After many long months waiting to reopen its doors during lockdown, the Theatre Royal Bath is back with a bang this May. 

As part of its Lights Up season, the magnificent theatre will stage a new production of the epic poem Four Quartets by T.S. Eliot, running from 25th May to 5th June. Excitingly, the adaptation is directed by and stars renowned Hollywood actor and stage star Ralph Fiennes.

It’s a fitting choice for our pandemic-hit times, as according to the press release from the Theatre Royal Bath:

“The Four Quartets (Burnt Norton, East Coker, The Dry Salvages and Little Gidding), contain some of the most exquisite and unforgettable reflections upon surviving periods of national crisis.”

The epic poem was written by Eliot before the Second World War, when the threat of the Blitz closed down the country’s theatres and playhouses. 

Ralph Fiennes has a seriously impressive and long list of prestigious acting credits to his name. Fans of the Harry Potter series of films will know the seasoned British actor from his role as Lord Voldemort, but he’s also starred in The Grand Budapest Hotel, In Bruges, The English Patient and Schindler’s List to name just a few of his film credits. 

As an accomplished stage actor, Fiennes has performed to acclaim in Richard III at the Almeida Theatre in London, and in Antony and Cleopatra at the National Theatre – among many other theatrical productions. 

What else is on at the Theatre Royal Bath in 2021?

The theatre is clearly making up for lost time, as there’s a full programme of shows planned for summer and autumn 2021. Highlights include:

• Copenhagen by Michael Frayn, running from 9th to 26th June in the Main House – a multi award-winning historical detective story
• Oleanna by David Mamet, running from 14th June to 3rd July in the Ustinov Studio – starring leading Shakespearean actor Jonathan Slinger
• The Woman in Black by Stephen Mallatratt (adapted from the novel by Susan Hill) running from 5th to 10th July – a timeless, chilling and acclaimed ghost story

Planning a theatre trip to Bath? 

If you can’t wait to set foot inside the historic Grade II listed Theatre Royal Bath again, it’s time to start planning your visit. Exciting times!

Four Quartets from 25th May to 5th June is available to book now, but tickets are limited and likely to sell out extremely fast. Prices start from £31.25, but you may be able to snap up a standby ticket for £16.75. 

All other shows are also available to book now, but again, you’ll have to be quick as demand for tickets is likely to be high. 

Once you’ve got your tickets, take a look at our fantastic choice of self-catering Bath apartments to find a luxurious place to stay in the city centre. Theatre fans love our cosy Queen’s View apartment, as it’s right in the heart of Bath and just a short stroll to the Theatre Royal Bath.