliver’s name above the door, but Gennaro has been involved since the very start, working with his protege to develop the concept and the menus, and today he is still involved in training the young chefs. “Jamie’s Italian was Jamie’s dream,” he says. “When he came to me with the idea first of all I didn’t want to do
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it. I had my restaurant, Passione in London, which was very famous and all the celebrities used to come there, I had done some books, I had done some TV. I said ‘I’m doing OK.’ He said to me ‘If you don’t want to do it then we won’t do it, but think of how many jobs we could give to young boys and girls.’ I told him I would think about it and eventually I agreed. “When we started it was just me and him and we have created what we have now.” It’s clear from the way that Gennaro talks about Jamie that the pair have a very special bond.
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“Jamie is like a son to me,” he says, and you can hear the emotion in his voice. “I am always there for him, and he is always there for me. It’s just wonderful. “Jamie doesn’t judge, he wants to be a friend to everyone. “When he started the his charity foundation I asked him why and he said to me ‘I have to give back. To give is better than to receive.’ “Jamie is more interested in giving people jobs. Jamie’s Italian isn’t for us – we don’t need anything – it’s for all the boys and girls that we can teach. It’s for the future and we should all help the future. “An old dog like me had to learn from a young dog like Jamie that it’s better to give than receive. Bless him.”
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Perfect Persian New Year party
Pigging Out
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Emma Dance meets Simi Rezai-Ghassemi to find out more about Persian New Year, and how it is celebrated
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oday at 4.57pm GMT, to coincide with the vernal equinox, people around the world will be celebrating the start of Persian New Year, known as Nowruz. Among them will be Iranian-born Simi Rezai-Ghassemi, who has now made her home in Bath where she runs cookery classes from her home. As soon as I step into Simi’s Great Pulteney Street home the first thing I notice is the wonderful, fragrant aroma wafting from her kitchen that almost immediately make my mouth begin to water and my stomach start to grumble. The next is the seemingly random collection of objects beautifully arranged on the table. There’s a mirror, bowls of dried fruit and nuts, a candle, eggs and a pot filled with green shoots. It looks like a bizarre cross between a car boot sale and a farmers’ market. But while to the casual observer it may seem like an odd selection, Simi explains to me that it is in fact Haaft Siin, a decorative table put together every Nowruz, that each item has a special
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' significance and that seven of the items on the table all begin with the Persian letter Siin (a version of the letter S). “My name begins with the letter Siin,” says Simi. “So when I was small my mother used to joke that if she was short of an item she would put me on the table!” Simi tells me that every family might interpret that Haaft Siin differently, but that typically it would include seven of the following: Sumac (the colour of sunrise defeating darkness), Samanoo (a sweet paste made from wheat sprout juice, what flour and water which represents the sweet result of patience and hard work), Serkeh (vinegar or wine synonymous with the wisdome that comes with age), Senjed (fruit of the Oleaster tree symbolising love), Seeb (an apple for knowledge and natural beauty), Sabzi (sprouted
mvvk / kypur ties or as taking the reins of your destiny.” While in Britain New Year comes and goes in a flash, in Iran it is a celebration lasting 12 days and on the 13th day people pack picnics and go out into the parks and countryside and the final dish
Pictures: Lloyd Ellington greens for rebirth), Sir (garlic representing medicine), Sekeh (coins for wealth) and Sonbol (a hyacinth – a fragrant symbol of spring). Other symbols that might also be placed on the table include a mirror for reflections on the past, a goldfish to represent the transition from Pisces to Aries, a lit candle for enlightenment, coloured boiled eggs for fertility, an orange afloat in a bowl of water representing the earth in space and finally a great book of literature or scripture. And, as for most special occasions, special dishes are prepared. Rice is a staple part of Persian cuisine and New Year’s Day it is traditional to eat Sabzi Polow Ba Mahi, or herb infused rice with fish. Simi disappears into the kitchen and reappears moments later with a steaming bowl and it’s immediately clear that this is at least partially responsible for the mouth watering smells. The soft rice is flecked with bright green herbs and nestled among the grains are pieces of smoked salmon and smoked trout. The flavours in the rice are light and delicate and moreish and the herbs perfectly complement the flavours of the fish. “This is my version of the dish,” says Simi. “I like to use local produce whenever I can. It’s not fusion
cuisine – an Iranian would still recognise this dish – but it is adapted to make use of the wonderful ingredients we have here.” Yet more dishes appear from the kitchen, another – bowl of rice this time with pieces of noodle running through it and dates shining like jewels, and a plate of chicken, golden with saffron surrounded by soft, juicy plums. “This is called Reshteh Polow, or noodle rice,” says Simi. “But my sister and I used to call it worm rice! We eat this on the night before Nowruz. Reshteh means thread or reins, so it can be interpreted as a symbol for family
Simi has prepared is Kookoo, a kind of frittata that is made using seasonal ingredients which can be sliced up and served cold for an al fresco lunch. (See page 18 for the recipe). “There is wonderful wild garlic in Bath,” says Simi. “So I like to use that when I can. You can use any greens that are in season though.” Although Simi now teaches Persian cookery, as well as baking gluten free cakes for Bath’s independent cafes, she is a relative newcomer to the kitchen. “I didn’t learn to cook until my 30s,”
she admits. “I was very spoiled because I come from a family of very good cooks, so I never had to. “I have just learned now from books and from my memories. When my father saw me in the kitchen he said it was scary how much I looked like my mother when I cooked so I suppose I must have remembered something from all those hours in the kitchen with my relatives. “I am planning on returning to Iran in the spring and travelling round to find out more about the culinary heritage of the country I was born in. I want to talk to families and find out about their old recipes, and visit the people who produce the wonderful ingredients like dates. “Then I want to return and share what I have learned.” ■ To find out more about Simi and Persian cookery visit www.simiskitchen.co.uk or follow her on Twitter @simiskitchen.
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Indulgent Iranian dish Simi from Simi’s Kitchen shares her recipe for the Kookoo Sabzi – a traditional Iranian dish
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Gambling the house
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ome of the best advice ever written is contained in Kenny Roger’s song, The Gambler. “You gotta know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, and know when to run...” and I suspect that’s because gamblers understand the vagaries of life better than most of us. With one bet, you can be lifted from the fathomless depths of penniless doom to the brass bands and bunting of Millionaire’s Row, and plunged straight back again like some medieval cautionary tale. That’s probably why the proposed casino in Bath has caused such controversy. Because while some residents’ hearts are already racing with delight at the idea of jangling cascades of coins, spinning roulette wheels and stacks of coloured chips like Lego money, others are convinced it’s the first step
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Flic Everett is a journalist and author who has written for The Sunday Times, The Guardian, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and Red magazine
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towards a Hogarth print of amoral carryings-on; whereby mothers will leave their babies tied to the bed to go and gamble the electricity money, and fathers will stumble home at dawn in shirt-sleeves, having gambled their jackets away. I have sympathy with both positions. I hate the proliferation of betting shops nowadays – not only are they ugly, they’re also mendacious little beacons of hope to people whose fortunes are too slim to risk losing, and casinos are just glamorous versions of the same thing; wide-boys who pick your pocket as they hand you a cocktail. Then again, I have had some of the best nights of my life in casinos – the air seethes with the thrill of free money, there’s a reckless giddiness to the punters, and a win is like being sprayed with champagne and crossing the finishing line simultaneously. I realised this on my honeymoon. We went to Nice, and decided that we should see Monaco as well, so after a petrifying dive round the hairpin bends of the Grande Corniche, we arrived at the insanely expensive casino, awash with leathery Eurotrash, and went to gamble. I thought I’d be amused yet horrified by the spectacle – but within minutes, I was urging the roulette wheel on like Eliza Doolittle at Ascot, barely breathing with the wild tension – and that was on a ten euro bet. I can only imagine the deranged thrill of dropping your worldly goods on black or red, and letting fate decide. In the end, my husband had to drag me out, before I gambled away the rest of the honeymoon and the children’s futures. But it was a brief insight into the power of gambling – not to mention the danger. One win is like the first sip of champagne; it’s just not enough – and you’re forever doomed to search for that same rapture, forgetting entirely that the house always wins. I don’t mind if Bath gets a casino – there’s plenty of residents and tourists here who can afford a flutter. But having visited Vegas for the first time last year, I can safely say that unless we want a city filled with crashing, jangling, flashing machines, Mafia bosses, cowboys, drunken newlyweds and Elvis impersonators, one glamorous gambling den is enough. As Kenny Rogers himself says, “If you’re gonna play the game, boy, ya gotta learn to play it right.”
