The Bath Festival 2019 Brochure by Bath Festivals

1 7 -26 MAY 2019

PA RT N E R S & S P O N S OR S Creative Partner:

Strategic Partners:

Supported by:

Official Hotel Partner:

Official Book Seller:

Official Media Partner

David and Karin Embleton Lady Evelyn Strasburger The Trevor Osborne Charitable Trust

The Joyce Fletcher Charitable Trust Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Renishaw plc

Trusts & Individuals:

Captain Brian Woodford The Roper Family Charitable Trust The Coles-Medlock Foundation

We kick off with Party in the City on Friday 17 May and this year bring BBC Radio 2 to town with Friday Night is Music Night – the world’s longest running orchestral music show. The opening weekend is dedicated to literature in the Assembly Rooms, which once again turns into our festival home. Inspirational speakers and writers across the ten days include Mark Haddon, Simon Armitage, Melvyn Bragg, Prue Leith, Alan Johnson, Pam Ayres and Amitav Ghosh. Dame Darcey Bussell takes her rightful place centre stage in the Ballroom. Observer film critic Mark Kermode talks about his life of musical adventure; he is joined by The Dodge Brothers who bring an exciting hybrid of country, blues, rockabilly and skiffle. The Nobel Prize winning scientist Venki Ramakrishnan talks about his fascinating journey to decode DNA.

of the most important concerts that the Proms have ever hosted’. We explore further the alchemy between the different art forms. Accompanist Iain Burnside is joined by TV presenter and celebrated silent film pianist Neil Brand to present two special evenings of song and film both commissioned for the festival. Penguin Café bring together musicians from bands like Suede, Gorillaz and Florence + The Machine and transcend the divisions between popular and classical music. Lankum, one of the most talked about folk bands to come out of Ireland in decades, bring us an evening of dramatic storytelling.

A couple of new additions for 2019: we have a weekday Lunchtime Lecture series ranging from world philosophy to Roman Britain, from Wallis Simpson to Shakespeare and our new tented venue, the Literature Lounge, hosts relaxed and intimate events.

We’re excited to be back on the Bath Recreation Ground after the success of last year’s The Bath Festival Finale Weekend. An array of talented musicians, performance artists and artisan food providers turn the Rec into an open air party, tailor made for the whole family. Clean Bandit headline the Saturday night party with Van Morrison closing this year’s festival celebrations on the Sunday.

Austentatious return by popular demand. Jo Brand joins us and we have a special evening with Sir Michael Parkinson being interviewed by his son.

John Cullum DL Chairman, Bath Festivals

THE BATH F ES TIVA L 2019

WELCOME TO THE BATH FESTIVAL 2019

We look forward to seeing you at The Bath Festival!

Our Classical Stars of the Future series begins with pianist Pavel Kolesnikov, who has an international career developing at an astonishing rate. Isata KannehMason returns and is joined by superstar saxophonist Jess Gillam, who took the Last Night of the Proms by storm in 2018. Iranian harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani performs the Goldberg Variations. We have opera by Iford Arts bringing us Strauss’ Die Fledermaus. The orchestra Chineke! brings us Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue described by the Guardian as ‘Arguably one 3

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SPARKFEST 10 May – 17 June 2019 Now in its second year, SparkFest is a bright and brave programme presented by creative students of Bath Spa University. This inspiring programme of theatre, music and dance will inhabit the four corners of our beautiful World Heritage City. SparkFest invites you to be adventurous and explore the curious. Using the Cavern at Burdall’s Yard as its hub, SparkFest will also occupy Bath’s highways and byways as part of the Festival on the Streets programme (p5). Discover pop-up theatre, bands and flash mobs as you wander round the beautiful streets of Bath. SparkFest is the realisation of an exciting and dynamic partnership between Bath Festivals and Bath Spa University, promising a fresh look at how young talent engages with Bath audiences and the region’s artistic community. Find out more at www.sparkfest.co.uk

Literature Lounge New for 2019, join us in our special marquee located on Alfred Street for the first weekend of the festival. This new venue will offer a relaxed environment and a variety of fantastic events bringing even more to entertain you in and around the Assembly Rooms festival hub. Grab a ticket to listen to Jim Al-Khalili on his brilliant debut novel, Sunfall; learn how to crack a cryptic crossword with the best puzzle setter in the business; hear Hollie McNish talk all things poetry, politics and friendships; learn how to fail with journalist and podcaster Elizabeth Day and many other scintillating events to interest and intrigue. This will be a place to start and continue conversations… sit back, relax and enjoy. Festival on the Streets Soak up the festival atmosphere! Explore the city and discover poetry, music and theatre around every corner. Pop-up performances showcase some of the best local talent including the creative students of Bath Spa University with their SparkFest performances. Listen out for our live music outdoor performance areas which will appear across the city, bursting with new and emerging artists. Follow us on social media for updates.

Join the Celebrations Shops, cafés, restaurants and hotels are offering discounts to ticket holders leading up to, and throughout, the festival period. Keep an eye on our website for further information on where you can grab yourself a bargain. Also, look out for festival themed window dressings and make sure you share your favourite window on social media. Community Collaborations There are a wide range of exciting events, from arts with The Holburne Museum as part of Family Arts Day, to a glamorous night of top notch opera brought to the festival by Iford Arts. Bath Philharmonia celebrate our classical stars of the future in the Concert for the People of Bath and we are delighted to be back working with Mr B’s Emporium as our bookselling partner. BathIRON carry on the Family Arts Day fun with a night of celebration and folk music. Bath Fringe Festival brings roaming entertainment through the streets to The Bath Festival Finale Weekend.

THE BATH F ES TIVA L 2019

FESTIVAL EXPERIENCES

@thebathfestival #thebathfestival

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THE BATH F ES TIVA L 2019

FESTIVAL COLLECTIONS

BloodBath Look out for our brilliant BloodBath events dotted throughout the brochure which showcase some of the best crime and thriller writing around today. We welcome established names and new authors for you to enjoy.

Classical Stars of the Future Six, hour long, concerts by some of the very finest newcomers all under the age of 30. The artists share an unquenchable desire to enthuse, engage and entertain audiences through their joy in music-making.

Song Play This year we present two special evenings of song and film and explore further the alchemy between the different art forms. Both The Lure of Hollywood and Richard Rodney Bennett concerts include detailed introductions, songs delivered by terrific singers and scenes from iconic films.

SONG PLAY OFFER Book both Song Play events for ÂŁ40 p27 and p30 6

Hidden Stories This year, former Artistic Director, Alex Clark has curated a strand of events exploring hidden lives, voices and stories which are not usually heard. Hidden Stories will challenge, intrigue and inspire.

EVENTS

EVENT CALENDAR KEY TO EVENTS Family Event code

Classical

Music

Literature

Event

Words & Music Time

Venue

Page

FRIDAY 17 MAY FREE Party in the City A1 Friday Night is Music Night

5pm – late 7.30pm – 9.45pm

Various The Forum

10 11

SATURDAY 18 MAY B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8 B9 B10 B11 B12 B13 B14 B15 B16 B17 B18 B19

Damian Barr with Patrick Gale Jo Brand How to Crack a Cryptic Crossword Pavel Kolesnikov, piano Venki Ramakrishnan Dame Darcey Bussell Around the World in 10 Books Jim Al-Khalili Austentatious The Angina Monologues Socrates in Love Is Feminism for All? Mahan Esfahani, harpsichord Cleaning up our Act Life, Love and Everything In Between Hollie McNish UNITY An Evening with Sir Michael Parkinson Mark Kermode and The Dodge Brothers

10.45am – 11.45am Assembly Rooms 12 11am – 12pm The Forum 12 11.15am – 12.15pm Literature Lounge 12 12pm – 1pm St Swithin’s Church 13 12.30pm – 1.30pm Assembly Rooms 13 12.30pm – 1.30pm Assembly Rooms 14 12.45pm – 1.45pm The Forum: Ballroom 14 1.45pm – 2.45pm Literature Lounge 14 2.30pm – 3.45pm The Forum 15 2.30pm – 3.30pm Assembly Rooms 15 3.15pm – 4.15pm The Forum: Ballroom 15 3.45pm – 4.45pm Literature Lounge 16 5pm – 7pm St Swithin’s Church 16 5.15pm – 6.15pm Assembly Rooms 17 5.30pm – 6.30pm The Forum: Ballroom 17 5.45pm – 7pm Literature Lounge 17 7pm St Michael’s Church 18 7.30pm – 9.30pm The Forum 18 8pm – 10pm Assembly Rooms 18

SUNDAY 19 MAY C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 C8 C9 C10 C11 C12 C13

Partners in Crime Castalian String Quartet Mark Haddon Elizabeth Day: How to Fail Patrick Gale and Nina Stibbe Sara Cox Sarah Moss Kate Williams Iford Arts Opera – Die Fledermaus Dialogue Books: Start the Conversation Book Off! Live! Matt Haig: Notes on a Nervous Planet Lankum

11am – 12pm 11am – 1pm 12.30pm – 1.30pm 1pm – 2pm 2.15pm – 3.15pm 2.30pm – 3.30pm 3.45pm – 4.45pm 4.30pm – 5.30pm 5pm – 7.30pm 5.30pm – 6.30pm 6.45pm – 7.45pm 6.45pm – 8.15pm 7.30pm

Literature Lounge Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms Literature Lounge Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms Literature Lounge Assembly Rooms Guildhall Literature Lounge Assembly Rooms Assembly Rooms Komedia

19 19 20 20 20 21 21 21 23 22 22 23 23 7

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EVENTS

Event code

Event

Time

Venue

Page

MONDAY 20 MAY D1 D2

Tabea Debus, recorder 12pm – 1pm St Swithin’s Church 24 BSU MA Creative Writing Anthology Launch 6.30pm – 8.30pm Walcot House 24

TUESDAY 21 MAY

E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 E6 E7 E8 E9

Adventure is Worthwhile The Gods and Rituals of Roman Britain Normandy ’44 Pam Ayres Behind the Throne Mariella Frostrup: Wild Women Poirot, Agatha and Me Mark Beaumont: Around the World in 80 Days The Lure of Hollywood in Film and Song

10.45am – 11.45am Assembly Rooms 12.30pm – 1.30pm Assembly Rooms 12.45pm – 1.45pm Assembly Rooms 3pm – 4pm Assembly Rooms 4.30pm – 5.30pm Assembly Rooms 5pm – 6pm Assembly Rooms 7pm – 8pm Assembly Rooms

25 25 25 26 26 26 27

7pm – 8.15pm 7.30pm – 9.30pm

27 27

Assembly Rooms Komedia

WEDNESDAY 22 MAY

F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9

The Forager’s Calendar Isata Kanneh-Mason, piano How the World Thinks Jane Glover on Handel Simon Armitage Around the World in 80 Trains The State of Education Roger Eno Richard Rodney Bennett: Portrait of a Composer in Film and Song

10.45am – 11.45am Assembly Rooms 28 12pm – 1pm St Swithin’s Church 28 12.30pm – 1.30pm Assembly Rooms 28 1.45pm – 3pm Assembly Rooms 29 2.30pm – 3.30pm Assembly Rooms 29 5.15pm – 6.15pm Assembly Rooms 29 7pm – 8pm Assembly Rooms 30 7.30pm Assembly Rooms 30 7.30pm – 9.30pm

