Hen & Chicken

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Markus Birdman
2025-03-29 20:00 - 22:30 UTC | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Markus Birdman featuring Robin Morgan & compere Malinda Mukuma
Stand Up For The Weekend is our flagship weekly comedy show from The Comedy Box, featuring top circuit headliners and guest acts plus incredibly funny and engaging comperes who host the show. A choice of table seats, reserved row seats and unreserved row seats are available to book online.
Headliner: MARKUS BIRDMAN
Laugh, marvel and cry at the completely spell-binding Markus Birdman. He is a master of comic timing and isn’t afraid to push what society deems appropriate.
He is one of British comedy’s most experienced and well-travelled performers. In demand all over the UK and abroad, Markus is a veteran of the Edinburgh Fringe with many solo shows to his credit and headliner status at all the top clubs. He’s performed at the Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth Comedy Festivals and was nominated by the New Zealand Comedy Guild for Best International Guest.

Comedy: Scott Bennett STUFF
2025-03-28 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
As heard on BBC Radio 4!

As a society we love stuff, it’s a statement about who we are and who we want to be. But apparently, this message is at odds with the looming environmental crisis. We’re now struggling to balance these worlds, to focus on the things that bring us real connections and nourish the soul. Award-winning Comedian and Award-winning Product Designer, Scott Bennett is desperately trying to cleanse his life of stuff, but is this even possible anymore?

Tour support for Mickey Flanagan, Rob Brydon Jason Manford, and John Bishop. The star of Live at the Apollo, The News Quiz, The Now Show, The Ultimate Choice and Chortle Best Club Comedian Nominee 2022.

Music: Phonseca Album Launch
2025-03-28 19:30 - 23:00 | Chicken Shed
Phonseca launch their first new music in 5 years with their new album Everything Lasts Forever.
With excellent support from Alex Comaish and DJ Chris Faulkner.
Phonseca is the Synthpop/Ambient/Electronica project, which brings together Bristol’s much respected keys/synth player, classically trained pianist Matthew O’Connor and brilliant Swedish vocalist Kristina Sheppard.
Matthew has a rich musical background, bringing his talent to bands across the musical spectrum from House to Shoegaze, Psyche to Soundtrack, Electronica, Britpop and Rock.
Inevitably the urge to form a more personal musical landscape saw him starting to write his own music. This started the process which resulted in Between A Dream, the debut album under the name Phonseca.
The album was championed in the UK on BBC Radio 6 Music by both Gideon Coe and Steve Lamacq. With Steve Lamacq featuring it in his “Recommends” show. It also picked up lots of airplay and excellent reviews around the world.
Matthew’s classical training has an influence on his work. In addition to Phonseca, he has composed Library Music where his work has been synched on primetime T.V. like BBC1’s – The One Show and Gardeners World, Channel 5 programs and National T.V. in most of Europe.
This was the catalyst for first writing with Kristina, initially working on songs for a Disney project which followed a chance meeting at a wedding fayre, where they had stalls directly opposite each other.
Since its release, they have spent the past few years promoting the debut album while writing/recording the second “Everything Lasts Forever” which is now ready for release via Old Bad Habits Label.”
Quotes
Jason Small – Small Music Scene
“Matthew is a man with genuine talent that can’t afford to go amiss. Kristina sings with stunning sublime harmonies, honestly the pair should collaborate more in future, they make a great team.”
Steve Lamacq BBC6 Music
“This is a great album, really interesting stuff”

Music: John Law's Congregation
2025-03-27 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
John Law – piano, Sam Crockatt – tenor saxophone, Nick Pini – bass, Alex Goodyear – drums
This is the same rhythm section that played with saxophonist Jon Lloyd in a completely sold-out gig back in January, so hopefully another highly popular gig in the offing. Pianist John Law takes over band-leader and compositional duties for this one, with the excellent Sam Crockatt on saxophone.
Congregation is the name John uses for his quartet playing all his original music, as opposed to Re-Creations – his project we have previously presented in which he radically reworks the material of other composers.
Presenting, alongside new compositions, some of John’s best works from the back catalogue of both Congregation and the Art of Sound trio, this is a return to a purely acoustic quartet, without synths and samples! Featuring works from the Congregation albums Three Leaps of the Gazelle, These Skies In Which We Rust and CONFIGURATION, including I Sink Therefore I Swam, Configuration, Triadic Ballet and from the older trio group, tunes like Bo Peep and the signature hit tune Congregation.
Covering everything from broad, anthem-like melodies and hard-hitting, rhythmically powerful groovers, to slow, poised ballads with meltingly beautiful tunes…
Come and join the Congregation!