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Making an impression
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listair McGowan, the man of many voices, is also a man of many talents, to judge by his amazingly varied CV. He seems to have excelled in every area of show business. Best known perhaps as an impressionist, Alistair has also written and directed, starred in West End musicals and Gilbert and Sullivan and has had a thriving career as a straight actor. Does the man ever sleep? Or take time off? “I never get bored – possibly because I never give myself the chance to get bored,” he reflects. Alistair has now returned to the boards for a second bite at the cherry which is
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Alistair McGowan talks to Al Senter ahead of his appearance at Bath’s Theatre Royal the role of Professor Henry Higgins in Pygmalion, Shaw’s evergreen comedy about class and society. Alistair’s first encounter with the character came under unusual circumstances, as he recalls. “I was asked to take over from Rupert Everett for the final three weeks of a West End run three years ago. I had about four weeks’ notice and I learnt the part lying on a beach in France and on trains criss-crossing the country. I had very little rehearsal in which to try and get to grips with this meaty role and under such circumstances you have to focus on the task in hand. It’s a bit like driving on to the motorway and heading straight for the fast lane on the day after you have passed your test. I then decided that the best way to deal with the pressure was to forget about it with some displacement activity, like cleaning the cupboards and mowing the lawn. As a result, I hurt my back and for the first two weeks of the run of Pygmalion, I could hardly stand and barely sit.” Given such painful memories, it’s surprising that Alistair agreed so eagerly to re-visit the part of Higgins. “I like him, I know him and we both share an interest in the specifics of the smallest sounds and we are both fascinated by what accent can say about who we are. We still make judgements
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about people, based on how they sound: you hear someone speak and within a couple of sentences, it says something about their background.” The Professor would appear to be a confirmed bachelor with little or no experience of emotional relationships with women. Does Alistair believe that Eliza inspires feelings in Higgins which have lain, unsuspected, within his subconscious? “He’s certainly wrapped up in his own work and he is not aware of his physical appearance and he seems to have largely spurned women”, says Alistair. “But Eliza does arouse certain feelings within him. When she leaves, Higgins says vaguely that he’s grown accustomed to her voice and appearance. And modern audiences will want Higgins and Eliza to get together and wonder why they don’t.” Alistair is inclined to downplay the element of romance in Pygmalion, however. He contends that Shaw is dealing with more substantial issues. “I believe that what is important for Shaw and for Higgins is the place which each one of us occupies on the ladder. Shaw asks if you can take a person like Eliza from one section of society and introduce her into another world. Will they be happy in this new milieu? We’ve been talking in rehearsal about Frankenstein, about The X Factor and what happens when people win the Lottery. Look at Eliza’s father, for example. Doolittle was much happier as
ipn ylhk “I love taking on a challenge in life, I like taking on a challenge in sport and I like learning new things,” he declares. “I also enjoy the challenge of not doing the obvious but to an extent you sometimes have to give the public what they want.” Interestingly, Alistair’s desire to explore fresh areas wasn’t necessarily the best career move, as he ruefully explains. “I’d done four series of The Big Impression and when I said no to the BBC about doing a fifth, I thought that I’d turn to a number of things which I’ve been planning to do for some time, such as Shakespeare, light opera and writing a play. I did think, naively, that I could then go back to the BBC and tell them that I now was happy to do Series Five of The Big Impression. But you don’t realise until it’s too late that there are certain rules which you have to follow in this business. Nobody tells you that when you walk away, the door will be firmly closed when you next come calling.”
’ a dustman. Now he’s come into money, he doesn’t want it.” Shaw’s ideas about the organisation of society and the way in which accent can reveal our place within the social structure are no less relevant today, when social mobility has all but ground to a halt. How should we behave in such circumstances? “I think the key to Higgins and to an extent the key to Shaw is something my father instilled in me,” argues Alistair. “The important thing in life is not having good
manners or bad manners but having the same manners. You should treat everybody with the same consideration.” Pygmalion is perhaps better known to the wider public as the source of Lerner and Loewe’s musical masterpiece My Fair Lady. The 1956 Broadway production was enormously successful and the 1964 film version added to its impact. Alistair believes, however, that the passage of time may have redressed the balance somewhat between the play and the musical. “I’ve been thinking about questions of time and when I was growing up the songs from My Fair Lady were everywhere. The show had opened only twenty-five years earlier and we thought about it in the way that younger generations must think now about Les Miserables. I wonder if the younger actors in our production will even have heard of My Fair Lady. On the other hand, would I like to play Higgins in the musical? You bet!” Alistair’s courageous decision to step into the breach in the earlier West End production gives us a clue, perhaps, about the source of his multifarious talents.
❝
Competition
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THE WEEKEND
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In aid of Tusk’s Anti-Poaching Projects.
Savills is pleased to sponsor a lecture on
The Secrets of Filming African Cats in Kenya’s Masai Mara by BBC Wildlife Producer Keith Scholey To be held on
Thursday 20th March
At Wessex Water, Claverton BA2 7WW Doors open at 6:30pm – Lecture Commences at 7:00pm To book tickets for this event please visit: eventbrite.co.uk/e/african-cats-lecture-tickets-10449451591 or call 01747 831005. Or Bath Box Office 01225 463362 | bathboxoffice.org.uk By kind permission of Wessex Water Savills Bath Edgar House 17 George Street Bath BA1 2EN 01225 474550 bath@savills.com
savills.co.uk 26 THE WEEKEND
kh z v|{ Inn’s Brunel birthday celebrations The Inn at Freshford is celebrating Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s birthday on Saturday, April 12 with its inaugural Let Off Steam Beer Festival. The historic village Inn – owned by Bath’s Brunel-inspired Box Steam Brewery – will play host to antique steam engines, the Holt Morris Men and world-renowned Brunel impersonator and expert Martin Williamson. Bar staff dressed in traditional Victorian attire will serve up a specially designed steam age food menu, as well as a range of Brunel-inspired beers and guest ales. Aptly named tipples will range from Tunnel Vision to Derail Ale. The day’s celebrations will culminate in an insightful beer tasting session from Box Steam Brewery’s Master Brewer Tom Downes. The Let Off Steam Beer Festival starts at midday and is free. The beer tasting and Brunel talk starts at 4pm. Tickets cost £10 and can be purchased on the day, or in advance by calling 01225 722250.