Komedia

THURSDAY 23 MAY G1 G2 G3

Dealing with Dementia Benjamin Baker, violin Wallis Simpson: Master Manipulator or Misunderstood? G4 Living with Leonardo G5 Prue Leith G6 Michael Tippett in Words and Music G7 1984: More Relevant than Ever? G8 Sir Robin Knox-Johnston G9 Concert for the People of Bath G10 Richard Bertinet G11 Ain’t no Hood like Motherhood

10.30am – 11.30am Assembly Rooms 31 12pm – 1pm St Swithin’s Church 31 12.30pm – 1.30pm 1.45pm – 2.45pm 2.15pm – 3.15pm 4pm – 5.15pm 4.15pm – 5.15pm 6pm – 7pm 7.30pm – 10pm 8pm – 9pm 8pm – 10pm

Assembly Rooms 32 Assembly Rooms 32 Assembly Rooms 32 St Swithin’s Church 33 Assembly Rooms 33 Assembly Rooms 34 The Forum 34 Assembly Rooms 35 Assembly Rooms 35

Event

Time

Venue

Page

FRIDAY 24 MAY H1 H2 H3 H4 H5 H6 H7 H8 H9 H10 H11 H12

The Ripper’s Women Neil Oliver Daniel Lebhardt, piano This Is Shakespeare Nicholas Parsons: Just a Laugh a Minute My Mother: Outwitting the Nazis The Politics of it All Happy ever After Melvyn Bragg Nick Hewer Penguin Café Our Planet

10.45am – 11.45am Assembly Rooms 36 11.15am – 12.15pm Assembly Rooms 36 12pm – 1pm St Swithin’s Church 37 12.30pm – 1.30pm Assembly Rooms 36 2pm – 3pm Assembly Rooms 37 3.30pm – 4.30pm Assembly Rooms 37 4pm – 5pm Assembly Rooms 38 5.30pm – 6.30pm Assembly Rooms 38 6pm – 7pm Assembly Rooms 38 7.15pm – 8.15pm Assembly Rooms 39 8pm Bath Pavilion 39 8pm – 9.15pm Assembly Rooms 39

EVENTS

Event code

SATURDAY 25 MAY J1 J2 J3 J4 J5 J6 J7 J8 J9 J10 J11 J12 J13

The Science of Diets Explaining the Extraordinary Ben Goldscheider, horn recital A Remarkable Journey Piotr Anderszewski, piano Natalie Haynes: Troy Story Real Life Reimagined The Truth About Children Run for your Life Faber & Faber at 90 Alan Johnson: In My Life Generation Zero Presents… Chineke!

10.45am – 11.45am Assembly Rooms 40 11.45am – 12.45pm Masonic Hall 41 12pm – 1pm St Swithin’s Church 40 1.45pm – 2.45pm Masonic Hall 41 2pm – 4pm Assembly Rooms 41 2.30pm – 3.30pm Assembly Rooms 42 4pm – 5pm Masonic Hall 42 4.30pm – 5.30pm Assembly Rooms 42 5.45pm – 6.45pm Assembly Rooms 43 6.15pm – 7.15pm Masonic Hall 43 6.30pm – 7.30pm Assembly Rooms 44 7.30pm The Egg 44 7.30pm – 9.30pm The Forum 45

SUNDAY 26 MAY K1 The Beatles: Feels like Yesterday 10.45am – 11.45am Assembly Rooms FREE Family Arts Day 11am – 3pm Parade Gardens K2 History in the Making 11.15am – 12.15pm Masonic Hall K3 Bloody Women 1.30pm – 2.30pm Masonic Hall K4 The Story of the Bauhaus 1.45pm – 2.45pm Assembly Rooms K5 Killing Eve 3.15pm – 4.15pm Masonic Hall K6 Barbie: Dumb Blonde or Diehard Feminist? 3.30pm – 4.30pm Assembly Rooms K7 Caroline Criado Perez: Invisible Women 5.15pm – 6.15pm Assembly Rooms K8 Amitav Ghosh 5.30pm – 6.30pm Masonic Hall K9 FireFOLK 6pm – 10.30pm Parade Gardens K10 ORA Singers 7.30pm – 9.30pm Assembly Rooms

46 50 46 47 47 47 48 48 49 51 49

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F RI DAY 17 MAY

PARTY IN THE CITY Date: Friday 17 May Time: From 5pm – late Venue: Various venues in Bath City Centre Price: Free Event Help us keep Party in the City a FREE event by donating £1 when you pick up your guide to the evening’s fun from venues across the city and the Bath Box Office. The Party in the City guide is also available online from April thebathfestival.org.uk/party-in-the-city Bath’s biggest night of free music is back! In partnership with SouthGate Bath, you are invited to join us in over 35 venues throughout the city including outdoor stages in Queen Square, Parade Gardens and other pop up locations. Join us for an incredible evening of live music, food and drink.

Opening the evening is the Bath Festivals Creative Learning annual schools commission: Pitch Invasion. Inspired by the sounds and songs from the terraces at Bath City FC, composer Omar Shahryar has worked with students from the Twerton schools, the football club and the local community to create their own songs celebrating the things that make us different and the things that unite us. Hear their chorus and cheer along at 6pm in the city centre. Pitch Invasion is funded by Trevor Osborne Charitable Trust and Joyce Fletcher Charitable Trust. Party in the City is made possible because of the good will of venues, their staff and our volunteers.

F RI DAY 17 MAY

FRIDAY NIGHT IS MUSIC NIGHT: THE MAGIC OF MUSICALS! BBC Radio 2 invite you to an evening of greatest hits from the world of musical theatre. Bramwell Tovey conducts the BBC Concert Orchestra and special guests in a selection of show tunes from the pens of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Jerry Herman, Lerner and Loewe, Frank Loesser, Stephen Sondheim and many more.

Date: Friday 17 May Time: 7.30pm – 9.45PM Venue: The Forum Price: £34 | £28 | £22 | £18 | £15 (excl. fees) Event Code: A1

Friday Night is Music Night was first broadcast in 1953. Its brief was ‘to create a Friday-night show which would help people relax after the week’s hard work and put them in the right mood for a happy weekend’. This heady mix of popular works, film music and songs from the shows has entertained millions of audiences across the globe. BBC Concert Orchestra Bramwell Tovey conductor

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SATURDAY 18 MAY

NEW TALENT

DAMIAN BARR WITH PATRICK GALE Included in the Guardian, Financial Times and Observer’s picks for 2019, You Will Be Safe Here is an astonishing, shocking and stunning debut from journalist, writer and host of the Literary Salon at London’s Savoy Hotel, Damian Barr. He talks to best selling novelist Patrick Gale (Take Nothing With You) about his novel; set in South Africa as a dual time narrative between 1901 and 2010, it explores legacies of abuse, redemption and the strength of the human spirit. Date: Saturday 18 May Time: 10.45am – 11.45am Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: B1

JO BRAND From national treasure to man-hater, Jo Brand has been called it all. She’s no man-hater of course and she’d prefer ‘taint of national disgrace’ to national treasure. In Born Lippy, she shares the things she wishes she’d In Partnership with known, the things she’s learnt and the things she hopes for the future. She talks to Francesca Beauman. Date: Saturday 18 May Time: 11am – 12pm Venue: The Forum Price: Ticket: £12.50 (excl. fees) Ticket with book*: £25 (excl. fees) Event Code: B2 *Hardback copy of Born Lippy (RRP £20)

HOW TO CRACK A CRYPTIC CROSSWORD If you’ve ever looked at cryptic crosswords and wondered how anyone even begins to solve them, cryptic crossword setter Samer Nashef (who writes under the pennames of Philistine and Goliath) will help crack the code! With a puzzle written especially for the event, and a host of prizes, come along to learn the logic and conquer the clues. Date: Saturday 18 May Time: 11.15am – 12.15pm Venue: Literature Lounge Price: £7 (excl. fees) Event Code: B3

The Nobel Prize winning scientist talks to writer, scientist and BBC Radio 4 regular, Vivienne Parry, about his fascinating journey to decode DNA, the essence of who we are, in his new book The Gene Machine. How will his discoveries help modern science and medicine? He shares his story. Date: Saturday 18 May Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: B5

SATURDAY 18 MAY

VENKI RAMAKRISHNAN

CLASSICAL MUSIC STARS OF THE FUTURE

PAVEL KOLESNIKOV, PIANO Brahms Beethoven Tchaikovsky Tchaikovsky

Intermezzi Op 117 Sonata in G major Op 7 Dumka Reverie Interrompue

Once every few years someone truly brilliant appears on the world’s concert stages. Pavel Kolesnikov is such a musician with an international career developing at an astonishing rate. His programme is perfectly balanced between the elegant classicism of early Beethoven, the lyrical romanticism of Brahms and the striking virtuosity of Tchaikovsky. ‘Very few pianists of Kolesnikov’s generation share his abundance of intelligence, sensitivity, musicality, imagination, and sheer instrumental mastery’ GRAMOPHONE Generously supported by Lady Evelyn Strasburger. Date: Saturday 18 May Time: 12pm – 1pm Venue: St Swithin’s Church Price: £20 (excl. fees) Event Code: B4

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SATURDAY 18 MAY

DAME DARCEY BUSSELL The darling of British Ballet talks about her career, her new book Evolved and, of course, Strictly Come Dancing. Published to coincide with the superstar ballerina’s 50th birthday, the book is filled with unseen photos, behind the scenes stories and personal anecdotes which she shares in this special event. Date: Saturday 18 May Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £12 (excl. fees) Event Code: B6

JIM AL-KHALILI

AROUND THE WORLD IN 10 BOOKS Publisher Scott Pack and former festival producer Judith Robinson return for their celebration of world literature as they recommend, discuss and enthuse about 10 great books from across the globe. The final selection remains secret until the day but we can guarantee a stopover on every continent (except, perhaps, Antarctica) and that you’ll leave with many new additions to your ‘To Read’ pile. Celebrating the finest books in translation, it’s a hugely enjoyable hour and we encourage you to come with your own recommendations of great world literature. Date: Saturday 18 May Time: 12.45pm – 1.45pm Venue: The Forum: Ballroom Price: £9 (excl. fees) Event Code: B7 14

Renowned theoretical physicist, broadcaster and author Jim Al-Khalili presents his thrilling debut novel Sunfall, drawing on cutting-edge science. Set in a near-future full of dazzling technologies, does it spell the end of humanity…? Chaired by author and journalist Cathy Rentzenbrink. Date: Saturday 18th May Time: 1.45pm – 2.45pm Venue: Literature Lounge Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: B8

THE ANGINA MONOLOGUES

‘It is a truth universally acknowledged that anyone in possession of wit and good taste must be in want of great entertainment...’ Austentatious is an entirely improvised comedy play, starring a cast of the country’s sharpest comic performers, who conjure up a ‘lost’ Jane Austen novel based on nothing more than a title suggested by the audience... Fresh from five national tours and multiple sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this hilarious Regency spectacle will show you Austen as you’ve never seen her before!

Samer Nashef is a consultant cardiac surgeon and a world-leading expert on risk and quality in surgical care. Full of humanity and compassion, he joins writer and broadcaster Vivienne Parry to tell heartstopping stories of transplants and bypasses as well as sharing his wisdom on the resilience of doctors and patients alike, and the utter threadbare brilliance of our NHS.