Talk: Beware the Ides of Musk
2025-03-27 19:30 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Beware the Ides of Musk — is it time to put the brakes on Elon?
The world’s richest person is seeking to influence British politics.
Unelected and unaccountable, we will talk about Musk – his methods, misinformation and interference.
We’ll ask what we can do to protect democracy and truth in this new era of the American tech oligarch.
Altered State Host Rudy Millard will be joined by:
Cllr Cara Lavan, deputy leader Green Party Group, Bristol City Council
Dr. Marcus Gillroy-Ware, expert in misinformation and new media at SOAS
Prof. Colin Gavaghan, specialist in ethics, law and emerging tech at Bristol University
If have any questions email hello@alteredstate.org.uk

Talk:The Psychology of Autism and Relationships
2025-03-26 07:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Discover the unique aspects of autistic communication and gain practical strategies for strengthening relationships. Followed by Q+A.
Autistic individuals communicate and build relationships in unique ways with both autistic and non-autistic individuals. They may face challenges like camouflaging – adapting or minimising their behaviour to fit in – and social rejection. These experiences can be understood through Double Empathy Theory, which suggests that people with different worldviews may struggle to empathise with each other due to differences in language use and comprehension.
In this talk, Emine Gurbuz will unpack the distinctive nature of autistic communication, through the lens of Double Empathy Theory. She will focus on the role of non-autistic partners and explore how these experiences affect mental health. She will conclude by offering actionable insights and tools to bridge the gap and enhance understanding and communication between autistic and non-autistic individuals.
Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7:30pm – come down early to grab a bite to eat!
Speaker Bio
Emine Gurbuz is a senior lecturer at the University of Portsmouth’s School of Psychology and Sport Sciences. She is part of the Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity Research which examines social interactions across human development. Her research supports families, children and professionals in education, employment and care settings. Emine uses Collaborative Participatory Research Approach to study the experiences of autistic adults using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Talk: Ruby Rare presents The Non-Monogamy Playbook
2025-03-25 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
A practical guide to reframing relationships, embracing the mess, and finding joy
Whether you’re new to non-monogamy, taking your first steps, or already navigating your own polyamorous constellation, the journey can feel overwhelming. In The Non-Monogamy Playbook, Ruby Rare blends practical how-tos, personal experiences, and wider social and political context to help reframe relationships and build confidence in exploring new ways of connecting.
Ruby takes a deep and nuanced approach to non-monogamy, moving beyond superficial advice to address key questions, including:

Why is non-monogamy on the rise now?
What does it mean to decentre monogamy and ‘the couple’ in your life?
Why do we prioritise romantic connections over platonic ones?
How do capitalism and other social structures shape our romantic and sexual lives?
What do non-monogamous breakups look like?
How can we navigate jealousy and communicate more honestly?
How can we centre joy and pleasure in non-monogamous relationships?

This talk offers insights and practical guidance for anyone curious about or practicing non-monogamy, encouraging deeper understanding and more fulfilling connections.
Speaker Bio
Ruby Rare (she/they) is an award-winning sex and relationships expert, passionate about helping people overcome shame through knowledge, empowerment, and celebration. Their work, shaped by experiences as a queer, non-monogamous, dual-heritage person, began with teaching Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) in schools before shifting to adult education. Ruby is an ambassador for Brook, the UK’s leading sexual health charity, and co-hosts The Ins and Outs podcast with Megan Barton-Hanson. A trusted voice in the sex-positive community, Ruby fosters care and curiosity both online and beyond.

Comedy: ESHAAN AKBAR LIVE 2025
2025-03-23 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Eshaan Akbar is back doing jokes on tour! Eshaan’s previous tour, the Pretender, was described by The Times as “pretty sick” (not an actual quote) so this one is likely to be mad good.
Eshaan has supported some of the biggest acts in the UK, including Micky Flanagan, Jason Manford and Kae Kurd, be sure to buy tickets for this much-anticipated tour.
As seen on Sex Education (Netflix), Mock The Week (BBC), QI (BBC), Live At The Apollo (BBC), Comedy Central Live and many more. Forthcoming TV includes The Last Leg (Channel 4) and Pilgrimage (BBC). A long with being heard on award-winning podcasts Have A Word, Ninetwentynine, and Spitting Image, as well as LBC, Times Radio, and Radio 4.

