TOM Stoppard’s comedy masterpiece Arcadia tours to the Theatre Royal Bath for the first time in over twenty years

English Touring Theatre (ETT) and Theatre Royal Brighton Productions bring a new production of Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia to the Theatre Royal Bath from Monday 9th February to Saturday 14th February. 

The first major national tour since 1993, and over 20 years since the play has been seen by audiences around the UK, this new production will be directed by Blanche McIntyre.

The past and present are united in this exuberantly funny and thought-provoking drama about science, sex and landscape gardening.

Arcadia was recently voted one of the nation’s top five plays in English Touring Theatre’s ‘My Favourite Play’ poll, which was conducted to mark ETT’s 21st Birthday celebrations.

In a stately home in 19th century rural Derbyshire, secret desires and professional rivalries take hold of the residents of Sidley Park. The daughter of the house, Thomasina Coverly, is a bright and talented pupil tutored by Byron's friend Septimus Hodge, who makes a startling discovery which resonates down through the years.

In the present day, academics Hannah Jarvis and Bernard Nightingale attempt to piece together the fragments of truth that tell Thomasina’s story.

In a witty and absorbing portrait of two generations of an aristocratic family, Arcadia moves from 1809 to present day, and back to the past.

First premiered at the National Theatre in 1993 and directed by Sir Trevor Nunn, Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia is considered one of the greatest plays of the last century, winning countless awards, including the 1993 Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best New Play.

It was last seen at the Theatre Royal in July 1993 when the National Theatre’s production toured to Bath. Arcadia has twice been produced on Broadway, winning the 1995 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, and the 2011 Tony Award for Best Revival of Play. 

Arcadia tours to the Theatre Royal Bath from Monday 9th February to Saturday 14th February.  Tickets are available from the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 or online at www.theatreroyal.org.uk