***** ‘Ridiculously silly... wickedly funny’ THE TIMES

Date: Saturday 18 May Time: 2.30pm – 3.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: B10

SATURDAY 18 MAY

AUSTENTATIOUS

Date: Saturday 18 May Time: 2.30pm – 3.45pm Venue: The Forum Price: £13 (excl. fees) Event Code: B9

SOCRATES IN LOVE Armand D’Angour, Classics Professor at Jesus College, Oxford, talks to philosopher Julian Baggini about Socrates’ passionate early life. Expect insightful and innovative exploration into the mysterious woman Socrates claimed inspired him to develop ideas that still captivate us today. Date: Saturday 18 May Time: 3.15pm – 4.15pm Venue: The Forum: Ballroom Price: £9 (excl. fees) Event Code: B11 15

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SATURDAY 18 MAY

MAHAN ESFAHANI, HARPSICHORD Bach Bach Bach

Bach’s Goldberg Variations were supposedly written to ease the nights of an insomniac diplomat! They are in fact among the most thrilling and virtuosic sets of variations ever written and Iranian harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani is one of the great charismatic classical performers of today. A treasurable evening of unforgettable music by Bach. HIDDEN STORIES

IS FEMINISM FOR ALL? With the launch of the anthology It’s Not About The Burqa, editor and writer Mariam Khan has brought together essays by a variety of women about their experience of being a Muslim woman in the West today. She will be joined by two contributors, Afshan D’souza-Lodhi and Raifa Rafiq, to discuss the many faces of Muslim female identity and to speak frankly about the hijab, wavering faith, love, divorce, feminism, racism and more. This is such an important conversation for our times and one not to be missed. Date: Saturday 18 May Time: 3.45pm – 4.45pm Venue: Literature Lounge Price: £9 (excl. fees) Event Code: B12

Toccata in E minor, BWV 914 Partita V in G Major, BWV 829 Goldberg Variations, BWV998

‘As for virtuoso flair, even Liszt would doff the cap at Esfahani’s furious arpeggios and decorative flourishes, fingers flying at the speed of light’ THE TIMES Date: Saturday 18 May Time: 5pm – 7pm Venue: St Swithin’s Church Price: £26 (excl. fees) Event Code: B13

NEW TALENT

LIFE, LOVE AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

‘We have a responsibility, every one of us’ DAVID ATTENBOROUGH

We have reached the make or break years for our planet… plastic pollution, clean air acts and climate change are an intrinsic part of everyday vocabulary with devastating effects. Journalist Ellie Mae O’Hagan talks to Greenpeace’s Head of Oceans Will McCallum (How To Give Up Plastic) and Professor in the Institute for Social Futures at Lancaster University Mike Berners-Lee (There Is In Partnership with No Planet B) as they share expert advice on how we can all be environmentally proactive in undertaking individual acts that make a global difference.

Hannah Beckerman (If Only I Could Tell You) and Candice Carty-Williams (Queenie) talk to author and journalist Cathy Rentzenbrink about their brilliant new novels that look at the ever-explored topic of the twists, turns and tensions of platonic, romantic and family relationships. If Only I Could Tell You (‘…it made me cry’ Marian Keyes) is a tender and compelling portrait of family losses and secrets. Queenie (‘...brilliant, timely, funny, heartbreaking’ Jojo Moyes) is a darkly comedic take on life, love, race and family. Add these to your ‘To Read’ list immediately!

SATURDAY 18 MAY

CLEANING UP OUR ACT

Date: Saturday 18 May Time: 5.30pm – 6.30pm Venue: The Forum: Ballroom Price: £9 (excl. fees) Event Code: B15

Date: Saturday 18 May Time: 5.15pm – 6.15pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9 (excl. fees) Event Code: B14

HOLLIE MCNISH The Ted Hughes Award winning poet joins us as part of her 2019 UK tour for an evening of raw and entertaining chat and readings from her latest collections. Expect strong language as she tackles the politics and poetry of friendships, flesh, fruit and much more. Date: Saturday 18 May Time: 5.45pm – 7pm Venue: Literature Lounge Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: B16 17

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SATURDAY 18 MAY

AN EVENING WITH SIR MICHAEL PARKINSON Join us to celebrate the life and career of a man who has interviewed over 2000 of the most important cultural figures of the 20th and 21st centuries. In conversation with his son Mike and showing highlights from the Parkinson archive, this is a unique opportunity to get an intimate, entertaining and informative look at his remarkable journey from a pit village in Yorkshire to the top of those famous stairs, whilst reliving the best moments from a show that defined

Saturday nights for many years. There will be a book signing after this event. Date: Saturday 18 May Time: 7.30pm – 9.30pm Venue: The Forum Price: £19.50 (excl. fees) Event Code: B18

MARK KERMODE AND THE DODGE BROTHERS A Saturday evening double bill treat. To kick off, Observer chief film critic and broadcaster Mark Kermode talks about his memoir, How Does It Feel: A Life of Musical Misadventure, detailing his foolhardy attempts to fulfil dreams of stardom. After the interval he’ll be joined onstage by The Dodge Brothers, bringing an exuberant hybrid of country blues, rockabilly and skiffle guaranteed to get feet stomping and hands clapping.

UNITY Walcot State Choir Su Hart and Sian Penlington conductors Blazing Hearts Chorus Vicky Abbott conductor UNITY brings together 2 choirs with songs from many lands and cultures. Bath’s very own Walcot State Choir celebrates its 20th Anniversary by inviting a sister choir from Penzance to share the stage. We bring you a world of songs from the UK, Europe, Africa and beyond in fabulous rhythm and harmony. This is a Bath Fringe Festival and Bath Festivals event.

In Partnership with

Date: Saturday 18 May Time: 7pm Venue: St Michael’s Church Price: £7 / £5 concs (excl. fees) Event Code: B17

There will be an interval during this event and the bar will be open. ‘Wonderful stuff’ BOB HARRIS, BBC RADIO 2 Date: Saturday 18 May Time: 8pm – 10pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £15 (excl. fees) Event Code: B19

In Partnership with

PARTNERS IN CRIME BBC Radio 2 producer Joe Haddow talks to Alex Michaelides (The Silent Patient) and Vanessa Savage (The Woman In The Dark) about their debut novels, predicted to be the biggest debut thrillers of 2019 and a must for every ‘To Read’ pile. The Silent Patient, soon to be a major film, has been pegged as ‘smart, sophisticated suspense’ by Lee Child and tells the story of Alicia who hasn’t spoken a word since she shot her husband five times. The Woman In The Dark, for fans of Clare Mackintosh and B.A. Paris, is a chilling tale of family dysfunction and the secret haunting of a happily married couple since moving to their new home. Date: Sunday 19 May Time: 11am – 12pm Venue: Literature Lounge Price: £9 (excl. fees) Event Code: C1

Beethoven String Quartet Op 59 No 2 in E minor ‘Razumovsky’ Elgar

Piano Quintet

Castalian String Quartet Aleksandar Madžar

piano

Elgar’s Piano Quintet is quite simply a masterpiece illuminated by the rich texture of piano and string quartet. Beethoven’s extraordinary Razumovsky quartets break the mould of classical chamber music and start the unforgettable journey towards the romantic era when great music was employed to bare the soul and show all human emotions.

S UNDAY 19 MAY

CASTALIAN STRING QUARTET

BLOODBATH

‘The real treat of the day came in a brilliant evening recital in Kilrenny Church by the excellent Castalian Quartet’ SCOTSMAN ‘One listened enrapt at the excellence’ SEEN AND HEARD INTERNATIONAL ON ALEKSANDAR MADZAR Date: Sunday 19 May Time: 11am – 1pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £34 | £27 | £20 | £13 (excl. fees) Event Code: C2

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S UNDAY 19 MAY

MARK HADDON From the prize winning author of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time comes a stunningly ambitious, fantastical novel which is as current as it is mythological and as profound as it is entertaining. Date: Sunday 19 May Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: C3

ELIZABETH DAY: HOW TO FAIL Based on her hugely popular podcast, the award winning journalist and novelist joins Francesca Beauman for a funny and honest conversation about her latest book. The antidote to our obsession with curated perfection, it encourages In Partnership with us to name, own and learn from our mistakes. Date: Sunday 19 May Time: 1pm – 2pm Venue: Literature Lounge Price: £9 (excl. fees) Event Code: C4

PATRICK GALE AND NINA STIBBE Two of our most successful and acclaimed contemporary novelists come together to discuss their latest novels. Patrick Gale’s Take Nothing With You is a compassionate, compelling tale of boyhood, coming of age, and the confusion of desire and reality told with Gale’s trademark social comedy juxtaposed with apocalyptic tragedy. Nina Stibbe’s Reasons To Be Cheerful is, frankly, what we all need in 2019! She yet again displays her extraordinary gift for illuminating the vital details that make us human whilst making us laugh and cry in equal measure. Date: Sunday 19 May Time: 2.15pm – 3.15pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: C5

S UNDAY 19 MAY

SARA COX The presenter of BBC Radio 2’s Drivetime show shares her funny and heartwarming coming of age memoir of growing up in 1980s Lancashire, Until the Cows Come Home: A Lancashire Childhood. The oftenmoving tale of life spent between her father’s cattle farm and the pub she lived above with her mother may not be what you’d expect from the original ladette and one of radio’s most-loved personalities. Date: Sunday 19 May Time: 2.30pm – 3.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £12 (excl. fees) Event Code: C6

SARAH MOSS

KATE WILLIAMS

One of the UK’s best contemporary writers presents her latest novel Ghost Wall, a taut and unsettling story that pins the reader to every page with creeping menace. She discusses tension, wit, atmosphere and questions of belonging.

Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots: cousins and rivals, surrounded by sycophants and spies. The leading historian and TV presenter offers us an electrifying new perspective on their relationship in her latest book, Rival Queens.

Date: Sunday 19 May Time: 3.45pm – 4.45pm Venue: Literature Lounge Price: £9 (excl. fees) Event Code: C7

Date: Sunday 19 May Time: 4.30pm – 5.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: C8

BOOKING thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362

S UNDAY 19 MAY

HIDDEN STORIES

DIALOGUE BOOKS: START THE CONVERSATION Publisher Sharmaine Lovegrove talks to Niven Govinden (The Brutal House) and Saskia Vogel (Permission) about their new novels publishing this year with Lovegrove’s imprint at Little, Brown set up to illuminate voices often excluded from the mainstream. Award winning Govinden has been called ‘a true force of fierceness and beauty’ by author and journalist Olivia Laing and writer and translator Vogel’s Permission is a raw, fresh, honest and haunting literary debut.

BOOK OFF! LIVE! Join us for a special live recording of the podcast series hosted by BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music producer Joe Haddow. Novelist and children’s author Michelle Paver (Wakenhyrst) and best selling writer Diane Setterfield (Once Upon A River) go head to head in a war of the words. They’ll each pitch their choice of book that they love and think everyone should read. And the audience will decide who wins! They’ll discuss writing habits, the germ of ideas and their latest books. Date: Sunday 19 May Time: 6.45pm – 7.45pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: C11 22

These authors’ novels will be on bedside tables everywhere and are truly ones to watch for 2019. Date: Sunday 19 May Time 5.30pm – 6.30pm Venue: Literature Lounge Price: £9 (excl. fees) Event Code: C10

A glamorous operetta performance Viennese salon-style with Oliver Gooch (musical director, piano), musicians, gossipy narration by the legendary comic baritone Simon Butteriss (‘comic genius’ Independent, ‘amazing, absolutely riveting’ BBC Radio 3); and starry singers having a ball with this farcical, marital mish-mash of deceit and disguise, to Strauss’s infectious score. Sung in English.