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Ali Woods & Guests
2025-03-22 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Ali Woods featuring Jessie Nixon & Burt Williamson plus compere Jeremy Flynn

Stand Up For The Weekend is our flagship weekly comedy show from The Comedy Box, featuring top circuit headliners and guest acts plus incredibly funny and engaging comperes who host the show. A choice of table seats, reserved row seats and unreserved row seats are available to book online.

Headliner: ALI WOODS
Ali Woods is a half-English, half-Scottish comedian, podcaster and content creator. After a third sell-out Edinburgh Fringe run in 2024, Ali is a refreshing mix of the ‘every man’ and the ‘modern man’, whose sensitivity and genuine interest in men’s mental health gives him a great perspective on the modern ‘lad’ culture which often features in his comedy. Ali is that wonderful blend of comedy with a heart, speaking on topics such as football, the environment, and many social causes close to his heart.

His online comedy sketches under the tag @aliwoodsgigs have gained millions of views and likes, and featured on LadBible and Buzzfeed UK. In 2022, he supported Russell Kane and Axel Blake on tour and in 2024 supported Adam Kay.

In 2024, Ali starred on Comedy Central Live and Stand Up Sketch Show. He also had a third sold out Edinburgh run with his show ‘At the Moment’ he then embarked on his first ever solo tour across the UK and Ireland to sold-out audiences, including a date at Bristol’s Hen & Chicken.

Music: QUICKEXIT
2025-03-21 19:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Quick Exit is a 5-piece band that plays a wide range of generally ‘dancey’ numbers, both old and modern.
We’re excited to have the band performing live upstairs in our event space The Studio!
Join us for an evening filled with great music and dancing. We can’t wait to see you there!
Entrance is free | donate what you can on the door.

Music: Jim Blomfield's Saoco Collective
2025-03-20 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Jim Blomfield – piano, Jonny Bruce – trumpet, Martin Kern – tenor sax, Roshan ‘Tosh’ Wijetunge – bass, Jon Clarke – drums, Lisa Cherian – congas
Recognised as one of the UK’s ﬁnest Latin jazz and salsa pianists, Jim Blomﬁeld has worked with such legends of the genre as Roberto Pla, Henry Fiol and Asere as well as a host of UK names from the world of jazz. Alongside Jim in the rhythm section is the brilliantly dynamic percussion section of Lisa Cherian and Jon Clark, their rhythmic chemistry having evolved from their collective experiences as being much in demand players in ensembles such as Bristol Salsa Orchestra, Dockside Latin Orchestra, Baila La Cumbia and Buena Bristol Social Club. The rhythm section is completed by the ever inventive bass playing of ‘Tosh’ Wijetunge who worked with Jim for several years in a piano trio that released two albums of original contemporary jazz compositions. Alongside Jonny Bruce’s ﬁery latin trumpet virtuosity is the brilliant and soulful Swiss born saxophonist Martin Kern who worked and recorded extensively in both Berlin and Vienna before moving to the UK in 2018.

Podcast: 2 Promoters, 1 Pod SOLD OUT
2025-03-20 19:30 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
With almost 40 years’ combined experience promoting UK music festivals, James Scarlett (2000trees and ArcTanGent) and Gavin McInally (Damnation) don’t just pull back the curtain on the industry, they rip it down and bulldoze through the stage, right into the dressing rooms. What does it take to book Enter Shikari or Opeth? What are the exact costs of setting up a small town on a farm for pop punk fans or transforming an industrial estate into a mecca for metal devotees? And is there such a thing as a booking agent you can trust? With startling honesty, rarely seen in a business full of chancers, Gav and James talk about the highs, the lows and the downright ridiculous – of surviving, and thriving, in the promoting world.

