SOMERSET
Monday 5 – Wednesday 7 October
Reading Retreat with Howard Jacobson
The Jewish Literary Foundation presents a two-night retreat for lovers of literature, featuring discussions, readings and an intimate evening with the Man Booker Prize-winning author Howard Jacobson. There will also be an opening lecture by JR’s executive director Dr Aviva Dautch and JLF’s director Claudia Rubenstein, and a guided walking tour of Bath. Plus, guests will stay in the four-star boutique Queensberry Hotel, which is situated in a Georgian townhouse just 10-minutes’ walk from the Abbey and Roman Baths.
Times vary. From £599. Queensbury Hotel, Bath, BA1 2QF. www.jewishliteraryfoundation.co.uk
BOOKS & POETRY
Thursday 27 August – Saturday 5 September
Present Laughter
Noël Coward’s 1939 play is revived, starring Tracy-Ann Oberman as the hugely successful star Geri Essendine. As the beloved actress is about to embark on a tour of Africa, she finds herself weighed down by the adoration of fans and lovers, not to mention her estranged husband. Can she separate herself from her stardom, and does she really want to? See this touring production to find out.
7.30pm, 2.30pm (Thu & Sat only). From £46, from £45 concs. Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. www.theatreroyal.org.uk
THEATRE
Sunday 13 September
Bath Jewish Burial Ground Open Day
Explore one of the few remnants of the now extinct Bath Hebrew Congregation. Established in 1812 and developed in Georgian times, now all that remains are the graves of some 80 people who are buried there.
11am. FREE. Bath Jewish Burial Ground, BA2 5DD. www.bathjewishburialground.org