Thurs Mar 20 Geography and Adventure Dr Jennifer Hill - 21st Century Rainforest Conservation, 7.30pm. BRLSI, Queen Square, Bath
Bath Quilters Meeting The Costume Society - Dressing Mr Tudor, 7.30pm. St Luke’s Church Hall, Wellsway, Bath. Visitors £5
FoBRA Committee The Federation of Bath Residents’ Associations welcomes observers to its meetings, 7.15pm. Masonic Hall, Old Orchard Street, Bath
Bath Clubnight AGM and Join Clubnight, 8pm. The Riverside Inn (Upstairs bar), The Shallows, Saltford
Bath Writers Inc.... Enjoy getting together with other writers, 2.15pm. Cosy Club Restaurant, SouthGate, Bath. Tel Marg 0117 9868591 for details
Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Bath Branch For all levels, 1.30-4.30pm. Bathampton Village Hall
Mr Wilkins’ Shilling Women’s Northwest Morris 8-10pm. Methodist Church Hall, Northend, Batheaston. New dancers always welcome. 01225 869086
Bath Good Afternoon Choir No auditions, everyone welcome, 2-4pm. Argyle Hall, Central URC, Grove Street, Bath. £2.85
Daytime Singing Group 11am-12.30pm. Rush Hill United Reformed Church, Frome Road, Odd Down, Bath. 07592 016878
Bath Healing Drop-in Centre 11am-1pm. United Reform Church Hall, Grove Street, Bath. Donation basis
Rubber Bridge (ACOL) 2-6pm hosted by Dennis Bernard in Weston. Stake 50p a hundred. 01225 484523
Bath Bridge Club Duplicate Bridge with Masterpoints, 7.15pm. Bath Football Club Rooms, Twerton High Street, Bath. 01225 310326
Knit Club at Great British Yarns All knitters welcome. 7-9pm. Unit 9, Brassmill Enterprise Centre, Brassmill Lane, Bath. 01225 462776
Songways Community Choir Fun, rewarding and open to all, 10am-noon, term time. St Swithin’s Church, The Paragon, Bath. £8. songways.co.uk
Bath Spa Band Brass players and percussionists welcome. Rehearsals 8-10pm. Elim Pentecostal Church, Charlotte Street, Bath
Fri Mar 21 Stepping Stones Pre-School Quiz Night We are looking for 8 teams of 6, 7.30-11pm. Church Hall, Ascension Church Hall, Claude Avenue, Bath. Tickets £3.50 each. Tel 07811 973568 for details
Articulate Arts and Craft Group Meeting A wide variety of arts and crafts available for beginners and more experienced crafters, 6-9pm. Hillside Hall, Hillside Road, Oldfield Park, Bath. £3 per meeting
Avonside Bridge Club
Duplicate Bridge, 7 for 7.15pm. Southdown Community Centre, The Hollow, Southdown, Bath. £3 table money
Rubber Bridge (ACOL) Hosted by Dennis Bernard, stake 50p a hundred, 2-6pm. 01225 484523
Reiki Courses Weekly For all levels, 2 day courses. Reiki Treatment also available, 10am & 4pm. Corsham area. To book 01249 715179
Sat Mar 22 Lou Lou’s Vintage Fair Vintage fashion and homeware, vintage tea party and vintage beauty salon, noon-5pm. The Pavilion, Bath. Entry £2, under 12s free
The Debate Mystery of the Wansdyke Who? Why? When? Four expert speakers with different views, 2-5.30pm. BRLSI, Queen Square, Bath. £6
Neston Evening WI Jumble Sale 2pm, tea, coffee, cakes and raffle. Jumble to the hall between 11am and noon. Neston Memorial Hall, Neston. Entrance 20p
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The Trauma Recovery Centre Will be screening the Lego Movie, 2.30pm. Vue Cinema, Longwell Green, Bristol. Money raised goes to the Trauma Centre, there will be discounted cinema rates
A Grand ‘Kids Stuff’ Table Top Sale 2-4.30pm. St Alphege’s Hall, Oldfield Lane, BAth. In aid of Bristol Children’s Hospital Grand Appeal
Westcountry Game Fair - Also Sun Mar 23 Falconry with demonstrations, clay shoot, gundog training, archerty and much, much more. Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet
Table Top Sale Books, bric-a-brac etc, 8.30am-noon. Weston Parish Hall, Weston Village, Bath
Crafty Saturday Crafty workshop with Mazy Bartlett, The Corsham School’s artist in residence, join in the fun, get creative and get messy, noon-2pm. The Pound, Pound Pill, Corsham. Free
‘Brainwave’ ‘Hands on’ Workshop For children over 8, a chance to
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Coach Holidays 2 £155
2 £115
days from
days from
per person
per person
Chelsea Flower Show & Kew Gardens
Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
Here’s your chance to visit Chelsea - the world’s most famous and best loved flower show. Marvel at the floral exhibits and fabulous show gardens, get advice and inspiration, see the latest in garden design and equipment, plus lots, lots more. It’ll be a visit you remember for years to come! During the break, you will also visit the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, home to the world’s largest collection of living plants with over 40,000 different species. This is a break no garden lover will want to miss!
Held at the height of the summer against the backdrop of one of the great Royal Palaces, the Royal Horticultural Society’s Hampton Court Flower Show, with it’s fabulous show gardens, floral marquees, gifts and gadgets, is packed with ideas and inspiration and is an event no garden enthusiast will want to miss! Also included is a visit to Windsor, famous for it’s fantastic castle and steeped in the pageantry and history of the Royal Family.
Our price includes:
• Return coach travel from the local area • Afternoon entrance to the Hampton Court Flower Show • One night’s bed and continental breakfast accommodation at a hotel in • A visit to Windsor the Greater London/Heathrow area • The services of a tour manager
Departing 23 May 2014
• Return coach travel from the local area • One nights’ bed and continental breakfast at a hotel in the Greater London/Heathrow area
• Afternoon entrance to the Chelsea Flower Show • Entrance to Kew Gardens • The services of a tour manager
Departing 11 July 2014
Our price includes:
4
4
days from
days from
£239 per person
£180 per person
Eden and the Lost Gardens of Heligan
Monet’s Garden and Paris
Explore the unique, ever-changing, ever-growing Eden Project with its iconic ‘biomes’ housing exotic flora from around the world, marvel at the breathtaking lost acres of Heligan, re-discovered after 70 years of neglect and stay in beautiful coastal Torbay. This fascinating break is a treat at any time of year!
Visits to Claude Monet’s beautiful house and gardens in the Normandy village of Giverny, and to incomparable Paris, are amongst the wonderful highlights of this hugely popular escorted tour, which also offers the opportunity to discover exquisite artists’ village Barbizon. Restored to its original beauty, with an attractive pink façade, the house, in which the artist lived for over forty years, contains reproductions of his work, and the gardens – featuring the famous lily pond that was subject of many of his paintings - are replanted to his designs.
Departing 9 May, 20 June & 19 September 2014
Our price includes: • Return coach travel from the local area • Visit to Clark’s Shopping Village in Street • Three nights’ dinner, bed and English breakfast accommodation in a • Entertainment on at least one evening comfortable hotel in Torbay • The services of a tour manager • Entrance to The Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan
Departing 13 June, 1 August, 5 September & 10 October 2014
Our price includes: • Return coach travel from the local area Quentin, Maurepas (or similar) and Channel crossings • Visit to Giverny including admission to • Three nights’ bed and continental Monet’s House and Gardens breakfast at the Best Western St • The services of a tour manager
0843 487 5822 Quote WWN www.newmarket.travel/wwn Calls cost 5ppm from a BT landline. You may also be charged a connection fee. Mobile and other providers’ charges may vary. Operated by Newmarket Promotions Ltd. ABTA V787X. Prices are per person, based on two sharing. Subject to availability. Single supplements apply. Terms and conditions apply. These suppliers are independent of Local World. When you respond, the holiday supplier and Local World may contact you with offers/services that may be of interest. Please give your mobile or email details if you wish to receive such offers by SMS or email. We will not give your details to other companies without your permission.