Talk: The Science of ADHD & Psychedelics with Dr James Brown
2025-03-19 19:00 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder in which the brain develops differently, leading to issues with attention, inhibition of thoughts, movements and emotions. This talk will cover how psychedelics work in the brain, how an ADHD brain looks and functions differently to non-ADHD brains, and the emerging evidence that psychedelics may be an effective therapeutic option for some people with ADHD.
The use of psychedelic drugs as therapeutic treatments for psychiatric disorders have led to their use being suggested for other conditions such as ADHD. Join us and discover how!
Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7.30pm – come down early to grab a bite to eat.
Professor James Brown is an academic researcher and science communicator. James was diagnosed with ADHD in 2021. Subsequently, James co-founded and is Chair for the registered UK charity ADHDadultUK, set up the evidence-based online ADHD magazine focusmag.uk and is a co-founder and co-host of The ADHD Adults Podcast. James is also an ADHD Coach and Mentor and provides training, guidance and assistance to organisations around adult ADHD for his company JBHD Ltd.

Muisc: Kevin Montgomery with Jude Johnstone
2025-03-18 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Nashville singer-songwriter Kevin Montgomery returns to Bristol for an evening of music and laughter with his musical friends. The legendary Jude Johnstone opens the show.
Montgomery has written songs for Juice Newton, Martina McBride. Recently, wrote the single “Come to Mine” for Beth Neilsen Chapman’s most recent record with Chapman and Graham Gouldman from 10CC. He is a hardcore troubadour having completed four 50 States in 50 Days tours.
Seating is limited, so get your tickets early.
20 pounds plus booking fee advance/24 on the door.

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Stephen Bailey & Guests
2025-03-15 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Stephen Bailey featuring Eleanor Tiernan & compere Tom Glover

Stand Up For The Weekend is The Comedy Box’s flagship weekly comedy show live at the Hen & Chicken. It features top circuit headliners and guest acts, as well as incredibly funny and engaging comperes who host the show. Online booking is available for table seats, reserved row seats, and unreserved row seats.

Headliner: STEPHEN BAILEY

The multi-award nominated Stephen Bailey is a comedian, presenter, actor and writer whose brand of gossipy humour has singled him out as one of the UK’s most sought-after talents, as well as boasting over 100k followers on Instagram after one of his videos was shared by none other than Melissa McCarthy.

Stephen’s quick-wit, playful sarcasm and enigmatic charm captivates audiences instantly. As well as being a prominent presence on the UK comedy circuit, he has also supported the biggest names in stand-up, including Micky Flanagan on his arena tour, Lucy Beaumont, Katherine Ryan, Jenny Eclair, Jason Manford, John Bishop and Sarah Millican.

Stephen is very much in demand and his numerous TV credits, let alone making a name for himself on Channel 5’s Celebs On The Farm, include hosting BBC’s Live at the Apollo and appearing on shows including Unbreakable, co-host on Date or Drop, alongside Amanda Holden, Would I Lie To You. Richard Osman’s House of Games, Celebrity Bridge of Lies and Celebrity Weakest Link, The Apprentice: You’re Fired, Between The Covers and Strictly: It Takes Two, and Pointless Celebrities. ​

In 2024, Stephen also joined the cast of the hit Channel 5 comedy-drama, The Madame Blanc Mysteries as the menacing John Marsden.​

Most recently, he has recorded BBC’s new stand-up show Live From Barry Island and his debut BBC Radio 4 stand-up special Stephen Bailey: One of Many.

Music: Dee Byrne's Outlines
2025-03-13 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Dee Byrne – alto sax, Nick Malcolm – trumpet, Tom Ward – clarinets, Rebecca Nash – piano, Olie Brice – bass, Andrew Lisle – drums
Dee Byrne has a powerful and innovative sound on alto sax, and is a very creative and original composer. Her album Outlines was released on Whirlwind Recordings in June 2023 and was included in ‘Best Jazz on Bandcamp, July 2023’ and ‘Best of Jazz UK 2023‘ Spotify playlist, with radio play on Jazz FM and BBC Radio 3. The six piece line-up includes local heroes Nick Malcolm and Rebecca Nash.
The band played a sold out show at the Bath Jazz Weekend January 2025 and received some great reviews:
… a contemporary approach to small band, collective, free-wheeling improvisations. Her layered and pulsing themes, driven along by the energy of Olie Brice’s bass and Andrew Lisle on the kit, prepared the ground for some formidable and expansive soloing, not least from Byrne herself – Mike Collins, UK Jazz News
Saxophonist Dee Byrne’s Outlines sextet swung effortlessly from harmonic chorales to free blowing anarchy and back – Tony Benjamin,
Bristol 24/7
I wasn’t the only audience member to enjoy this thrilling blend of composition and improvisation with Byrne’s evocative, colourful and intelligent writing given colourful voice by a supremely talented sextet of hand picked collaborators – Ian Mann, The Jazz Mann

Music: Carter Sampson
2025-03-11 20:00 - 23:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Carter Sampson – singer/ songwriter from Oklahoma City, with a family legacy which includes Roy Orbison, sings straight from the heart – no sugar coating, right down to her red dirt roots and her red cowboy boots.

