WHAT’S ON

What’s on in November

Clara Sola at the Little Theatre Cinema

Natural Theatre Company’s Theatre School

ARTISTS’ SHOWCASE Throughout November

n Out of the Blue Gallery A beautiful new gallery right in the heart of Bath is showcasing some of the best British artists and ceramicists. Set across two floors, the gallery is packed with great pieces. Look out for must-see exhibitions arriving at the gallery soon. outofthebluegallery.com

JAZZ FACTORY: LEARN TO IMPROVISE Every Monday throughout November

n Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon Jazz Factory is a weekly jazz workshop for instrumentalists and vocalists. It welcomes and caters for players of all levels, experience and ability. Go along and give it a try! You will work in small groups led by professional musicians in a supportive atmosphere. The workshop meets every Monday evening in term time at Wiltshire Music Centre. jazzfactory.co.uk

FILM BATH FESTIVAL Until 4 November, various times

n Little Theatre Cinema, St Michaels Place,

Bath

This is the 31st FilmBath Festival and for the first time the whole of Screen One at The Little Theatre Cinema is being hired for a week. So come and revel in festival films, including Tomboy on 2 Nov at 1.30pm, a sensitive and moving film about a 10-year old French girl who starts to identify as a boy to her friends; Whip It on 3 November at 4pm, a witty exciting and fun directorial debut from Drew Barrymore; and Clara Sola on 4 November at 11am, a Costa Rican film about a woman whose acute connection with her white horse transcends human contact, until a man appears to steal her attention. filmbath.org.uk

PRIVATE LIVES Until 6 November

n Theatre Royal Bath Theatre Royal Bath is hosting a new production of Private Lives, the inaugural show from Nigel Havers’ new theatre company which will be touring the country with a line-up of theatrical gems. The Olivier Award-winning Patricia Hodge, one of the country’s most loved actresses, plays Amanda. Nigel Havers, ever suave and thoroughly charming, plays Elyot, the role taken by Noël Coward himself in the original production in 1930. theatreroyal.org.uk

BLUE/ORANGE Until 13 November

n Ustinov Theatre, Bath Theatre Royal,

Sawclose

In a London psychiatric hospital, a mysterious patient wants out. The problem is that, to him, oranges are bright blue and Muhammed Ali is a whole lot more than just a boxer. As his doctor and senior consultant debate whether to section or release him, their power struggle escalates into a startling and provocative exploration of power and privilege, revealing uncomfortable truths about all three men. A collaboration between Joe Penhall, Giles Terera and Michael Balogun. theatreroyal.org.uk

THE WINTER TESTICULAR BALL 20 November, 7pm

n Apex City of Bath Hotel, James Street

West, Bath

Every other year, It’s in the Bag Cancer Support organise an event to celebrate the work of the charity and showcase the way they support men with testicular cancer. Every year 2,400 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer and of those 240 are in the south west of England. It’s in the Bag began in 2009 with the aims of supporting men and their families at diagnosis and through and after treatment, raising awareness to ensure early detection and celebrating the 98% cure rate of the disease. Black Tie. Tickets £35 each or £300 for a table of ten. Includes welcome drink, 3 course dinner and live entertainment. itsinthebag.org.uk/events

THE NATURAL THEATRE COMPANY’S THEATRE SCHOOL Until 24 November

n Widcombe Institute, Widcombe Hill Learn performance skills from professional actors and directors in fun and stressrelieving evening drama classes. The Natural Theatre Company’s Adult Performance and Theatre Skills classes are best for beginners or those who want to brush up on their skills, whilst its Creating and Devising classes are great for those with more experience. If you’re 18 and under then its 11–18 Theatre School is the place for you! naturaltheatre.co.uk/theatreschool

FULLTONE ORCHESTRA 4 November

n Bath Abbey Led by the brilliantly talented musical director Anthony Brown, The Fulltone Orchestra is coming to Bath Abbey on 4 November, to coincide with Bonfire Night, with an explosive and massively exciting evening of classical music. Commanding huge success whatever they turn their hand to, this orchestra will leave you feeling totally blown away. They are big and bold and on the night they will be playing the world’s most combustive musical treats from Holst to Barber and Bernstein to Tchaikovsky, all fireworkesque, full of light and shade and even some boom sound effects in the final number. fto.org.uk

