The Natural way to experience Bath's Rondo Theatre
Knickers, Shakespeare and the much-loved cartoon character Snoopy are all to be found in the new season at Bath's Rondo Theatre.
There are dealings with the Devil in Dr Faustus, ghost stories with M R James and comedy with the likes of Robin Ince, Pete Firman and Jason Cook as well as music and a even a pre-Christmas Anti-Panto courtesy of Bath's Natural Theatre Company.
The new season kicks off in mid September with the highly anticipated Is That a Bolt in Your Neck?, a brilliantly-conceived Gothic horror story that pushes the boundaries both visually and aurally. With a Total Theatre Award nomination already under Gonzo Moose's belt, this is scathing satire that should not be missed.
Next on the list is The Knicker Lady, an ambitious one-woman show that combines drama, satire and broad comedy with an unprecedented level of style and finesse.
Rosemary Hawthorne exposes the restrictive lifestyle women were forced into 250 years ago. It is charming, often hilarious and a fascinating insight into the 17th century.
Butterfly Psyche's The Persistence of Memory is an existential drama that questions the boundless nature of mythology, our memory and our identity. Written by Alison Farina, this touching and sometimes humorous new play deals with themes of individualism and what happens to 'us' when we lose it.
For those who crave their plays to be steeped in culture, Shakespeare's Henry V defies the conventions of what to expect from such a prestigious playwright.
Four soldiers tell the story of a king maturing to the demands of office – playing each character with accurate skills, Shakespeare's classic history (and sometimes comedy) comes to life thanks to a talented cast and convincing performances.
The critically acclaimed Duck Brothers make their grand return with a double bill of New York comedy. First is off is Duck Variations, a gentle comedy by David Mamet.
It is followed by The Brothers, written by Irish playwright Paul O'Neil. This hilarious black comedy sees two brothers complying faithfully with the last culinary wishes of Mary, their housekeeper.
Nick Lucas showcases all sides of one of the most controversial figures in Second World War history in An Audience With Bert 'Bomber' Harris, a hero who either shortened the war by his relentless bombing campaign or a war criminal because of the huge number of civilian deaths he caused by the air attacks, depending on which way you look at it.
Plested and Brown's spoof comedy Seven Year Bitch is a thought-provoking comedy that encourages women to overcome the issues they may face with their partner. After seven years of marriage, protagonist Lizzie has realised that she has turned into a bitch wife from hell.
Thick As Thieves is a subversive new comedy that explores the life of two small-time criminals who are currently struggling from financial instability. This leads to hilariously comic consequences that take the couple through a wide variety of scenarios, all with varying outcomes.
For those who are intrigued by the themes of life, death and the supernatural, Oh, Whistle...Two Ghost Stories by M R James is a deeply involving piece of theatre that is genuinely frightening.
Two of James's masterpieces Oh Whistle And I'll Come to You, My Lad and The Ash Tree are performed with explicit detail.
In mid November 34 Years is a well crafted piece of theatre set on the day of Annie Knight's 50th birthday that pushes the boundaries in the realms of acting.
Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society is performing Snoopy: The Musical in late October
The critically acclaimed Breakfast With Emma by Fay Weldon has been widely recognised as a breakthrough piece. The award-winning Rosemary Branch Theatre presents a tale of female mentality that exposes one woman's past to her blissfully unaware husband. Powerful and enticing, this is one theatrical drama that will keep you hooked until its thrilling finale.
Anti-Panto follows on from New Old Friends' hilarious comedies Mate and Sketchy At Best, and this time they have created a new breed of pantomime. Wacky, wild and wholly original, this is an anarchic roar of a Christmas show and not one for younger members of the family.
The Rondo Theatre is also showcasing a vast array of quality stand-up comedy acts, ranging from established BBC regulars to fresh-faced newcomers.
First off is Robin Ince's Bad Book Club, a literature oriented show that explores the themes of biology, astrology and scientific impossibilities. Renowned for his work on Nine Lessons And Carols For Godless People and co-creator of Radio 4's Infinite Monkey Cage, Ince is a comedian with a stark difference.
Next up is Pete Firman: Jokes and Tricks, an inventive comedy/magic show that defies the laws of logic and physics.
Jason Cook – The End Part One is another universally touted stand-up comedy show while other highlights include Kent Valentine, Hal Cruttenden, Andrew O'Neill and An Evening and With The Humour Of Bob Newhart And Tom Lehrer.
The Rondo also has a diverse range of alternative music including Chloe Hall, Gordon Giltrap Gigspanner, Lou Brown, The Great Canadian Songbook, Port Erin and Gavin Osborn.
For tickets call 01225 463362 and for more information visit www.rondotheatre.co.uk.







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