Live Events
Photo: Bob May
Janet Street-Porter
is off the leash
From a bolshy child with a Welsh-speaking budgie to National Treasure, Janet Street-Porter’s life (and language) has always been colourful.
As a broadcaster, television executive and newspaper editor she was at the forefront of some of Britain’s most enduring cultural moments. Now she finds herself with a senior railcard and 4 ex-husbands. The nation’s favourite pissed-off pensioner brings comedy, tragedy and gossip in equal measure, a tour de force rant against growing old gracefully.
Often imitated but rarely equalled, in the words of her good friend Elton, “the bitch is back”!
Ropetackle Storytellers presents
Jekyll & Hyde
Utterson, the lawyer, has a strange case on his hands. One involving blackmail, murder and his close friend Doctor Henry Jekyll.
Through interviews, overheard conversations and confessions, Utterson uncovers the grisly facts that link the celebrated doctor to the monstrous Mr Hyde.
But in this unbelievable story, what can possibly be the truth?
Award-winning performers Amelia Ace Armande and Joshua Crisp reanimate this classic tale, blending the original text with sinuous physicality, mesmerising puppetry and dark humour.
Miranda Sykes
in concert
Miranda Sykes started her career as a musician in 1996 at the age of 18, playing bass guitar in a country rock band. After 2 years’ touring and playing for line dancing in working men’s clubs across Britain, folk-rock band Pressgang were looking for a bass player. Miranda spent the next 2 years touring internationally with them.
After a few years of musical promiscuity playing with Firebrand, Little Johnny England, Robb Johnson, Bill Jones, Steáfán Hannigan, Reg Meuross, Kirsty McGee, The Phil Beer Band, Martyn Joseph and The Scoville Units, Miranda depped for Pete Zorn in the 2004 Show Of Hands festival band line up. She worked with them for the next 20 years.
Miranda also found time for a short tour and album with the Miranda Sykes Band in 2005, duo album tours with mandolin player Rex Preston and 2 solo albums. 2024 brings a second tour with Hannah Martin, a new Baring-Gould Centenary project with Jim Causley, summer festivals with vocal group Daphne’s Flight, a tour with The Phil Beer Trio and a new solo album and tour “Out Of The Woods”.
The Classic Blues Show
From BB King to Buddy Guy, from Jimmy Rogers to Jimi Hendrix – The Classic Blues Show celebrates the finest blues music from the last 60 years.
Spend an evening in the company of this fine 6-piece band with their music and stories, and feel the blues come alive. Driving guitar riffs, matched by a jazz-themed horn section, make this a show to remember.
Shropshire Drama Company presents
John Godber's Bouncers
Set in a night club during the 1980s, Bouncers is a hilarious, fast-moving, raw and physical play about an evening on the town seen from the viewpoint of four men on the door – Lucky Eric, Jedd, Les and Ralph.
The men are at once themselves and then every character they happen to meet, whether they are boys looking to get lucky or girls looking to make do. Audiences will be transported back to the era of bright colours, shoulder pads, fingerless gloves, leg warmers and the very best in 80s’ pop music!
Suitable for audiences 14+
The Edge Comedy Club
Scott Bennett
KAte Smurthwaite
Sean Heydon
SCOTT BENNETT
After starting comedy in late 2009, Scott is a stand-up comedian and writer whose star is most definitely on the rise. His last two shows Leap Year and Relax were nominated for ‘Best Show’ at the Leicester Comedy Festival and has been named by Chortle as One To Watch for 2018 and 19.
His debut hour stand up show About a Roy was nominated for the highly acclaimed Amused Moose Comedy Award and was selected as one of the top ten shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2015.
In 2021 he recorded his debut for Live at the Apollo BBC1. You will have heard him as a regular guest on BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, The Now Show, The Likely Dads and Elephant in the Room with Sarah Millican. He also appeared on The Summer Festival with Daliso Chaponda, The Comedy Club with Arthur Smith, and Knock Knock with Helen Lederer. In 2018, he also featured on the BBC One show, Live from The Edinburgh Fringe. He also features on the new Nationwide adverts, released in 2020 and 2021.
