“Happiness is a choice. It is something I've been working on for a while, because we aren’t programmed for happiness as human beings, we’re programmed for survival.”

Tessa Cobb, the founder of The Happy Book Company, is dedicated to creating children's books centred on choosing happiness.

Through her stories and illustrations, she imparts profound wisdom about choosing happiness, regardless of life's challenges. Her characters embark on journeys that unveil the transformative power of human connection, the unwavering strength of perseverance, the importance of self-pride, the beauty of trust, and the necessity of self-love.

This episode offers remarkable insights for anyone. Whether you're interested in writing or illustrating for children, seeking inspiration, or grappling with a creative rut, this episode is for you.

Sponsored in-kind by @emergeinbath creative studio and @radiobathofficial

In this episode, originally recorded in 2021, Lex & Doug invite us to harness the power of theatre to reshape the world around us.

They guide us through the complete journey of bringing a theatrical production to fruition, spanning from conception to the grand stage. They dive deep into the fusion of social insights and performance and highlight how art can be a catalyst for change and a mirror to society's complexities, offering a captivating exploration of the intersection between creativity and social consciousness. 

During this period, the company was gearing up for their production of "The Fish Cage." This play was conceived out of a passionate response to the dearth of discourse surrounding toxic masculinity. 

As an added treat, we're delighted to present an extract from "The Fish Cage," brilliantly performed by Patrick James Withey. 

Sponsored in-kind by @emergeinbath creative studio and @radiobathofficial

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“I’m always interested in stories that are untold… that have been forgotten”

Meet Alex: a theatre-maker, actor, writer, drag artist, and theatre reviewer. Join Nik & Nigel on this episode of The Arts Show as they explore the world of theatre led by a remarkably insightful, articulate and wise creative practitioner.

In this episode, Alex provides a thought-provoking analysis of the current state of theatre. Who holds the power in the industry? What responsibility do writers, theatre makers, and venues have to ensure that their work is accessible to everyone? How does this link to the broader improvement of society? 

Moreover, Alex shares their passion for telling forgotten stories and reimagining mythological tales, and how this links to the production of their one-person show, Monstrous, which explores female rage in the post-Me Too era.

And that's not all! You'll get to experience a glimpse of Monstrous as Alex performs an extract from the show. Get ready to be inspired!

Oh, go on then… Here's a quick overview of Monstrous to whet your appetite: "Hera is angry, but she's been trying her best to get past it. She has a therapist, reads mindfulness books, practices yoga every day, and drinks more green tea than even Gwyneth Paltrow could stomach. Yet, that deep-seated rage still twists in her guts like a pit of vipers. When you're an Ancient Greek goddess, being filled with unquenchable wrath comes with the territory. Perhaps it's time to have a little vent...but is the world ready for 3000 years worth of anger?"

Sponsored in-kind by EMERGE creative studio and Radio Bath. 

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“I want people to feel like they belong in the world”

Meet Gabby: a writer, actor, and director who uses her craft to tell powerful stories about women and working-class people. Join Nik & Nigel as they explore the world of Theatre led by a fiercely inspirational, empathetic and intellectual storyteller.

In this episode, Gabby offers a rare insight into the perspective of a creative practitioner whose work urges us to take action towards creating a better world where everyone feels like they truly belong. Alongside speaking openly about the current state of society, Gabby also shares fascinating insights into the process of writing and theatre making, and locates the sources of inspiration that underpin her work.

And there’s more! Throughout this episode Gabby shares a variety of short-performances and readings of her work that were recorded live alongside the episode. Half podcast, half live performance!

Gabby has performed for stage, screen, and audio, and directed for theatre, music videos, and short films, including Vicky Wheeler's award-winning short, 'Alive', which deals with how art can positively impact mental health struggles. She has written for theatre and film. Her play Be., for Greedy Pig Theatre Company, is an exploration of gender identity- written in verse- and received Arts Council funding. She is currently adapting Mary J. Oliver’s poetry memoir 'Jim Neat' into a stage play.

Sponsored in-kind by EMERGE creative studio and Radio Bath.

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“There is a sense of exploring the recently possible”

Introducing Larkhall - a trailblazing composer, post-classical pianist, and algorithmic artist. Join Nik and Nigel as they delve into the world of New media art guided by a grandmaster whose performances blend post-classical piano composition with audio-reactive digital art. In so many ways, this episode is a masterclass in how to use diverse fields of knowledge and expertise to create something entirely new and enchanting.

Larkhall’s distinct post-classical, introspective style draws from three areas: rigorous conservatory training, several years performing in the Chicago indie scene, and a prolific software development career. For the latter, his résumé includes building Apple’s music-recognition app Shazam, as well as co-founding several music and culture apps.

In performances he uses algorithms that act as artists, etching vivid digital imagery by reacting to what they hear—art that listens, then paints itself… a unique opportunity to encounter the work of a virtuoso.

Larkhall is a resident at “The Studio” - Bath Spa University's home for innovation, research, and enterprise.

Sponsored in-kind by EMERGE creative studio and Radio Bath.

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"and that was how I connected with the crew of a viking warship"

Introducing Thilde Kold Holdt, a multi-talented writer, viking, traveller and polyglot. In this episode of the Arts Show, Join Nik and Nigel as they sit down with Thilde to discuss her journey to becoming a published novelist. With a background in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University and a wealth of experiences from her travels, Thilde brings a unique perspective to the world of writing.

Get ready to ignite your creative spark and be inspired to live a more creative life.

Tune in for a discussion that spans cultures and continents, and don't miss the exciting reading of Shackled Fates included in this episode!

Sponsored in-kind by EMERGE creative studio and Radio Bath.

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Get ready to ignite your creative spark! 🎨🎶🎭

Nik and Nigel are back with a brand new podcast series, "The Arts Show". Join them as they chat with artists, makers and creators from different disciplines, and be inspired to live a more creative life!

Performances included!

Sponsored in-kind by EMERGE creative studio and Radio Bath.

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