April to July 2014 Box office: 01225 463362
Welcome to The RONDO – Spring 2014
Hot times… ...at The Rondo this Summer, with a sizzling season of brave, bold and beautiful shows. We’ve got brilliant, provocative, original theatre, bursting with ideas and innovation. Popehead delves into the secret life of Francis Bacon, Phone Whore tackles the subject of sex workers, The Ballad of Martha Brown looks at the last woman to be publicly hanged in Dorset and The Trials of Oscar Wilde looks at the downfall of one of the world’s greatest poets and playwrights. There’s comedy, too, from Alfie Moore, Jonny & the Baptists, Mark Grist and a special preview of the brand new show from Rondo fave Mark Thomas. Music includes internationally renowned artists Clive Gregson, Tir Na nOg and the amazing Gavin Osborn/Grace Petrie/MJ Hibbert triple bill, as well as the frankly astonishing Fantasy Orchestra. We finish the season with a great range of Edinburgh Festival previews, so you can boast that you saw the hits of the Fringe here first! All in all, The Rondo’s here to give you a brilliant summer – whatever the weather! Ian McGlynn Theatre Director
Bath Drama
Three Sisters By Anton Chekhov, translated by Nicholas Wright Wed 16 – Sat 19 Apr • 7.30pm • Full £10 Concs £8 • Community Theatre Stranded by their father’s death in a dreary provincial town in pre-revolutionary Russia, three sisters and their brother long for the endless possibilities of Moscow, but at every turn the chance of happiness floats further away. Music, conversation, domestic affairs and dreams fill their lives, but, as we watch, the stranglehold of domesticity and practicalities takes over. Andrey’s disastrous marriage, Olga’s sense of duty, Irina’s idealism, and Masha’s stultifying marriage and subsequent love affair all contribute to their doom. Blending passion, humour, drama and near tragedy, this is deservedly one of the great classics of theatre, in a brilliant translation that brings it fully alive.
Box office 01225 463362
Jonny & the Baptists: The Stop UKIP Tour Thu 24 Apr • 8pm • Full £14 Concs £12 • Comedy/Music Nominated: Best New Show – Leicester Comedy Festival 2014! The UK’s hottest musical comedians present a raucous hour of songs, satire and silliness. Ahead of 2014’s European Elections, join them to amuse, engage and enrage the political spectrum - and take on Nigel Farage’s “fruitcakes, loonies and closet racists”. Stars of Radio 4’s Now Show and 2013 Musical Comedy Award & Amused Moose Edinburgh Award nominees.
“Musical comedy’s rising stars.” Sunday Times “Uproarious rock’n’ROFL-ing.” Independent on Sunday “The political edge of 80s alternative comedy, but Jonny has a pop-soul voice to win X Factor.” Stewart Lee, Guardian
Popehead
[The Secret Life of Francis Bacon] By Garry Roost, Dramaturgy: Paul Garnault Fri 25 Apr • 8pm • Full £12 Concs £10 Professional Theatre A solo show about the celebrated artist Francis Bacon. An enigma, a maverick, a controversial charismatic force of nature. Caught wearing his mother’s stockings, gazing into a large mirror. Banished by his military father from the family home in Ireland. Sent to Berlin with his father’s henchman. On to Paris where he was transfixed by Picasso. Bacon became a success as a designer of carpet rugs and furniture. Taking the surrealists by storm after The Times said he was “...insufficiently surreal...”. On to the Colony Club, champagne and a tragic love life.
“Champagne for my real friends. Real pain for my sham friends.” Francis Bacon
Web bookings: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk Monkey Poet
Love Hurts Actually Sat 26 Apr • 8pm • Full £12 Concs £10 • Comedy/Poetry The Unofficial Sequel to the Hit Film featuring Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Martine McCutcheon, Liam Neeson & Sir John Geilgud. Award-winning Monkey Poet returns in this new play (NOT written by Richard Curtis!) Directed by Andy McQuade (Fringe report, Best Director 2012)
“Wickedly, wickedly funny.” Nick Awde, The Stage “Gets the audience laughing from the get go.” Steven Fraser, Broadway Baby Bonus Show – After the interval, Monkey Poet’s unique Stand Up Poetry.