During the lockdown of 2020, Scott pioneered the viral hit, Stand up from the Shed, a weekly topical live streamed stand up show from his actual garden shed. The show achieved national coverage in the press, Sky News, BBC News and Five Live. At the end of 2020, in the Comics Comic awards Scott was voted “Best Act” a prestigious award decided by comedians and promoters in the industry. Previous winners include, Mick Ferry, Zoe Lyons and Ian Stone. In 2022 he was nominated as Best Club Comedian in the Chortle awards.
KATE SMURTHWAITE
Kate Smurthwaite is a left wing, feminist, atheist, polyamorous comedian and activist. She is also the host and star of the News at Kate video series.
She performs stand-up comedy at all the major clubs in the UK and around the world. She was most recently touring her 14th one-woman show Bitch which previewed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
In 2013 she won a Three Week’s Editor’s Choice Award naming her One of the Ten Best Things about the Edinburgh Fringe. In 2014 she was nominated for the Emma Humphreys Memorial Prize for campaigning against violence against women. Kate has appeared as a panellist on Question Time, The Big Questions, This Morning, BBC News, Sky News, Woman’s Hour, The Today Program, The Moral Maze and Newsnight.
SEAN HEYDON
Sean Heydon has been performing in some of the world’s most prestigious venues for A-list celebrities and blue chip companies for over 15 years now with his unique style of madcap comedy and magic.
Sean has many television credits to his name including Soccer AM on Sky One and for three seasons he was the resident magician on The Paul O’Grady Show on Channel 4.
Sean is a multi-award winning entertainer. Sean has won numerous awards for his headlining appearances at Comedy Clubs and Corporate events including ‘Specialty Act of the Year’. This was awarded by some of the finest agents and talent bookers in the UK.
The Rat Pack Christmas In Vegas
Swing into the Christmas season with The Rat Pack and their famous Christmas Concert. The Official UK No: 1 Tribute show as voted by The
Agents Association of Great Britain for three successive years, arrives direct From London’s Leicester Square Theatre, The 02 and a Royal
Command Performance.
The acclaimed David Alacey (Lovejoy & Inspector Alleyn) stars as Frank Sinatra alongside Paul Drakeley (Inside Out – BBC) as Dean Martin. They are joined by former Eastenders star and ITV’s (Central News) “Mr Weather” – Des Coleman as Sammy Davis Jnr in the original Rat Pack show, now celebrating its 25th record breaking year.
Together they amaze audiences with their recreation of a magical Christmas at The Sands with Sinatra, Martin and Davis in this sensational show which brings the style, glamour and excitement of the Las Vegas heyday to vivid life. Including all the great hits – My Way, Mr Bojangles, New York New York, Amore, Fly Me To The Moon and seasonal classics such as Winter Wonderland, Let It Snow and of course White Christmas.
Just as Frank, Dean and Sammy were joined on stage at The Sands by surprise Special Guests, that element of theatrical magic is recreated in this show with appearances by the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Nancy Sinatra and Liza Minnelli adding even more glamour to this stylish production.
This yuletide treat for all the family, also features the fabulous Buddy Greco All-stars under the direction of BBC Musical Director Mac Shone at the Piano – Christmas Memories really are made of this!
The Edge Comedy Club CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
COMEDIANS & CAROLS
(once in your very own city)
with
Paul Kerensa
Daliso Chaponda
Jo Enright
THE EDGE COMEDY CLUB CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
COMEDIANS AND CAROLS (once in your very own city)
Now in its 16th year, Paul Kerensa brings unique festive comedy bonanza, singalong carols, general joyous fun and stand up-hilarity. This is the original and best of this bizarrely popular festive hybrid of a comedy show and a carol sing-along. Paul acts as MC and choirmaster with guest performers Daliso Chaponda and Jo Enright taking the stage (acts will be performing clean swear free sets so this night is open to ages 11+)
With twists on familiar carols on the big screen, stand-up, music, magic, mince pies and mulled wine, it’s become a fixture for many venues each Christmas season.
It’s the perfect occasion for Much Wenlock folks and Scrooges alike to come together for hohohos and hahahas!
PAUL KERENSA
Since 2008, Paul Kerensa’s seasonal entertainment show ‘Comedy and Carols’ has played to thousands of festive fun-seekers at dozens of churches, theatres and other venues. You’ll find festive clean sets from a host of entertainers, as well as fun new takes on Christmas music.
