WHAT’S ON The best of Bath’s online events, art exhibitions, theatre and festive days out

WHAT’S ON 18 December 2020 – 15 January 2021

The Play That Goes Wrong will be giving us a much needed laugh at Theatre Royal this Christmas Always check COVID-19 restrictions and instructions with venues before your visit

EXHIBITIONS

Until 20 December

NIGHT & DAY: 1930S FASHION AND PHOTOGRAPHS First curated by the Fashion and Textiles Museum in London, this exhibition is the ultimate experience of 1930s glam. Think floor length gowns in satin, velvet or crêpe – complete with diamanté accessories, obviously. It’s the perfect escape from the present; cast yourself in the role of ’30s femme fatale as you wander the display, picturing yourself at the wild and wonderful parties of yesteryear. Tues-Sat; 10am-5pm; American Museum & Gardens; www.americanmuseum.org

Until 23 December

ART SALON CHRISTMAS GIFT SALE This spectacular range of work priced from £15 to £600 means you’re bound to find an original gift for the art lover in your life – and one that fits your budget. Art Salon is all about making original artwork accessible to art lovers of all kinds, and this exciting range, much of which is created and made by UK artists, is a great start. Mon-Fri; 11am-4pm; Art Salon; www.artsalon.co.uk

Until 3 January 2021

GRAYSON PERRY: THE PRE-THERAPY YEARS Loved Grayson Perry’s Art Club? Delve deeper into his work with a visit to his exhibition at The Holburne. A collection of fascinating ceramics he created during his early years as a working artist, the selection of works demonstrate someone still seeking their identity, and all of the strong emotions that come with that process. Many of the politically charged pieces have not been seen in public since they were first exhibited. Mon-Sun; 10am-5pm; £12.50; The Holburne; www.holburne.org

Until 3 January 2021

BATH SOCIETY OF ARTISTS: VIRTUAL OPEN EXHIBITION 2020 Ordinarily held at the Victoria Art Gallery, this annual exhibition is, for the first time ever, displayed online, where you can browse the exciting collection of beautiful works. They’re all available to buy at a range of different price points. Online; www.victoriagal.org.uk/bsagallery

Until 10 January 2021

NICOLE EISENMAN: WHERE I WAS, IT SHALL BE For her inaugural exhibition with Hauser & Wirth, Nicole Eisenman presents a collection representative of the diversity of her practice. She weaves autobiography and allegory into the works, which speak to the complexity of the ever-evolving political and cultural moment. Tues-Sun; 10am-4pm; Hauser & Wirth Somerset; www.hauserwirth.com

Until 23 January 2021

NEW WORKS FOR CHRISTMAS Beaux Arts have a beautiful selection of works this Christmas for the keen art lover in your life. The collection, which features a diverse range of styles and disciplines, includes Jennifer Anderson’s ethereal portraits, Beth Carter’s mythical half-man, half beast sculptures and Simon Allen’s unique gilded wall sculptures. Flip to page 17 for even more from Beaux Arts. MonSat; 10am-5pm; www.beauxartsbath.co.uk

Ongoing

ART AT THE HEART OF THE RUH You can now see the RUH’s fabulous art collection online. Buying an artwork from this collection not only helps support the artist but also the RUH Arts Fund, which enables the project, spanning 700 artworks across the RUH, to continue its work. Online; www.artatruh.org

THEATRE

Until 22 December 2020 & 4–16 January 2021

OLEANNA This is a controversial one. First written and produced 30 years ago but utterly of the moment, Oleanna is set on an American college campus. A conversation unwinds between a college professor and female student that threatens to destroy both their lives when she files a sexual harassment claim against him in this seminal piece by David Mamet. Mon-Sat 7.30pm, Thurs & Sat 2.30pm; various prices; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