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Michael Shafar & Guests
2025-03-08 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Michael Shafar featuring Jamie D’Souza & compere Meryl O’Rourke
Stand Up For The Weekend is our flagship weekly comedy show featuring top circuit headliners and guest acts plus incredibly funny and engaging comperes who host the show. A choice of table seats, reserved row seats and unreserved row seats are available to book online.
Headliner: MICHAEL SHAFAR
Originally from Melbourne, Michael Schafar is now based in London where he has quickly become one of the most exciting new acts on the UK comedy circuit. He regularly performs at the country’s biggest clubs where he gets to mock British people for their awful history and terrible food to their faces.​​

If you have lived in Australia, or even just visited there, you might already know Michael from his appearances on Network 10’s The Project and Studio 10, ABC’s Comedy Bites and triple j’s Good Az Friday. Of course, traditional media is dead, so it’s more likely that you might be one of his 100,000+ followers on social media or the 100+ million people who have seen his videos online. You may have also watched his debut special A(LIVE) on Amazon Prime or his most recent special Alright, Next Joke on YouTube.​

Music: Marginal Gains CANCELLED DUE TO ILLNESS
2025-03-07 20:30 - 23:30
Get your ROCKS OFF with a night of 90s and 00s rock and house BANGERS.
Party night with live band & DJ. Playing a selection of 90s and early 00s rock and indie including Ash, Arctic Monkey’s, Blur, Green Day, Nirvana, Oasis, Pulp, Rage Against the Machine, Radiohead Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Killers, and many more.

Comedy: Jake Lambert THE SUNSHINE KID
2025-03-07 20:30 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Second date by popular demand
Jake Lambert returns to Bristol for a second date on his first national tour. Described as “A joke machine” by The Telegraph, the show will see the comedian talk about trying to navigate his way through everyday life, why he has a fear of being normal, and asking why we all feel the need to ask strangers what breed their dogs are.

It seems the perfect time for his first tour too; his online videos have gained over 150million views, he has been supporting Michael McIntyre on his worldwide tour and he will be appearing on the next series of Live at the Apollo.

Comedy: SHABAZ ALI I'M RICH, YOU'RE POOR
2025-03-06 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Join Shabaz Ali, @ShabazSays, as he takes to the stage in his debut live comedy tour. Jam packed with his roaring, on point and hugely requested observations of the mindboggling lengths that are taken to present a ‘perfect’ life online.
From designer ice cubes to Stanley cups and their wild and somewhat varied uses, nothing escapes his withering comedic commentary. A hilarious and interactive show where no one is off limits (including the audience!), that will make you fall in love with your own extraordinary, ordinary life.
Global sensation Shabaz Ali has fast become a pop culture phenomenon. Comedian and author of hit book ‘I’m Rich, You’re Poor’, Shabaz has built a loyal community of millions of followers, who regularly demand his quick-witted take on the latest online craze.

Jazz: Jake McMurchie with Huw Warren
2025-03-06 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Jake McMurchie – tenor sax, Huw Warren – piano, Henrik Jensen – bass, Andy Hague – drums

Talk: The History & Endurance of Witchcraft with Dr Julia Phillips
2025-03-05 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
The traditional stereotype of the witch as an ugly old woman who harms others using supernatural means has a strong hold within the popular imagination, but in modern society other types of witches have emerged, including those who use supernatural means to benefit others, those who follow a nature-based neo-pagan religion, and those who resist the imposition of patriarchal structures and hierarchies.
From among this complex environment of different understandings of witchcraft emerged Modern Pagan Witchcraft, also known as Wicca, in the 1950s. It has been described as one of the fastest growing religions in Western civilisation and it is the only religion that Britain has given to the world. Social media channels abound with specialised groups for witchcraft and Wicca, with numbers measuring in the millions for Facebook and Instagram, and in the billions for views on TikTok. Most YouTube videos relating to Wicca have hundreds of thousands of views, ranging from guides for beginners to advanced discussions. But is it just a trend? Or is there more to the modern revival of witchcraft?
Join Dr Phillips in this enchanting talk to examine beliefs about witchcraft from the witch trials of medieval Europe to its modern expression in the 21st century. Discover the key influencers from 19th century Britain who helped witchcraft endure from its shadowy past to emerge re-born into public awareness in the 1950s.
Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7.30pm – come down early to grab a bite to eat!