28 THE WEEKEND
kh z v|{ Polarbear to play the egg One of the UK’s leading spoken word artists, Polarbear, performs at the egg theatre as Mouth Open, Story Jump Out comes to Bath on Friday and Saturday March 28 and 29. Earlier in the week, the show which is ideal for children aged eight to ten, will be touring to local schools. Mouth Open, Story Jump Out is an interactive and absorbing show about the craft of storytelling by spoken word artist, Polarbear. The performance explores truth and invention, looking at how language is crafted to shape meaning. Polarbear makes things up; stories, jokes, adventures – a master maker-upper. But where did it all begin? Mouth Open, Story Jump Out is about the moment that started it all, and how one little decision set off a chain reaction that changed his life forever. International assassins, secret codes, dog-eating boa-constrictors and much more fill the hole left when a father disappears and a boy discovers a talent for telling tales. find out more about the brain with staff and students from the Dept of Pharmacy, University of Bath, 1pm. BRLSI, Queen Square, Bath. Advance booking essential at coolbookings@brlsi.org
Bath Cycling Club 9.15am from Cadence Bike Shop, Chelsea Road, Bath and take in a circular route of 25 easy miles
Bath Organic Community Garden Beginners and experienced gardeners welcome, 10am-1pm. Royal Victoria Park, Bath. 01225 311699
Nature Club/Daycare Animals to care for and enjoy plenty of countryside activities for 8s and over, 10am-4pm. Carlingcott, nr Peasedown. To book 07595034383
Reiki Courses Weekly For all levels, 2 day courses. Reiki Treatment also available, 10am & 4pm. Corsham area. To book 01249 715179
Bath Saturday Antiques Flea Market Antiques, collectibles and vintage clothes, 7.30am-5.30pm. Walcot St, Bath
Green Park Market 9am-4.pm including Baths Farmers’ Market 9am-1.30pm. Green Park Station, Bath
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Sun Mar 23
Mon Mar 24
Beechen Cliff Methodist Church Men’s Club
Patrick O’Brian Society
Will celebrate it’s 25th Anniversary with a service taken by the Rev Jongsin Lee
Cotswold Voluntary Wardens Walk Marshfield, West Kington, North Wraxall, Lucknam Park and return, 5.5 hrs, 10 miles. Meet 10am, Market Place, Marshfield
Bath Cycling Club Berkeley - Berkeley Tea Rooms, 8.30am. Club run starts from Cleveland Bridge, aim to return by 1-1.30pm. 01225 426467 or 07944550933
Dry Arch Growers Bathampton Community co-op producing food for the local area. Volunteers and helpers required, 11am-4pm. End of Holcombe Lane, Bathampton. 07972 564641
Spiritualist Meeting 6.30pm service. Corston Village Hall, Sanctuary of the Cross Spiritualist Church
Quiz Night Cross keys, Midford Road, Bath 8pm. In aid of Dorothy House
Reiki Courses Weekly For all levels, 2 day courses. Reiki Treatment also available, 10am & 4pm. Corsham area. To book 01249 715179
Margaret Morgan-Jones Discussing: ‘Arthur Philip, sailor, mercenary, governor, spry’ by Michael Pembroke, 7.30pm. BRLSI, Queen Square, Bath
HumBugs Singing Group Love to sing? Bring your baby or toddler along too! 9.30-10.30am term-time only. St Saviour’s Church, Larkhall, Bath. 07940 597427
Masonic Museum Guided tours throughout the year, also on Wed and Thurs, 11am or 2.30pm. Sat 2.30pm only. 12 Old Orchard Street, Bath. 01225 462233
2nd Bath Girls Brigade Meet every Monday, 6.30-8pm. The Ascension Church, Oldfield Park, Bath. 01761 416515
Bath Spa Band Brass players and percussionists welcome. Rehearsals 8-10pm. Elim Pentecostal Church, Charlotte Street, Bath
Social Bridge 1.30 for 1.45pm (not bank holidays). Museum of Bath at Work, Julian Road, Bath. 01225 310232
Bradford Bridge Club Come and play duplicate bridge, 7-10pm. The Swan Hotel, Bradford on Avon. 01225 865669 or 01225 863072
Meditation Classes in Bath
Lower Bristol Road, Bath. 07516 500 569
7-8.30pm. John Williams Room, United Reformed Church, Grove Street, Bath. £6 per class
Quilting Bee
Sing & Smile Creative Links Singing Group 2-4pm. United Reformed Church, Grove Street, Bath. 01761 438852 to book
Tues Mar 25 Mum2Mum Barnardo’s breastfeeding support group, 10-11am. Church House, Church Street, Corsham
Golden Oldies 2.30-3.30pm. Community Room, Haviland Park, Weston, Bath
Salsa Classes Complete beginners, 8pm. No need to bring a partner. Revolution, George Street, Bath. £7/£5
Quilting groups from all over the region demonstrate their talents and chat with visitors in the Textiles Room, noon-4pm. American Museum, Claverton Down, Bath
Singing for the Brain Singing to bring people with dementia and their carers together, 2.30-4pm. West Free Church (Moravian), High Street, Weston, Bath. 07540 921035
Songways Community Choir 10am-noon, term time. St Swithin’s Church, The Paragon, Bath. £8. songways.co.uk
Sing Alive Community Choir 10am-noon (term time). United Reform Church, Bradford on Avon. All welcome
Sakya Buddhist Group
Bath Organic Community Garden
About applying the remedy for our problems, 8pm. The Museum of Bath at Work, Julian Road, Bath
Beginners and experienced gardeners welcome, 10am-1pm. Victoria Park, Bath. 01225 311699
Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Bath Branch
Art Group Age UK B&NES
For all levels, 7.30-9.30pm. Ralph Allen School, Bath
Meditation on Twin Hearts 7.45-9pm. Funky Monkey Studio, 18 St Peters Terrace,
www.bathchronicle.co.uk
10am-noon. St Michaels Centre, St Michaels Place, Bath. £1.50 per session. 01225 484510
Avonside Bridge Club Duplicate Bridge, 7 for 7.15pm. Southdown Community Centre, The Hollow, Southdown, Bath.
