I frequently think of Bath as a city that often acts and feels like a village. Everybody seems to know everybody. It’s compact and beautiful. You can easily walk around its heart – if you’re okay with the odd slope or two.
But there is an element of living in a bit of a bubble and a trip to a much bigger place like Birmingham comes as both a shock and a thrill to the system!
It has its issues – just like Bath. There are empty shops, homeless people and litter and pollution problems, but it is so edgy, vibrant and colourful.
I have to smile when l think of those in Bath who constantly moan about barriers, car restrictions and those ‘dreadful’ e-scooters and bikes.
Go look around Brum and see much bigger bollards in action. The city has proper racks for its bikes and beautiful car-free areas – including squares with wonderful water features!! Putting our Laura Place fountain to shame.
We stopped in Birmingham, on our way up to the Lake District, to meet up with friends.
They took us to a marvellous theatre called The Rep to see a new musical that deserves to make it all the way to the West End. Please make that via Bath!
It’s called Becoming Nancy and is a coming of age story that captures the highs and lows of first love – bringing to life 1970s Britain with its pop culture, politics and flared trousers! A musical with a big heart.
At the end of the show, the cast asked us to get out our smart phones and film them during their reprise. They want to spread the word about their excellent and uplifting musical and where they would like to take it.
Birmingham Rep – take a bow!