“Irreverent, fast, furious, and fun...not to be missed!” Three Weeks
Butterfly Psyche
The Persistence of Memory By Alison Farina Wed 30 Apr • 8pm • Full £12 Concs £10 Professional Theatre If Memory came to visit, would you welcome her? Would you keep her secret? Would you offer her your memories? From the company that brought us the fantastical Christmas adventure The Blue Bird, Butterfly Psyche Theatre’s very special magic takes another path in this delicate and moving drama. The Persistence of Memory examines the human condition with compassion and humour focusing on memory and it’s creation of our identity. Dante DeLucca is an ageing classics professor. He and his daughter Iphee must come to terms with his fading memory and how it will change their relationship. But they are not alone: with the unlikely appearance of Mneme, the Muse of Memory, father and daughter find the strength to make the transition together.
“…a piece that rings true with people’s real life experiences...” The Public Reviews “…sensitive and intelligent...with a deceptive ease and nicely-judged sense of humour… an outstanding production.” Theatre Bath “…witty, clever and sad by turns…genuinely interesting theatre.” Guide2Bath
Box office 01225 463362 Phil McIntyre Entertainments
Mark Grist: Rogue Teacher Thu 1 May • 8pm • Full £14 Concs £12 • Comedy/Poetry Mark Grist is a rare thing; a poet that audiences flock to see. Ever since he burst onto YouTube, clocking up millions of views, he’s proved to be one of the country’s most entertaining and thought provoking artists. In his new one man show, Rogue Teacher, Mark takes you on a journey from over enthusiastic English teacher to worldwide rap battle sensation, as he leaves teaching to pursue his lifelong dream of being a full time artist. It’s a laugh out loud rollercoaster ride of an adventure, combined with one of the most honest and and absorbing stories you’ve ever heard. One thing’s for sure – you’ll never look at English teachers in the same way again.
“The English teacher you wish you had.” Fest Magazine “Grist’s heart is engaged and he has a great story to tell.” The Guardian
Roughhouse Theatre
Nipplejesus
By Nick Hornby Adapted For The Stage By Shane Morgan
Fri 2 May • 8pm • Full £12 Concs £10 • Professional Theatre “I never thought for a moment I’d be on some sort of special mission…” Dave used to be a bouncer. He wanted a better life and Contemporary Art became his new calling. Taking a proper 9-5 in a gallery meant he could spend more time with his family. What he didn’t realise is that he would take a starring role in a game with no rules, a dangerous crush and whole bunch of oddballs. Writer Nick Hornby (High Fidelity, Fever Pitch, Long Way Down) has created his very own Everyman as Dave has to deal with his fair share of admirers, naysayers, nutters and vicars. An honest, funny and totally biased tale of contemporary art, religion and the true definition of pornography. First published in 2000, NippleJesus was adapted for the stage by Shane Morgan and premiered at the Sydney Fringe Festival.
“Storming one man production...laced with testosterone.” Bristol Post “Perfect...funny and clever.” Drum Media, Sydney
Web bookings: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk Bath Labour Party
The BelleFleurs & Jem Roberts Sat 3 May • 8pm • Full £12 Concs £10 • Music/Comedy Bath-based The BelleFleurs take songs from Rock, Pop, Disco, Metal and Punk and ‘Fleurt’ with them to make original arrangements and audacious ‘mash-up’s’ of classic tunes. Super Tight harmonies, fairly tight corsets and lots of fun! Jem Roberts is a comedian, storyteller, author, historian and purveyor of unforgivably filthy songs. He has caused seizures in cabaret and burlesque audiences from Leicester Square to West-super-Mare, with classic songs including Inappropriate Love Song, Please Don’t Sue Me Charles Dance and, of course, At Least I’m Not A Tory. His recent solo show for the Bath Comedy Festival, Songs That Do Eventually Stop, lived up its name. This event is a fundraising concert in aid of Bath Labour Party.