THE WEEKEND
29
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Bridge Club
£ Bradford on Avon & District Flower Club
1.15-4.30pm. Village Hall, Bathampton. £1 per session. 01225 462965
The Flower club’s Practice Group will explore Parallel Designs, 2pm. URC Hall, Holt. All welcome
Bath Bridge Club
Poetry
Duplicate Bridge with Masterpoints, start 7.15pm. Bath Football Club Rooms, Twerton High Street, Bath. 01225 310326
Dr David Skidmore - Discussing Dylan Thomas’ Collected Poems, 7.30pm. BRLSI, Queen Square, Bath
Wed Mar 26
Can we transform our minds to reduce our problems and develop a joyful mind? Explore such questions through talks, discussions and meditations, 7.30pm. New Oriel Hall, Larkhall, Bath. £5 per fortnight
Play Session Free Barnardo’s fun for under-5s and their families, 10.30-11.30am. Crumpets Cafe, Rudloe
30 THE WEEKEND
Mind and its Potential
Exhibition Related Talk A N Wilson discusses Josiah Wedgwood’s creative and technological achievement and places it within the context of the Enlightenment, 7.30pm. The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath. Tickets £10/£8
Scottish Country Dancing 7.30-9.30pm. New Oriel Hall, Larkhall, Bath. 01225 319991
Sahaja Yoga Free meditation, 7.30-9pm. 2nd floor URC Halls, Grove Street, Bath
Drop-In Meditation An opportunity to learn a
www.bathchronicle.co.uk
simple type of meditation which helps finds a calm space in the midst of our busy lives, 10.30am. Museum of Bath at Work, Julian Road, Bath. £3. 07966 365633
Social Duplicate Bridge 7.15pm. Randalls (Bath City FC) Twerton Park, Bath. All welcome, visitors table money is £4
Bradford Bridge Club Come and play duplicate bridge, 7-10pm. The Swan Hotel, Bradford on Avon. 01225 865669/863072
and play
Whist Drive 7-9pm, £2 including a raffle, Weston Parish Hall, Weston Village, Bath
Knit Club at Great British Yarns All knitters welcome, 10.30am-12.30pm. Unit 9, Brassmill Enterprise Centre, Brassmill Lane, Bath. 01225 462776
Greensprouts Parent and Toddler Session 10am-noon. Laurel Farm, Carlingcott, nr Peasedown. £3. 01761 420204
Boules/Petanque
Bath Welcome Choir
11am to 1pm Queen Square (off when raining). Just turn up
No auditions, 7.45-9.30pm. Upper Hall, Culverhay, Bath. £4
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THE WEEKEND
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Emergency fundraiser A glamorous ball was held in the Pump Rooms to raise money for medical aid organisation Emergency. A lively and fun packed evening raised in excess of £10,000 which will go directly to the funding of beds in war stricken Afghanistan, where the civilian victims of war are treated by Emergency. Emergency sets up and runs hospitals
32 THE WEEKEND
in war savaged regions of the world where there is little or no functioning civil health care or hospitals. In Kabul today there are hospitals set up by the allied forces for the treatment of their soldiers, but nothing for civilians who are injured or maimed by bombs and bullets. Photographer and Emergency Trustee, Giles Duley, who himself lost three limbs as a victim of a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, delivered a speech of humour and passion that lifted guests to their feet in applause. Local businesses also provided excellent support for the evening and were generous with their contribution from direct sponsorship to auction prizes. Marlene Anning from Bathford, who is the chair of the Bath branch of Emergency said, “My daughter Lucy, who was an Emergency nurse in Kabul, was the inspiration for this event and indeed our last year of fundraising. I’ve visited Lucy in war zones and have seen the devastation of war directly, but I’ve also seen the brilliant work of Emergency and am just thrilled that were are able to help them and the people they serve. I cannot thank enough all of those who have made our ball such a huge success”. Information on Emergency can be found at www.emergencyuk.org. The work of Giles Duley in Emergency hospitals can be seen at www.gilesduley.com. Xpj{|ylz i Uvuprh Rhr|iv~zrh
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THE WEEKEND
33
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34 THE WEEKEND
ath’s Next Stage Theatre Company will be performing Harold Pinter’s play Betrayal in the round next week as part of the company’s 20th birthday celebrations. Betrayal was written in 1978 and is now regarded as one of Pinter’s major dramatic works featuring economical dialogue, hidden emotions, veiled motivations, self-absorbed competitive one-upmanship, dishonesty, and self-deceptions. The Next Stage production will be directed by Ann Garner. The plot investigates different permutations of betrayal relating to a seven-year affair involving a married couple, Emma and Robert, and Robert’s ‘close friend’ Jerry, who is also married, to a woman named Judith. For five years Jerry and Emma carry on their affair without Robert’s knowledge, both cuckolding Robert and betraying Judith, until Emma, without telling Jerry she has done so, admits her infidelity to Robert (in effect, betraying Jerry), although she continues their affair. Four years after exposing the affair and two years after their subsequent break
www.bathchronicle.co.uk
up, Emma meets Jerry to tell him that her marriage to Robert is over. She then lies to Jerry in telling him that, ‘last night’, she had to reveal the truth to Robert and that he now knows of the affair. The truth however, is that Robert has known about the affair for the past four years. Betrayal was first produced by the National Theatre in London in November 1978. The original cast featured Penelope Wilton as Emma, Michael Gambon as Jerry, Daniel Massey as Robert, and Artro Morris as the waiter. In 2007 there was a revival at the Donmar Warehouse theatre starring Toby Stephens as Jerry, Samuel West as Robert, and Dervla Kirwan as Emma. The play was also revived in the Lyttelton at the National Theatre in November 1998, directed by Trevor Nunn and starring Douglas Hodge, Imogen Stubbs, and Anthony Calf. In 2011, a new West End production at the Comedy Theatre, directed by Ian Rickson, starred Kristin Scott Thomas, Douglas Henshall, and Ben Miles. The Next Stage production opens on Tuesday and runs until Saturday at the Mission Theatre, Bath.
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T
his year the sixth Bath Comedy Festival promises the best every line up ever, with household names and Radio 4 favourites rubbing shoulders with award winners, the rising stars of tomorrow and hopeful newcomers. There is a host of Edinburgh-style solo shows plus cabaret nights, music, mystery tours, student comedy groups, women’s comedy, free shows and events for children and the whole family. This year alongside the core festival venue, which is the Bath Cricket Club, the Natural Theatre Studio is being transformed into a special new temporary venue for a week complete with lush red velvet curtained stage set, cabaret style seating and a bar. Elsewhere there are shows in the usual variety of places including the Rondo Theatre at Larkhall, Komedia in the city centre and a variety of pubs and other likely spaces. The fun kicks off on Friday, March 28 and doesn’t let up for a moment until Sunday, April 6. Proving that the best is not
always last, the festival kicks off with an stupendous opening night gala with a guest list that includes the famously grumpy old man Arthur Smith, Nick Harper, James Alderson and the Tina Turner Tea Lady. Arthur makes another appearance the following night in a special walking tour to hunt for the Evil Ghost of Alexandra Park. Arthur tells a tale of lust, murder, redemption and even sherbet. If you wear odd socks to this one you get a prize. On the same night but back at the Cricket Club, Barry Cryer and Ronnie Golden perform an evening of comedy songs and gags. Other Saturday nighters include Jody Kamali with his one man variety show and Hardeep Singh Kohli who asks ‘Hardeep Is Your Love?’. Sunday sees Larry Dean, Scottish Comedian of the Year, as well as lots of events aimed at families. You can listen to Matt Price who was a word-of-mouth hit at Edinburgh last year as he tells a story that is so daft
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you couldn’t possibly have made it up and Gary Colman who is known as the best deadpan act since Jack Dee. On Monday Carey Marx reviews some of his really bad decisions while the evening sees the first heat in the New Act Competition. If you still haven’t seen them don’t miss The Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre which has to be the earth’s funniest footwear. Festival favourite Phil Nichol takes you on his personal journey to the Weary Land on Tuesday and there is a chance to do one of several Bizarre Bath walks during the evening. Two more stars not to miss though sadly you can’t see them both this time around are Boothby Graffoe at the Rondo and John Moloney at the Natural Theatre. Women come to the fore on Wednesday with Jennifer Belander and Harriet Kemsley kicking things off. Into the evening you can join Hometown hero Matt Richardson co hoster of The Xtra Factor and Mike Wozniak who confides that his wife’s parents have moved in - and it’s permanent. For full details visit www.bathcomedy.com.
