Bath Royal Theatre to Host Stage Production Band of Gold

Band of Gold was widely lauded as a captivating and ground-breaking crime drama when it aired on ITV in March 1995. Enjoying a run of three hugely successful seasons, it told the tale of a group of sex workers from Bradford’s notorious red-light district.

So popular did the series become that creator Kay Mellor later adapted it into a book franchise, before turning her attentions to a stage production – one which is set to be hosted at Bath Royal Theatre from March 16th to March 21st 2020.

Starring a host of famous names from the worlds of stage and small screen, the Yorkshire Times recently described the forthcoming production as “A masterstroke… Drama at its best”.

Here’s what you need to know if you fancy seeing it.

A gritty tale of survival

When it first aired over two decades ago, Band of Gold was hailed as a tale of female survival and camaraderie amidst the darkness of Bradford’s brutal red-light district. Attracting an average of 15 million viewers per week, the story focused on a group of charismatic yet tragic women: Carol, Rose, Anita, and Gina. With each of them drawn into a dark world of prostitution and danger, it managed to be at once heartbreaking and humorous – two themes that carry through to this latest stage adaptation.

Featuring a star-studded cast, the production that runs between March 16th and 21st 2020 is led by Gaynor Faye (Emmerdale and Calendar Girls), Laurie Brett (EastEnders and Waterloo Road), and newcomer Emma Osman.

However, it’s not only its leads who will prove recognisable for eagle-eyed audience members. Its primary trio will be joined on stage by Coronation Street alumni Shayne Ward and Andrew Dunn, Hollyoaks’ Kieron Richardson, and Mr Selfridge’s Sacha Parkinson.

When and where

For those hoping to book tickets, the production of Band of Gold will be showing from March 16th to 21st 2020 at Bath Theatre Royal.

There will be both evening performances at 7.30pm, as well as additional matinee shows on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets start from £24, with group discounts available.

What to do in Bath

For those who have visited Bath purely to attend the performance, it can be pleasant to use your time pre- and post-show to explore the city, and there are lots of wonderful places for you to visit.

If you want to head out in search of additional entertainment before calling it an evening, the Century Casino is located close to Bath Royal Theatre. The perfect place to have a cocktail, it offers an opportunity to try your hand at lots of different types of gaming, from slots and roulette to blackjack and poker. Should you wish to practice beforehand, you can give these a go at an online casino like VideoSlots, where you can play either digital versions of the games or on live streams, to get a feel for the rules and develop an aptitude for the games.

If you wish to dine in Bath, you’ll find that Amarone Restaurant comes highly recommended, while being situated close to the theatre. Pizza Express and the Garrick’s Head gastropub are also nearby, with the latter actually adjoining the playhouse itself.

Exciting, gritty, and original, Band of Gold offers something different to do in Bath this spring. Why not pay the city a visit to see it for yourself?