It’s an accessible event for all from atheist to archbishop! The comedy sets are family friendly (though age 11+ is a good guide, due to attention span).
Award-winning Miranda/Not Going Out writer Paul Kerensa has created and curated this show since it began.
“A fun evening received well by all, it added a fresh dynamic element to our Christmas programme. A great way to celebrate.” Paul Folland, Letchworth Family Church
“A brilliant writer, fantastic communicator, deep thinker and most importantly, extremely decent bloke.” Chris Evans
DALISO CHAPONDA
Daliso Chaponda is a versatile writer and a comedian who regularly performs across Africa and in the UK. He is a versatile comedian and in one week performed a set in Silhouettes Strip Club in Birmingham and then, two days later, did an all-ages one hour show about faith and family at the 2007 Greenbelt Christian Festival. ‘Everything is funny,’ he told a reporter from iafrica.com. ‘Why restrict yourself?’.
Daliso has also been known to jump on planes and tell jokes anywhere on the globe (even on the planes – whether the passenger next to him wants to listen or not). He has been part of the Melbourne, Montreal, Edinburgh and Cape Town Festivals.
In 2011 Daliso began a project called ‘Laughrica’, a one man show in Malawi and followed it up with appearances in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Nigeria. Daliso has also performed in countries as diverse as Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia and Sri Lanka to Jordan, Australia, Belgium, Switzerland, Romania and the Czech Republic. Daliso also continues to dominate the African comedy scene. He recently performed in front of over two thousand people at the Stand-Up Africa concert in Johannesburg, South Africa as well as also recently performing at the sell-out
Presidents Of Laughrica shows in Malawi.
JO ENRIGHT
For more than a decade Jo Enright has worked with many of the UK’s leading comedy writers and directors. As a regular collaborator with Ricky Gervais and Peter Kay Jo has starred on numerous Netflix, HBO, BBC, ITV and Channel 4 productions. Amongst other performances Jo has recently appeared in Ricky Gervais’ 2022 Netflix smash hit After Life, Guz Khan’s Man Like Mobeen, Peter Kay’s much loved Phoenix Nights and Steve Coogan’s I’m Alan Partridge and. She received rave reviews for playing the female lead Sue, in Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s HBO series Life’s Too Short, and the part of Angela in three series of the ITV and Netflix’s The Job Lot.
Alongside acting Jo is also a highly acclaimed stand up comedienne, appearing on many TV shows and touring all over the world performing her stand up. Jo has been Comedian of the year at the Leicester Comedy Festival, won the Chortle Award for ‘The Best Female Circuit Comic’ and the ‘Best Female on the Jongleurs Comedy Circuit’ award.
As a successful voiceover artist Jo has appeared in ads for many brands including Anchor Butter, Apertina Cheese and KFC.
Santa’s Christmas Party
- the show where every child receives a present from Santa!
Following last year’s sell-out performances, Honalee Media are delighted to present a brand new show this festive season…
Christmas is the busiest time of year at the North Pole, when Father Christmas makes presents to deliver across the whole world… and when everyone gets ready for Santa’s Christmas Party!
But this year somebody has been up to mischief…
Dotty the Elf’s decorations have gone missing, Dasher the Reindeer’s party games are broken, and what has happened to Pompom the Penguin’s Christmas music?
It looks as though somebody wants to stop Santa’s Christmas Party – and that someone is Jack Frost!
Help get Santa’s Christmas Party back on track in an adventure full of fun, festive songs and party games. Then meet Santa at his home in the North Pole, where every child will receive a special present from him, after the most Christmassy Christmas show ever – HO-HO-HO!
Songs include festive favourites Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, The Twelve Days Of Christmas, We Wish You A Merry Christmas and more!
Santa’s Christmas Party is a 45 minute, interactive family show, particularly suitable for 2-8 year olds, after which the adventure continues as each child gets the chance to receive a special present from Father Christmas in our popular meet, greet and treat!
An Evening with the Founder of Cuan Wildlife Rescue
From Personal Journey to Wildlife Rescue
Join us for a moving and inspiring evening with Megan Morris-Jones, the heart and vision behind Cuan Wildlife Rescue.
Having been the only girl attending a boys’ boarding school, Megan learned early what it meant to stand up for herself, persevere, and stay true to her passions. Those experiences shaped a lifelong commitment to giving a voice to the vulnerable—especially animals who cannot speak for themselves.