THE WEEKEND
35
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Vintage setting for Ibsen classic Bath’s Rondo Theatre Company will take a fresh look at Henrik Ibsen’s popular classic A Doll’s House next week reimagining it in 1950s Britain. Local director Andrew Fletcher has given the production a twist, setting it in 1955, a time when Britain was emerging from post-war austerity but not yet experiencing the sexual revolution of the 1960s. He explains: “A Doll’s House is a timeless play simply because it deals with themes such as marriage, power and money which are just as relevant now as they were 140 years ago. “I wanted to set A Doll’s House in the
mid 1950s because I wanted Nora to live in an era where women were beginning to enjoy greater consumerism following post-war austerity, but still had relatively traditional roles in marriage. “ The vintage setting works really well from the point of view of Nora’s relationship with Torvald, who himself has been changed fundamentally by the war. “It makes for a great production for both connoisseurs of Ibsen and those with a passion for the look and feel of the ’50s”. Ibsen’s modern masterpiece, which scandalised Victorian society, focuses
on the seemingly perfect marriage of newly appointed bank manager Torvald Helmer and his wife Nora. Their domestic serenity is turned upside down by the malevolent Krogstad who threatens to reveal a terrible secret from Nora’s past and in turn shatter the facade of her marriage. Amid her emotional turmoil at the prospect of being discovered, Nora makes decisions which have catastrophic implications for her home, her marriage and her life. A Doll’s House opens on Wednesday and runs until the weekend at the Rondo Theatre, Larkhall, Bath.
Theatre Royal
Ustinov
Mission Theatre
7.30pm. Tickets £10/£8
Sawclose, Bath Tel: 01225 448844
Monmouth Street, Bath Box Office 01225 448844 To Sat April 5 The Big Meal
Corn Street, Bath Tel: 01225 463362 Tues 25-Sat Mar 29 Betrayal by Harold Pinter
Komedia
To Sat Mar 22 The Life of Galileo Starring Ian McDiarmid, Mon-Wed 7.30pm, Thurs-Sat 8pm, matinees Wed & Sat 2.30pm. Tickets £17.50-£33.50 Mon 24-Sat Mar 29 Pygmalion Starring Alistair McGowan, Rula Lenska & Jamie Foreman, Mon-Wed 7.30pm, Thurs-Sat 8pm, matinees Wed & Sat 2.30pm. Tickets £17.50-£33.50 Sun Mar 23 Postman Part Live It’s Showtime! For 3-6 year olds, 1pm & 3.30pm. Tickets £10.50 children, £12.50 adults, £42 family of 4
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An exhilarating story that takes five generations of a modern family on a rollercoaster ride through life, from first kiss to final goodbye, Mon-St 7.45pm, Matinees Thurs (not Mar 6) & Sat 2.30pm. Tickets £19.50/£14.50
the egg Sawclose, Bath Tel: 01225 448844 Wed 26-Sat Mar 29 Mouth Open Story Jumps Out Stories, jokes, adventures, age 8+, Fri 10.30am & 1pm, Sat 11.30am & 3pm. Tickets £7.50/£6.50
Explores a seven-year affair involving a married couple and close friend, 7.30pm. Tickets £11/£9
The Rondo Larkhall, Bath Tel: 01225 333844 Thurs 20 & Fri Mar 21 Two Way Mirror Arthur Miller’s intimate two-hander Two-Way Mirror is two short plays said to be inspired by his relationship with Marilyn Monroe, 8pm. Tickets £12/£10 Sat Mar 22 Tangled Minds 8pm. Tickets £5 Wed 26-Sat Mar 29 A Doll’s House
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22 to 23 Westgate Street, Bath. Box office 0845 293 8480 Sat Mar 22 Krater Comedy Club Comedy, 8.30pm. Tickets £45/£28.50/£18/£14.50/£10
Pound Arts Pound Pill, Corsham. Box Office 01249 7016280 To Sat Mar 22 Adhoc presents Table Manners This typically caustic observation of a family weekend, 7.30pm. Tickets £10/£9
ICIA University of Bath Bath University ICIA Arts Theatre Box office 01225 386777 To Wed April 16 Art Classes in Bath
A range of exciting and eclectic classes and workshops in music, dance, theatre and visual arts for all levels, aged 16+. Book on the above number To Fri Mar 21 Parasite A fascinating audio-visual experience with the potential power to unsettle, Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Free admission
Burdall’s Yard 7A Anglo Terrace, Bath Tickets www.burdallsyard.org Fri 21 & Sat Mar 22 Resurrection Focuses on five of Shakespeare’s most vulnerable characters, all of whom died young and explores what might have happened if they had lived on to adulthood, for 12 years and over, 11am, 1pm, 4pm, 6pm & 8pm. Tickets £8/£7
online • print • mobile bathchronicle.co.uk
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Fab Four show to visit city’s Forum
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ecreating the Beatles’ legendary live performance in Bath back in the early sixties the hit stage show The Magic of the Beatles now features the band that supported the Fab Four when they famously came to the Pavilion more than 50 years ago. During the early sixties, the Beatles brought Bath to a standstill. Hundreds of screaming girls surrounded the Pavilion and mayhem ensued inside the venue” recalls Colin Anthony whose band the Colin Anthony Combo supported the Beatles that evening. “The place went beserk when the Beatles turned up,” says Colin. “We shared a dressing room with John, Paul, George and Ringo,” he says. “They were ordinary lads like us, only doing a bit better!” The Colin Anthony Combo appear as special guests during The Magic of the Beatles show which plays the Bath Forum in June. “The Magic of the Beatles which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the film A Hard Day’s Night and is the most comprehensive, most authentic Beatles show on tour – even down to original guitars and amps used by the band,” says producer Michael Taylor. Michael says The Magic of the Beatles recreates the group’s legendary live performances, and more taking the audience from Love Me Do to Let It Be. “Fantastic costumes, brilliant vocals and incredible musicianship come together,” says Michael, “in a lavish magical musical trip back to yesterday. The Beatles’ film A Hard Day’s Night broke box office records, and is credited for introducing the concept of today’s pop music video. “The Magic of the Beatles is a two-hour spectacular featuring superb costumes and a cast of skilled musicians and singers,” says Michael. “It authentically recreates the live concert shows of John, Paul, George and Ringo that generated fan hysteria never seen before or since.” Tickets cost £21/19 on 0844 888 9991 or visit www.bathforum.co.uk .