Date: Sunday 19 May Time: 5pm – 7.30pm Venue: Guildhall Price: £45 (excl. fees) Event Code: C9

S UNDAY 19 MAY

IFORD ARTS OPERA: DIE FLEDERMAUS

An Iford Arts Opera production There will be an interval during this event.

MATT HAIG: NOTES ON A NERVOUS PLANET

LANKUM

The world is messing with our minds. Rates of stress and anxiety are rising. A fast, nervous planet is creating fast and nervous lives. We are more connected, yet feel more alone. Join the best selling author Matt Haig as he tackles the questions that so often plague our thoughts: how can we stay sane on a planet that makes us mad? How do we stay human in a technological world? Don’t miss this positive and honest evening of insightful discussion about the modern world and how best to navigate it. Date: Sunday 19 May Time: 6.45pm – 8.15pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £15 (excl. fees) Event Code: C12

Lankum are one of the most talked about bands to come out of Ireland in decades. This Dublin four-piece combine distinctive four-part vocal harmonies, with arrangements of uilleann pipes, concertina, accordion, fiddle and guitar. Their instrumental interplay and dramatic storytelling pin you to your seat and revive the spirit. Lankum will be supported by guitar and banjo player Gwenifer Raymond who plays her own moody and often manic original American Primitive styled compositions, drawn from the roots music of Mississippi and Appalachia. ‘A younger, darker Pogues with more astonishing power, Lankum deserve to get even bigger’ GUARDIAN Date: Sunday 19 May Time: 7.30pm (Doors: 7pm) Venue: Komedia Price: £22.50 (excl. fees) Event Code: C13 23

BOOKING thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362

MONDAY 20 MAY

CLASSICAL MUSIC STARS OF THE FUTURE

TABEA DEBUS, RECORDER Music by Bach, Telemann and Handel Tabea Debus recorder Paula Chateauneuf theorbo Virtuoso Tabea Debus is constantly exploring the horizons of music for recorder and has performed widely in Europe, Asia and the USA. With distinguished theorbo player Paula Chateauneuf she has devised a sparkling programme of music by three great Baroque composers whose music is full of rhythm and melody and will leave you with a smile on your face. ‘Debus is a charismatic virtuoso’ THE TIMES Date: Monday 20 May Time: 12pm – 1pm Venue: St Swithin’s Church Price: £20 (excl. fees) Event Code: D1

BATH SPA MA IN CREATIVE WRITING ANTHOLOGY LAUNCH Bath Festivals are proud to support the Alumni of Bath Spa University’s 2017/2018 MA in Creative Writing for the launch of their new writing anthology, Flint. Join us to hear contributors read from their work as well as alumni authors who will be talking about the process of writing, inspiration and how to get started. They will take questions from the audience so come prepared with those questions you’ve always wanted answered about becoming an author! ‘It’s been a really good year! An excellent vintage. One of our best so far. Inside these covers you’ll find a great crop of new writers, rich not just in literary skills but in commercial awareness.’ Fay Weldon CBE The bar will be open for the duration of the event.

Date: Monday 20 May Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm Venue: Walcot House Price: FREE (ticket required) Event Code: D2

NORMANDY ’44

Travel broadens the mind and feeds the soul. Join travel writer Jonathan Lorie as he asks Bradt Travel Guides co-founder Hilary Bradt and explorer Robin HanburyTenison to look back at their extraordinary adventures and achievements. Describing pioneering journeys, entertaining exploits and the desire to share the world through travel writing, you’ll be transported from Bath to more exotic climes.

D-Day. The subject of many books, films and documentaries, the fighting in Normandy after the Allied landing became the defining episode of WWII. Historian, author and television presenter James Holland overturns the traditional narrative and debunks the myths of this familiar story as we approach the 75th anniversary of the epochal event.

Date: Tuesday 21 May Time: 10.45am – 11.45am Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: E1

TUES DAY 21 MAY

ADVENTURE IS WORTHWHILE

Date: Tuesday 21 May Time: 12.45pm – 1.45pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: E3

LUNCHTIME LECTURE

THE GODS AND RITUALS OF ROMAN BRITAIN The Roman arrival brought lasting change to Britain. Weaving together fascinating latest research and ancient source material, in her book, Sacred Britannia, archaeologist and academic Miranda Aldhouse-Green explores how deities, cults Sponsored by and beliefs were challenged, adapted and absorbed by both sides. Date: Tuesday 21 May Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9 (excl. fees) Event Code: E2

BOOKING thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362

TUES DAY 21 MAY

HIDDEN STORIES

BEHIND THE THRONE Power. Greed. Duty. Desire. Join social historian Adrian Tinniswood for a fascinating journey behind the scenes of the British Royal household from Elizabeth I to present day.

PAM AYRES Pam Ayres has been a regular on television and radio for over 30 years on shows such as Just a Minute and Countdown. One of Britain’s most beloved personalities, she talks to Paul Blezard about her poetry, life and loves. Date: Tuesday 21 May Time: 3pm – 4pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £12 (excl. fees) Event Code: E4

MARIELLA FROSTRUP: WILD WOMEN Mariella Frostrup’s latest book, Wild Women, is an extraordinary anthology of the greatest women’s travel writing ever written. From the 1700s to present day, and highlighting 50 global inspiring pioneers, including Edith Wharton, Dervla Murphy and Cheryl Strayed. Joined on-stage by journalist and author Bella Pollen, this is perfect for intrepid and armchair travellers alike. Date: Tuesday 21 May Time: 5pm – 6pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: E6 26

Date: Tuesday 21 May Time: 4.30pm – 5.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9 (excl. fees) Event Code: E5

POIROT, AGATHA AND ME Internationally best selling novelist Sophie Hannah has a lifelong love of Agatha Christie. Nearly 40 years after Christie’s death, she became the first author to continue the story of the great Belgian detective. She talks to Paul Blezard about her three Hercule Poirot novels The Monogram Murders, Closed Casket and The Mystery of Three Quarters.

SONG PLAY

THE LURE OF HOLLYWOOD IN FILM AND SONG Sophie Daneman soprano Maria Fontanals-Simmons mezzo soprano William Dazeley baritone Neil Brand presenter and piano Iain Burnside presenter and piano Composers such as Korngold, Rosza, Waxman, Eisler and Weill fled Europe to Hollywood in the 1930s. We track them through their personal stories in song, films such as the Sea Hawk and Robin Hood and even in home movies. Their music ranges from the lushness of Korngold to the bitter, spare Hollywood Songbook of Eisler. TV presenter and celebrated silent film pianist Neil Brand and leading accompanist Iain Burnside join together to present a wonderful evening of song and film.

Date: Tuesday 21 May Time: 7pm – 8pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: E7

TUES DAY 21 MAY

BLOODBATH

Offer: Book both Song Play events for £40 ‘Our genial guide, a composer himself, wore his formidable knowledge lightly’ THE ARTS DESK ON NEIL BRAND In Partnership with

MARK BEAUMONT: AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS 18,000 miles. 78 days, 14 hours and 14 minutes. Cycling through some of the harshest conditions one man and his bike can endure, adventurer Mark Beaumont made history by beating the previous round-the-world record by an astonishing 45 days. He tells his remarkable story to Lindsay Hawdon.

Date: Tuesday 21 May Time: 7.30pm – 9.30pm Venue: Komedia Price: £22.50 (excl. fees) Event Code: E9

Date: Tuesday 21 May Time: 7pm – 8.15pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: E8 27

BOOKING thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362

WEDNES DAY 22 MAY

THE FORAGER’S CALENDAR Along hedgerows, pathways and at the beach, you will find many wild ingredients that can be used to inspire delicious meals. John Wright, forager at River Cottage, shows us what you can find and where and how to identify them. Date: Wednesday 22 May Time: 10.45am – 11.45am Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9 (excl. fees) Event Code: F1

LUNCHTIME LECTURE

HOW THE WORLD THINKS Acclaimed philosopher and author Julian Baggini presents his latest book, a superb tour though world philosophies including Japanese, Indian and Chinese. A perfect introduction to a timely and important subject, he shows that by gaining greater knowledge of how others think, we take the first step to a greater understanding of ourselves. Date: Wednesday 22 May Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9 (excl. fees) Event Code: F3 28

CLASSICAL MUSIC STARS OF THE FUTURE

ISATA KANNEH-MASON, PIANO Clara Schumann Piano Sonata Chopin Nocturnes (selection) The oldest member of the famous Kanneh-Mason family, Isata, performs the first of two concerts championing the music of Robert Schumann’s wife Clara. A terrific composer in her own right her piano sonata is here paired with beautiful Nocturnes by her much loved contemporary Frédéric Chopin. ‘Take a bow and give yourself a big round of applause’ ELTON JOHN

Sponsored by

Date: Wednesday 22 May Time: 12pm – 1pm Venue: St Swithin’s Church Price: £20 (excl. fees) Event Code: F2

SIMON ARMITAGE

The acclaimed conductor and regular at the BBC Proms tells Handel’s story. Following his arrival into London in 1712 he spent the next four decades at the heart of London’s music scene composing masterpiece after masterpiece, culminating, of course, in Messiah. She talks to James Waters in a session which also includes live performances of some of Handel’s wonderful vocal music.

Written over the course of several years for a variety of projects, commissions, collaborations and events, the acclaimed poet presents Sandettie Light Vessel Automatic, an astonishing body of work which represents the nature and scale of his work. He talks to James Long.

Date: Wednesday 22 May Time: 1.45pm – 3pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £12 (excl. fees) Event Code: F4

Date: Wednesday 22 May Time: 2.30pm – 3.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: F5

WEDNES DAY 22 MAY

JANE GLOVER ON HANDEL

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 TRAINS 45,000 miles. 80 trains. 7 months. Breathtaking views and hilarious fellow travellers. Writer Monisha Rajesh talks to author and travel writer Lindsay Hawdon about her railway adventures through Russia, North Korea, Canada and beyond. Date: Wednesday 22 May Time: 5.15pm – 6.15pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9 (excl. fees) Event Code: F6

BOOKING thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362

WEDNES DAY 22 MAY

THE STATE OF EDUCATION Is the current UK education system fit and fair for purpose? For an in-depth look at what’s happening in our schools join writer and campaigner Melissa Benn (Life Lessons: The Case for a National Education Service), social historian David Kynaston (Engines of Privilege: Britain’s Private School Problem) and education and diversity consultant Dr Karamat Iqbal for a lively and rigorous debate.

ROGER ENO

In Partnership with

Date: Wednesday 22 May Time: 7pm – 8pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: F7

A multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer, known for his minimal approach, Roger Eno crafts an ambient sound rooted in classical music. Together with his original piano work, Eno incorporates elements of chamber, folk, jazz and electronic music; his often hauntingly sparse piano pieces create a seductive blend of cinematic moods which envelops you as the listener and will take you places even when you’re sitting still. Date: Wednesday 22 May Time: 7.30pm (Doors: 7pm) Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £19 (excl. fees) Event Code: F8

SONG PLAY

RICHARD RODNEY BENNETT: PORTRAIT OF A COMPOSER IN FILM AND SONG

Sophie Daneman soprano Maria Fontanals Simmons mezzo soprano William Dazeley baritone Neil Brand presenter and piano Iain Burnside presenter and piano

Neil Brand and Iain Burnside bring wit, charm and deep knowledge of the composer to this fascinating event.