Her story is sometimes sad, often humorous, and always deeply emotional—a journey of challenges, triumphs, and unforgettable encounters with wildlife.
Hear first-hand stories from her remarkable life journey Find out what shaped this remarkable woman to create one of the UK’s largest wildlife rescue charities Learn how compassion can change the world—for humans and animals alike.
All proceeds from the evening will support the ongoing rescue and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife.
Come for the stories, stay for the inspiration—and leave knowing you’re part of a legacy of hope for wildlife.
Luke Jackson
in concert
Canterbury based singer songwriter Luke Jackson has been touring and recording for over 10 years now, steadily developing an enviable reputation for himself in the Folk, Roots, Americana & Acoustic circuits.
In addition to the UK, Luke regularly tours across Europe, USA and Canada.
Between his debut album ‘More Than Boys’, through to his latest release in 2022, (coincidentally a re-recorded 10th anniversary version of ‘More Than Boys’) 5 records, including a live album were released to high praise and 5* reviews!
September 2019 marked his first full solo tour in the USA and his last full length studio album ‘Journals’ was released in November that year to great reviews and was made ‘Album of the Year’ by Fatea Magazine, with R2 Magazine saying ‘Journals’ is an excellent album from a very special singer with a great repertoire, fully confirming his star potential beyond the folk scene’.
After going back to both Europe and the USA in early 2020 for another two successful tours., Luke kept himself busy throughout 2020 and engaged with the musical community through a series of themed live stream shows. After a bit of a creative writing surge, released a 7 track EP in early 2021 of songs written during lockdown called ‘Of The Time’ which garnered great reviews with ‘At The Barrier’ noting “At a time when the gift of music is something to cherish, ‘Of The Time’ is an inspired offering” and it was subsequently voted 2021 EP of the Year by Fatea Magazine!
2022 turned out to be one of Luke’s most successful years yet. It started with a prestigious support slot opening for Fairport Convention on their Winter Tour, a dream run of openers for Richard Thompson, two weeks songwriting and performing in Nashville, including a show at the iconic Bluebird Cafe, a run of shows supporting the legendary Marillion and to finish off the year, several openers with the wonderful Jools Holland.
Luke continues to tour relentlessly in his own right, either solo or as a trio with bassist & drummer & 2023 is already shaping up to be another exciting year of shows with a full album release planned for late summer.
“Blessed with one of those soulful, heaven-sent voices that soars with emotion or plunges into brooding intensity.” – The Musician Magazine
“He is one of the most distinctive voices, both literally and figuratively, on the contemporary folk scene.” – Folk Radio UK
“I was hugely impressed by every part of Luke’s music – he’s a great singer, writer and performer, a striking new voice.” – Frank Turner
“Reminds me of Jeff Buckley, which can only be a good thing.” – Mark Radcliffe BBC Radio 2
Relive the Magic
A Ticket to Ride with The Fourmost
Step aboard for a captivating journey back to one of music’s most exciting periods with the incredible Fourmost. As true veterans of the Merseybeat scene and beyond, they bring an unparalleled authenticity and passion to the stage, performing a beloved collection of hits that have stood the test of time.
This dynamic show features a vibrant “hit parade,” diving deep into the songbooks of the era’s most influential bands. You’ll hear iconic tracks from The Beatles, The Searchers, The Hollies, The Kinks, The Who, The Move, alongside The Fourmost’s own celebrated repertoire. Each song is a postcard from the past, performed with the energy and precision that made them legendary.
“A Ticket to Ride” is far more than a traditional concert – it’s a heartfelt tribute and a nostalgic voyage. It captures the very essence of Beatlemania and the seismic cultural shift of the 1960s. Expect an authentic 60s vibe brought to life through stunning musicianship and a genuine connection to the era. This is an immersive and thoroughly entertaining experience that promises to evoke cherished memories and introduce a new generation to the timeless soundtrack of a revolution. Get your ticket for this unforgettable ride!
Naissance
in concert
The duo of pianist John Law and saxophonist Jon Lloyd is called Naissance. They play beautiful and emotionally engaging music which blends jazz, classical, minimalist and European folk music into a seamless whole. The European “ECM” record label best represents this genre of music. Their work has been described as “Music of contemplation and renewal”.
