comedy: THE BRISTOL COMEDY COMPETITION 2026 SEMI-FINAL ONE
2026-01-27 20:00 - 22:30 UTC | Hen & Chicken Studio
Bristol’s flagship comedy competition is back for a second year! Come and watch the rising stars of comedy battle it out over three heats and two semi finals to be crowned the winner of The Bristol Comedy Competition 2026.

Hosted by the “hilarious at every turn” Bristol comic Burt Williamson (★★★★ – The Scotsman), these shows promise a great night out with big laughs, surprising acts, and a whole load of comedic talent waiting to be discovered. You can expect varied line-ups, from polished acts to newer voices trying something different, all in front of a supportive crowd.

Each heat and semi-final is decided by one audience vote and two judges’ votes, so your laughter really can make the difference in who goes through.

The semi-finals will be held at an iconic venue in the Bristol comedy scene, The Comedy Box, with special guest judges to help decide who goes through to the final.

Get your tickets now for a proper night of live comedy with the rising stars you’ll be seeing a lot more of in the future.

Quiz: French Quiz Evening
2026-01-28 19:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Join us for a quiz in French in the wonderful Hen and Chicken in Southville. A few rounds on French cinema, culture and music in a a great atmosphere. There will be a prize for the winning team. There are no matches planned for that evening so parking should be easy!
You can book for a team or for yourself and we will introduce us to a small friendly team, don’t worry!

Jazz: QOW Trio
2026-01-29 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Riley Stone-Lonergan – tenor sax, Eddie Myer – double bass, Spike Wells – drums
A really exciting band for us to have at the club, QOW TRIO are touring to promote their barnstorming third album on the prestigious Whirlwind Records, with the fearless threesome roaming further than ever before into the uncharted hinterlands where the deep jazz tradition of the tenor trio, laden with melody and swing, ventures into the untamed regions of free improvisation.
At the heart of the band is the unmistakeable beat of drummer Spike Wells, who this year celebrates his 80th birthday and the 65th year of his extraordinary career at the forefront of UK jazz, providing the driving force behind everyone from the UK’s Tubby Hayes and Bobby Wellins to USA stars Stan Getz, Dexter Gordon and Roland Kirk plus countless others.
Spanning the generations and riding at at his side are rising star saxophonist Riley Stone-Lonergan, whose intriguing compositions and boundless creative imagination as an improvisor continue to dazzle and delight, and big-toned bassist Eddie Myer rounding up the posse. Their first album ‘QOW TRIO’ was selected as critic’s choice by Jazzwise Magazine for 2021. The follow-up ‘The Hold Up’ was described by BBC Music Magazine as ‘a stunning achievement” and awarded 4**** by The Times and The Scotsman. They’ve spent the intervening time touring across the UK and EU and developing their sound to a new creative peak. Now ‘The Rule Of Three’ shows that three really is the magic number with their most coherent, wide-ranging and adventurous set of recordings yet. From Ayler to Strayhorn, from be-bop to calypso, from cowboy movie to free-jazz shootout, there’s a surprise at every turn, but always delivered with total sincerity and conviction and a driving desire to bring the audience with them every step of the way.
“QOW TRIO are a simply phenomenal live act” – Kevin Whitlock, Jazzwise
“From fine to sublime, the follow-up to this generation-spanning trio’s debut album is a stunning achievement… massively recommended.” – BBC Music Magazine
“This sets the bar high for album of the year. It’ll take some beating.” – Matthew Wright, Jazz Journal

Comedy: THE BRISTOL COMEDY COMPETITION 2026 SEMI-FINAL TWO
2026-01-29 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with ROBIN MORGAN
2026-01-31 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Robin Morgan and Guests featuring Joe Sutherland & Tom Toal

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: ROBIN MORGAN
Robin Morgan is a Welsh stand-up comedian and writer who has appeared on Mock The Week (BBC Two) and The News Quiz (BBC Radio 4). He has written for Have I Got News For You, The Weakest Link and Bake Off: The Professionals; and is the studio warm-up artist for The Graham Norton Show.

Robin created and hosts the topical comedy panel show What Just Happened? for BBC Radio Wales; and he’s supported Adam Kay and Sophie McCartney on their nationwide tours.
“Wonderfully cheeky and engaging.” Three Weeks

TALK: The Psychology of Fetish and Kink
2026-02-04 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Discover what factors can drive fetish and kink behaviours, and practical steps to communicate your desires for pleasure. Followed by Q+A.

