WHAT’S ON

The Great Gatsby at the American Museum & Gardens

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

n Rondo Theatre, St Saviours Road The Natural Theatre Company’s joyous romp through unknown tales of the City of Bath is back by popular demand! Bath is famous for its healing waters, beautiful Georgian architecture and wholesome countryside surroundings. The Romans loved it, and modern-day pleasure seekers still flock to the city for hen-dos. Little do they know that Bath is hiding a past riddled with tales of debauchery, villainy and depravity. The Natural Theatre Company invite you to join them on a socially distanced voyage through Bath’s murkier waters as they throw a light on the less virtuous aspects of the city’s history. rondotheatre.co.uk

n On Zoom As the alliance defines its role for the next 20 years, Jamie Shea will pull back the curtain on some of the big debates currently

The Rondo Theatre is back in business

taking place inside NATO HQ in Brussels. Check the website for times. u3ainbath.org.uk

n Theatre Royal Bath, Saw Close Ralph Fiennes directs and stars in a world première adaptation of T.S. Eliot’s Four Quartets to welcome audiences back to live theatre. Compelling, moving and symphonic, Four Quartets offer four interwoven meditations on the nature of time, faith, and the quest for spiritual enlightenment. Mostly written during World War II when the closure of playhouses during the Blitz interrupted Eliot’s work in theatre, the four parts were the culminating achievement of Eliot’s Nobel Prize-winning literary career. theatreroyal.org.uk

n American Museum & Gardens,

Join Heartbreak Productions and the Nick Carraway quartet for an evening of jazz, prohibition style. Nick is the band leader and a top-notch storyteller, and he can take you back to the summer of 1922 when he lived next door to none other than the infamous Jay Gatsby. So get your glad rags on, this outdoor adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is the perfect way to mark 100 years since prohibition. Dress for the weather, bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Age 9+; running time: 2 hours 20 mins. americanmuseum.org

n Online For audiences unable to attend live events, there’s a digital alternative this year. The Bath Festival will be recording selected highlights, including the sublime Gesualdo Six singing at the Roman Baths and young members of the Kanneh-Mason family playing at Bath Forum. The Bath Festival At Home will also feature a specially commissioned film showing the city of Bath at its best to the rest of the world. bathfestivals.org.uk.

n Online Hannah More lived a life as a teacher, playwright and poet, blue stocking and philanthropist. A close friend of Samuel Johnson and David Garrick, she founded schools in Somerset, and she was active in the Clapham Sect, who played a key role in the abolition of the slave trade. Jane Austen’s adult years spanned the years when Hannah was at the height of her fame. Though Jane’s references to Hannah in her letters are disparaging, they shared many values and ideals. This talk will give an overview of Hannah’s life, and focus particularly on such connections with Jane Austen. brlsi.org

n At various venues around Bath Bath Fringe is set to be a celebration of the

return and re-opening of live culture and the gradual relaxation of lockdowns. Running until 13 June, with extra events in June and July audiences can see a handful of indoor shows in classic Bath venues and even a pop-up or two showcasing theatre, live music, comedy and visual arts –all set up to function and be enjoyed under the distancing regime. Keep an eye on Bath Fringe’s website for more. bathfringe.co.uk

n Bath Schools of Art and Design, Locksbrook Campus The undergraduate degree show is set to feature the work of final year Fine Art, Contemporary Arts Practice and Photography students. Booking required. Book your free ticket at: bathspa.ac.uk/degreeshow

n Rondo Theatre, St Saviours Road Join Bath Drama for their highly anticipated return to the Rondo Theatre with an evening of comedy, as they explore themes of life, love, and lust through a selection of short plays by David Ives – a playwright regarded as one of the USA’s finest comedy writers! Keeping to the ‘rule of six’ imposed during rehearsals, the talented company of four will play many roles throughout the show, keeping them and you on your toes! This year Bath Drama is proud to partner with Julian House, and a percentage of the profits from the show will be donated to the charity. rondotheatre.com

n On Zoom As Beckford’s Tower embarks on a major capital project to conserve, open up and interpret the landscape and architecture William Beckford created, this talk by Dr Amy Frost will draw upon new research to explore his life in Bath.Check website for times. u3ainbath.org.uk

n The Art Cohort, 13 Chelsea Road, Bath Draw and meet the artist behind The Art Cohort’s latest exhibition –Sarah Hawkins. Sarah will be at the gallery to chat and create continuous line drawings with you. Join each of your drawings to the next to celebrate communal creativity in person. Read more about The Art Cohort’s exhibition on page 36. theartcohort.co.uk n