Emma Clegg
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Articles by Emma Clegg
Jane Austen’s mastery of misdirection
A talk by John Mullan, at the Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel Words by Emma Clegg This year marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, and a recent event at the Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel invited Austen scholar John Mullan to shed some literary light on Austen’s extraordinary fictional world. Jane Austen’s novels are filled with sparkling dialogue, sharp wit – and a notable amount of misdirection.
Beau Nash Antique Shop
Antique lovers, over the last year, Beau Nash has expanded their collection to include an Antique Mirror Gallery, the only one of its kind in the city of Bath. With over 50 mirrors displayed in 4 floors and an updated online shop, they strive to make it easier for home owners to find stylish pieces for their homes. They ship internationally and deliver to London on Tuesdays.
Phenomenal Women at the Gainsborough Bath Spa: Eleanor Mills
“When I was in the doldrums it was my amazing network that got me through. I wanted to start Noon so that every woman who finds herself in that dark space has a community to help her re-find the sunny uplands.” Eleanor Mills was a high-achieving journalist with a trail-blazing career, initially at The Daily Telegraph and then at The Sunday Times for 23 years, where she moved her way up from youngest ever features editor to magazine editor and editorial director.
Lights and sound in the Abbey
Shine On at Bath Abbey, involving dynamic light projections and original musical compositions, is an experience to savour. Created by Luxmuralis, this is a collaboration between sculptor and artist Peter Walker and composer David Harper who together specialise in immersive fine art, light and sound installations. Visitors enter in 15-minute slots following the cycle of the installation. Working within the Abbey’s flexible Nave seating, selected chairs are spaced out randomly.
Theatre review: Art
Theatre Royal Bath, 3 – 7 September Words by Emma Clegg. For so many of us, when faced with a piece of abstract, conceptual art – and then feeling confounded by something that appears to say rather less than more – it’s easy (after a brief spell of self-questioning) to lean into the feeling that the artist is not expressing a concept but having a laugh. Think of Tracey Emin’s My Bed or Michael Craig-Martin’s An Oak Tree (a small glass of water perched on a shelf).
Tim Peake: why space matters
Ahead of a new national tour that includes a visit to Bath on 6 September, British astronaut Tim Peake explains how he’s looking forward to a potential return to space, as part of a commercially sponsored UK mission. Tim Peake made history in 2015 when he became the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), where he spent six months living and working in space.
Theatre review: The Birthday Party
The Birthday Party Theatre Royal Bath, until 31 August Words by Emma Clegg Meg: I was the belle of the ball. Petey: Were you? Meg: Oh yes. They all said I was. Petey: I bet you were, too. Meg: Oh, it’s true. I was. Pause I know I was. (Pinter, 87) Harold Pinter’s plays are known for their silences and pauses. These moments within his dialogue have been described as the bridges through which people reach out to others, because they contain more information than the descriptive use of words.
Theatre review: The Birthday Party
The Birthday Party Theatre Royal Bath, until 31 August Words by Emma Clegg Meg: I was the belle of the ball. Petey: Were you? Meg: Oh yes. They all said I was. Petey: I bet you were, too. Meg: Oh, it’s true. I was. Pause I know I was. (Pinter, 87) Harold Pinter’s plays are known for their silences and pauses. These moments within his dialogue have been described as the bridges through which people reach out to others, because they contain more information than the descriptive use of words.
Theatre review: Sister Act Original
Theatre Royal Bath 6-17 August Words by Melissa Blease Bringing one of the most iconic musical film comedies of the early 1990s to the stage is an ambitious task, to say the least. But various productions of Sister Act have toured around the world since 2009, picking up heaps of awards and massive congregations as it spread the good word.
The Bath Magazine Original
Beckford’s Tower on Lansdown Road was the creation of William Beckford who inherited a fortune generated by the transatlantic slave trade. Its restoration ignores none of these realities, and is more rewarding for it, says Emma Clegg. The profits of Britain’s transatlantic slave trade funded so much of our country’s infrastructure and taking a look at individual lives in this period can unravel the reality.