MAGIC GOES WRONG 9–21 November

n Bath Theatre Royal, Sawclose Multi award-winning Mischief return to

Widcombe Christmas Market The Craft4Crafters Show Mothering Sunday at the Little Theatre Cinema

the stage with their hilarious new show created with magic legends, Penn & Teller. A hapless gang of magicians are staging an evening of grand illusion to raise cash for charity. But as the magic turns to mayhem, accidents spiral out of control and so does their fundraising target! Magic Goes Wrong comes to Theatre Royal Bath direct from the West End. theatreroyal.org.uk

RONDO THEATRE: TEZ ILYAS 11 November, 8pm

n Rondo Theatre, St Saviours Road, Bath The brand-new stand-up show from the star of The Tez O’Clock Show (Channel 4), TEZ Talks (BBC Radio 4) and the multiaward-winning Man Like Mobeen (BBC Three). Tez uses his trademark silly, smart and subversive approach to pit ordinary people against the establishment. Expect huge laughs, groans and shocks as Tez confronts the state of the world with his cheeky, provocative flair. Presented by Live Nation in association with UTC Artist Management. ticketsource.co.uk/rondotheatre

AN EVENING WITH MIRIAM MARGOLYES 12 November, 7.30pm

n Bath Pavilion Spend an evening in the company of one of Britain's favourite (and naughtiest) national treasures, as she shares stories from her remarkable life. BAFTA-winning actor, voice of everything from Monkey to the Cadbury’s Caramel Rabbit, creator of a myriad of unforgettable characters from Lady Whiteadder to Professor Sprout, Miriam is one of the most recognisable actresses working today. Now, at the age of 80, she has finally decided to tell her life story in her long-awaited memoir, This Much Is True. fane.co.uk

WIDCOMBE CHRISTMAS MARKET 13–14 November

n Widcombe Social Club Come and do some Christmas shopping in a relaxed and friendly environment while supporting local creatives and small

FILM SCREENINGS

n Throughout November, The Little Theatre Cinema, Bath Films to watch out for this month include Mothering Sunday starring Odessa Young, Josh O’Connor, Olivia Coleman and Colin Firth, where a maid living in post-World War I England secretly plans to meet with the man she loves before he leaves to marry another woman.

Another newcomer this month is Japanese drama film Drive My Car, where a widower drives to Hiroshima with his chauffeur and confronts the mystery of his wife that quietly haunts him. This winner of the Best Screenplay Award at Cannes is based on a short story and is co-written and directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi. The film Spencer, directed by Pablo Larraín,takes us back to the marriage of Princess Diana and Prince Charles where while rumours of affairs and a divorce abound, peace is ordained for the Christmas festivities at the Queen’s Sandringham Estate. Spencer is an imagining of what might have happened during those few fateful days.

See the full programme online: picturehouses.com/cinema/little-theatrecinema

businesses in the 15th annual Widcombe Christmas Market. Around 40 exhibitors will be displaying their own beautiful work for sale –choose from ceramics, jewellery, textiles, paintings, prints, cards, candles, mosaics and glass and enamel work. To enable greater social distancing routes will be marked round the event and stewards will be on hand. 10.30am–5pm Saturday and 10.30am–4pm Sunday. widcombechristmasmarket.com

ROBIN INCE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING INTERESTED 15 November, 7.30pm

n Topping & Co Booksellers,

The Paragon, Bath

Comedian Robin Ince shares why scientific wonder isn’t just for the professionals. He explores why many wrongly think of the discipline as distant and difficult. From the glorious appeal of the stars above to why scientific curiosity can encourage much needed intellectual humility, Robin’s optimistic and profound outlook on life will make you laugh, and leave you filled with a thirst for intellectual adventure. toppingbooks.co.uk

