DEAN FRIEDMAN PERFORMS TO PACKED CROWD AT THE MISSION

Last Friday night saw The Mission Theatre's Main Auditorium packed to capacity with fans of legendary American singer/songwriter Dean Friedman. The audience enjoyed hits from throughout Dean's three-decade-long career, including Ariel, Lucky Stars and Lydia, as well as new songs like I Miss Monica and Under the Weather. 

Dean was supported by the talented Michael Armstrong who played a half-hour set before Dean took to the stage. The audience received Michael well, and enjoyed his mix of humorous and wry songs, as well as his talent for story-telling. Especially enjoyable was the tale of Michael's experience at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert - where he ended up on stage with stars including Paul McCartney, Kylie, Stevie Wonder and Elton John, and was introduced to the Queen as a member of the Military Wives Choir!

Dean Friedman played and entertained the crowd for over an hour and a half, finally finishing his set with Lucky Stars - arguably one of his most famous works. The song was originally sung as a duet with Denise Marsa, and Dean asked the audience to sing her part - to great success. It was truly brilliant to listen as at least half the audience sang (word and tune-perfectly) the female part of this beautiful song from 1978.

Dean made sure he met and talked to every member of the audience as they left after a very enjoyable evening at The Mission, and many had pictures taken with him and purchased CDs, books and merchandise which were then signed. 

For more information about the rest of Dean's UK tour, or to find out more about him, visit his excellent website http://www.deanfriedman.com/.

"Well Worth Watching" - Next Stage Theatre Company receives outstanding review for 'The River'

The cast of Next Stage Theatre Company's The River performed last night in front of a preview audience, before the show officially opens on Tuesday 6th. They received an excellent review from Petra Schofield, which can be read below. Make sure you don't miss this 'glorious play', with its 'fine performances' - buy tickets from the Next Stage Box Office by emailing [email protected] or calling 01225 428600.

"This poetic and ethereal piece by Butterworth is a tangle of life, love and the natural world. The ebb and flow of the sunset, river and moon is the framework for a compelling play which snaps and turns as readily as the elusive sea trout at the centre of the story.

Set in a rural location we find The Man (Nicky Wilkins) who waxes lyrical over fish and his girlfriend Woman 1 (Hannah Smyth) a strong, questioning woman; all seems straightforward until the unexpected entrance of Woman 2 (Hayley Fitton-Cook) an altogether different woman who enjoys the fun of the monster munch success bringing home their dinner.

The continuous time line whilst clearly switching between episodes in the man’s life is occasionally hard to follow, the challenge is after all in the chase of the fish and there is much symbolism throughout the piece. There is a clear ritual being played out and the reclusive nature of The Man reflects his solitude and obsession in capturing the jewels of the river. The contrasts of the women and their reflective qualities proves what an unreachable soul he is, whilst the fine lyrical writing creates great images and the intimacy of the space allows a tangible tension.

This is a glorious play, which provokes and challenges; you certainly do not have to be interested in fishing. The fine performances ensure this one act play twists and turns with energy and finesse. Well worth watching."

Petra Schofield

BATH FRINGE FESTIVAL RETURNS TO THE MISSION THEATRE IN 2016

This year, The Mission Theatre is playing host once again to events taking place as part of the Bath Fringe Festival. As a versatile venue within the heart of the city, The Mission Theatre is perfect for all types of performances – big or small, theatrical, musical or comedic. Over the years, the Festival has used The Mission’s Auditoria to stage many exciting shows and events and 2016 is no exception. 

Zenith Youth Theatre Company is performing Joshua Sobol’s Ghetto from June 1st – 5th at 7.30pm, with a Matinee on Sat 4th at 2.30pm. This poignant story is based on diaries written during the darkest days of the Holocaust. Set in the Jewish Ghetto of Vilna, Lithuania in 1942,Ghetto tells the unlikely flourishing of a theatre at the very time the Nazis began their policy of mass-extermination. 

For more information about this talented, award-winning company visitwww.zenithytc.co.uk. Tickets are £10 (£7 concs) for all evening performances and £7 for the Saturday 4th Matinee. You can buy tickets from the Zenith Box Office on 01225 835301 or email [email protected].

To celebrate what will surely be another fantastic Fringe this year, The Mission is hosting returning company South West Dance Theatre on the last day of the Festival – Sunday 5th June at 7pm. This vibrant local company is performing a new take on Shakespeare’s Macbeth.In Lady Macbeth the talented dancers use eloquent dance and dextrous prose to spin a tale of avarice, vice and murderous malcontent.

This is a one-night-only show, so be sure not to miss it – tickets are £10 (£7 concs) and available from Bath Box 01225 463362 or online at www.bathboxoffice.org.uk or from South West Dance Theatre Box Office online at www.southwestdancetheatre.co.uk.

Be sure to keep up to date with all Fringe Festival news and other events happening throughout Bath online at: www.bathfringe.co.uk.