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www.bathchronicle.co.uk
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Top trio’s folk treat
Since winning Best Newcomer at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2010, Midlands-born singer, finger-style guitarist and songwriter Sam Carter has been more in demand. From supporting Bellowhead to performances at the Royal Festival Hall for Richard Thompson’s Meltdown, Sam continues to impress audiences with the sheer quality of his songs, playing and voice. His current album Keepsakes led to Sam being invited to perform on Later With Jools Holland. For the performance he was accompanied by long-time friend and collaborator Sam Sweeney, fiddle player for Bellowhead, who he met while supporting Bellowhead on a UK tour in 2009. This led to renewed discussions about finding time to tour together and eventually both found a small window in their busy schedules, leading to select dates where Sam’s trio will be showcasing new tracks from the soon to be released The No Testament. Catch them on Saturday, at the Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon where support comes from Sam Sweeney. Xpj{|ylB \ovt I{rpuzvu
Thurs Mar 20 Acoustic Oak Music Club 8pm, Spotlight night. Floor Spots. The Royal Oak, Corsham. Entry £2
Bath Cantata Group Evening practices, 7.45pm. New singers welcome. St Stephen’s Church, Lansdown, Bath
Karaoke
Steve Tyler and Andy Clark Folk, 8pm. The Village Pump, The Lamb Inn, Mortimer Street, Trowbridge. £5
Schubert Ensemble Classical, 7.30pm. Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Tickets £22, Under-25s free
The Purple Moonshine Disco
With DJ Jay, 8pm-3am. Mandalyns, Fountain Buildings, Bath
Featuring The Real Thing, 10pm. Komedia, Bath. Tickets £10/£15
The Derrick Oldroyde Trio plus Special Guest
James Taylor Tribute, 7.30pm. Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls, Bath. Tickets £13.20
Jeff Meredith, trumpet & saxes, 8.30pm. The Inn at Freshford
Snake Davis Band A mix of soul, world, funk and jazz, 7.30pm. Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls, Bath. Tickets £13.20
Fri Mar 21 Implode Live Music Night 8.30pm every Friday. Belushis, Bath
Live Music Every Friday from 9pm. The Huntsman Inn, Bath
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Sweet Baby James
Sat Mar 22 Evening Concert Series Concert 6, Peter Donohoe, Beethoven Piano Sonata Cycle, 7.30pm. The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath. Tickets £24
Bath Ceilidhs All Blacked Up, caller Baz Parkes, 7.30pm prompt. St Gregory’s Catholic College, Combe Hay Lane, Odd Down, Bath. Tickets £10/£8/£5/£2
Cantamus Choir
Concert, Sacred songs of hope
and lamentation, 6pm. St Mary the Virgin, Darlington Street, Bathwick, Bath. Tickets £10/£8
music, all performers get drink and food offers, 7-10pm. The Tramshed, Beehive Yard, Bath
Sam Carter Trio/Sam Sweeney
Wild Words Storytellers Catching The Gypsy’s Tale
7.30pm. Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Road, Bradford-on-Avon. Tickets £16/£15/£8
The Chandos Singers Concert Featuring the music of the great Czech composer Jan Dismas Zelenka, 7.30pm. The Magdalen Chapel, Holloway, Bath. Tickets £12/£6
Choral & Orchestral Society Formal Recital, an evening of instrumental and vocal performances from the talented musicians within the University’s Choral and Orchestral Society, 7.30pm. University Hall, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath. £4 adv, £5 on the door
OldSkool Classic Rock evening, 9pm. The Belvoir, Lower Bristol Road, Bath. Free
Sun Mar 23 Open Mic Every Sunday, amazing acoustic
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Family concert, spellbinding Romani Gypsy storytelling and scintillating music, 3pm. Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. Tickets £8/£6
Mon Mar 24 Sublime Blues Curfew Inn, Cleveland Place, West, Bath 8pm. Free
The Silver Ring Choir Love to sing? Join us at 7.45pm. Manvers Street Baptist Church, Bath
Sing B4 Supper A friendly choir conducted by Jane Lilley, all abilities catered for, 6.15-7.45pm term-time. The Huntsman, Bog Island, Bath. £5 per session. For details Susanna Downes 07717173799
The Bath Orchestral Gala Concert The Bath Philharmonia and King Edward’s School Partnership Performance, 7pm. The Guildhall, Bath. Black tie
optional. Tickets £12/£8
Tues Mar 25 Bradford-on-Avon Folk Club The Yirdbards, eclectic mix of songs of the Earth & the environment. Floor spots, 8pm. The Cellar Bar, Swan Hotel, Church Street, Bradford-on-Avon. Free entry
Wed Mar 26 Discord A host of DJs playing a mix of Rock, Punk and Metal, 9.30pm-2am. PoNaNa nightclub, Bath. £5 entry
Karaoke With DJ Jay, 8pm. Mandalyns, Fountain Buildings, Bath
Old Crown Quiz 9pm. Old Crown, Weston Village, Bath
Lunchtime Recital Christopher Guild, solo pianist, chamber musician and teacher, 1pm. The Pound, Pound Pill, Corsham. Tickets £6/£5
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Donoghue’s new detective drama
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fter ten years in London, working for a city law firm, Clare Donoghue moved back to her home town in Somerset to do an MA in creative writing at Bath Spa University. Never Look Back is her first novel and in 2011, while still an unpublished manuscript, was long-listed for the CWA Debut Dagger. The book launches the new Detective Inspector Mike Lockyer series. In Never Look Back, which is published today by Pan at £7.99 in paperback three women have been found brutally murdered in south London, the victims only feet away from
help during each sadistic attack. And the killer is getting braver ... Sarah Grainger is rapidly becoming too afraid to leave her house. Once an outgoing photographer, she knows that someone is watching her. A cryptic note brings everything into terrifying focus, but it’s the chilling phone calls that take the case to another level. DI Mike Lockyer heads up the regional murder squad. With three bodies on his watch, and a killer growing in confidence, he frantically tries to find the link between these seemingly isolated incidents. What he discovers will not only test him professionally but will throw his personal life into turmoil too.
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www.bathchronicle.co.uk
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Exhibition exposes us to the elements
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ith titles like Wet into Wet, Flood Land, Spring Deluge, Brave Elements aptly reflecting the recent turbulent weather, Claire Wiltsher’s new solo exhibition at Bath Contemporary at first hearing sounds more like a news bulletin than an art show. But Wiltsher, in exploring not only the energy and wilderness of our open spaces but also the impact of the elements upon these, gives us a fresh slant on the power of the elements. Based in the New Forest, Wiltsher draws inspiration from her wooded surroundings and adjacent coastline, walking for hours as she gathers photographs and sketches from which to work. Museum of East Asian Art Exhibition, Eastern Voices in the West Country and Treasures, to Sun June 29. Bennett Street, Bath
Victoria Art Gallery Exhibition, Anna Dougherty, What’s Inside, explores how everyday objects hold many kinds of meanings and Peter Brown, Keeping the home fire burning, over fifty new oil paintings and drawings celebrating the streets of Bath, to Thurs Mar 27, Tues-Sat
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Once back in her studio Wiltsher can almost complete a canvas in a singular session, working instinctively and intuitively. Each landscape comes alive with an energetic application of paint as her multi-layered surfaces build with a series of flicks, scrapes and sweeping brush marks. Completing her MA Fine Art at Northumbria University, Wiltsher decided to focus solely on her artistic practice in 2009 following a period of teaching. She now has work in the permanent collection of The House of Lords and has won the ‘Rosemary and Co Award’ at the Society of Women Artists exhibition (Mall Galleries, 2010). Her exhibition A Sense of Place can be seen at Bath Contemporary until April 5.
10am-5pm, Sun 1.30-5pm, closed Monday’s. Pulteney Bridge, Bath
The Pound Exhibition: Bath Textile Artists. The Artists have been inspired by the wealth of the Wiltshire landscape and history to create pieces using a variety of different techniques, to Sat Mar 22. Pound Pill, Corsham
University of Bath Exhibition, Louisa Fairclough, Flecks of a Brighter Colour, to Fri May 30, Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. ICIA Art Space 1 and 2,
University of Bath, Claverton, Bath
The Holburne Museum Exhibition, Stereoscopic Photographs of Pablo Picasso by Robert Mouzillat, to Sun June 1. Great Pulteney Street, Bath
Hilton Fine Art Exhibition, Selected Artists from the New English Art Club, to Sat March 29. 5 Margarets Buildings, Bath
Nick Cudworth Gallery
Windows of Opportunity,
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Exhibition of paintings and prints by Nick Cudworth, to Sat March 29 . 5 London Street, Bath
The Herschel Museum of Astronomy A mini exhibition of work by pupils of the Royal High School Juniors as part of National Science and Engineering Week following their outreach project and visits until Sunday. 19 New King Street, Bath
44AD Art space Exhibition , The William Scott Project, Simple Beauty, Thurs
27-Mon Mar 31, open daily 11am-4pm (Wed noon-4pm). Lower Borough Walls, Bath
American Museum Exhibition, Kaffe 2014: The Colourful World of Kaffe Fassett, Fri Mar 21, 6-8pm. Exhibition Gallery, American Museum, Claverton Manor, Bath
Walcot Chapel Exhibition, Home Is Where The Heart Is, displays work of 13 students from Bath Spa University, Wed 26-Sun Mar 30, noon-6pm. Walcot Gate, Bath
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The art of dealing ...