The Rondo Writers Network
All The Ghouls Written by The Rondo Writers Network Directed by Jazz Hazelwood Produced by Shane Morgan Wed 7 – Sat 10 May • 8pm Full £10 Concs £8 • New Writing The Rondo Writers Network is back with their annual showcase of new writing. With the backdrop of an Urban Fairytale, the writers have created pieces to both disgust and delight, with two shows in one week. From reinvented traditional fairytales to contemporary scenarios, these pieces will uncover and expose the true nature of the human condition. Sprites Night will explore the lighter side of life, with a heart-warming lightness of touch and humour. Performed on Thursday 8th and Saturday 10th. Fiends Night will explore the shadows and mysteries of human behaviour, taking you on a journey that pales even the bravest of audience members. Performed on Wednesday 7th and Friday 9th. Previous Rondo Writers Network show What Kind Of Day Has It Been 2013:
“A world that is altogether touching, hilarious and – at times – surreal. You won’t be disappointed!” Theatre Bath
Box office 01225 463362
Bath Unity Players
Cheshire Cats By Gail Young Thu 15 – Sat 17 May • 7.30pm Full £10 Concs £8 • Community Theatre Grown women, aching feet and heaving bosoms! Follow the Cheshire Cats team as they speedwalk their way to fundraising success in the London Moonwalk. Hilary, Siobhan, Yvonne, Vicky and Maggie are attempting to walk 13 miles across the capital in record time in their decorated bras and posh new trainers, but the sixth member of the team doesn’t seem to meet the physical criteria! ‘Cheshire Cats is a cross between a girls’ night out and a real mission to support a cause close to many hearts, with plenty of laughs and a few tears along the way.
Different Strings presents
Clive Gregson Thu 22 May • 8pm • Full £12 Concs £10 • Acoustic Music Born in Manchester, now based in the USA, Clive Gregson is an accomplished singer, musician and record producer of world-renown. Mary Chapin Carpenter named him as one of her favourite songwriters. Melody Maker described his band Any Trouble, as the most exciting new rock ‘n’ roll group since The Pretenders and according to Guitar Player, he is one of the 1000 great guitarists. One of the most respected songwriters of his time, his songs recorded by a host of contemporaries. Formed the groundbreaking partnership with Christine Collister and toured with Richard Thompson, Eddi Reader, Boo Hewerdine, Nanci Griffith and Dennis Locorriere. Clive is celebrating his new release This Is Now.
“…a powerful and vital force in contemporary music.” fROOTS
Web bookings: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk
Grace Petrie, MJ Hibbett and Gavin Osborn Fri 23 May • 8pm • Full £12 Concs £10 • Music/Comedy It’s rare that you get to witness three of the UK’s finest singersongwriters all in the same place on the same night. Having all performed at The Rondo before, Grace Petrie, MJ Hibbett and Gavin Osborn will return as part of their epic 2014 summer tour. Heartfelt, political, funny and life-affirming music for everyone with fire in their belly and joy in their soul. Grace Petrie has quietly become one of the most respected independent songwriters working in the UK today.Her young career boasts three studio albums, a dedicated fan base and national tours with Emmy the Great, Josie Long and Robin Ince, as well as a string of festival performances. MJ Hibbett has performed live on Radio One, had a Record Of The Year in Rolling Stone, an Album Of The Day on 6Music, released one of the first ever viral videos, toured all around the world, very narrowly avoided writing an autobiography, and taken five productions to theEdinburgh Fringe. He doesn’t expect a medal for it, though a pint would be nice. Gavin Osborn is a regular on BBC Radio 4 (most recently as part of Alun Cochrane’s Fun House), has toured the UK supporting indie band Belle & Sebastian and is most well known for his co-written shows with comedy legend Daniel Kitson. He has three albums, two kids and a wife.
Cameryn Moore/Little Black Book Productions
Phone Whore (a one-act play with frequent interruptions) Sat 24 May • 8pm • Full £12 Concs £10 • Professional Theatre Truth and taboo collide in this intimate visit with a phone sex operator. Listen closely: she may change your views on sex forever. Not for the faint of heart!
“incredibly brutal, piercing, and thought-provoking.” Three Weeks, Edinburgh “by far the most intimate and insightful theatre experience you’re likely to have.” Roverarts.com Winner of: Critics’ Choice, Houston Fringe (2013); Official selection, Montreal Zoofest (2012); Pick of the Fringe, Victoria Fringe (2011); Best Female Solo, San Francisco Fringe (2010). For Mature Audiences. There will be a Q&A session after the performance.
