John Baker

Clive Francis's stage adaptation of Graham Greene's Our Man in Havana is praised as a lively, sharply comic production at Theatre Royal Bath. Jack Ashton gives an understated performance as vacuum cleaner salesman James Wormold, who fabricates intelligence reports after being recruited by MI6, while Bob Barrett, Leon Ockenden and Jodie Steele play more than 30 supporting characters between them. Strong direction, inventive staging, period design, costumes, lighting and sound evoke pre-revolutionary Cuba and balance farce with menace. The production's themes of misinformation, manufactured intelligence, bureaucratic credulity and political paranoia are presented as especially relevant to contemporary audiences.

Trowbridge Town Council is considering restoring the museum’s former name, Trowbridge Museum and Art Gallery. Councillor Julie Vine says the institution’s expanded exhibitions, community art projects and creative activities now warrant recognition in its name, which could help attract audiences, partnerships, sponsorship and arts funding. Final approval would come from the full council.

Volunteers working with Trowbridge Town Council are developing proposals for a permanent bike track and ramps, aiming to raise £100,000 to replace unsafe unofficial structures. The Paxcroft Bike Ramp Project, made up of ten volunteers, is addressing safety issues, resident concerns about antisocial behaviour and noise, and temporary measures for young riders. A public engagement event is planned for July to gather input on location and design while fundraising preparations continue, with updates shared via Councillor Mel Jacob’s social media channels.