Portrait of Bath: Tony Jones (co-owner and manager of Manhattan Burger Bar)
Tony Jones has an outstanding, dazzling smile, offset by his brilliant sapphire Manhattan branded shirt and his blue-and-white oversized check chef’s apron. This vision in blue takes service with a smile to new levels in the serving of burgers. Who wouldn’t want to sweep by on an evening, when feeling a bit peckish, to order a classic American burger and perhaps some tomato relish, a garlic bap or some chunky chips from the take-out menu after a sociable night at the Ring O Bells or The Ram?
Interview with Bath FC Manager Jerry Gill Original
As the 2024/25 football season approaches, we look back at Bath City FC’s record and their aspirations for the future. Simon Horsford visits long-serving manager Jerry Gill at Twerton Park and finds out how he evaluates success – and how a manager’s challenge is to take on the role of schoolteacher, dad and counsellor.
The Bath Magazine
Richard Knighting and Marty Grant’s route into restaurants has been far from traditional, which makes their food and wine experience at Corkage all the more exciting for the journey. Words by Kate Hearst. Step inside Corkage on Chapel Row and you feel like you’ve arrived in the cosy surrounds of a friend’s house. Rich velvet curtains, acres of warm wood, artfully peeling paint and an instant sense of fun from affable owners Marty Grant and Richard Knighting provide the perfect welcome.
The Bath Magazine
Richard Knighting and Marty Grant’s route into restaurants has been far from traditional, which makes their food and wine experience at Corkage all the more exciting for the journey. Words by Kate Hearst. Step inside Corkage on Chapel Row and you feel like you’ve arrived in the cosy surrounds of a friend’s house. Rich velvet curtains, acres of warm wood, artfully peeling paint and an instant sense of fun from affable owners Marty Grant and Richard Knighting provide the perfect welcome.
Bath’s badminton champion
Paralympian Dan Bethell’s dreams came true after winning ParalympicsGB’s very first badminton medal with silver in the men’s SL3 singles at Tokyo 2020. He is also a two-time world silver medallist and four-time European champion in his category. Dan shares his thoughts on his sport and training at Team Bath Sports Training Village (STV) ahead of the Paralympics in Paris this month. This will be your second Paralympic Games. Do you feel at an advantage because of the experience you gained at Tokyo?
Bath’s badminton champion
Paralympian Dan Bethell’s dreams came true after winning ParalympicsGB’s very first badminton medal with silver in the men’s SL3 singles at Tokyo 2020. He is also a two-time world silver medallist and four-time European champion in his category. Dan shares his thoughts on his sport and training at Team Bath Sports Training Village (STV) ahead of the Paralympics in Paris this month. This will be your second Paralympic Games. Do you feel at an advantage because of the experience you gained at Tokyo?
Jane Horrocks in The Birthday Party
Take a play by Harold Pinter and shape it into a production that resonates with an audience. That’s what director Richard Jones has done with The Birthday Party, with the help of a cast of six. Jane Horrocks, who plays Meg, tells Emma Clegg about the appeal of Pinter and how she connects with her stage character. The plays of playwright, screenwriter, director, actor and 2005 Nobel-Prize winner Harold Pinter are not known for their uplifting narratives.
The Bath Magazine Original
That’s the name of Nish Kumar’s new tour, but there’s just no need because he has got our city sussed – Bath is fancy and full of millionaires. *Shrug shoulders * What more do you need to know? The post-electoral honeymoon will have dissipated in October, but expect debonair, outraged conviction and a quota of political commentary. Just don’t throw any bread rolls. Words by Emma Clegg ”I feel nothing but sympathy towards anyone who saw me perform before about 2015”, says Nish Kumar.