Songsmith and master film composer Richard Rodney Bennett was a true musical polymath equally at home in the jazz club, the concert hall or on the film set. This programme shows many facets of his art ranging from classical song through jazz to film scores which we experience in clips from films such as Lady Caroline Lamb, Nicholas and Alexandra, Murder on the Orient Express and Billion Dollar Brain.

Offer: Book both Song Play events for £40 ‘The results are electrifying’ DAILY TELEGRAPH ON IAIN BURNSIDE Date: Wednesday 22 May Time: 7.30pm – 9.30pm Venue: Komedia Price: £22.50 (excl. fees) Event Code: F9

THURS DAY 23 MAY

DEALING WITH DEMENTIA Join us for this special event where we’ll explore the challenges faced by dementia sufferers and their families. James Long talks to Wendy Mitchell (Somebody I Used To Know) who shares her journey of living with dementia, author and campaigner Nicci Gerrard (What Dementia Teaches Us about Love) and journalist Steph Booth (Married To Alzheimer’s) who reveals the struggles of caring for her husband, actor Tony Booth. Date: Thursday 23 May Time: 10.30am – 11.30am Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: G1

CLASSICAL MUSIC STARS OF THE FUTURE

BENJAMIN BAKER, VIOLIN Beethoven Violin Sonata No.10 in G, Op.96 Schumann Violin Sonata No.2 in D minor, Op.121 Benjamin Baker violin Daniel Lebhardt piano Benjamin Baker is developing a fine international career, performing with orchestras such as The Philharmonia, the Royal Philharmonic and the English Chamber Orchestra. In demand as a recitalist worldwide he offers a beautiful violin recital with the grandeur of Beethoven matched with the impassioned romanticism of Schumann. ‘The fine violinist Benjamin Baker, joined by the gifted pianist Daniel Lebhardt, brought virtuosity, refinement and youthful exuberance to a daunting program’ NEW YORK TIMES Date: Thursday 23 May Time: 12pm – 1pm Venue: St Swithin’s Church Price: £20 (excl. fees) Event Code: G2

BOOKING thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362

THURS DAY 23 MAY

LUNCHTIME LECTURE

WALLIS SIMPSON: MASTER MANIPULATOR OR MISUNDERSTOOD? Historian and journalist Anna Pasternak explores the life of the woman at the centre of the most scandalous love affair of the 20th century. In Untitled: The Real Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor she presents new information from those who were close to the couple, redeeming a woman wronged by history. Date: Thursday 23 May Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9 (excl. fees) Event Code: G3

LIVING WITH LEONARDO 500 years since the death of the Renaissance Master, world-renowned da Vinci expert and art historian Martin Kemp tells the story of his 50 year relationship with Leonardo. He talks to James Long about how an artist/scientist/engineer from half a millennium ago continues to be so intriguing to all who engage with his life. Date: Thursday 23 May Time: 1.45pm – 2.45pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: G4

PRUE LEITH The Great British Bake Off’s judge talks to writer and publisher George Miller about her life-long passion for food and fiction. Her latest cookery book Prue contains 100 favourite recipes from her kitchen table and her highly-anticipated new novel The Lost Son completes her acclaimed Angelotti Chronicles trilogy. Date: Thursday 23 May Time: 2.15pm – 3.15pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: G5

THURS DAY 23 MAY

MICHAEL TIPPETT IN WORDS AND MUSIC Michael Tippett was a towering figure in 20th century British music. Artistic director of The Bath Festival from 1969 to 1974 some of his music was premiered here. Oliver Soden has written the first Tippett biography. In discussion with James Waters, he will identify what made Tippett such a unique composer in so many different genres. This event also includes a performance of Tippett’s beautiful song cycle The Heart’s Assurance by tenor Nicholas Mulroy and pianist Alisdair Hogarth. Date: Thursday 23 May Time: 4pm – 5.15pm Venue: St Swithin’s Church Price: £15 (excl. fees) Event Code: G6

1984: MORE RELEVANT THAN EVER? Doublethink, Newspeak and The Thought Police: do we live in the world that Orwell predicted? Considering the book’s powerful cultural and political relevance 70 years after publication are journalist and author Dorian Lynskey (The Ministry of Truth: The Biography of George Orwell’s 1984), Observer associate editor Robert McCrum and director of The Orwell Foundation Professor Jean Seaton. They talk to James Long. Date: Thursday 23 May Time: 4.15pm – 5.15pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: G7

BOOKING thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362

THURS DAY 23 MAY

SIR ROBIN KNOX-JOHNSTON Sir Robin Knox-Johnston burst to fame when he became the first man ever to complete a single-handed, non-stop circumnavigation of the world. Now, 50 years on from that famous voyage, he reveals the true, extraordinary story of his life from his book Running Free. Date: Thursday 23 May Time: 6pm – 7pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: G8

CONCERT FOR THE PEOPLE OF BATH Mendelssohn Overture and Incidental Music from Midsummer Night’s Dream Clara Schumann Piano Concerto Williams Episodes (from Catch Me If You Can) Nyman If (from The Diary of Anne Frank) Ravel Bolero Isata Kanneh-Mason piano Jess Gillam saxophone Bath Philharmonia Jason Thornton

conductor

We are delighted once again to be presenting the annual concert dedicated to the memory of Brian and Margaret Roper; a concert that encourages future generations to develop their love of classical music.

Youth is at the heart of this wonderful evening’s music making with two BBC Young Musician finalists. Isata KannehMason gives her second performance at The Bath Festival with Clara Schumann’s piano concerto, and Proms star Jess Gillam, who took the Last Night of the Proms by storm, performs a Saxophone Concerto by John Williams, composer of Star Wars and

Harry Potter. A fizzing evening of music is brought to a close by Ravel’s blazing Bolero. ‘Jess Gillam….. lighting up the hall with her seemingly effortless virtuosity’ THE ARTS DESK Generously supported by the Roper Family Charitable Trust. Date: Thursday 23 May Time: 7.30pm – 10pm Venue: The Forum Price: £38 | £28 | £22 | £18 | £15 (excl. fees) Event Code: G9

The award winning baker and founder of Bath’s The Bertinet Kitchen and Bakery talks to George Miller about all things bread. Having revolutionised home-baking over the last 30 years, he joins us to share his hallmark straightforward approach to making bread, including the various techniques of fermenting, mixing and working – never ‘kneading’ – the dough. In his new book, Crumb, Richard teaches us to show the dough who’s boss!

THURS DAY 23 MAY

RICHARD BERTINET

Date: Thursday 23 May Time: 8pm – 9pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: G10

AIN’T NO HOOD LIKE MOTHERHOOD Book the babysitter and join us for a romp through the highs and lows of motherhood. Life with tiny humans is tough but feel safe in the knowledge that our panel thinks so too! Join @slummysinglemummy Jo Middleton (Playgroups and Prosecco), Gill Sims (Why Mummy Swears) and author and midwife Leah Hazard (Hard Pushed; A Midwife’s Story) as they share their perfectly imperfect parenthood journeys. They talk to author and journalist Lucy Atkins. There will be an interval during this event. Date: Thursday 23 May Time: 8pm – 10pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £12 (excl. fees) Event Code: G11

BOOKING thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362

F RI DAY 24 MAY

HIDDEN STORIES

THE RIPPER’S WOMEN Acclaimed social historian Hallie Rubenhold’s new book, The Five, unearths the stories of the victims of the Victorian Age’s most sensational crime: the 1888 murder spree of Jack the Ripper. She talks to Caroline Sanderson about the five women’s lives and their tragic, untimely deaths. Date: Friday 24 May Time: 10.45am – 11.45am Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9 (excl. fees) Event Code: H1

NEIL OLIVER To the Scottish archaeologist, writer and broadcaster, the British Isles, this archipelago of islands, is the best place in the world and from north to south, east to west it cradles astonishing beauty. He talks about The Story of the British Isles in 100 Places, his very personal account of the places that have witnessed the unfolding of history. Date: Friday 24 May Time: 11.15am – 12.15pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: H2

LUNCHTIME LECTURE

THIS IS SHAKESPEARE Oxford Professor Emma Smith’s electrifying new book presents a different side to the Shakespeare we all know and love. This is Shakespeare writes in strikingly modern ways about privacy, politics, celebrity and sex. Come and spend lunchtime getting to know this Shakespeare for all – one not to be missed! ‘I admire the freshness Sponsored by and attack of her writing, the passion and curiosity that light up the page. The book does something very important – it makes you impatient to see or re-read the plays at once’ HILARY MANTEL

Date: Friday 24 May Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9 (excl. fees) Event Code: H4

F RI DAY 24 MAY

CLASSICAL MUSIC STARS OF THE FUTURE

DANIEL LEBHARDT, PIANO Beethoven Piano Sonata in A, Op.2 No.2 Bartok Out of Doors Brahms Klavierstücke, Op.119 Following studies with artists as distinguished as Alfred Brendel and Stephen Hough and winning the ‘Most Promising Pianist’ prize at the Sydney International Competition, Daniel Lebhardt is set for international stardom. His programme ranges from the simple charm of Beethoven’s early sonata to the mellow beauty of Brahms’s late piano pieces. ‘Mr. Lebhardt dispatched the music with scintillating crispness’ NEW YORK TIMES

NICHOLAS PARSONS: JUST A LAUGH A MINUTE Join Just a Minute star Nicholas Parsons as he shares his experiences of the unpredictable and fascinating aspects of life and work in the various branches of show business he has worked in throughout his impressive career. Seeing the funny side of every situation, he is more outrageous, more surprising and more hilarious than you have ever seen him before.

Date: Friday 24 May Time: 2pm – 3pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £12 (excl. fees) Event Code: H5

Date: Friday 24 May Time: 12pm – 1pm Venue: St Swithin’s Church Price: £20 (excl. fees) Event Code: H3

HIDDEN STORIES

MY MOTHER: OUTWITTING THE NAZIS Francelle Bradford White recounts her mother’s incredible story from teenager to Resistance Fighter in Occupied Paris. Decorated by France for her bravery, the inspirational Andrée Griotteray’s untold tale is brought vividly to life using personal diaries, conversations and intensive research. Date: Friday 24 May Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9 (excl. fees) Event Code: H6 37

BOOKING thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362

F RI DAY 24 MAY

BLOODBATH

THE POLITICS OF IT ALL They say ‘write what you know’. These authors have certainly taken that advice to heart. Join Alex Clark to get the inside scoop on this year’s hottest political thrillers. ITV News at Ten presenter Tom Bradby’s latest novel Secret Service has his MI6 Officer protagonist foiling a plan for a leadership challenge. BBC Radio news producer Peter Hanington’s new book A Single Source tells the story of a veteran BBC reporter caught in the middle of the Arab Spring and Sam Bourne’s (pseudonym of journalist Jonathan Freedland) thriller To Kill the Truth deals with a deadly conspiracy that could ignite another American civil war. Date: Friday 24 May Time: 4pm – 5pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: H7

HAPPY EVER AFTER Want to feel happier? Behavioural scientist and best selling author Paul Dolan suggests the received norm of university, jobs and marriage may not always be the answer. Kick off your weekend with fast-paced, astute and practical advice on escaping the myth of the perfect life.

In Partnership with

Date: Friday 24 May Time: 5.30pm – 6.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: H8

MELVYN BRAGG The classic love story of Heloise and Abelard, retold for our times by the best selling and award winning author, broadcaster and presenter of In Our Time and The Southbank Show. He shares his latest novel, Love Without End, with Caroline Sanderson.