Box office 01225 463362
Angel Exit Theatre
The Ballad of Martha Brown Wed 28 May • 7:30pm • Full £12 Concs £10 • Professional Theatre Expect the unexpected in Angel Exit’s latest original drama based on the life and times of Martha Brown, the last woman publicly hanged in Dorset. 1856. A tale of jealousy and passion. An ordinary woman and her ordinary husband, a hatchet grabbed in haste, a murder, a wrongly accused horse, a black silk dress, the hangman from London and the mob at the hang-fair who gawp in glee. Presented in the company’s rich visual style, blending storytelling and striking physicality, this show is spliced through with wicked humour, an original score and macabre songs as a grim chorus of hollow-eyed storytellers invite you into their mysterious world where reality and fantasy blur as the events of Martha’s life are played out under the constant stare of the gallows above. Standing close to the gallows, on that fateful day, was a young Thomas Hardy, who later recalled: “I remember what a fine figure she showed against the sky as she hung in the misty rain and how the tight black silk gown set off her shape as she wheeled half round and back.”
“Angel Exit are consummate storytellers. Highly recommended.” British Theatre Guide
Tir na nOg Thu 29 May • 8pm • Full £14 Concs £12 • Prog Folk Tir na nOg have been described as Prog Folk, Psych Folk, and even Space Folk! But the duo, formed by Leo O’Kelly & Sonny Condell in 1970, transcends all these categories. They are two of the most original and influential songwriters and performers Ireland has ever produced. They were signed to Chrysalis Records within days of arriving in London. John Peel championed them from the start as they toured with bands such as Jethro Tull and Procol Harum as well as headlining their own gigs. The exhilarating musicianship of this duo continues to amaze music lovers of all ages.
Web bookings: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk Mick Perrin Worldwide
Alfie Moore Fri 30 May • 8pm • Full £12 • Comedy Former Humberside Police Sergeant turned stand-up comedian Alfie Moore is tasering his way through the comedy world, arresting audiences with stories of life on the beat that are institutionally funny. His humorous insight into the life of a police officer has resulted in TV and radio appearances on Comic Relief, BBC Radio 4, The Wright Stuff, Sky News and many more. Alfie Moore’s three Edinburgh Festival shows have resulted in several glowing reviews in both the broadsheets and from fellow comedians. You have the right to remain silent but you won’t help but laugh.
“Brilliantly funny… Genuinely hilarious.” David Mitchell “He’s a very funny man.” Rhod Gilbert
Nick Young
Peter and the Wolf (and Me) By Nick Young. A Bristol Old Vic Ferment commission Sat 31 May • 8pm • Full £12 Concs £10 • Professional Theatre 1985, Harare, Zimbabwe. Robert Mugabe is carving a new African vision, Thriller is shredding the charts and Radio Gaga is all we hear. In the dusty heat a boy plays out the life and death adventures of a boy called Peter from a cold faraway story. But the wolf is real.
Rhyme V Reason
Ageing Gracefully Thu 5 Jun • 8pm • Full £12 Concs £10 • Comedy/Poetry/Music An evening in which internationally acclaimed performance poet and multi-slam winner David Johnson; the Bard of Windmill Hill Trevor “hilarious poems and stories” Carter; playwright, actor and stand-up poet John Christopher “the audience were in hysterics” Wood, together with singer/ songwriter Mike “inimitably witty songs” Danver Scott do daft verse and silly songs on the theme, mostly, of advancing years. To age gracefully, or not? Jaeger bombs, or Wincarnis? Man bag, or tartan shopping trolley? You choose. Bring your own Werthers Originals.
Box office 01225 463362
European Arts Company
The Trials of Oscar Wilde By Merlin Holland & John O’Connor Fri 6 & Sat 7 Jun • 8pm • Full £14 Concs £12 • Professional Theatre European Arts Company returns with a dramatisation of the libel and criminal trials of Oscar Wilde. Thursday 14 February 1895 was the triumphant opening night of The Importance of Being Earnest and the zenith of Wilde’s career. Less than 100 days later, he found himself a common prisoner sentenced to two years hard labour. So what happened during the trials and what did Wilde say? Was he persecuted or the author of his own downfall? Using the original words spoken in court, we can feel what it was like to be in the company of a flawed genius - as this less than ideal husband was suddenly reduced to a man of no importance.