Jane Horrocks in The Birthday Party
Take a play by Harold Pinter and shape it into a production that resonates with an audience. That’s what director Richard Jones has done with The Birthday Party, with the help of a cast of six. Jane Horrocks, who plays Meg, tells Emma Clegg about the appeal of Pinter and how she connects with her stage character. The plays of playwright, screenwriter, director, actor and 2005 Nobel-Prize winner Harold Pinter are not known for their uplifting narratives.
The Bath Magazine
Tillius is a family-owned business dedicated to curating eclectic homewares for those who appreciate the unusual in life. This one-of-a-kind shop, situated on the picturesque Pulteney Bridge, offers a unique shopping experience.
Take Charge Bikes
No one would argue with the fact that switching from using a car to riding a bike creates a host of benefits for both you and your surrounding environment. Exercise, even at moderate levels, helps to reduce stress and depression, as well as improving your mood and self-esteem. But could it be that the idea of pedalling up all those steep hills around Bath is putting people off?
The Bath Magazine
The Piano Shop Bath is a charming, specialised store located in the heart of Bath. It offers a diverse selection of new and pre-owned pianos, catering to all levels from beginners to professional musicians. The shop provides expert advice, piano tuning, restoration, and repair services, ensuring each instrument meets high standards of playability and sound quality. The inviting atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and a dedicated on-site workshop make it a haven for piano enthusiasts.
The Bath Magazine
This is not your average wool shop. The shelves of A Yarn Story are full of hand-dyed yarns, luxury fibres and the hard-to-find. Located on Walcot Street in the heart of Bath’s artisan quarter you’ll find a beautifully curated selection of yarns from around the world as well as several proudly British brands including the store’s own range, Walcot Yarns.
Gold and Platinum Studio
Goldsmith and gemmologist Michael Parsons and his team run a delightful independent studio on Northumberland Place. The highly skilled team specialise in hand making bespoke engagement rings and wedding rings, as well as offering a wide range of individual pieces to buy. The studio welcomes all types of commissions, including remodelling. They also offer a fine jewellery repair service. The studio has been in Bath for over 50 years and has a reputation for quality service and craftsmanship.
The Bath Magazine
Founded by Bath local Kate in 2017, Haus has moved from the online space into a physical store, catering to Bath residents looking for unique and carefully-sourced homewares, gifts and furniture. Starting as a pop-up in 2022, the store has now found a more permanent home on Abbeygate Street, adjacent to M&S, where visitors can browse a seasonal curation of beautiful products.
Coopers Home Appliances
Coopers Home Appliances is a store not to miss. Coopers has been a popular entry in the city’s ‘Best of Bath’ list for many years and it’s easy to see why. With over 70 years’ experience, Coopers is a highly acclaimed and award-winning kitchen appliance retailer with an eye for the unusual. The large showroom has undergone an exciting transformation and displays an extensive array of range cookers, refrigeration, laundry, dishwashing, built-in appliances, small appliances, and much more.
The Bath Magazine
On the pretty row of shops on Bath’s iconic Pulteney Bridge, Wadswick has in its collection of men’s and women’s fashion and accessories some of the world’s best-loved country brands including Holland Cooper, Barbour, Schöffel, Fairfax & Favor, R.M. Williams, Ariat and Yeti. Wadswick specialises in country lifestyle and their new boutique in Bath builds on over 30 years of country heritage from their flagship store near Corsham, the popular market town seven miles east of the city.
Chapter 22 Roots and Records
Proudly Independent, Chapter 22 Roots and Records is a ray of sunshine in the beautiful streets of Bath, having won the ‘Best’ shop front display in Bath for the past two years, its unique floral and plant displays are a sight to behold. This is truly a unique concept that combines plants, vinyl records and a coffee shop. It’s not just a shop, but also a visual experience with walls adorned with graffiti artwork from local artists.
The Bath Magazine
The south west’s leading designer jeweller, award-winning Nicholas Wylde has been designing original, high-quality jewellery since first opening his Bath store in 1987. He has built up a reputation for designing outstanding pieces; from one-off commissions to larger corporate orders – all handmade, with great passion, in the workshop on the premises.