From 2 December

PANTO ONLINE The Glastonbury and Street Musical Comedy Society (GSMCS) is taking panto online. Throughout the month of December they’ll be premièring much loved shows on their YouTube channel. Grab some popcorn and a blanket and get ready to enjoy Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Jack and the Beanstalk and Goldilocks and the Three Amazing Bears – all from the comfort of your living room. Online; search

above: Longleat’s light displays are absolutely magical left: Nicole Eisenman’s installation, Fountain at Hauser & Wirth is a remarkable creative feat below: Arati ReddyDevlin’s intricate work is available in the BAS Virtual Exhibition Glastonbury and Street Musical Comedy Society onYouTube; www.gsmcs.co.uk

17 December – 16 January 2021

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG The accident-prone thespians of the Cornley Drama Society are putting on a 1920s murder mystery. Things may go awry along the way, but they are determined to make it through to curtain call – no matter what happens. This show promises to have you crying with laughter by the end. Tues-Sat 7.30pm, Sun 6pm, matinee performances Weds, Thurs, Sat and Sun 2pm; various prices, Theatre Royal; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

DAYS OUT

Various dates from 4 December

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY SANTA SPECIAL Meet Santa in the most picturesque surrounds imaginable – a steam train. Enjoy a six-mile trip in a heritage carriage, with a mince pie or festive biscuit to munch along the journey. Santa is working with a different set up this year to fit Covid restrictions – make sure you check the website for full details. Times and prices vary; Avon Valley Railway; www.avonvalleyrailway.org

Until 21 December

ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS AT WESTONBIRT Did you know that Father Christmas has a lesser-known workshop at Westonbirt Arboretum? It’s true, and rumour has it the man himself might even stop by for a visit. Experience mesmerising light displays as you make your way through Candy Cane Forest and the talking trees that live there. You’ll meet a few of Santa’s elf assistants along the way, too. Prebooked time slots only; Adults £16, children (5-8) £8; Westonbirt Arboretum; www.forestryengland.uk

Until 22 December

CHRISTMAS AT THE PALACE Enjoy some socially distanced joy at Bishop’s Palace in Wells. You’ll find the home of the Bishops of Bath and Wells sparkling for the season. Displays from the medieval right through to the Victorian reflect the rich history of the place, while an eco Christmas art exhibition by local children brings it all back to the present. Outside, the gardens are lit by magical illuminations, and there’s a family fun trail to enjoy, too. Mon-Sun; 10am-5pm; adults £15, children (5-18) £7.50; Bishops Palace; www.bishopspalace.org.uk

Until 24 December

FATHER CHRISTMAS ADVENT TRAIL Father Christmas and his festive post box is visiting businesses all around the city. Each day, Bath BID will post clues about his location – seek him out and post your Christmas wish list directly at the source. www.welcometobath.co.uk

Until 31 December

ENCHANTED TREASURE TRAIL Explore the winding gardens of The Newt and solve gardener Jacques Verts’ riddles in this festive adventure. Take in the garden’s beauty spots while you fill in the trail map all the way to a Christmassey prize at the end. Mon-Sun; 9.30am-3.30pm; included in admission; The Newt in Somerset; www.thenewtsomerset.com

Until 10 January 2021

LONGLEAT’S LAND OF LIGHT Designed especially for Longleat, this mix of technology, art and interactive installation really brings the magic of Christmas to life. Sensational projections light up Longleat House, while dancing fountains, animated light displays and laser installations guide you around the ornate grounds, gardens, Half Mile Lake, and The Longhouse. Prebooked time slots only; various prices; Longleat; www.longleat.co.uk

18–20 December

INNOX MILLS CHRISTMAS MARKET For this brand-new market in Trowbridge, historic buildings at the Innox Mills development will open their doors for the first time in a decade. Organised by Innox Mills owners and The Anonymous Travelling Market, expect a gorgeous selection of artisan gifts, local ales and spirits, decorations, holly wreaths and Christmas trees. There’ll be tasty street food, spiced cider and mulled wine too – perfect for the busy shoppers in need of a recharge. Starts 9am, end times vary; Innox Mills; www.innoxmarket.co.uk n