“This is half archeological curiosity, half timeless fun...a perfectly judged rendering by European Arts Company.” Libby Purves in The Times
Different Strings presents
Appalachia Thu 12 Jun • 8pm • Full £12 Concs £10 • Music/ Americana Described as a fusion-string-band, Appalachia display strings a-plenty - banjo, guitars, mandolin, bass - plus great four-part harmonies, an eclectic mix of songs and a good fun vibe: their mission, “to make you good folks smile” and they certainly do that. Offering up their own inspired take on American roots music, they mix blues, country, jazz, ragtime, bluegrass and unique originals into a potent brew that will move you…and make you move. When they take to the stage in matching suits and gather around one microphone, emulating the early old-time and bluegrass bands, they look the part too.
“They have a wonderful old-time string band sound which I simply love.” Frank Hennessy, BBC Radio Wales
Web bookings: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk
Naked Zoom By Naomi Zara Fri 13 Jun • 8pm • Full £12 Concs £10 Professional Theatre This one woman show is a journey, and an intimate meeting. A series of true life stories show the becoming of a young woman into a not quite so young woman, told by zooming in on some naked moments of her life. A series of events are shared in close-up; all events when the teller experiences heightened states of aliveness through being naked. As we strip away layers of clothes, we strip also the outer layers of the polished, people-friendly personality... as the body is revealed, so too we reveal the hidden aspects of the Feminine in all her beauty, innocence, eroticism, anger, desperation and humour. Come; meet Naomi Zara.
The Rose and the Snake By Kevan Manwaring and Chantelle Smith Sat 14 Jun • 8pm • Full £12 Concs £10 • Storytelling/Music Performance Be enchanted by professional storytelling and song, as Kevan Manwaring and Chantelle Smith explore the timeless mysteries of love and death. Be taken on a bardic tour of Northamptonshire (‘the Rose of the Shires’) and Oxfordshire (whose county flower is the Snake’s Head Fritillary), as Kevan and Chantelle weave ballad and tale, the ancient and modern, the magical and the everyday, together in an enchanting blend. Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross, visit the mysterious Rollright Stones and the White Horse of Uffington. Encounter ghostly lovers, infamous highwaymen and plucky heroines. Be thrilled by legends of phantom huntsmen, otherworldly beasties and dastardly deeds. Discover the hidden treasures and remarkable history of these two heritage-rich counties - as well as the eternal truths about men and women!
“Left the audience enraptured and on the edge of the seat throughout.” Somerset County Gazette
Stepping Out
Wallace Real’s Ministry of Madness
By Mark Breckon
Wed 18 – Sat 21 Jun • 7.30 pm • Full £10 Concs £8 • Community Theatre Lucy has been afflicted by Meta Theatricus Type A, a strange new disorder where she believes she’s a character in a play about her life. Help is on offer from two unlikely sources – a polar bear called Paul who says he’s a psychiatric nurse, and a maverick psychiatrist called Wallace Real, who bears a striking resemblance to a stage magician. Why is Lucy being played by four actors? Can Paul or Wallace really help her get better? Or are they both part of her losing the plot?? Join Lucy in the race to find out the truth about mental health services and the Whole Evil Plan as she chases the white rabbit of healing down a tunnel deep below the Houses of Parliament to ... Wallace Real’s Ministry of Madness!
Box office 01225 463362
The Rondo Theatre
The Gift
By Ross Dunsmore
Wed 25 – Sat 28 Jun • 8pm • Full £12 Concs £10 Professional Theatre Nicole and Dan are new parents. Dan has always wanted children and is besotted with his new baby boy, but Nicole is struggling to accept her new role as ‘mum’. In a morning of revelations, Dan and Nicole must fight to come to terms with their new situation; how they feel about each other, and how they feel about their son. It’s a true battle of the sexes, mixing comedy and pathos whilst dealing sensitivity with the difficult subject of post natal depression. The Gift is the winner of The Rondo’s 2014 ‘Quick and Dirty’ Scriptwriting Competition.
Core Theatre Productions
Deathtrap
By Ira Levin
Wed 2 – Sat 5 July • 8pm • Full £10 Concs £8 • Community Theatre Core Theatre Productions continue to celebrate their 10th anniversary year with this production of Ira Levin’s Deathtrap. Sidney Bruhl is a once successful playwright who hasn’t had a ‘hit’ for a long time. He now finds himself in the middle of sustained period of writer’s block whilst supporting his lavish lifestyle with his wife’s fortune. When a student sends him a copy of the new play he has written, Sidney is sorely tempted to pass the work off as his own. What lengths Sidney is prepared to go to, to save his career?