The Bath Magazine
Are you looking for great quality clothes for men at an affordable price? Alfred’s, the pre-loved men’s clothing shop on independent Walcot Street has what you’re looking for. After launching a store in Bradford on Avon, the next stage was a second store in Bath. If you have clothes to sell, the store will pay 50% of the sale price once an item has been sold. There are a wide range of brands and vintage pieces, all at an affordable price.
The Bath Hat Company
The Bath Hat Company has been a reputable provider of exceptional hats for the past three decades and has an extensive collection that will cater for every occasion. The bespoke hats are crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail by a team of skilled artisans, and are designed to make you stand out from the crowd. For women, choices include elegant accessories for a formal affair, functional hats for a sunny outdoor excursion, or cosy headpieces for the colder months.
The Bath Magazine
Have you found this beautiful shop on Pulteney Bridge? Here the team makes and sells lots of dresses, reversible dungarees, hand-knitted woollies and of course the store’s famous and incredibly cute hats; strawberry, Christmas pudding, Bath Rugby and more. Up to Seven is a major stockist of Frugi and Kite, organic cotton, fairly traded clothes for babies and children and always has lots of appliqued T-shirts, dresses, hats, baby gifts and dinosaurs.
The Bath Magazine
Uber Clothing is an independent boutique which has been trading for nearly two decades. It offers European high-quality accessories and clothing in natural fabrics, with a quiet luxury for both men and women of discerning taste with more than a flicker of fun. The business is well known for its personal service and love of helping clients find the perfect piece for them.
The Bath Magazine
Always Sunday is a proudly independent, woman-owned homewares and luxury gifts store championing local artisans and small makers to bring you limited edition finds you won’t encounter anywhere else.
The Bath Magazine
Mallory is renowned as Bath’s destination jeweller. Now in its fifth generation, it is one of the country’s oldest family-owned and run jewellers, established for 125 years in its original Bridge Street premises. Today it boasts one of the largest in-house workshops in the UK, employing goldsmiths trained to the highest calibre, who create the most exquisite bespoke jewellery, as well as fully accredited watchmakers, who are qualified to maintain the finest of timepieces.
Holloways of Ludlow
Situated in the heart of Bath on the beautiful Milsom Street, Holloways of Ludlow is a retailer of the finest lighting, furniture and homeware. Offering a network of over 400 international brands it has been the leading provider of quality design for nearly 40 years. The showroom spans two floors presenting beautifully curated spaces while offering advice and guidance for choosing the perfect piece for your home.
The Bath Magazine
Pane e vino, located just behind the famous Royal Crescent in the lovely St James Square, offers the most delicious coffee, breakfast, lunch and weekend dinner, all with Italian flair. There are scrumptious panini, bruschetta salads, pasta, pies, cakes and much more for all of your lunch needs (takeaway available). Open Monday to Thursday 8am–3.45pm, Friday 8am–3pm, and 5pm – 8pm for happy hour. Saturday 8am–3pm and from 6pm for dinner.
Heading to the Paris Olympics
University of Bath Rowing Club’s Becky Wilde will compete at Paris 2024 after securing a women’s double scull space for Team GB at the Olympic Qualifying Regatta in Lucerne, Switzerland. Wilde, in her first full season with the senior GB Rowing Team, and partner Mathilda Hodgkins Byrne needed a top-two slot in the final and achieved that, finishing runners-up to Czechia.
Theatre review: Sweeney Todd: A Victorian Melodrama
Theatre Royal Bath until 27 July Words by Melissa Blease When it comes to the UK’s Victorian Serial Killer Charts, Sweeney Todd is up there with the worst of them: Jack the Ripper, Palmer the Poisoner, Burke and Hare et al. But what sets the Demon Barber of Fleet Street apart from his villainous cohorts is that Todd is a fictional character… or is he?
