SPOTLIGHT from top to bottom:
Frank Skinner; Al Murray; Bill Bailey
Comedy
KINGS OF COMEDY We all need a good laugh every now and again. Fortunately, they’re coming: three big name acts are visiting us soon Careers take flight at the egg – just ask Toby Thompson
Theatre Royal
INCUBATING SUCCESS A homegrown production from the egg theatre has just won an international award. Bath-based performance poet Toby Thompson first performed I Wish I Was a Mountain at the egg’s annual Incubator new talent showcase back in 2017, the piece being based on a fairy tale by Hermann Hesse, Faldum, about a small community changed forever when one member wishes to become – you guessed it – a mountain. Last month, Toby presented the show at the International Association of Performing Arts For Youth Showcase in Philadelphia and walked away with the prestigious Showcase Victor Award – as voted on by more than 400 delegates on the day. If you’d like to find out more about Incubator, the idea development programme at the egg, contact its creative producer, Tim Bell: tim.bell@theatreroyal.org.uk For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk
FRANK SKINNER 3 May, Theatre Royal Skinner’s Showbiz is coming to Bath fresh off a run in the West End. A veteran of the circuit, his latest offering is frenetic as ever, landing on everything from Prince Andrew to urinal mishaps. www.theatreroyal.org.uk AL MURRAY 17 May, Theatre Royal So far it’s been a tumultuous 2020. We Brexited, Trump got impeached (then let off), there was that period where most of Australia was on fire – and what about the weather lately? It all looks quite bleak – but don’t worry, the Pub Landlord is on hand to give us the answers to all of our ‘what do we do now?’ related questions. www.theatreroyal.org.uk BILL BAILEY 1 April, Bath Forum We’re always happy to see Bill Bailey. The comedian, actor, musician and animal welfare campaigner is headlining the first night of Bath Comedy Festival and we are excited. Chances are, you’ve seen and loved Bill in something – Black Books, Spaced, Hot Fuzz, not to mention his bit about A Brief History of Time (YouTube it). ww.bathcomedy.com
Fancy hats not required
Bath Racecourse
A DAY AT THE RACES
Bath Racecourse is offering free tickets to the first fixture of the season. Anyone – local or not – can register for up to four complimentary tickets for the 30 March race day. Whether you’re a racecourse regular or a total newbie, this seven-race experience is sure to get you excited for the 2020 season. Registration for complimentary tickets is open until 29 March, but organisers advise getting yourself signed up as soon as possible to guarantee entry. For more: www.bath-racecourse.co.uk
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 9