Date: Friday 24 May Time: 6pm – 7pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: H9 38

F RI DAY 24 MAY

NICK HEWER The astute and entertaining star of Countdown and The Apprentice joins us to share remarkable events, revelations and regrets from his witty and honest memoir My Alphabet: A Life From A to Z. He talks to Alex Clark. Date: Friday 24 May Time: 7.15pm – 8.15pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: H10

PENGUIN CAFÉ

OUR PLANET

Bringing together musicians from bands like Suede, Gorillaz and Florence + The Machine, Penguin Café is a melting pot of influences and serious talent. Founded in 2009 by composer Arthur Jeffes paying homage to his father’s Penguin Café Orchestra of the seventies, this modern revamp continues to transcend the divisions between popular and classical music. Utilizing many different instruments and influences, Arthur creates new genredefying work that has a worldwide appeal, one that is warm, immediately likeable and strangely familiar.

From the team who brought us Planet Earth and Blue Planet, groundbreaking new NETFLIX Original documentary series Our Planet, voiced by Sir David Attenborough and premiering in April 2019, showcases the planet’s most precious species and fragile habitats. Four years in the making and filmed on every continent of the world, it looks at the Earth in ways we’ve never seen before. Join us for this spectacular event with director Alastair Fothergill and series producer Keith Scholey who take us through the making of this epic new show, the challenges they faced and show us unseen behind the scenes footage and photos from their stunning new series companion book, Our Planet.

Date: Friday 24 May Time: 8pm (Doors: 7.30pm) Venue: Bath Pavilion Price: £22 (excl. fees) Event Code: H11

Date: Friday 24 May Time: 8pm – 9.15pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: H12 39

BOOKING thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362

SATURDAY 25 MAY

THE SCIENCE OF DIETS Sugar or fat? Laziness or poverty? Gut microbes or genes? We’re all getting fatter and food choice has never felt more complicated. Anthony Warner, aka The Angry Chef (The Truth About Fat) and University of Cambridge geneticist and TV presenter Dr Giles Yeo (Gene Eating) delve into the latest theories, scrutinize diet advice and provide us with evidence-based science that everyone can digest. Date: Saturday 25 May Time: 10.45am – 11.45am Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: J1 CLASSICAL MUSIC STARS OF THE FUTURE

BEN GOLDSCHEIDER, HORN RECITAL Beethoven Schumann

Horn Sonata Three Romances

and works by Rachmaninov and Bozza, and a new work by Palomar. Ben Goldscheider horn Itai Navon piano Acclaimed for his performance in the 2016 BBC Young Musician of the Year Final, Ben Goldscheider is now studying at the prestigious Barenboim-Said Academy in Berlin. He now performs as guest principal with many major orchestras and performs chamber music with world-famous partners. ‘Goldscheider is becoming a musical Bear Grylls, you find yourself with him every step of the way’ HUFFINGTON POST Date: Saturday 25 May Time: 12pm – 1pm Venue: St Swithin’s Church Price: £20 (excl. fees) Event Code: J3 40

SATURDAY 25 MAY

HIDDEN STORIES

EXPLAINING THE EXTRAORDINARY Join the award winning author Nathan Filer (The Shock of the Fall) as he talks to renowned psychotherapist Philippa Perry about his newest In Partnership with title, The Heartland. This powerful book of essays and personal stories will challenge and illuminate our understanding of schizophrenia and the people whose lives are affected by this most complex human condition. Date: Saturday 25 May Time: 11.45am – 12.45pm Venue: Masonic Hall Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: J2

PIOTR ANDERSZEWSKI, PIANO HIDDEN STORIES

A REMARKABLE JOURNEY

Bach 6 Preludes and Fugues from the Well-Tempered Clavier Beethoven Diabelli Variations Beethoven’s Diabelli Variations are perhaps the greatest of all tests for the solo pianist, requiring a total command of technique, coupled with the ability to manifest wit, pathos, explosive energy and deep repose. Piotr Anderszewski’s performances of the Diabelli have been renowned worldwide for 25 years as a music-making phenomenon. Don’t miss it!

In The Salt Path writer Raynor Winn shares her personal story of human strength and endurance. After losing everything, including their home, Raynor and her terminally ill husband made the impulsive decision to walk the 630-mile, seaswept, South West Coast Path. She talks to Alex Clark about their journey of salvation, coming to terms with grief and the healing power of the natural world.

‘It was an astonishing performance, perhaps the most completely convincing reading of the Diabelli I’ve ever heard in the concert hall’ GUARDIAN

Date: Saturday 25 May Time: 1.45pm – 2.45pm Venue: Masonic Hall Price: £9 (excl. fees) Event Code: J4

Date: Saturday 25 May Time: 2pm – 4pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £34 | £27 | £20 | £13 (excl. fees) Event Code: J5

BOOKING thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362

SATURDAY 25 MAY

NEW TALENT

REAL LIFE REIMAGINED Crafting novels with real-life icons and well-known events takes skill, flair and meticulous research. Bethan Roberts (Graceland) and Kelleigh Greenberg-Jephcott (Swan Song) talk to Caroline Sanderson about their fascinating new books. At the heart of Graceland (‘Utterly heartbreaking’ Jake Arnott) is the overlooked relationship between Elvis Presley and his mother Gladys whilst Swan Song (‘Outstanding’ William Boyd) looks at the fall from grace of Truman Capote. Riveting reads and not to be missed. Date: Saturday 25 May Time: 4pm – 5pm Venue: Masonic Hall Price: £9 (excl. fees) Event Code: J7

NATALIE HAYNES: TROY STORY Star of the BBC Radio 4 series, Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics, the author and broadcaster brings her unique combination of ancient history and stand-up comedy to the festival. Tying in with her new novel, A Thousand Ships, she takes us on a tour of the Trojan War, arguably the greatest conflict in ancient literature, taking the largely untold stories of the women whose lives the war affected and bringing them to the forefront. Date: Saturday 25 May Time: 2.30pm – 3.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) 4 2 Event Code: J6

HIDDEN STORIES

THE TRUTH ABOUT CHILDREN In her new book The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did, renowned psychotherapist Philippa Perry shows how strong and loving bonds are made with your children and how such attachments give In Partnership with a better chance of good mental health in childhood and beyond. She talks to journalist Alex Clark about the mysteries of the parent-child relationship. Date: Saturday 25 May Time: 4.30pm – 5.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: J8

Looking for a new challenge? You’ll be inspired and entertained in this special event packed with jawdropping exploits and practical advice. Sports News presenter on Virgin Radio’s Chris Evan’s Breakfast Show Vassos Alexander (Running Up That Hill), talks about his passion for endurance running, Bristol based Ben Smith (401: The Man who Ran 401 Marathons in 401 Days) explains how childhood bullying inspired his remarkable challenge and presenter Louise Minchin (Dare to Tri) shares her journey from BBC Breakfast sofa to GB Team Triathlete. Date: Saturday 25 May Time: 5.45pm – 6.45pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: J9

HIDDEN STORIES

FABER & FABER AT 90

SATURDAY 25 MAY

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE

Alex Clark talks to Toby Faber and novelist Claire Adams about the 90 year history of one of the world’s most esteemed publishers. Hear about unpublished letters and diaries from an archive which includes authors such as Sylvia Plath, P.D. James, Philip Larkin, Seamus Heaney and more. And what does the future hold? Faber’s one-towatch debut for 2019 Claire Adams presents her illuminating and acclaimed first novel, Golden Child, which is exciting readers on both sides of the Atlantic. Date: Saturday 25 May Time: 6.15pm – 7.15pm Venue: Masonic Hall Price: £9 (excl. fees) Event Code: J10

BOOKING thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362

SATURDAY 25 MAY

ALAN JOHNSON: IN MY LIFE From Dylan to Bowie to Springsteen to, of course, his beloved The Beatles, music has always been an integral part of former Labour Home Secretary and award winning author Alan Johnson’s life. He shares the soundtrack of his life with Caroline Sanderson. Date: Saturday 25 May Time: 6.30pm – 7.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: J11

GENERATION ZERO PRESENTS… A one-off live music event programmed by young people for young people. The line-up to be announced on Friday 5 April. Check social media for updates. Generation Zero is part of Young Producers, a three-year project in partnership with Mentoring Plus developing young people’s skills in producing music events. Students from Ralph Allen School, Beechen Cliff School, Oldfield School and St Marks School are working with local artists to produce an event that brings the best underground musical talent to Bath. Date: Saturday 25 May Time: 7.30pm Venue: The Egg Price: £6 (excl. fees) Event Code: J12

Young Producers is funded by Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation & Coles Medlock Foundation

Copland Music for the Theatre Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue Ibert Divertissement Weill Suite from The Threepenny Opera Copland Old American Songs Gershwin Summertime I got plenty o’ Nuttin’ Bess, you is my woman now

of ‘championing change and celebrating diversity in classical music’ it offers brilliant and inclusive performances for the 21st century. Their programme includes the fabulous Rhapsody in Blue In Partnership with by George Gershwin as well as timeless songs from Porgy and Bess.

Chineke! Orchestra Wayne Marshall Stewart Goodyear Nadine Benjamin Peter Braithwaite

‘Arguably one of the most important concerts that the Proms have ever hosted’ GUARDIAN

conductor piano soprano baritone

Chineke! is a thrilling phenomenon. The first professional orchestra in Europe to be made up of primarily black and minority ethnic musicians, it made a smash debut at the 2017 Proms. With its aim

SATURDAY 25 MAY

CHINEKE!

Date: Saturday 25 May Time: 7.30pm – 9.30pm Venue: The Forum Price: £36 | £25 | £22 | £18 | £15 (excl. fees) Event Code: J13

BOOKING thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362

S UNDAY 26 MAY

THE BEATLES: FEELS LIKE YESTERDAY 30th January 1969. The final performance of The Beatles on the roof of the Apple building. Spectators on their lunch break looked up confused but soon a crowd gathered and the Fab Four played on before being shut down by the police. Marking the end of an era for many fans, the band had split by Autumn that year. 50 years since that infamous performance, Beatles expert Mark Lewisohn (The Beatles: All These Years) and mega-fan Alan Johnson (In My Life: A Music Memoir) talk to music journalist and writer David Hepworth (Nothing Is Real, A Fabulous Creation) about the enduring appeal of the most famous rock band in the world and ask why we’re still so fascinated by them today. Date: Sunday 26 May Time: 10.45am – 11.45am Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: K1

NEW TALENT

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

Stacey Halls (The Familiars) and Elizabeth Macneal (The Doll Factory) present their debut historical novels won by their respective publishers after fierce and intense auctions and both set to make waves in 2019. The Familiars is a spellbinding novel full of twists and turns, a beautiful tale of women and witchcraft inspired by a fascinating period of British history. The Doll Factory conjures 19th century London in all its grime and glory, exploring the world of the pre-Raphaelites and examining the position of women through Macneal’s unforgettable heroine. They talk to journalist Marisa Bate. Date: Sunday 26 May Time: 11.15am – 12.15pm Venue: Masonic Hall Price: £9 (excl. fees) Event Code: K2

BLOODY WOMEN Best selling author of The Poison Tree Erin Kelly presents her latest novel Stone Mothers alongside crime-writing newbie and author of one of the most anticipated debut novels of 2019 Harriet Tyce (Blood Orange). They talk to award winning local author Sarah Hilary (Never Be Broken) about their exciting new novels and the enduring appetite for crime fiction the twistier, it seems, the better. Date: Sunday 26 May Time: 1.30pm – 2.30pm Venue: Masonic Hall Price: £9 (excl. fees) Event Code: K3