AN EVENING WITH GIOVANNA FLETCHER 23 November, 7.30pm

n Bath Pavilion Join the number-one bestselling author and I'm A Celebrity’s Queen of the Castle for a conversation about writing and her brand new book, Walking On Sunshine. Hear Giovanna discuss her heart-warming and uplifting new novel about loss, friendship and unrequited love, and take the chance to ask her the questions you’ve always wanted to ask in the audience Q&A. fane.co.uk

THE MIDNIGHT BELL 23–27 November

n Bath Theatre Royal, Sawclose Sir Matthew Bourne’s new world premiere for New Adventures explores the underbelly of 1930s London life where ordinary people emerge from cheap boarding houses nightly to pour out their passions, hopes and dreams in the pubs and bars of fog-bound Soho and Fitzrovia. Step inside The Midnight Bell, a tavern where one particular lonely-hearts club gather to play out their lovelorn affairs of the heart; bitter comedies of longing, frustration, betrayal and redemption.

Made in Bristol Gift Fair (photo by Jo Hounsome)

THE CRAFT4CRAFTERS SHOW 25–27 November, 10am – 5pm

n The Bath and West Showground,

Shepton Mallet, Somerset

The Craft4Crafters Show returns to the Bath & West Showground –perfect for great Christmas crafting supplies, learning a new crafting skill or finding Christmas gifts. There will be textile and craft displays, workshops, live demonstrations, and make and takes for inspiration and ideas. Leading local and national exhibitors will offer products for card-making, papercrafts, stamping, scrapbooking, sewing, cross-stitch, embroidery, beading, painting, patchwork, quilting, knitting and more. Admission: £10, £9 concessions. concessions. craft4crafters.co.uk

AN EVENING WITH NIGELLA LAWSON 25 November, 7.30pm

n Bath Pavilion Spend an evening with the renowned food writer and TV cook as she shares the rhythms and rituals of her kitchen to celebrate her latest book Cook, Eat, Repeat –a delicious and delightful combination of recipes intertwined with narrative essays about food. fane.co.uk

LAWRENCES AUCTIONEERS 26 November, 9am–5pm

n Throughout Bath and Bristol Lawrences Auctioneers are running free home visits on 29 October from 9am–5pm. Valuer Andy Sagar will be available to value your objects and antiques throughout Bath and Bristol. lawrences.co.uk

RACHEL PARRIS 27 November, 2pm (doors open 1.30pm)

n Komedia, 22–23 Westgate Street Join the Bafta-nominated comedian, viral sensation and star of BBC’s The Mash Report for a matinee show as she performs stand-up and songs about sudden love, relationships, family, going viral, and going mental. Tickets £16, from: bathfestivals.org.uk or from Bath Box Office, tel: 01225 463362.

BATH MINERVA CHOIR 27 November, 7.30pm

n Bath Abbey

Rachel Parris

One of the UK’s most exciting young violinists, Braimah Kanneh-Mason, stretches his wings in Vivaldi’s evergreen masterpiece, The Four Seasons. You can also listen to the beautiful and relaxing music of Paul Carr at this world-premiere performance of his Four New Seasons, an affectionate homage to the timeless beauties of Vivaldi, in a choralorchestral setting. With Bath Philharmonia and conductor Gavin Carr. Tickets available from Bath Box Office on 01225 463362. bathminervachoir.co.uk

MADE IN BRISTOL GIFT FAIR 27–28 November

n Bristol Beacon, Colston Street, Bristol Made in Bristol once again present up to 200 designer-makers as they take over the foyer of Bristol Beacon this Christmas with three bumper weekends packed full of local talent. The free family-friendly gift fairs offer the chance to support designermakers, including carpenters, potters, weavers, leather-workers, jewellers and printmakers.Visitors can shop local to find truly individual, handmade gifts. Meet the maker and buy direct from the artist. You’re sure to find a gift to give someone you love this Christmas. Open Sat from 10am–5pm and Sunday from 10am–4pm. madeinbristolgiftfair.co.uk

FINE ART AND ANTIQUES SALE 30 November

n Aldridges of Bath, Lower Bristol Road,

Twerton, Bath

Aldridges of Bath is running a fine art and antiques sale which will include silver, jewellery, porcelain and glass, oil paintings, watercolours and prints, works-of-art, clocks, furniture and more. For more information, visit: aldridgesofbath.com