Dr Julia Phillips is Hon Senior Research Associate and lecturer at the University of Bristol. She received her PhD for her research examining how witches and witchcraft were featured in newspapers in Victorian Britain. Her work has been published in books, academic journals, and popular magazines, and she is a regular presenter at conferences and events. Her primary research interests are the study of witchcraft in the 19th century and the development of modern Pagan Witchcraft in the 20th/21st centuries.

Comedy: Matt Forde END OF AN ERA TOUR
2025-03-02 16:00 - 19:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND, THIS 4PM MATINEE SHOW HAS BEEN ADDED AT THE HEN & CHICKEN. THE EVENING PERFORMANCE TAKES PLACE AT TOBACCO FACTORY THEATRES.

Finally, the UK has a new government. That can only mean one thing: new people to take the piss out of.

Leading political comedian and satirist Matt Forde (British Scandal, Spitting Image, The Last Leg) makes this his personal mission

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Jarred Christmas & Guests
2025-03-01 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Jared Christmas featuring Elliot Steel & compere Clint Edwards

Stand Up For The Weekend is our flagship weekly comedy show from The Comedy Box, featuring top circuit headliners and guest acts plus incredibly funny and engaging comperes who host the show. A choice of table seats, reserved row seats and unreserved row seats are available to book online.

Headliner: JARRED CHRISTMAS
New Zealander Jarred Christmas has a unique style that deftly mixes gags with storytelling. He has a dynamic onstage persona and the ability to improvise and roll with anything that’s thrown his way, making his comedy sizzle with originality.
Full of passion and charisma, Jarred takes the audience on a hilarious thrill ride of laughs and gasps with an edge of anger that manifests itself in his incredible rants against the small things in our lives. His confidence leaves the audience secure in the knowledge that they are in capable hands. His material is strong and distinctive, drawn from life experience and random happenings.
Jarred’s unique and larger than life persona has won him fans across the country, proving him to be one of the most likeable stars on the circuit. His energetic storytelling has earned him a whole host of accolades including a Chortle Award and has catapulted him to the forefront of our TV screens in shows such as Mock The Week (BBC2), Never Mind the Buzzcocks (BBC2) 8 out of 10 Cats, (Channel 4), Argumental (Dave), One Night Stand (Dave) and Let’s Dance for Comic Relief (BBC 1). His radio credits include Act Your Age (BBC Radio 4), and Flight of the Conchords (BBC Radio 2).

Music: Alex Clarke/Eddie Gripper Quartet
2025-02-27 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
The Be-Bop Club presents The Alex Clarke & Eddie Gripper Quartet
After a short stint of gigs in 2023, the quartet reunites for a swift, heavy hitting UK tour of hard-bop and feel good swing. As a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020, winner of the Rising Star category in the 2019 British Jazz Awards and nominee in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2021 & 2022, Alex Clarke is known to be one of the most in-demand and versatile saxophonists to have emerged on the British jazz scene. Praised for her intelligent ear for harmony and a deep knowledge of repertoire across a variety of styles, Alex’s sound is steeped in the tradition of swing and bebop, “leaving the listener captivated by every phrase and nuance” (Jazz Views).
Having “already garnered comparisons with the greats” (Jazzwise) after the release of his debut album ‘Home’, Eddie Gripper has been rapidly establishing himself as another young contender on the national jazz circuit. He has worked as a performer, promoter and producer alongside top musicians in his field, including Huw Warren, Iain Ballamy, Laura Jurd, Alex Merritt and Yuri Golubev. As a composer, he has collaborated with Welsh folk artist Angharad Jenkins in a handful of projects, exploring the various aspects of folk, jazz and contemporary classical traditions.
Nick Kacal is a bassist originally from Trinidad who has lived in London and Manchester but is now residing in South Wales. After studying with Tony Hougham, the principle bass of the Covent Garden Opera, he moved to London and has played as a sideman on the scene playing predominantly jazz and acoustic folk, occasionally touring to places such as Cape Verde, France and Spain. He formed his own group, Guerillasound, releasing a CD in 2008 and touring successfully in Japan.
Alex Goodyear is a UK based drummer, bandleader and composer. Since graduating from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in 2019, he has returned to Berkshire and has become a regular of the UK Jazz scene, working with artists including John Law, Simon Spillett, Iain Ballamy, Sam Crockatt, Alex Merritt, Steve Fishwick, Greg Abate, Jake McMurchie, Denny Ilett, Alan Barnes, Huw Warren, George Cooper, Rebecca Nash, Libor Smoldas, Nick Malcolm, and Henrik Jensen.

