I was born a miners son with a voice too loud for the valleys and a hunger that frightened me. Unmasking Burton is my reckoning. Not the legend, not the films, not the voice you think you know but the man beneath it. A boy who escaped through poetry, who conquered stages, who loved fiercely and drank harder, and who never quite outran himself. Through memory, verse, and sharp humour, I lay bare ambition, class, fame, and failure. This is not a tribute. It is a confession. And for once, I am speaking plainly.

A brand-new jukebox musical (by Connor Chamberlain, Meg Thomas and LJ Bennion) bursting with pop anthems and throwbacks you know and love. A group of university best friends, now scattered across cities, careers, and carefully curated Instagram lives reunite for one unforgettable birthday weekend. What begins as nostalgic celebration spirals into chaos as old flames flicker, rivalries reignite, and dreams collide with reality. Amid awkward reunions, drunken dance floors, and late-night heart-to-hearts, each must face the question: who am I now that Im supposed to have it all figured out? Hilarious and heartfelt, Quarter Life Crisis captures the messy magic between being young and being grown. Presented by Bath and Brew Theatre Co. By Connor Chamberlain, Meg Thomas and LJ Bennion Director: Connor Chamberlain Choreographer: Meg Thomas Musical Director: LJ Bennion Running Time: 2 hours (including 15 min interval) Recommended ages: 14+ Strong language, discussions of LGBTQ+ issues, strobed lighting, depictions of anxiety. Ticket Pricing Stages: Tickets are released in stages, with prices increasing over time. Booking early offers the best value and helps secure your place. Tickets are not guaranteed to be available on-the-door. If events are sold out, you can join the waiting list to be notified of any cancellations. STAGE 1 Student First Look - Available 27th March - 5th April 2026 STAGE 2 Public Early Access - Available from 6th April until 4th May 2026 STAGE 3 Advanced booking - Available from 5th May 2026 until the show date STAGE 4 On the door - Available one-hour before show start time, in person only Experience more incredible performances at SparkFest 2026running from 4-30 May. Discover the full lineup atsparkfest.co.uk. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/] Plus, 50p from each ticket sold supports emerging creatives through NewSparks. Find out more at sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks]

Gavi wants to motivate the people of Stapleford, so he starts a motivational group in his garage, armed with daily mantras, goal-setting, and far too much Spandau Ballet. The catch? The only attendees are his Co-op colleagues, Dawn and Jen, a mother and daughter who bicker like it's their full-time job. What begins as awkward exercises quickly spirals into tension, resentment, and bitter truths nobody expected to face. Darkly funny and uncomfortably honest, this play exposes the messy realities of family, mental health, and the ways trying to motivate others can reveal just how fragile and cruel we can be. Written by Katie Redford Intimacy Coordination by Parke Fech Special thanks to Joshua Van Der Sleen Presented by third year BA Acting Students: Ieuan Daily, Rosie Douglas and Lina Salata Recommended 16+ This production includes references to sensitive themes such as mental health struggles, family conflicts, dark humour, strong language and sexual references. Ticket Pricing Stages: Tickets are released in stages, with prices increasing over time. Booking early offers the best value and helps secure your place. Tickets are not guaranteed to be available on-the-door. If events are sold out, you can join the waiting list to be notified of any cancellations. STAGE 1 Student First Look - Available 27th March - 5th April 2026 STAGE 2 Public Early Access - Available from 6th April until 4th May 2026 STAGE 3 Advanced booking - Available from 5th May 2026 until the show date STAGE 4 On the door - Available one-hour before show start time, in person only Experience more incredible performances at SparkFest 2026running from 4-30 May. Discover the full lineup atsparkfest.co.uk. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/] Plus, 50p from each ticket sold supports emerging creatives through NewSparks. Find out more at sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks]