“Beautifully conceived and often haunting music… positively ECM.”
Robert Shore, Jazzwise, September 2024
Done To Death, By Jove!
Created and performed by Nicholas Collett and Gavin Robertson
The Great British Detective tradition! Holmes and Watson meet Poirot and Miss Marple (alongside the usual suspects) in a spoof homage – who murdered Lady Fanshawe!? Why is Matron Maudesly so friendly with one of the guests at the Clinic of Hopes and Cures!? Why have the sound cues got mixed up?
Made all the more tricky to tell, as theatrical knights, Sir Gavin of Robertson and Sir Nicholas of Collett attempt this 6-actor show, given the other 4 are stuck in a broken-down van on the M6. With only the two of them to play all the assigned roles, what could possibly go wrong?
Re-interpreting ‘The Art of Coarse Acting’ with a farcical result, it’s time to guess WhoDunWhat and how…
Warning: Contains hats!
An Evening with Status Quo's John Coghlan
An intimate evening with legendary Status Quo drummer John Coghlan, who was a founding member of Quo and played in the band between 1962 and 1981, during the band’s most successful and respected years, becoming one of the biggest bands of all time.
He has also been named on many occasions as one of the greatest rock drummers of all time, and played on numerous worldwide hit singles, number one albums, and rock anthems such as ‘Down Down’, ‘Pictures Of Matchstick Men’, ‘Rockin’ All Over The World’, ‘Caroline’, ‘Roll Over Lay Down’, ‘Whatever You Want’, and many more.
In a brand new show for 2026, John tells the real stories and tales of Status Quo’s iconic Frantic Four years, the long awaited Quo reunion in 2013, and what life was really like as a member of one of the world’s most successful ever rock bands.
Hosted by Dave Sweetmore, with special guest John’s wife and manager Gillie Coghlan.
Man of the World
The Music of Peter Green
Celebrating the life and music of Peter Green, founder of the original Fleetwood Mac. Guitarist Remi Harris will be joined by vocalist Dave Small, bassist Tom Moore and Shane Dixon on drums to perform music from throughout Peter Green’s career. Including such classics as Man Of The World, Black Magic Woman, Need Your Love So Bad, Albatross and The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown).
“A highly enjoyable show that featured some much loved material from the ‘Golden Era’ of the first edition of Fleetwood Mac, alongside some less familiar gems from the Bluesbreakers’ catalogue… The standard of the playing was excellent throughout”
thejazzmann.com
“this was a band that brought vivid life to the songs and instrumentals written and performed by Peter Green… The songs were treated with proper respect, but each of the musicians played things with taste and accuracy”
Lichfield Live
The Rigmarollers
in concert
‘21st Century Speakeasy Music’
The Rigmarollers pack out shows with their joyous take on the blues. They have risen quickly to become festival headliners and are growing their following all the time.
Cerys Matthews highlighted them on her Radio 2 Blues Show, while Jazz FM’s David Freeman praised them on Blues & Boogie. They have been featured in Blues in Britain and Blues Blast (USA) magazines.
It takes just three of them to make a massive sound, blending vocals, harmonica, guitar, sousaphone and percussion.
The Rigmarollers are always looking to add new songs to their setlist and plan to record their next album of original music later this year, to follow up 2024’s ‘21st Century Speakeasy’, from which the lead single and video The Duke of Rent has gained cult status.
Ed Hopwood is a harmonica virtuoso, steeped in the blues, who honed his skills playing with celebrated UK musicians. Julian Marshall has travelled the world to play music in many traditions. Ewan Penkey is highly acclaimed for his mastery of the sousaphone and double bass.
Together they blast out a completely fresh sound, getting crowds dancing and singing wherever they play.
The Rigmarollers’ shows sell out across London and the UK. They are popular regulars at the celebrated Green Note in Camden, and among many festivals they have played Sidmouth Jazz & Blues, Fire in the Mountain, The Idler, Bimble Bandada, Ealing Blues, Upton Blues, Purbeck Valley, Leek Blues & Americana.