Box office 01225 463362
Lakin McCarthy Entertainment presents
Mark Thomas: Work in Progress Wed 9Jul • 7pm & 9pm • Full £10 Concs £8 • Comedy Ten years ago an activist and close friend of Mark’s was exposed as a spy for BAE Systems infiltrating the movement. Now Mark wants to find him and has some questions to ask. This is a true story. The show picks up from where the award winning Bravo Figaro left off in style using interviews from friends, colleagues, activists and journalists to examine the impact of betrayal. It is a personal and timely tale that tries to unearth what it means to be spied upon by a corporation under the sanction of the state. As usual plenty of laughs, some weird characters, documentary styles, probably a tear or two and the vague possibility that Mark might get beaten up in the making of it as he tries to find out if he wants revenge or if he can forgive a friend.
The Fantasy Orchestra: We All Cycled Here Thu 10 Jul • 8pm • Full £12 Concs £10 • Music The Fantasy Orchestra and choir, a mass tour-bybike coming from Bristol pull their instruments on trailers to this first concert on a local bicycle tour. With a motto ‘more is more’, this unique ethos brings together between 40 + musicians from all backgrounds to perform together, infusing an electric atmosphere. Their eclectic repertoire, gleaned from 50s and 60s film soundtracks by Morricone, Rota, Barry, Mancini and Bollywood is bolstered by rock and pop favourites from the likes of Jimi Hendrix and David Bowie. Expect the exotic; psychedelic loveliness; rousing choral noise; some choice costumes and a musical saw. Roll for the Soul bike café Bristol, Jan 2014: Fantasy Orchestra. Bloody wonderful.. an utter joy. See/hear them if you can!
Web bookings: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk
Bath Opera
The Magic Flute By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Fri 11 & Sat 12 Jul • 7:30pm Full £14 Concs £12 • Opera Suffering from paranoid hallucinations brought on by drug abuse, a pop star finds himself restrained and sedated in a sinister private hospital. His manipulative agent takes advantage of his condition to persuade him to rescue his ex-fiancee from the clutches of a mysterious rival. He is accompanied by the hospital porter who moonlights as a Council bird-catcher. But what is real and what is illusion? With original English lyrics, the World Premier of this new version of The Magic Flute presents a modern parable of love, lust and loss - as viewed through the prism of Mozart’s sublime music.
Exit Stage Left
When Midnight Strikes By Music by Charles Miller Book & Lyrics by Kevin Hammonds Wed 16 – Sat 19 Jul • 8pm Full £10 Concs £8 • Community Theatre Exit Stage Left return to the rondo after their recent award winning The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee with the critically acclaimed When Midnight Strikes. New York, New Year’s Eve 1999 - the dawn of a new millennium - and Jennifer West’s intimate dinner party for close friends and family begins to fall apart upon the discovery that her husband has been having an affair. To make matters worse, she realizes that the unknown mistress is one of eleven party guests. As the hosts confront their unravelling marriage, new resolutions, past mistakes, and an uncertain future merge into an explosive and life-altering evening. Kevin Hammonds’ book is in turn hilarious and moving, the plot keeping the audience on tenterhooks until the finale. With a score by Charles Miller packed with original show-stopping songs, When Midnight Strikes gives a remarkably accurate sense of the brittle gaiety of a New Year party, with all the tensions so often seething beneath the surface.
Box office 01225 463362
Edinburgh Previews Avalon Promotions
Ahir Shah & Tiff Stevenson Wed 23 Jul • 8pm • Full £12 Concs £10 • Comedy Ahir Shah is a comedian whose sharp, intellectual brand of stand-up features a blend of emotional frankness, poetic language, and jokes. His most recent stand-up show, Anatomy, was described by Fest as being “as thoughtful and compelling a show as you’re likely to come across” at the 2013 Edinburgh Fringe. Here, Ahir presents a collection of new material in preparation of his next solo hour of stand-up. (Almost all of it will have been previously tested in comedy clubs over the last couple of months, so there’s no need to worry unduly.)