E
veryone has a favourite work of art, a masterpiece that they feel distinctly drawn to. What’s yours? Van Gogh’s Sunflowers or Cezanne’s Mont Sainte-Victoire, perhaps? Maybe you prefer a more contemporary slant – Lucian Freud’s portrait of the Queen or Damien Hirst’s The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living better known as a huge shark floating in formaldehyde? Now think about why you love your favourite piece? All of your reasons for loving it will be entirely irrefutable because art buying is such a subjective thing. Having said that, if you love Damien Hirst’s work because it’s worth a fortune, then you’re not quite on the art lovers’ bandwagon yet. Put potential investment to one side and focus on emotional engagement, and you’re on the right lines towards understanding why art collecting becomes an obsession for so many people. They buy art that they love. The more pieces they fall in love with the more they develop and understand their personal taste, and the more discerning their favourites list becomes. With everyone having sound reasons for their taste in art, it’s surprising that art galleries seem to be intimidating to so many people. Potential art buyers can become so anxious that the gallery
Jessica LloydSmith, director at Modern ArtBuyer gives her advice on trusting your instincts when it comes to starting your own art collection
manager might ask them a question about the exhibition or worse still frown upon their choice of artist, that they end up boycotting galleries altogether. It’s heart breaking. The thing is, any decent gallery – either physical or
online – removes any opportunity for you to ‘slip up’ and buy a howler of a painting, because they’ve already curated the collection on show. All of the work has been endorsed by the gallery, so you can follow the mantra of established art collectors and just buy art that you love with confidence.
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If you’re completely new to art buying and want to start your own collection, it’s worth looking at some of the art trails in and around Bath. Larkhall, Newbridge and Widcombe all organise local trails and with Bath being such a hub of creative talent you can find some really interesting work. The artists are usually on hand to answer any questions you have or to talk through their processes in a relaxed, comfortable setting, so it’s definitely worth taking the time to visit some of the open houses and studios. The art trails usually take place around May, so keep a look out for those. Art fairs and large group exhibitions are another great way to see a wide range of styles of art under one roof. The vibrant crowds thwart any intimidating silences, leaving you free to browse anonymously through hundreds of artists’ work in an informal environment. The Victoria Art Gallery holds its annual Bath Society of Artists show in April and May while the Affordable Art Fair comes to Bristol in September. If you’re surrounded by bare walls and want to immerse yourself in the established and renowned creative scene in Bath, stick those dates in your diaries now. Remember trust your instincts, focusing on artworks that you feel really drawn to, and you won’t go far wrong.
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Money for nothing?
f, like me, you like nothing better than to while away your weekend at the flicks you’ll have noticed that prices are not what they once were. What with Orange Wednesdays, O2 moments, on/off peak prices and membership cards for independent cinemas, it’s obvious that the price increases are not totally to make more profit. So where does it it all go? Compared to the price of your average night out on the town, a trip to your local picture house is still relatively cheap if you stay off the popcorn and nachos (which should do because no one pays to hear you munch). The average cinema ticket price today is around £6.55 according to the cinema exhibitors association, so let’s break that down and see how much the cinema is actually making off you. First there’s the cost of keeping the lights on and the projector rolling. Taking into account the average viewer numbers for an average blockbuster, utilities costs about 34p per viewer. Next up is the equipment that brings the film to life. While most chain cinemas unfortunately don’t have a manned projector anymore, they do however
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have computer servers to operate which film is shown when. The cost of having these, as well as the hidden costs come the advent of 3D films, racks up at about 65p per viewer. Rent is another obvious yet under appreciated cost, given the variables of real estate around the country we’ll put that at £1 per viewer. Manpower is where the costs per person really start to go up. Given the average staffing numbers of a multiplex, paying people to rip tickets and clean up after you costs around £1.31 per viewer. Rather comfortingly, the biggest cost a cinema can incur is for the right to show films. You see, there are reasons behind why some cinemas choose not to show some films. To show a film the cinema first has to pay the studios for the rights to that film. When it comes to blockbusters like Gravity or 12 Years a Slave, buying the rights to a film is a no brainer because cinemas know that they will turn a profit on whatever
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they lay out to bring the film in. But for something a little more of the beaten track like Nebraska, the risk is more pronounced as the film is not guaranteed to make back the money they’ll spend bringing it to screens. So for arguments sake the average price of bringing a film to the screens is £3 per viewer. This means £6.30 of our initial £6.55 ticket cost goes on up keep and showing films meaning for every one ticket sold the cinema are making 25p. Sure they’re not going out of business just yet but it does explain why popcorn, a steal to make at about 15p per person, is still the biggest cost of a day at the movies. [ht Jyhksl
CRUISE FROM BRISTOL Friendlier cruises from Avonmouth with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Fred. Olsen brings the world closer to you with convenient departures from Avonmouth (Bristol), sailing to some fascinating ports of call you won’t want to miss. Our smaller ships can take you closer to the heart of your destination so you can see more. You can enjoy it all in the warmer, more sociable atmosphere on board, bringing you closer to your fellow guests and our efficient, friendly crew too. We’ve highlighted four sailings from Avonmouth to tempt you, so why not try athe Fred. Olsen difference for yourself?
Great Value Cruising A Fred. Olsen holiday is fantastic value for money from just £72 per person, per night with all of the following included at standard: • All meals throughout your cruise • Air conditioned en-suite rooms • Evening entertainment, including dancing and cabaret shows • Tea and coffee throughout the day and early evening including afternoon tea with sandwiches and cakes • Leisure facilities including gym, swimming pools and Jacuzzis • Captains Drinks Party and Gala Buffet
Canaries Landscapes & Seascapes
France & Spain
Adriatic with Venice
Iceland & Norway
27th Apr 2014 D1406 14 nights Boudicca
11th May 2014 D1407 6 nights Boudicca
17th May 2014 D1408 28 nights Boudicca
14th Jun 2014 D1409 14 nights Boudicca
Only £999pp
Only £449pp
Only £1,999pp
Only £1,149ppD
• Oporto from Leixoes: Portugal • Madeira • La Gomera • Tenerife • Gran Canaria • Lanzarote • Lisbon
• Bilbao from Gexto: Spain • La Rochelle from La Pallice: France • L’Orient: France
• Malaga: Spain • Kotor: Montenegro • Dubrovnik • Koper: Slovenia • Venice overnight • Gythion & Athens from Piraeus: Both Greece • Valletta: Malta
• Reykjavik: Iceland • Ísafjördur: Iceland • Akureyri: Iceland • Olden: Norway • Flam: Norway • Bergen: Norway
Avonmouth (Bristol) D
From £72pppn
Avonmouth (Bristol) D
From £75pppn
Avonmouth (Bristol)
Avonmouth (Bristol)
D
From £72pppn
From £83pppn
Plus Upgrade your cruise to All Inclusive from only £10 per person, per night!* Selected beers, wines, spirits & soft drinks are all covered in the price.
To book, search for ‘Fred. Olsen’ online, see a travel agent or call 0800 0355 262 Please quote SAILBRS when booking Fares are per person, based on standard occupancy of the lead-in cabin, subject to availability. Offers may be withdrawn or amended at any time without prior notice, are subject to availability and cannot be applied retrospectively. All bookings are subject to Fred. Olsen’s standard Terms and Conditions, available on our website. Some ports may be at anchor, intermediate days are at sea. We reserve the right to amend itineraries for operational reasons. pppn is per person, per night. *All Inclusive upgrade offer covers selected beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks, subject to availability. Tours, tips, premium drinks, medical facilities and other optional spend, during travel to the ship and while on board, are not included. D Anchor Fares: Full payment required at the time of booking. 100% cancellation charges apply and guests cannot transfer their booking to an alternative cruise. Oceans Discounts are not combinable. Dining time will be allocated automatically. Cabin grade and number will be confirmed at check-in. E&OE.
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