“Really love that. It chugs along nicely, doesn’t it?” Cerys Matthews, BBC Radio 2
“I like the upbeatness. Lifts the mood.” David Freeman, Jazz FM
“Refreshingly joyful.” Blues in Britain Magazine
“A lot of fun.” Blues Blast Magazine (USA)
“You guys really get it” Robert Hokum, Ealing Blues Festival
“The Rigmarollers were a joy” Bournemouth Echo
“Band of the festival” Jim Bailey, Leek Blues & Americana
21st Century Speakeasy and Mr Crump Don’t Like It albums on all streaming sites.
The Duke of Rent video is on YouTube.
Little Wander presents…
Ria Lina - Riabellion
Following her killer debut tour, Riawakening (Top Ten Best Stand-up Shows of 2024 – Telegraph), the wickedly funny Ria Lina realised she wasn’t just awake, she was ready to rebel. Expect a relentless stream of hilarity as Ria explores the state of the world, the eternal battle of the sexes, and the delight of throwing life up in the air after years of following the rules.
Much loved in the industry, this multi-award winner commands the stage with a whirlwind of energy and leaves audiences breathless with laughter. Her extensive list of credits includes Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You?, Mock the Week, co-hosting Pointless, Lovestruck High, Richard Osman’s House of Games, The Last Leg and Celebrity Mastermind.
“Fearless, provocative, and very funny” (The Scotsman), Ria Lina is a highly accomplished comedian, writer and actor. After a critically acclaimed stand-out debut on Mock The Week (BBC), Ria has quickly become a household name. A hugely admired act on the UK comedy circuit, this multi-award-winning artist commands respect from the moment she walks onstage and delivers with natural ease, energy and fierceness. Ria is the most prominent Filipina comedian in British stand-up. She has a BSc in Experimental Pathology, an MSc in Forensic Science and a PhD in Virology under her belt, so it’s not only Ria’s comedy that’s highly Intelligent.
Reviews of Riabellion:
“razor sharp.. savage satire… not to be missed” Daily Business Group
“It’s illuminating and entertaining” Daily Mail
“a sharp, exceptionally polished hour of comedy” Corr Blimey
“Lina is a whirling firebrand of energy and activity” Entertainment Now
“bitingly brilliant” The List
“very funny” Neurodiverse Review
”hilarious stuff” On the Mic
“an hour that passes all too quickly” One4Review
“a whirling firebrand of energy… producing material at a mile a minute” Entertainment Now
Photo credit: Rachel Berkowitz
Red Dragonfly Productions and Grist to the Mill Productions present
The Ballad of Mulan
Woman, warrior, legend. For ten years Mulan disguised as a man, has fought for the Chinese Empire. Now the fighting is coming to an end, one last battle and she will be going home – but can she return to her old life, become a woman again. A search for identity in a violent world.
Commissioned by and performed by West Yorkshire-born British-Chinese actress Michelle Yim, developed with the support and funding from Arts Council England.
Produced by the team behind Edfringe Sell-Out ‘The Unknown Soldier’ Grist to the Mill, in collaboration with British East Asian theatre company Red Dragonfly Productions, we bring you the real Chinese heroine that inspired Disney’s animation and live-feature Mulan.
‘A powerful exploration of gender, war, and identity, as relevant and timely today as ever. Expect a little humour, a lot of heart and a refreshing focus on the darker aspects of a familiar tale’ ★★★★ Tulpa Magaine, Adelaide Fringe
The Alex Voysey Blues Band presents
Best of the Blues
Alex Voysey is one of the most exciting emerging artists on the current UK Blues scene with a core following built on the reputation of exhilarating and virtuosic blues rock live performances and phenomenal musicianship – a band that excites audiences wherever they go.
‘Best of the Blues’ combines tracks from Alex’s IBBA no.1 album ‘Blues In Isolation’ with material from the greatest blues artists who have been his inspiration over the last ten years – Joe Bonamassa, Stevie Ray Vaughan, BB King, Keb Mo and many more…
Recently nominated as one of only 5 bands to compete in the UK Blues Challenge, their new album ‘Blues In Isolation’ reached the prestigious number one slot in the IBBA charts in May 2024, ‘an album full of stunning guitar virtuosity’ Blues In Britain. Co-produced by Paul Long (Catfish/BB King/BBC Radio 2) and drummer Paul Arthurs it launched to a sold-out Cheltenham Playhouse featuring original material that is at once engaging, complex and memorable.