“Charismatic and of rewardingly cerebral approach.” The Guardian Tiff Stevenson is a stand-up comedian, actor and writer, known for her honest material and instantly likeable disposition. She has appeared on programmes such as Never Mind the Buzzcocks (BBC Two), The Office (BBC Two), Balls of Steel (Channel 4) and Only Joking (Sky), and you may have heard her dulcet tones across the airwaves in her regular roles on radio shows such as MacCaulay & Co (BBC Radio Scotland), Front Row (BBC Radio 4) and 7 Day Saturday & Sunday with Al Murray (BBC Radio 5 Live). Her previous solo Edinburgh stand-up shows have consistently had packed audiences and rave reviews, and in 2012 she won the Mervyn Stutter’s Spirit of the Fringe Award. Come and join her test run material for her new Edinburgh solo show, where she ponders if optimism is possible in a world where the Kardashians and Everyday Vodka continue to exist.
“Hilarious observations and beautifully written… a touching call to arms for 30 somethings.” Metro
Web bookings: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk Avalon Promotions
Tom Craine Thu 24 Jul • 8pm • Full £10 Concs £8 • Comedy Tom Craine is an award winning comedian, writer, and one third of the critically acclaimed sketch group Jigsaw (with Dan Antopolski and Nat Luurtsema) who are series regulars on Live At The Electric (BBC3), and are headlining Sketchorama (BBC Radio 4). Tom recently filmed the BBC2 documentaries Jesus to Jay-Z and Bitesize History, following on from regularly co-hosting on The Rhod Gilbert Show (BBC Radio Wales). As a solo artist Tom has gained rave reviews, including Observer Critic’s Choice Edinburgh 2010, and The Times Top 5 Picks Edinburgh 2010. A regular at the major UK venues and abroad, he has supported Rhod Gilbert, Alan Carr and Russell Kane on tour.
“Wise, funny, lyrical.” Observer “Wonderful.” Time Out
Outlawed Nomad Theatre
Mad, Bad and Downright Ugly By William Shakespeare/Natasha Harper-Smith, Music by Al Cubbin Fri 25 Jul • 8pm • Full £12 Concs £10 • Comedy/Theatre ‘How far can villainy take you?’- now that’s the real question. Through the bards most infamous Baddies, this troupe of daemons will delight and ensnare you into seeing what it truly means to be wicked. A black comedy, this show uses the company’s unique brand of physical storytelling and an original score to take you into a world of classic literature with a unique twist. From ridiculous Scottish accents to full on brawls there’s never a dull moment with these twisted villains, lunatics and thieves.
MAST Stage Productions
Avent & Monie: Back to Front By Graham Avent and Jon Monie Sat 26 Jul • 8pm • Full £12 Concs £10 • Comedy BBC and ITV’s award winning double-act with a difference... of opinion! A heady mix of backstage tantrums and on-stage routines; Back to Front follows the exploits of a double-act both in front of and behind the curtain. As the performance gathers steam, the performers let more off; hard truths are told and wise cracks begin to appear. Meet a range of outrageous comic characters, whilst also bearing witness to the bickering shenanigans and possible disintegration of their creators. Will the show end with a punch line or punch up? A must see comedy treat.
Web bookings: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk
Rondo Drama Club create, develop, perform
Summer Term Group 1: Ages 6 - 9 4.45 – 5.45pm £50 Group 2: Ages 9 – 15 5.45 – 7.15pm £75
Summer Holiday fun!
Rondo Drama Club is a unique experience where your children are encouraged to share their creative ideas and work together to use the best of them to devise a totally original play. They then get the chance to improvise, rehearse and, finally, perform it under the lights on the famous Rondo Stage. The sessions are run by Paulo Baigent, an experienced theatre director, educator and drama workshop leader. Rondo Drama Club’s weekly sessions take place at St. Stephen’s School, Lansdown with dress rehearsals and end of term performances at the Rondo Theatre itself. At Rondo Drama Club we are committed to raising confidence and self-esteem in a fun and nurturing environment. So if your children are into drama, love to have fun, are full of ideas and eager to share them, then book them in for our next term at The Rondo Drama Club.
Join the trailblazing Rondo Summer Drama Club and spend a week building a performance to showcase your hidden creative genius! This is your chance to create a brand new piece of theatre to share with an audience of family and friends at The Rondo. Summer Holiday Courses for ages 8 – 16. Mon – Thu: 10am – 4pm; Fri 10am – 7pm Week A: Mon 28 July – Fri 1 August Week B: Mon 4 August – Fri 8 August £95 per week
Please note: participants must be available for the final rehearsal on Sunday 6 July and for the end of term show on Monday 7July. For more information, please visit www.rondotheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01225 463362.