THE STORY OF THE BAUHAUS

S UNDAY 26 MAY

BLOODBATH

Now 100 years old, the Bauhaus movement feels just as fresh as when it began. A place to experiment and embrace a new creative freedom, this philosophy still shapes our world. Art historian Frances Ambler celebrates the Bauhaus through its key designs, ideas and In Partnership with people including Klee, Kandinsky and Albers. Date: Sunday 26 May Time: 1.45pm – 2.45pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: K4

BLOODBATH

KILLING EVE Come and hear best selling author Luke Jennings talk about the novels behind the hit TV series starring Jodie Comer and Sandra Oh which follows the thrilling duel between Villanelle, an elite female assassin, and Eve Polastri, the MI6 agent who is tasked with hunting her down. He talks to Alex Clark. Date: Sunday 26 May Time: 3.15pm – 4.15pm Venue: Masonic Hall Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: K5

BOOKING thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362

S UNDAY 26 MAY

BARBIE: DUMB BLONDE OR DIEHARD FEMINIST? 2019 sees Barbie turning 60. Should we celebrate her as an iconic toy that encourages girls to play imaginatively and creatively or is she just a metaphor for a culture preoccupied with how a woman looks rather than what she says? Do you love or loathe her? Join Guardian writer and blogger Moira Redmond and actress, director and writer Zawe Ashton (Character Breakdown, Fresh Meat) for a lively discussion with journalist and author Marisa Bate. Date: Sunday 26 May Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £9 (excl. fees) Event Code: K6

HIDDEN STORIES

CAROLINE CRIADO PEREZ: INVISIBLE WOMEN The award winning campaigner and writer talks to Alex Clark as part of our Hidden Stories collection about her powerful and provocative new book. In a world largely built by, and for, men, she exposes the data bias and gender politics that have a profound effect on the health and wellbeing of women’s lives, making you see the world anew. ‘Press this into the hands of everyone you know. It is utterly brilliant’ HELENA KENNEDY

Date: Sunday 26 May Time: 5.15pm – 6.15pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £10 (excl. fees) Event Code: K7

S UNDAY 26 MAY

AMITAV GHOSH The Booker shortlisted author and one of India’s best-known writers joins us on a rare visit to the UK to present his latest book, Gun Island, a beautifully realised novel which effortlessly spans space and time. He shares his experience and writing in this special event; a fantastic end to our Literature programme for 2019. Date: Sunday 26 May Time: 5.30pm – 6.30pm Venue: Masonic Hall Price: £9 (excl. fees) Event Code: K8

ORA SINGERS A cappella choral works by Clemens non Papa, Gabriel Jackson, Palestrina, Grier, Victoria, John Barber, de Ceballos, McKevitt, Esquivel, O’Regan and de Vivanco

visual impact of its performances which set this irresistible repertoire in an entirely fresh context.

ORA Singers Suzy Digby

Generously supported by Brian Woodford

director

ORA Singers perform great Renaissance choral masterpieces alongside newly commissioned music by this brilliant choir. ORA Singers is renowned not just for the beauty of its sound but also for the vivid

‘Truly, this is choral music’s new golden age…’ INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY

Date: Sunday 26 May Time: 7.30pm – 9.30pm Venue: Assembly Rooms Price: £34 | £27 | £20 | £13 (excl. fees) Event Code: K10

BOOKING thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362

S UNDAY 26 MAY

FAMILY ARTS DAY Get creative with us in Parade Gardens! This year we are celebrating craft and making, joining together with our friends from BathIRON and The Holburne Museum to bring you even more exciting activities to try. Have some fun with clay, pick up a new instrument and make some music, have a go at forging, green woodworking and carving. And when you’ve tried all of those, you can explore the gardens with our treasure hunt or just bring a picnic and relax by the river. For updates please visit our website and follow us on our social media channels. @thebathfestival #thebathfestival Date: Time: Venue: Price:

Sunday 26 May 11am – 3pm Parade Gardens Entrance to Parade Gardens: £2 Adults / £1 Concession / FREE for Discovery Card Holders & Children under 5

In Partnership with and

Join us in Parade Gardens for a fresh line-up of talented local folk bands to celebrate the installation of the BathIRON bandstand balustrade – a beautiful sculptural piece which was hand-forged by teams of blacksmiths from all over the UK during BathIRON Festival in June 2018. There’ll be a bar and food stalls, and we’ll also be celebrating the traditional heritage craft of the artist blacksmith with forging demonstrations throughout the evening.

S UNDAY 26 MAY

FIREFOLK 2019

For more information about the line-up, activities and the BathIRON balustrade project visit our website and follow us on social media. @bathironfest @bathiron

@bathironfest #firefolk

Date: Sunday 26 May Time: 6pm – 10.30pm Venue: Parade Gardens Price: £10/£7 under 16 or with a valid student card. Family offer (2 adult + 2 child) – £30 Event Code: K9

BOOKING thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362

1- 2 J UN E 2 0 1 9 BATH RECREATION GROUND

Over the course of the weekend enjoy an amazing array of talented musicians, performance artists and artisan food. The Bath Festival Finale Weekend is an extravaganza of music, fun and great food with music stages, a spoken word stage and a fun family zone with craft, workshops, music and storytelling. Visit our website for the line-up and more details: thebathfestival.org.uk/finale-weekend @tbffinale

BOOK NOW: 01225 463362

thebathfestival.org.uk/finale-weekend

BOOKINGâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;thebathfestival.org.ukâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;01225 463362

THE BATH F ES TIVA L 2019

‘It was really fun trying new things and not being given things – we did it all ourselves!’ PUPIL FROM BATHWICK ST MARY’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

Inspiring and Empowering Children and Young People through the Arts We deliver a year-round programme of music and literature projects which give children and young people opportunities to: • work with leading arts professionals • gain real-world experience • grow passions and interests • gain access to cultural events • create and produce their own events In 2017-18 over 9,000 children and young people took part in our events and projects. The Bath Festival 2019 will provide a focus for inspiration and celebration, and a platform that gives value to the voices of children and young people from Bath and the surrounding area. Join us to celebrate our festival commission Pitch Invasion at Party in the City (p10), our Young Producers event (p44) and Family Arts Day (p50). Look out for writing from our Young Writers Lab in shop windows around the city. ‘ The children’s passion for performance shone through. This was because of how enjoyable it was and how much ownership they had over their work’ 54

TEACHER FROM ST ANDREWS CHURCH SCHOOL

DONATE We believe all children and young people deserve access to high quality arts activity no matter what their background. Can you help us reach more children and young people and support them to explore their own creativity? • £15 can pay for a child to attend a festival event • £20 can pay for a young person’s transport to and from a Young Producers session • £50 can pay for a Book Club session in a school or youth club • £120 can pay for a young person to attend our monthly Young Writers Lab sessions for a whole year • £150 can pay for a half day poetry or music workshop in a school DONATE at bathfestivals.org.uk/creative-learning

How you can help Bath Festivals is a charity producing The Bath Festival, Bath Children’s Literature Festival and an all year-round creative learning programme (see previous page). We have to raise over one third of our income from donations and other fundraising so your support is vital. By supporting us, you will enable us to keep programming the very best musicians and speakers on the global stage and allow us to develop creative opportunities that engage and inspire audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Become a Volunteer Without Bath Festivals volunteers we wouldn’t be here. Join our team of volunteers and be an integral part in delivering the festival. Gain experience, meet new people and enjoy what Bath Festivals has to offer. For more information on becoming a Bath Festivals volunteer email Bath Festivals volunteer coordinator Tamsin Mosse volunteer@bathfestivals.org.uk

Become a Member from £25 Be part of our membership scheme and help keep the arts thriving in Bath. Membership is a wonderful way of supporting Bath Festivals while also gaining the benefit of priority booking, discounts (subject to membership level) and the opportunity to be invited to exclusive festival events such as the Opening Night Party.

THE BATH F ES TIVA L 2019

SUPPORT US

Become a Patron Get closer to Bath Festivals and become a Bath Festivals patron and join our 100 Club for individuals who want to give back to the cultural life of the city. Patrons enjoy a spectrum of special privileges including patron only events, exclusive insights and parties. Become a Corporate Partner Collaborate with us to widen access to cultural opportunities and celebrate what makes Bath such a special place. For more information visit www.bathfestivals.org.uk/support-us

BOOKING thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362

AWARD-WINNING INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOP & THE B ATH FESTIVAL BOOKSELLER

In 2019 our shop is getting bigger and bolder, making it the perfect year to reunite with Bath Festivals! *

Browse our festival bookshop in The Assembly Rooms; you’ll find all the books featured at the events, plus a Mr B’s curated selection of other brilliant titles.

* *

Chat to our booksellers in our pop-up bookshops at every event. *

Discover our newly-expanded shop on John Street, with its incredible children’s section, our “Imaginarium” and lots more books.

Experience our friendly customer service, personalised book recommendations and unique reading gifts.

The National Gallery Masterpiece Tour 2019 Nicolas Poussin The Triumph of Pan Victoria Art Gallery On display in the first floor gallery Free entry 11 April â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7 July

Nicolas Poussin. The Triumph of Pan (detail). ÂŠ The National Gallery, London. Bought with contributions from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Art Fund, 1982.

THAN K YOU

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND STAFF LIST

THANK YOU

Board of Trustees John Cullum DL Chair Suresh Ariaratnam, Kevin Brown, Celia Mead, Peter Medlock Christopher Rogers, Denise Coughlan and Richard Turner. Chief Executive Ian Stockley FINANCE Finance Director Sarah Platt Finance Officer Rebecca Wheeler PROGRAMMING AND PRODUCTION Programme Director Kate Hall Head of Literature Programming Madeline Toy Literature Producer Kate Abbey Music Producer Sarah Dennehy Classical Music Producer James Waters Production Coordinator Elysia Collins Volunteer Coordinator Tamsin Mosse Festival Assistants Abi Harris Shelby Jones CREATIVE LEARNING Head of Creative Learning Hazel Plowman MARKETING AND DEVELOPMENT Head of Marketing & Development Eleanor Household Marketing & Sales Officer Jasmine Barker Marketing Assistant Holly Stocker WEBSITE AND DESIGN Brand and Festival Design SO Design Website Touchpoint Design FESTIVAL TICKET AGENT Bath Box Office Photography Credits Visit thebathfestival.org.uk/photocredits for a full photo credit list

Our patrons are playing a vital role in helping us develop our work with young people. We want to say a huge thank you to everyone below for their support.