2 Hikers. One Cafe. No Way Out. Todays Special is serving home-made burgers with a side of murder, and a hint of something personal. When two students grab their walking boots, they embark on a journey far beyond what they predicted, one that will be their last. A dingy caf, a shady waitress, and a rucksack opening a deeper story, theyll find themselves wishing they had in fact stayed on the road, and kept the hunger wanting more. Todays Special is a new piece of theatre, one you will want to savour. Written and directed by Grace Cadby Promotional image photography by Fenix Cardwell. You can find more of their work on Instagram, @knotty goblin photos 14 + Contains crude language and humour Threatening language and themes Blood/gore Ticket Pricing Stages: Tickets are released in stages, with prices increasing over time. Booking early offers the best value and helps secure your place. Tickets are not guaranteed to be available on-the-door. If events are sold out, you can join the waiting list to be notified of any cancellations. STAGE 1 Student First Look - Available 27th March - 5th April 2026 STAGE 2 Public Early Access - Available from 6th April until 4th May 2026 STAGE 3 Advanced booking - Available from 5th May 2026 until the show date STAGE 4 On the door - Available one-hour before show start time, in person only Experience more incredible performances at SparkFest 2026running from 4-30 May. Discover the full lineup atsparkfest.co.uk. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/] Plus, 50p from each ticket sold supports emerging creatives through NewSparks. Find out more at sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks]

Commencing: a beautiful mess about giving unexpected things a chance. Kelli's hopeful for a blind date, only to be disappointed when it turns out her date, Arlin, is a woman- which wouldn't be an issue... If Kelli wasn't straight. Instead of a candlelit dinner, the night dissolves into a witty, alcohol-fuelled dissection of gay and straight culture, stereotypes, and the misunderstandings between them. What begins as frustration becomes something funnier, messier, and more honest. Through thirsty confessions, humour and desperation, both characters discover that even in disappointment, people can still be charming- and that beginnings often arrive disguised as mistakes. Written by Jane Shepard Image by Meg Funtek Presented and performed by Ash Bleasdale & Rennie Singh 14 + Sensitive themes of alcohol misuse, intercourse and homophobia. Ticket Pricing Stages: Tickets are released in stages, with prices increasing over time. Booking early offers the best value and helps secure your place. Tickets are not guaranteed to be available on-the-door. If events are sold out, you can join the waiting list to be notified of any cancellations. STAGE 1 Student First Look - Available 27th March - 5th April 2026 STAGE 2 Public Early Access - Available from 6th April until 4th May 2026 STAGE 3 Advanced booking - Available from 5th May 2026 until the show date STAGE 4 On the door - Available one-hour before show start time, in person only Experience more incredible performances at SparkFest 2026running from 4-30 May. Discover the full lineup atsparkfest.co.uk. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/] Plus, 50p from each ticket sold supports emerging creatives through NewSparks. Find out more at sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks]

Orbital Descending follows the story of 6 astronauts circling the Earth 16 times over the span of a day, witnessing the beauty and tragedy Earth has to offer. The second installment adapted from Samantha Harvey's 'Orbital', this is a physical manifestation of the beauty of her written word. Devised by second year drama students and written by Chloe Lloyd and Esme Knight, the novel has been reimagined and brought to life for the stage. Isolated and forced to reflect on their lives, the piece examines the complexity and vulnerability of mankind, through striking visuals and stunning physical theatre. Based on Samantha Harvey's Orbital, adapted by Second Year Drama Students 60 mins 14 + Some images and language may be unsuitable for younger audiences. Experience more incredible performances at SparkFest 2026running from 4-30 May. Discover the full lineup atsparkfest.co.uk. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/] Plus, 50p from each ticket sold supports emerging creatives through NewSparks. Find out more at sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks]

How far are you willing to go to save someone you love? Morals are put to the test following Isaacs return to his rural childhood home where he meets Autumn, his estranged daughter. When family and folklore become intertwined, tensions rise, uprooting past trauma and forcing deep rooted cracks in relationships to surface. With three nights left until Autumn's birthday, theres one decision left to be made, and the growing desperation of a family on the brink of destruction driving them to do the unthinkable; who, if anyone, will make it out alive? By Rob Drummond Presented by third year BA Drama Students 1 hour 45 minutes (with 15 min interval) 16+ References Self Harm/Suicide/Death, Knife/Gun Violence, Explicit Language, Strobe Lighting, Gunshot/Loud Noises, Blood. Experience more incredible performances at SparkFest 2026running from 4-30 May. Discover the full lineup atsparkfest.co.uk. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/] Plus, 50p from each ticket sold supports emerging creatives through NewSparks. Find out more at sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks]