The Rondo Scriptwriting Group The Rondo Scriptwriting Group will return in the Autumn. For more information, contact rondowriters@gmail.com
Become A Rondo Volunteer Acting as a Rondo Theatre volunteer is a great way of getting closer to the theatre, music, comedy and other fantastic events on offer at this fantastic venue. In return, you get to see the shows for free, as well as to make new friends and socialise.
Our volunteers work mainly as bar staff or on front of house and are an essential part of the success of The Rondo. Volunteering normally means working on two or three shows a month. It’s great fun – and you get to see a huge variety of performances for free! If you’d like to volunteer, please contact the Theatre Director, Ian McGlynn: ian@rondotheatre.co.uk / 01225 444003
Box office 01225 463362
The RONDO Theatre ST. SAVIOURS ROAD, Larkhall, Bath, BA1 6RT www.rondotheatre.co.uk
INFO Bath Box Office: Bath Visitor Information Centre Abbey Chambers, Abbey Churchyard Bath BA1 1LY. Tel 01225 463362. Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:30am – 5:30pm. Sundays and Bank Holidays: 10am – 4pm.
Find us on…
Charity No: 1000051
Web: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk
Parking: On street after 6pm and, by kind permission, Co-Op car park.
Concessions: Concession prices are available to children under 18, full-time students, Equity Members, unemployed benefit claimants, disabled people and those whose sole source of income is a DSS state retirement pension.
The Rondo Theatre Company is our resident community theatre company. If you want to get involved in performing or backstage work, visit www.rondotheatrecompany.org
Groups: Buy ten tickets and get an additional ticket free. Door Sales: For that night’s show at The Rondo 30 minutes before the show. Latecomers: For security reasons, it may not be possible to admit latecomers. So please be prompt! Access: The main entrance to The Rondo has excellent disabled access. We have a disabled toilet and the front row is available for wheelchairs. Pre-booking recommended.
Theatre Director: Ian McGlynn. Tel. 01225 444003 email: director@rondotheatre.co.uk Marketing Coordinator: Feargus Woods Dunlop. Tel. 01225 333844 email: admin@rondotheatre.co.uk Intern Director: Jazz Hazelwood email: officer@rondotheatre.co.uk Associate Directors: Hannah Drake, Shane Morgan Programme Design: GAS Design. Tel. 01249 712657 www.gas-design.co.uk
With support from
RONDO DIARY
Box office 01225 463362 Web bookings: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk
DATE
SHOW
GENRE
16 – 19 Apr
The Three Sisters
Community
24 Apr
Jonny & the Baptists
Comedy
25 Apr
Popehead
Theatre
26 Apr
Love Hurts Actually
Comedy
30 Apr
The Persistence of Memory
Theatre
1 May
Mark Grist
Comedy
2 May
Nipplejesus
Theatre
3 May
The Bellefleurs
Cabaret
7 – 10 May
All The Ghouls
Community
15 – 17 May
Cheshire Cats
Community
22 May
Clive Gregson
Music
23 May
Gavin Osborn & Friends
Music
24 May
Phone Whore
Theatre
28 May
The Ballad of Martha Brown
Theatre
29 May
Tir Na nOg
Music
30 May
Alfie Moore
Comedy
31 May
Peter & the Wolf (& Me)
Theatre
5 June
Rhyme V Reason
Comedy
6 – 7 June
The Trials of Oscar Wilde
Theatre
12 June
Appalachia
Music
13 June
Naked Zoom
Theatre
14 June
The Snake & the Rose
Theatre
18 – 21 June
Wallace Real’s Ministry of Madness
Community
25 – 28 June
The Gift
Theatre
2 – 5 July
Deathtrap
Community
9 July
Mark Thomas
Comedy
10 July
The Fantasy Orchestra
Music
11 – 12 July
The Magic Flute
Opera
16 – 19 July
When Midnight Strikes
Community
23 July
Ahir Shah & Tiff Stevenson
Comedy
24 July
Tom Craine
Comedy
25 July
Mad, Bad and Downright Ugly
Comedy
26 July
Avent & Monie: Back to Front
Comedy