A recent study in the UK found that approximately 50% of adults reported having a fetish or kink. Despite their prevalence, they are often shrouded in taboo and misunderstanding. In this talk you will learn about the psychological and biological underpinnings of these practices – from exploring the latest research on fetishism to examining the role of power dynamics in kink.
Discover the psychological and social factors that drive fetish and kink behaviours and learn about the ways in which individuals who engage in these practices experience pleasure and fulfilment. This is a unique opportunity to engage in an open and non-judgmental discussion of fetish and kink, and to learn more about the psychology behind these practices.
Lindsay Dukes is a Clinical Sexologist, Sex & Relationship Therapist and Psychosexual Therapist specialising in Gender, Sex and Relationship Diversity. Lindsay has been working with, and within Kinky and Open & Polyamorous communities internationally as a writer, performer and educator since 2015. She teaches at the Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology and both her teaching and therapeutic work focus on re-centring consent, communication and pleasure as radical components for human authenticity and connectivity.
This is an 18+ event

Comedy: Mark Nelson LIQUID GOLD
2026-02-05 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Multi award-winning Scottish stand up Mark Nelson returns with his brand new tour show. One of the most acclaimed and sought after comedians in the UK and abroad, Nelson brings a distinctive mix of cutting observations, social commentary and hilarious one liners.

Jazz: Superlocrian
2026-02-05 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Sam Massey – conductor and trumpet/flugelhorn, Jack Banjo Courtney, Hugh Davies – trumpet & flugelhorn, Edward Leaker – soprano & alto saxophone, Jade Gall – tenor & baritone saxophone & flutes, Tom Green – trombone, Mike Poyser – tuba
Something a little different this week with this fantastic brass/wind ensemble which performs without the usual jazz rhythm section.
Superlocrian is one of the UK’s foremost acoustic chamber jazz ensembles, renowned for its innovative sound, virtuosic musicianship, and creative collaborations that blur the boundaries between styles.
Led by South West-based trumpeter/composer Sam Massey, the septet brings together top jazz soloists, composers, and session musicians. Collectively, the band’s members have performed alongside world-class artists including Becky Hill, RAYE, Dua Lipa, Claire Martin, Mike Westbrook, and Gareth Lockrane, showcasing their extraordinary versatility and experience.

Superlocrian’s performances feature a sophisticated blend of tastefully arranged jazz standards and vibrant new compositions by leading writers like Callum Au, Freddie Gavita, Karen Street, Tom Green, and Sam Massey. Their repertoire combines precision and passion, balancing intricate chamber textures with the spontaneity and freedom of jazz.

The ensemble has worked alongside composer Bob Chilcott and performed at prestigious venues and festivals including Crazy Coqs, Bristol Jazz Festival and Sidmouth Jazz Festival. In 2023, Superlocrian recorded their debut album Hills & Valleys at the legendary AIR Studios. Released on the Spark! Label, the album received critical acclaim and was featured live on Radio 3’s In Tune in 2024. Following this success, the band launches their Beyond the Hills & Valleys 2026 tour, which includes world premieres of new commissions.

Comedy: LUCY PORTER - LET YOURSELF GO!
2026-02-06 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Festival favourite Lucy Porter returns with a brand new show about the power of letting yourself go – in every sense. Whether that means embracing your wrinkles and love handles whilst living in a slanket, or having a couple of babychams and dancing like nobody’s watching (and if you’re a middle aged woman, they’re probably not). It’s also about letting go of the person you’ve always thought you are, and using your midlife crisis to pursue new goals and reinvent yourself.
“Impeccably punchlined anecdotes … genuinely delightful” The Telegraph
“A treat from start to finish” The Herald

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with ERICH McELROY and GUESTS
2026-02-07 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Erich McElroy featuring Andy Field & Meryl O’Rourke
Stand Up For The Weekend is our weekly flagship comedy show featuring top circuit headliners and guest acts plus incredibly funny and engaging comperes who host the entire show. A choice of table seats, reserved row seats and unreserved row seats are available to book online.
Headliner: ERICH McELROY

Originally from Seattle, Erich McElroy moved to the UK in 2000 and in 2007 collected his British passport. After that he knew he had to start doing stand-up. Erich offers an hilarious and insightful take on the life in the UK through the (somewhat) sober eyes of an American and has delighted audiences up and down the country for many years. While his six full Edinburgh shows have taken a turn for the political (“This is political stand-up at its best.” BroadwayBaby) it’s his “modest, slightly bookish, charm and genuine affection for the UK” (Chortle) that makes him stand out.