5 women in New York City, who all happen to be called Betty. Other than their name, they share a common feeling of dissatisfaction with the life they are expected to lead. An impulsive decision to stage their own theatrical piece becomes the perfect flashpoint for confrontation and connection. As they navigate their own identity, love, anger and ambition, their lives collide in unexpected and darkly comic ways. By Jen Silverman Presented by Phoebe Gethin, Mollie Dunning, Lucie Coles, Amira Tonini and Elspeth Steele Experience more incredible performances at SparkFest 2026running from 4-30 May. Discover the full lineup atsparkfest.co.uk. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/] Plus, 50p from each ticket sold supports emerging creatives through NewSparks. Find out more at sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks]

Featuring a selection of Bath Spa University BA and MA dance students and graduates, as well as BSU associates, BREAKTHROUGHpromises to be an exciting afternoon of live and digital dance pieces. This event celebrates the breadth of talent and creativity emerging from dance at BSU. This event will feature the following works: Where Was I Going With This Again? Your late twenties are weird, right? Im old enough to start a family, but Im still googling how long to boil an egg for. Add combined type ADHD and I forget to even set the water boiling. Oh, eggs, need those too. If Im going to the shops, I should shower. If I shower, I should work out. Did I save that beginner Pilates video? I hate being a beginner. Im tired. Oh.. youre still here. Where was I going with this? Join the effervescent and enigmatic Lucy for a madcap dance theatre performance packed with laughter, chatter, chaos, and just a smidgen of existential dread. Presented by Lucy Abreu / Irregular Actions She who Hums, She who Stands A dance film exploring womens deep, instinctual connection to water and trees - two life giving forces that mirror the feminine experiences of strength, flow, rooting, and belonging. The film speaks of what it means to feel rooted, to rewild, and to return to an ancestral sense of belonging to the earth. Blending movement with cinematic imagery, poetry, and immersive sound, the work offers an experience - one that feels grounding yet expansive, reflective yet alive. Where modern life has distanced us from these natural connections, the piece encourages reflection, grounding, and reconnection - feeling moved by a quiet recognition of what we have lost and what still hums beneath the surface. Created in collaboration with local creatives, this work is a celebration of the body as a landscape and the act of remembering as rooting. It asks: What does it mean to return? What might happen when we do? Presented by Daughters of Reclamation S-t-ofa A short dance film where a woman stuck with sofa, struggles to comprehend where she is and why. Presented byJustin Jaynea Barber Lovely Beautiful Sunshine Boy A queer autobiographical dance solo diving into the ways our childhood dreams shape the way we move through and relate to the adult world. Inspired by his obsession with The Little Mermaid, Reuben Woodall traces the parallels between fairytale fiction and lived experience, the tension between play and performance to uncover deeper authenticity. The work asks how early imagination formulates our understanding of identity, desire and belonging. What is sacrificed, forgotten or sustained in pursuit of becoming ""part of that world""? SOMNAMBULANT PART 2 Promotional image photography by Hermione MacNab and Jack Butler 16 + Themes of existentialism, loud music and sounds, strobe lighting and use of feathers 2 hrs including a short interval Ticket Pricing Stages: Tickets are released in stages, with prices increasing over time. Booking early offers the best value and helps secure your place. Tickets are not guaranteed to be available on-the-door. If events are sold out, you can join the waiting list to be notified of any cancellations. STAGE 1 Student First Look - Available 27th March - 5th April 2026 STAGE 2 Public Early Access - Available from 6th April until 4th May 2026 STAGE 3 Advanced booking - Available from 5th May 2026 until the show date STAGE 4 On the door - Available one-hour before show start time, in person only Experience more incredible performances at SparkFest 2026running from 4-30 May. Discover the full lineup atsparkfest.co.uk. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/] Plus, 50p from each ticket sold supports emerging creatives through NewSparks. Find out more at sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks]