Comedy: Melanie Bracewell ATTACK OF THE MELANIE BRACEWELL
2025-02-26 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Fresh off a sell-out Edinburgh Fringe run, Melanie Bracewell is taking her show Attack of The Melanie Bracewell around the UK! This is a story of revenge. A story of justice. Mostly, it’s Melanie’s signature style of goofy, punchline-heavy comedy that has earned her sell-out shows all around the world. But also the revenge bit.
You may have seen Melanie Bracewell on Taskmaster NZ or in the credits as a writer for Time Bandits (Apple TV), now is your chance to catch this multi-award-winning comedian live. She promises she won’t attack you.

Talk: The Psychological Games We Play: A relationship communication codebook
2025-02-24 19:00 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Eric Berne, the founder of Transactional Analysis in the 1960s, was fascinated by the repetitive behavioural patterns we often fall into in our relationships. He called these patterns “psychological games”—cycles of interaction that leave us feeling frustrated, misunderstood, or hurt. Despite being coined decades ago, these concepts are still powerful tools today for understanding our relationship dynamics. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Why am I back here again?”, this talk is for you!
In this talk, we’ll delve into the concept of psychological games, exploring different models that help us identify and understand these recurring patterns. We’ll look at real-life examples of games we might play—from the milder ones we joke about to friends, to the more destructive patterns that can lead to divorce, job loss, injury, or even legal consequences. Most importantly, we’ll discuss how recognising these patterns can empower us to make different choices and shift towards healthier, more fulfilling outcomes.
Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7:30pm – come down early to grab a bit to eat!
Speaker bio:
Nikki Millard is a UKCP Registered Psychotherapist, TA Trainer and Supervisor. She has a private practice in North London, and is the Head of Programme for the Diploma/MSc training in TA Psychotherapy at the Metanoia Institute in London. Nikki specialises in working with the dynamics of relationships, understanding how our past experiences may impact our present, and offers psychotherapy and supervision to individuals, couples and groups. She has a corporate background prior to training as a psychotherapist, and is experienced at working with organisations to implement change programmes.

Music: Adam Guerrero in concert
2025-02-23 19:30 - 23:00 | Chicken Shed
Adam, from Seville in Spain, comes to the UK for the first time to promote his third CD of self-composed songs and tunes. Expect an evening mix of blues, ragtime and folk mixed in with Spanish and spaghetti western influences and a hint of pink Floyd …. With superb musicianship ….Intrigued?
Tickets are priced so you can come and see and hear for yourself!

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Lindsey Santoro & Guests
2025-02-22 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Lindsey Santoro featuring Erich McElroy & compere Jack Campbell

Stand Up For The Weekend is The Comedy Box’s weekly flagship comedy show live at the Hen & Chicken. It features top circuit headliners and guest acts, as well as incredibly funny and engaging comperes who host the show. Online booking is available for table seats, reserved row seats, and unreserved row seats.

Headliner: LINDSEY SANTORO
Naturally effusive and full of giddy joy, Birmingham’s Lindsey Santoro has emerged as one of the most original female voices to come out of the West Midlands and is one of the best hidden gems on the comedy circuit.

Lindsey enjoyed remarkable success at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2023, winning Next Up’s Biggest Award in Comedy for the most outstanding show at the Fringe and also earned an Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer Nomination for her critically acclaimed debut sell-out show Pink Tinge.

Lindsey recently made her hilarious TV debut on Mel Giedroyc’s: Unforgivable (Dave), Comedy Central Live and The Stand-Up Sketch Show (ITV2). Other credits include Ch4’s The Joy of Missing Out and The Elephant in the Room with Sarah Millican on BBC Radio 4.