Theatre review: London City Ballet’s Resurgence - The Bath Magazine
Theatre Royal Bath until 20 July Words by Melissa Blease Once upon a time in London, a king (in this instance, dancer, teacher and choreographer Harold King, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 70) formed a ballet company. It started out with fewer than 10 dancers giving lunchtime performances in the tiny Arts Theatre, just off Leicester Square. But the company flourished and attracted the patronage of a princess.
Theatre review: Suite in Three Keys -Shadows of the Evening/Come Into The Garden, Maud
Shadows of the Evening/Come into the Garden, Maud (part of A Suite in Three Keys: A Noël Coward triple-bill), Theatre Royal Bath, until 13 July. Words by Melissa Blease.
Theatre review: Echo and Narcissus
Echo and Narcissus, Ustinov Studio, until 6 July Words by Emma Clegg Echo and Narcissus by Olivier-Award-winning choreographer Kim Brandstrup is the third in a trilogy of works by him, giving form to some of the outstanding characters in Greek mythology who remain sharply etched in our narrative memories.
Theatre review: Echo and Narcissus
Echo and Narcissus, Ustinov Studio, until 6 July Words by Emma Clegg Echo and Narcissus by Olivier-Award-winning choreographer Kim Brandstrup is the third in a trilogy of works by him, giving form to some of the outstanding characters in Greek mythology who remain sharply etched in our narrative memories.
The Courtyard Café
Just around the corner from the bustle of Bath Abbey, this colourful independent café has been serving up delicious food for over 30 years. Head down the steps at North Parade Passage to discover the quirky surroundings of Lilliput Court and soak in the Georgian architecture views.
Theatre review: The Deep Blue Sea
Ustinov Studio, until 1 June Words by Emma Clegg The first performance of Terence Rattigan’s The Deep Blue Sea in 1952 was delivered to a hushed, enraptured audience and ended with cheers and massive applause. A critic of the day described it as, “the best play Mr Rattigan has written. This is not mere impersonation. It is, and excitingly, life”.
The next gener-AI-tion
Our children are growing up in the age of AI. But how is this generative technology impacting their learning? We speak to some local schools and discover how they are utilising the positive potential AI can bring to education, while at the same time managing ethical issues. How many times have you interacted with artificial intelligence today? It’s probably more than you think.
Theatre Royal Bath review: Sleuth
Theatre Royal Bath until 17 February Words by Melissa Blease A rambling, remote manor house in Wiltshire. A hugely successful mystery writer with a penchant for playing complicated games. A young man who’s having an affair with the writer’s wife. Put ’em together and what have we got?
Theatre Review: Blue Beard – Open the Bloody Door - The Bath Magazine
Blue Beard – Open the Bloody Door, at Theatre Royal Bath until 10 February Words by Emma Clegg Bluebeard is a French folk tale dating from 1697 (written by Charles Perrault), which tells the story of a wealthy man who murdered six of his wives. Emma Rice – writer and artistic director of Wise Children theatre company – explains in the programme how she never liked Bluebeard as a story, indeed that it gave her the creeps.
Theatre review: Metamorphoses by Kim Brandstrup
Metamorphoses, Ustinov Studio, artistic director: Deborah Warner; choreographer: Kim Brandstrup. 29 January – 10 February. Words by Emma Clegg The vibrant assortment of Ancient Greek myths includes the stories of the Minotaur and Theseus (first traced on an urn from 670-660BC) and that of Cupid and Psyche (2nd century AD by Platonicus). These – and a host of other myths – have fed storytellers, theatre- and film-makers, artists, dancers and musicians richly over the centuries.
Theatre review: The Turn of the Screw
First performed in 1954, The Turn of the Screw was Benjamin Britten’s third chamber opera. At the age of 18 the composer had listened to a BBC radio production of Henry James’ 1898 novella, which led him to read the story, describing it as “glorious and eerie” and “an incredible masterpiece”. So when long-time friend Myfanwy Piper (artist John Piper’s wife) later suggested an operatic treatment to him, there was no debate. Piper wrote the libretto, the first she wrote for Britten.
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