OPEN GROUND is a curated scratch night hosted by Baths Creative Playground. An evening of performance work that is still forming and ready to be tested in front of a live audience. OPEN GROUND welcomes emerging and established artists, as well as independent and collective makers, to present Dance, Theatre, Comedy, Spoken Word, and more. Come as a witness - scratch events depend on thoughtful audiences! Baths Creative Playground is an interdisciplinary creative hub supporting collaborative and performance-led practices in Bath. It nurtures the artistic community through a weekly workshop for anyone curious about exploring physicality, storytelling, improvisation and collaboration. Hosted by Bath's Creative Playground 90 mins 16+ Full event details will be available soon. Please check the online ticket listing, or follow SparkFest on socials for regular updates on this event Experience more incredible performances at SparkFest 2026running from 4-30 May. Discover the full lineup atsparkfest.co.uk. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/] Plus, 50p from each ticket sold supports emerging creatives through NewSparks. Find out more at sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks]

Orbital is a novel by Samatha Harvey, adapted for stage by the company, written by Evie Williams. This first installment follows the introspective thoughts of a group of astronauts circling the earth on a space station, as they reflect of the futility and beauty of life in its most minimalist and maximalist forms. Inspired by Harveys poetic writing, the company has devised a piece that centres around love, loss and the passion for evolution that motivates humanity; considering the meaning of life on earth whist 400 kilometres away. Based on Samantha Harvey's Orbital , adapted by Second Year Drama Students. 60 mins 14+ Some images and language may be unsuitable for younger audiences Experience more incredible performances at SparkFest 2026running from 4-30 May. Discover the full lineup atsparkfest.co.uk. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/] Plus, 50p from each ticket sold supports emerging creatives through NewSparks. Find out more at sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks]

Join us in the University Theatre to enjoy your final meal. Second-year drama students present Death Row Gourmet, a play that uncovers the politics of capital punishment in America through multi-media and a dash of salty language. A celebrity chef, Rupert Brayer, puts his cooking skills to the test in his new and upcoming TV show, Death Row Gourmet, creating memorable final meals for inmates on death row. The arrogant chef is challenged by condemned inmate Marla, whose claim of innocence disrupts his perspectives and prompts him to question the morality of the judicial system. Can the truth be discovered in time? Written by Silva Semerciyan Presented by second year BA Drama Students 16+ Death, execution, domestic violence, murder, guns and gun violence, strong language Experience more incredible performances at SparkFest 2026running from 4-30 May. Discover the full lineup atsparkfest.co.uk. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/] Plus, 50p from each ticket sold supports emerging creatives through NewSparks. Find out more at sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks]

Welcome to Third Space 2026 This annual festival honours the visionary artistry of our graduating BA Dance students at Bath Spa University. For three days, we invite you to step into a realm shaped by imagination a place where ideas take flight through a range of newly created choreographic works. Each performance opens a doorway into a new world, crafted with courage, curiosity and a deep belief in the power of the arts to shift how we see and feel. This years programme includes solo and collaborative ventures, digital work and a newly commissioned choreography by Orla Harding. We hope these performances spark your imagination and deepen your appreciation for the power of dance to transform, question and inspire. Full details of this event will be available soon. Please follow us on socials for regular updates, or check back here soon - Instagram @SparkFest Bath Experience more incredible performances at SparkFest 2026running from 4-30 May. Discover the full lineup atsparkfest.co.uk. Plus, 50p from each ticket sold supports emerging creatives through NewSparks. Find out more at sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks.

Learn to fight for stage and screen with fight director and BADC senior instructor Kiel OShea. In this workshop you will learn the basics of unarmed combat, focusing on how to stay safe when working with a partner, and how reaction, intention, and strong character choices heighten the stakes in a fight scene. Youll learn techniques including slaps, strikes, grapples and holds, before being challenged to perform them in a phrase of choreography. Participants will have the opportunity to film their rehearsals, should they wish. Ticket Pricing Stages: Tickets are released in stages, with prices increasing over time. Booking early offers the best value and helps secure your place. Tickets are not guaranteed to be available on-the-door. If events are sold out, you can join the waiting list to be notified of any cancellations. STAGE 1 Student First Look - Available 27th March - 5th April 2026 STAGE 2 Public Early Access - Available from 6th April until 4th May 2026 STAGE 3 Advanced booking - Available from 5th May 2026 until the show date STAGE 4 On the door - Available one-hour before show start time, in person only Experience more incredible performances at SparkFest 2026running from 4-30 May. Discover the full lineup atsparkfest.co.uk. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/] Plus, 50p from each ticket sold supports emerging creatives through NewSparks. Find out more at sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks]