6 0 Registered Charity No.801617

Paragon Patrons: Chris and Monique Bamford Lord Charles Brooke Marianna Clark Andrew Downey James and Annette Drummond David and Karin Embleton Paul and Fiona Kane Peter Medlock David Medlock Trevor Osborne Mark Roper Ian and Christa Taylor Alexandra Wilson Circus Patrons: John and Yvonne Cullum Jane Drabble and Bill Nemtin Van and Eva DuBose Andrew Fletcher Anna and Peter Gunning Elaine Marson Chris and Catherine May Bob and Jean Tyrrell Ian Tarr Crescent Patrons: Lucy Aspin Maurice Avent Anthony Avison and Fenella Barnard Rupert and Carol Baines David Bates Fiona Bell Michael and Siobhan Bond Chris and Alison Born John and Sally Bowman Henry and Jane Brown John and Rosalie Challis Martin Clark & Dani Jeffries-Clark Rob and Deborah Clements Lloyd and Claire Cossins-Price Dermot and Janet Coughlan Stephen and Gitte Dawson

Sam and Fenella Dyson John Everitt Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios Kenneth Fullalove and Christine Darwent Sir James Fuller Lady Elizabeth Gass DCVO Charles Grimsdale Barry and Yvonne Gilbertson Richard and Yasemin Hall Simon and Catriona Heale William and Wera Hobhouse Bernard and Clare Horn Paul and Claire Jackson Simon and Antonia Johnson Conrad Jones Sandra Le Marchant Sheila McCormack Bel Mooney Rod and Karin Morgan Orseis Trust Nigel and Stephanie Pollard Bob and Diana Potter Chris and Denise Rogers Andrew Rome and Shay Parsons Chris and Jan Shepley Colin and Theresa Skellett Marcelle Speller Ian Stockley William and Wendy Jane Stockley Toby Talbot and Tanja Larsson Clivette Taylor Richard and Maggie Turner Richard and Sue Wales Ian and Janet Wilson Brian Woodford Lucy Woodroffe Nicholas Wylde Our anonymous Patrons Life Patron: Lady Evelyn Strasburger June Price (Honorary)

Nurturing creativity and talent

www.bathspa.ac.uk

THE BATH GIFT CARD

The best of Bath in one little card Accepted across Bath · Food & Drink · · Health & Beauty · · Museums & Galleries · · Hotels & Shops ·

BUY NOW AT

www.bathgiftcard.com

AND AT MY SMALL WORLD IN SOUTHGATE

THE BATH F ES TIVA L 2019

I F O R D A R T S F E S T I VA L

at Belcombe Court BA15 30 August - 7 September 2019 OPERA | PROMS | CONCERTS Booking Now at ifordarts.org.uk or Box Office: 01225 463 362 8181 Iford bath Festivals ad v4.indd 1

11/02/2019 09:46

HOW TO BOOK

HOW TO BOOK In person at Bath Box Office By telephone on 01225 463362 Online at thebathfestival.org.uk By post to Bath Box Office at the opposite address – cheques made payable to ‘Bath Box Office’. If paying by cheque please include the £1 transaction fee in your payment. Please note postal bookings are dealt with alongside telephone and counter bookings.

WHEN TO BOOK Patrons: Monday 25 February Benefactors, Gold & Silver Members: Thursday 28 February Bronze Members: Monday 4 March General Booking: Thursday 7 March DELIVERY OPTIONS Postal delivery: tickets will be posted to you for a charge of £1 or free of charge if you include a stamped addressed envelope with your booking. Care of box office: tickets will be held for collection at Bath Box Office up until 5pm the day before the event, or at the venue from one hour before the event. Print at home/e-tickets: you will receive your tickets via email shortly after your booking. Not all delivery options are available for all events. All tickets incur a 10% booking fee and each order incurs a transaction charge of £1.

Please note that tickets purchased through partner

Bath Box Office Bath Visitor Information Centre Bridgwater House, 2 Terrace Walk Bath BA1 1LN Email: bathboxoffice@visitbath.co.uk Box Office opening hours Monday to Saturday 9.30am–5.30pm Sunday – Closed Open Sunday 19 and 26 May 10am – 4pm

venues or ticket agents may incur additional booking fees. Concessions Concession prices are available to under 18s, full– time students, unemployment benefit claimants, visitors with a disability and those whose sole source of income is a DSS state retirement pension. Where available, concessions entitle you to £1 off the original ticket price. Only one concession may apply per ticket. Under 18’s ticket offer Under 18’s receive 50% off music events (excluding Generation Zero Presents). Select Under 18 ticket price at point of purchase (Proof of age may be requested at event). Group bookings We offer one free seat for every ten purchased to the same event when booked at the same time. Standby ticket offer Under 18s, full–time students, unemployment benefit claimants, visitors with a disability and those whose sole source of income is a DSS state retirement pension may

purchase unsold tickets at half price on the door 30 minutes before the event. Seat allocation is subject to availability and at the Box Office’s discretion. This offer will not apply to sold out events. Other booking information Please quote the event code when booking. Event times are approximate and doors open 15 minutes before each event. Tickets are non-refundable, but if an event sells out the Bath Box Office are happy to offer returned tickets for resale. A £2 per ticket handling charge will apply on all resold tickets. Transaction and postage fees are nonrefundable. Programmes and performers may be subject to change. All information in this programme was correct at the time of going to press. Filming Some events or shows may be filmed or photographed. Buying a ticket affirms your consent to the filming, sound recording or photographing of yourself as a member of the audience.

ACCES S IBIL ITY

ACCESSIBILITY Bath Festivals is keen to promote equality of opportunities for people with disabilities and to take the necessary steps to meet their requirements. Access Booking ONLINE: Customers with accessibility requirements are now able to book tickets online, this includes tickets for wheelchair users and personal assistants via Bath Box Office. Please visit our accessibility page for instructions. TELEPHONE: 01225 463362

Arrival guide

IN PERSON: Bath Box Office, Bath Visitor Information Centre, Bridgwater House, 2 Terrace Walk, Bath, BA1 1LN.

If you need to collect your ticket on the day, the Box Office will be open in the venue one hour prior to the event. Upon arriving at the venue, staff and stewards wearing festival lanyards will be happy to help guide you to your seat and any other facilities. We are happy to provide early entrance options if audience members need to avoid crowds.

Venue information and access to performances Our festival takes places in a range of venues across the city. All our venues, with the exception of Walcot House, are wheelchair accessible and most of our venues offer hearing loops and admit registered assistance dogs; please see map (p66-67) for facilities and visit our accessibility page on our website for more information and images. We are happy to book British Sign Language interpreters for events if required. Please contact our Access Officer at least two weeks prior to the event. We do not offer captioning, audio description or relaxed performances at the present time. We are working with Dementia Action Alliance to provide training for all staff and volunteers on supporting people with Dementia and their carers at the festival.

Medical requirements We welcome audience members who need to bring medicines, food or drink to manage a medical condition, or medical equipment. A first aider will be on hand in each venue. For more information please visit our Accessibility page: www.thebathfestival.org. uk/your-visit/accessibility If you have any enquiries regarding accessibility at Bath Festivals’ events please contact our Access Officer: access@bathfestivals.org.uk or 01225 614186 If you have any enquiries regarding booking please contact Bath Box Office: bathboxoffice@visitbath.co.uk or 01225 463362

BOOKING thebathfestival.org.uk 01225 463362

2. BATH BOX OFFICE Bath Visitor Information Centre, Bath, BA1 1LN 3. GUILDHALL High Street, Bath, BA1 5AW 4. KOMEDIA 22-23 Westgate Street, Bath, BA1 1EP 5. LITERATURE LOUNGE Alfred Street, Bath, BA1 2QX 6. MASONIC HALL Old Theatre Royal, 12 Old Orchard Street, Bath, BA1 1JU

9. ST SWITHIN’S CHURCH The Paragon, Bath, BA1 5LY

Hearing loop Guide dog accessible Baby changing facilities

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U PP 10. ER B RI S TO THE EGG L RO AD 36 Monmouth Street, Bath, BA1 2AN

Norfolk Crescent

11. THE FORUM 1A Forum Buildings, Bath, BA1 1UG 12. BATH PAVILION North Parade Rd, Bath, BA2 4EU

Stanier Bridge

Midland Bridge

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13. WALCOT HOUSE 90B Walcot St, Bath, BA1 5BG

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7. PARADE GARDENS Grand Parade, Bath, BA2 4DF

Royal Crescent

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8. ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH Broad Street, Bath BA1 5LJ

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Eastgate

A367

HOLLO

VE S

ALEN

R DE

ME TA

GRO

R OA D

Southgate

BR O QU AD AY Churchill Bridge

Recreation Ground

Bath Abbey

T GA TH E U AC SO PL

A36

OA D

Waterside Park

HIGH

11 10

The Forum

LE N R D DA

M AG D

OL R

WOOD S TREET

L ST

BRIST

S WELL

Mission Theatre

Guildhall 3

Sally Lunn’s Kitchen

ALLS

LO WE R

S ’S

COR

OUG

Library

Laura Place

TP EA

Victoria Art Gallery

Y O RK S T

S TA L

City of Bath College

B E AU S T

RB OR

Henrietta Park

Pulteney ST Bridge LE GY R A

Roman Baths Pump Room

B AT H

Thermae Bath Spa

E ST

The Little Theatre Cinema

ER AVON

H G AT

EAP ST CH W ES T G ATE

Westgate

IDE W ALK

Riverside Coach Park

NORT

UN I O N S T

ET TR E AD S

Kingsmead Square

A LLS

Komedia

LD AT E B

ORO

RNHRD

Sawclose

W E S TG

ER B

BRO

Royal

UPP

Theatre 10 RE

Multiplex

ERS

GRE

RIV

Green Park Station Green Park

TRE

FORD

B E AU

Bath Postal Museum

Sensory Garden

HEN R I E

W B ON D ST

OM P

GRE

EN S

D S T Q U IE T

QUE

IN G

M IL S

ST WO O

Herschel S T R EE Museum of T Astronomy

D OA

JO H N

Queen Square

Bath Royal Literary & Scientific Institution

T ON S

E ST

BART

LOT T

Jane Austen Centre

OM S

CHAR

MILS

STRE

EET

STR

SYDNE

H E N R I E T TA R

TT S

G AY

GEOR

OA ’S R OHN

T ST

RIVER

ST J

T H E P A R AGO N

REET

13 12

TLE

Georgian Garden

R AV

BAR

Rooms 55 Fashion Museum

AVON

1 Assembly

The Circus

Museum of Bath Architecture

S TE

W A L CO

ER C

MAR B U ILG A R E T ’ D IN S GS

HE N R I E T

ETT S

OAD L AN SD OW N R

BENN

IN E

Bath Aqua Theatre of Glass

T ELL S

UPP

N NE

MO AD

Museum of East Asian Art

B UR L ING T ON S T

ON MP T NO RT H A

ET TRE

CH S HUR

RUSS

AV E N

St Swithin’s Church

Museum of Bath at Work

R S ST REET

No.1 Royal BRO CK S Crescent T Museum GRA VEL WA L K

R OYA L

AD Hedgemead Park

Cleveland Bridge

RIVE

JULI

TH BA

H A R LEY STR EET

ND PL A CE

L ANE

VENUE M A P

S T JA ME S’S

TL A

POR

HI LL

Beechen Cliff

AL EX ANDRA R OAD

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1 7 -26 MAY 2019

Si m on

Ch Ar Fr ine an m ce ke ita ! sA ge Lu m Ra ke bl Ro ifa er Je Ra bi n D nin n fiq H gs av an Da i d bu OR mi H Gil an ep ry A lS Ba Sin im -T w s rr en or g e th P iso r s atr n ick Am Ga ita Lea l v e hH Cl Gh air aza os Ha eA h rd M llie ira da Ru ben m nd s hol aA d Dr ld ho Gi le us Luc s eyA Y eo tkin G re s en Za w eA sh to Jo M n iddle ton

Emm a Sm ith Ne il O live r

Danie l Lebh ardt Nicho las

Mariam Kh Parso an Tom ns M Bradby P att Ha eter Hanin ig gton Sam Bourne P aul Dolan Nick Hewer Melvyn Bragg

thebathfestival.org.uk

01225 463362

@thebathfestival #thebathfestival