Nominated for Contemporary Blues Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Emerging Artist of the Year in the 2025 UK Blues Federation Awards
Wenlock Extravaganza
Band on The Edge &
The Orchestra of Folk
After last year’s successful Extravaganza, we present another night of celebration with two of our most popular local bands from our lovely town.
BAND ON THE EDGE
*newly reformed for this special evening*
Hot jazz from the 1920s onwards; swing, funk and ballads delivered with their usual panache and showmanship. Not to be missed!
THE ORCHESTRA OF FOLK
Regular performers at Wenlock Pottery, the Orchestra plays a variety of musical styles – folk, pop, and fusions of the traditional and modern – quite unusual and enthralling. Another not to be missed!
Come and join us – see two great bands at our wonderful Arts Centre!
Saturday 4 April 2026
Doors 18.30 Show 19.30
Tickets £30
Premium Tickets £45
Meet'n'Greet Tickets £75
Go West
We Close Our Eyes, And Other Stories: An Intimate Evening With Singer Peter Cox
Go West arrived on the charts like a comet. With classic hits like We Close Our Eyes, Call Me, Faithful, and King of Wishful Thinking, which featured on the Julia Roberts hit film, Pretty Woman, lead singer Peter Cox became an instant pin-up.
A BRIT Award nomination followed as the band received platinum and gold discs for a recording career that spanned four decades. And now singer Peter Cox is looking back on that stellar career.
In his intimate show, he’ll revisit the hits while looking back on featuring in Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky soundtrack, scoring a double-platinum debut album, teaming up with Spandau Ballet’s Tony Hadley and, more recently, selling out London Palladium, as well featuring at multiple Rewind festivals.
Our Star Theatre Company presents
The Invisible Man
The thought of invisibility, and the advantages it could bring to someone, has captured the imagination of millions since HG Wells’ classic story was first published. The Invisible Man has been adapted many times for film, but rarely for the stage.
This original, fast-paced and riotous adaptation boasts 15 characters, played by just three energetic actors, aided by quick and silly costume changes, prop manipulation, whacky imagination and tons of tongue-and-cheek fun!
This theatrical, comedic re-telling is brought to you by Our Star Theatre Company, after their hugely successful 2023 UK tour and critically acclaimed sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Huey Morgan
Fun Lovin' Criminal
You may have encountered the dynamic personality of Huey Morgan in many ways. Frontman, radio and television broadcaster, author and DJ, Huey is many things at once. Coming to prominence as the frontman and driving force of the eclectic American Rap/Rock outfit Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Morgan led the band from 1993 – 2021. Best known for the hit record Scooby Snacks, Fun Lovin’ Criminals released 6 albums between 1996 and 2010 and sold over 10 million records.
As host of The Huey Show on BBC Radio 6 since 2008, Morgan is a cherished voice on national radio in the UK, where he hosts a mix of Hip Hop, Soul, Punk, Funk, Rock and everything in between to his listeners. A charismatic, authentic, passionate, and popular renegade himself, Huey’s groove is infectious. And now he’s heading out on his solo tour – mixing music and chat – so fans can get up close and personal with Huey Morgan – The Fun Lovin’ Criminal.
Saturday 18 April 2026
Doors 18.30 Show 19.30
Tickets: £30
Premium Tickets: £45
Meet'n'Greet Tickets: £75
John Power
Cast, The La’s, and Me
An Intimate Evening with Singer/Songwriter John Power
John Power had the best rock’n’roll apprenticeship ever–playing bass as an 18-year-old in The La’s. Forming Cast in 1991, he sang, wrote songs, and played guitar for one of Britpop’s pre-eminent bands–securing two platinum-selling records before returning to the charts in 2024 with the magnificent Love Is The Call.
Power’s solo career produced some of his best work and through the summer of 2026 Cast joined Oasis at their football stadium tour. Now it’s time to reflect on Britpop, the hits – Alright, Sandstorm, Walkaway, Flying and more – in this intimate show that mixes John’s best-loved songs with wild, funny, and tender stories.
Tin Cat Entertainment proudly presents…
Fun! with Barbara Nice
5-star award-winning entertainment from the tip-top Queen of Comedy.
In Barbra Streisand’s recent autobiography, she says: “I haven’t had much fun in my life, to tell you the truth. And I want to have more fun.”