A mini-festival of 20-min solo shows with 20 minute intervals between from 9am - 4pm. Are you on the lookout for exciting new work written by the future voices of our world? 'Going Solo' is a mini-festival of short solo plays, written, directed and performed by Bath Spa University's third-year drama students. Experience the joy, angst, self-reflection, love and tragedy of unforgettable characters. Fresh stories from emerging playwrights, staged by emerging directors. A recent, riveting group of aspiring artists take the spotlight--from the page to the stage 15+ The collection of plays contains themes that viewers may find upsetting including sexual assault, serious illness, and substance abuse. Experience more incredible performances at SparkFest 2026running from 4-30 May. Discover the full lineup atsparkfest.co.uk. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/] Plus, 50p from each ticket sold supports emerging creatives through NewSparks. Find out more at sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks]

What would you do if your friend spent 200,000 on a white painting on white paper on white canvas? Join Serge, Marc and Yvan as they reconcile the value of art, their relationships and decide whether or not its all s★★★. By Yasmina Reza Presented by Third Year BA Drama Students 14+ Strong Language and Threat of Violence Experience more incredible performances at SparkFest 2026running from 4-30 May. Discover the full lineup atsparkfest.co.uk. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/] Plus, 50p from each ticket sold supports emerging creatives through NewSparks. Find out more at sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks. [https://www.sparkfest.co.uk/newsparks]

Join us for a focused half-day at Bath Spa University. BSU: Open for Business offers a unique chance to save yourself from navigating labyrinthine departments trying to track down the opportunities, and focus your energy on accessing all the exceptional talent, expertise and practical support you need. Solve real business challenges Meet and develop future talent Access expertise, funding and specialist facilities Upskill your team for long-term resilience Whether you're tackling a specific issue, looking to grow, or need new people and ideas, this first-of-its-kind event brings together everything BSU has to offer - all in one place, in one morning. No fluff: just useful conversations, practical ideas and clear next steps. Solve real business challenges Got a problem you cant quite crack? Bring a real, current challenge and explore how BSU can help you move forward. From HR, legal and leadership to sustainability, storytelling and customer experience, our experts work with businesses to solve real problems through consultancy, student projects and collaborative work. Hear directly from clients who have already benefited, saving time, reducing costs and unlocking new opportunities. Meet and develop future talent Struggling to find and retain the right people? Meet placement-ready students and discover how to: Recruit new talent Develop your existing workforce Build capability through internships, projects and training From first hires to leadership development, BSU can support your workforce at every stage. Access expertise, funding and specialist facilities Need resources you cant access inhouse? Use BSUs facilities, expertise and funding to move faster: Specialist facilities (TV, film, podcast and creative studios) Technical, consultancy and academic expertise Funding support for collaborative projects Learn how other businesses are already using these resources to improve their marketing and resilience, develop new ideas and grow. Upskill and grow your team for long term resilience How are you building resilience in uncertain times? Develop your team with flexible, practical training shaped by real business needs: Leadership and change management Workforce development and retention Creative approaches to growth and innovation Delivered by academics and practitioners with real-world experience, from short courses to tailored programmes. What to expect A practical, half-day format designed to add value to busy businesses: Networking breakfast, 8am start Short, focused keynote and case study sessions Real examples of businesses working with BSU Opportunities to connect directly with experts, staff and students Opportunity to tour our world-class facilities Networking lunch to continue conversations Early bird tickets cost 25 (until 8 May). Includes breakfast, lunch and full access to all sessions. Book your place now and learn how BSU can support your business in practice. Get in touch Please get in touch with us via [email protected] if you have any questions about our event.