THERE is a (small) handful of seats left at Bath Theatre Royal on Sunday 7th July to see and hear Patti Smith, one of the iconic figures of the music world and named as one of TIME’s 100 most influential people in the worl.

The pioneering American artist was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. As a poet, singer, songwriter, fine artist, and New York Times bestselling author, she has produced a body of work with the kind of influence that reaches through generations, across disciplines, and around the world.

Her debut album, Horses, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Three years later came Easter, which includes the unforgettable Because the Night, written by Smith and Bruce Springsteen, and still just the best thing to play at maximum volume in the car wash, or driving up the road with all the windows open.

Patti comes to Bath as part of Ralph Fiennes’ summer season, and will be accompanied by members of her touring band Tony Shanahan and Jackson Smith.

The second “solo” show of the series, which runs alongside four plays, will be an evening of spoken word by musician, lyricist, performer, poet, playwright and author Kae Tempest on 13th July, and tickets are still available.

The season of plays has started with the premiere of Grace Pervades, which runs until 19th July, and is followed by As You Like It, from 15th August until 6 September.    The final play, Small Hotel, opens on 3rd October and runs to 18th.  For full details, visit the Bath Theatre Royal website.