Join ordinary housewife extraordinaire Barbara Nice for a laugh-out-loud joyful get-together as we reconnect with what makes life worth living.
Barbara says “In these dark days, we need to find fun whenever we piggin’ can”. Expect Barbara’s unique comic insights into the current state of play on how we are all getting on.
This smashin’ show is suitable for anyone aged from fourteen to four score & ten, guaranteed to lift the spirits and put a spring in your step.
Edinburgh Festival regular and comedy circuit headliner Barbara Nice brings out the hidden joy in all of us.
Age: 14+
Running time: 2 x 45 mins, plus 20 min interval
A message from Barbara about fun & laughter:
“Laughter is the noise we make when we make connections. It’s like a two live wires meeting. Me and Vera and were talking about laughter and why we make the noise – we came up with idea that it’s when two opposing forces or ideas meet head on and the energy of the clash between them makes a thunderclap of laughter. Is this a new idea?”
#BarbarasBigBangTheory
Laughter is loud and attracts attention, it’s a signifier to tell others there is something good and important going on – Fun!
Fun increases the production of positive hormones, namely oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine. These are neurotransmitters that improve your brain activity. So, Fun! is guaranteed to make you feel better.
Henry Wagons
CASH The American Recordings
No country music icon has the depth, enigma and songwriting weight of Johnny Cash, and there’s nobody better suited to honour and revitalize this legacy than Australian outlaw country founding-figure and brooding baritone Henry Wagons.
Known as the “Man in Black”, Cash’s music has always embraced the existential void and stared down the darkness head-on. No period of his esteemed career did this more so than his infamous, late-career American Recordings albums recorded with creative guru Rick Rubin. Across the course of these six albums released between 1996 and 2006, Cash’s every syllable serves as both a show-down and an embrace of death itself. These American Recordings records were the instigators for Henry Wagons to pick up the guitar and serve as the embryo for an esteemed career playing his own brand of gothic country music over a quarter century. Now, spanning space and time, these two Titans of twang, Cash and Wagons, perfectly intertwine in this new show honouring the songs, arrangements and stories behind these perfectly curated songs.
In CASH: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE AMERICAN RECORDINGS, HENRY WAGONS will lean into the deep mythology and sound of The American Recordings Albums. Featuring the favourites Solitary Man (Neil Diamond), I Hung My Head (Sting), The Mercy Seat (Nick Cave), Hurt (Nine Inch Nails), One (U2) and more, Wagons and his band The Tennessee Studs will re-create the sonic depth, poise and ominous force of the original recordings, as if you were sitting with Cash and Rubin in the control room.
Saturday 10 October 2026
Doors 18.30 Show 19.30
Tickets: £30
Premium Tickets: £45
Meet'n'Greet Tickets: £75
Superstar
A Musical Evening with Ben Forster
Featuring The Phantom Of The Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar & other West End hits
Ben Forster hit the big time when he won Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Superstar, on ITV, in 2012. Going onto star in the sell-out arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, he became one of the West End’s Leading Men.
Playing the title character in Lloyd Webber’s musical adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera, more success followed. There were other hits before and after – including Grease, Thriller – Live, The Rocky Horror Show, Evita, Elf, and more.
The tour follows the release of Ben’s new record – Musical’s Greatest Hits, on Westway Music – and in this intimate show, Ben will sing the hit songs that made him a star – as well as sharing captivating stories about his life in the limelight.
Saturday 7 November 2026
Doors 18.30 Show 19.30
Tickets: £30
Premium Tickets: £45
Meet'n'Greet Tickets: £75
Shaun Ryder
Happy Mondays, and Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays
He’s the wild man of rock who became a national treasure. Happy Mondays and Black Grape frontman Shaun Ryder is hitting the road for a new, spoken word tour.
The star of more-TV-shows-than-anyone-has-a-right-to-feature-on – including Celebrity Gogglebox, and I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, among many others – redefined the sex’n’drugs’n’rock’n’roll lifestyle during the halcyon age of Madchester.
He’s touring in support of his new book: Happy Mondays – and Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays. Fans can look forward to a carnival of excess, wild tales, and improbable truths, as they enjoy the talents of a unique rock’n’roll star dubbed Britpop’s answer to WB Yeats. Strap yourselves in and say Hallelujah for Shaun.