FLORENCE GIVEN IN BATH 30 November, 7.30pm

n Topping & Co Booksellers,

The Paragon, Bath

Bestselling author Florence Given discusses and celebrates the phenomenon which is Women Don’t Owe You Pretty, a guide and support to help you to embrace feminism in all its messy glory, explain that you are the love of your own life, and remind you that you owe men nothing, least of all pretty. toppingbooks.co.uk

LOOKING AHEAD

Heart by Loreli Hunt (Bear Flat Artists)

BEAR FLAT ARTISTS CHRISTMAS ART FAIR & MARKET 4 December, 10am – 5pm

n Methodist Church Hall, Bruton

Avenue, Bear Flat, Bath

Bath’s Bear Flat Artists present a newlook festive event with the best of local art and craft, offering the opportunity to buy art and original hand-made gifts direct from the artists. This brings together work from across all artforms made in Bear Flat. Participants include painters, ceramicists, illustrators, jewellers, textile artists, printmakers and photographers. Free entry, all welcome. bearflatartists.co.uk

SERENITY: SONGS OF BLESSING AND REFLECTION 4 December, 7.30pm

n St Mary the Virgin, Bathwick The 2021/22 season brings new hope and fresh opportunities, including an exciting partnership for The Handful with their new musical director Vicente Chavarría. Join them in a contemplative yet joyful evening as the choir weaves its way through a rich tapestry of music. From Stanford to Schoenberg, Guillaume to Gjeilo, the programme includes UK premieres from two hugely talented young composers Sydney Guillaume and J. Michael Saunders, and a few jolly drinking songs to welcome the festive season! thehandful.org

NOWELL, NOWELL: TUDOR CHRISTMAS SONGS AND CAROLS 4 December, 7.30pm

n Picture Gallery, Holburne Museum A concert to herald the Christmas season and the special exhibition opening on 28 January 2022 of Tudor portraits. The Dowland Youth Works Choir was founded to encourage talented young singers, specifically lute players, with an interest in early music. The music is focused around the work of John Dowland, and composers such as William Byrd and Thomas Tallis. The choir of around eight voices will be students who attend the regular courses set up by Dowland Works, accompanied by Sam Brown on the lute, and conducted by musical director Laurence Williams. Tickets £18. holburne.org/events

LIGHT AND LOVE REMEMBRANCE SERVICE 6 December, 11am – 6pm

n Virtual ceremony The Forever Friends Appeal, the charity for the Royal United Hospitals Bath, invites the local community to come together for its annual remembrance service. The virtual ceremony will be streamed through The Forever Friends Appeal website and will allow people to reflect together and celebrate the lives of loved ones who they have lost. The event will help support the hospital’s RUH Palliative Care and End of Life Butterfly Fund and there will be an opportunity to remember loved ones names on a compassionate heart or star placed on a tree of ‘Light and Love’ and displayed throughout December. foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk/light-and-love

SYMPHONY OF SORROWFUL SONGS 8 December, 7.30pm

n Bath Abbey Paraorchestra, conducted by Charles Hazlewood, is performing Henryk Górecki’s Symphony of Sorrowful Songs alongside acclaimed soprano Victoria Oruwari in the splendour of Bath Abbey. Cathartic and hauntingly beautiful, this harmonic composition is an astonishing meditation on loss and transcendence. Tickets £25; bathfestivals.org.uk

ENCHANTED GARDEN OF LIGHT ILLUMINATION TRAIL 9–31 December

n American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Down A spectacular Christmas trail will illuminate the dramatic hillside setting of the American Museum & Gardens, with a route winding through the gardens and parkland. Visitors will embark on an after-dark adventure through glittering displays that will emblazon the house, gardens, and woodland. The hour-long trail has been designed with lighting designers SLX and will include a series of site-specific installations set to sound and music. Also on offer will be festive food and drink stalls, featuring the best of the American Christmas: chestnuts roasting, gourmet hotdogs and burgers, spiced apple, hot chocolate, and other warming drinks. americanmuseum.org/Christmas n

Enchanted Garden of Light at the American Museum & Gardens