Well, this is news of an interesting and rather novel meeting of minds!
Bath Abbey is launching a brand-new immersive experience in collaboration with the acclaimed city-based Natural Theatre Company, offering visitors a fresh and unexpected way to encounter one of Bath’s most iconic buildings.
Launching in late January, the new interactive experience, ‘Saints and Sinners’, will depart from the traditional tours format, inviting audiences to discover Bath Abbey through performance, storytelling and surprise.
While full details remain under wraps, the collaboration promises an engaging and immersive experience shaped by the Natural Theatre Company’s distinctive approach to bringing stories to life.
This new experience will uncover some of Bath Abbey’s ‘lost’ stories, brought to life by the Natural Theatre Company through character-led performance. Audiences can expect to encounter saints and sinners, kings and rogues, as history, humour and a touch of theatrical license combine in a journey through the Abbey’s spaces, where stories are uncovered at every turn.
Betsy Blatchley, Abbey Missioner at Bath Abbey, said:
“We’re excited to be working with the Natural Theatre Company on something genuinely different. This new immersive and interactive experience will invite people to see the Abbey in a new light — playful, surprising and full of intriguing stories and characters— whilst still discovering the unique peace and sanctuary of a space where people have prayed for more than a millennium.”
Andy Burden, Artistic & Executive Director of The Natural Theatre Company, added:
“Bath Abbey is an extraordinary space, rich with stories. We’re delighted to be creating a hugely entertaining and informative experience that allows those stories to unfold in unexpected ways.
The new experience forms part of Bath Abbey’s ongoing commitment to welcoming wider audiences and finding creative ways to share its history and living heritage. It is also part of the ‘Naturals’ programme of work to bring our unique performance style to visitor attractions around the country. We are delighted to be doing this in our hometown”
Key details:
- Dates: Select dates only, 29 January – 23 March
- Times: Two evening performances per night (6.30 pm & 8.00 pm)
- Capacity: Limited numbers per performance
- Age recommendation: 14+
- Tickets: Book now at bathabbey.org
With limited capacity and a short run, tickets for ‘Saints and Sinners’ are limited and expected to sell fast. The experience runs on select dates only from 29 January to 23 March, with just two performances each evening. Early booking is strongly recommended.
About Bath Abbey
Bath Abbey is a flourishing Church of England parish church that serves a small city centre parish (Bath Abbey with St James). Alongside being a place of prayer, worship, weddings and funerals, the Abbey has an important role as a visitor destination, a performance space, a general civic space and an exhibition space. The Abbey welcomes over 350,000 visitors annually and is open daily year-round. www.bathabbey.org
About the Natural Theatre Company
For 56 years, The Natural Theatre Company – based here in Bath – have been the frontrunners in laugh-out-loud street theatre and hilariously interactive performances worldwide. They surprise audiences in the most unexpected places with their unique blend of humour and charm. From bustling city streets to festival fields (and sometimes even in a theatre), their performances engage and enchant.
They love creating whimsical characters and performances that wander and interact with guests, visitors, and the public, for a joyfully and charmingly absurd immersive experience. What will the company be presenting at the Abbey? A fabulous immersive journey through the Abbey’s History. Come and find out!! Website: www.naturaltheatre.co.uk