Erich has appeared on Scotland’s foremost BBC radio topical show “Breaking the News” as well as providing humorous political commentary on places such as the BBC, Sky, Newsnight and on his own podcast American Exchange.

“Sincerity and sharp wit leaving you with a hopeful beam on your face and desperately wanting more” EdFringe Review

Music: Marginal Gains
2026-02-07 20:00 - 23:00 | Chicken Shed
Marginal Gains return for another night of 90s and 00s grunge and britpop BANGERS

Theatre: Wednesday Night Improv: February Triple Bill
2026-02-11 19:30 - 21:45 | Chicken Shed
Wednesday Night Improv’s monthly show continues with a triple bill packed with quick wit, bold characters, and stories made up on the spot.
Join us for a midweek comedy boost featuring three of Bristol’s sharpest improv acts – each one creating a brand-new show right before your eyes, all inspired by audience suggestions.
[1] G&T PRESENT: FUNK CAKE
Welcome to the Funk Café. Two improvisers order tea and coffee. The improvisers are also given a slice of Funk Cake. Neither of the improvisers know ahead of time what emotions are baked into their delicious treats. But the only way out of those emotions is to eat the entire piece of cake before them. Every. Last. Crumb. Only then can their emotional state shift and change. Only then can they resolve their spirit.
Experienced players Gemma Revell and Tara Judah must work together to get through some of the most challenging aspects of human experience, no matter how bitter, sweet, sour or saccharine the emotions they’re given. Taking audience suggestions for their emotional states, G&T cannot leave the Funk Café until every bite of their funk cakes are eaten and their emotional states are fully resolved.
[2] BEANSVILLE PRESENTS: THE WORKPLACE
It’s another day at the office… the shop… the factory… or maybe even that weird place you once worked. You know the one. With all of the romances, rivalries, politics and performance issues you’d expect, all made up on the spot in this improvised workplace comedy. Watch the pilot episode of a wholly improvised workplace comedy based on your suggestions.
[3] PRESSURE COOKER: THE IMPROVISED RESTAURANT SHOW
Pressure Cooker whisks you into a fictional restaurant where a dynamic ensemble brings the chefs, customers, and kitchen chaos to life. Using your stories as ingredients, our performers cook up hilarious, unpredictable scenes on the spot. From meltdowns to menu mayhem, it’s comedy served hot and fast.
Winners of the 2025 Bristol Improv Gauntlet | “Pure Comedic Alchemy” — Bristol 24/7
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Whether you’re a seasoned comedy fan or just curious about what happens when performers make it all up as they go, this is a perfect night to dive into Bristol’s thriving improv scene. Expect laughter, surprises, and something completely different – every single time.
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Part of the Wednesday Night Improv series – We’re on the second Wednesday of every month! Details here: https://linktr.ee/wednightimprov

Jazz: Sam Crockatt Quartet
2026-02-12 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Sam Crockatt – tenor sax, Dale Hambridge – piano, Henrik Jensen – bass, Andy Hague – drums
Saxophonist Sam Crockatt returns to the club to guest with a specially assembled house trio.
Having graduated from the Royal Academy, Sam Crockatt formed a band with Gwilym Simcock, Oli Hayhurst and Ben Reynolds leading to debut recording Howeird in 2008, which won a Parliamentary Jazz Award later that year. Flood Tide followed commended by The Guardian for it’s “Haunting lyricism”. Citing John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter, Sonny Rollins and Lee Konitz among his musical influences, Sam’s ability to marry his understanding of past masters with contemporary styles keeps him constantly in demand and has taken him to stages at the EFG London Jazz Festival, Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Kragujevac Jazz Festival (Serbia) and WDR Festival (Cologne). He also appears on albums by vocalist Kaz Simmons and pianist Sam Leak. In 2011 Sam and his young family moved to Mells in Somerset, the peal of the bells in his new home village inspiring the title track of most recent recording Mells Bells – the album has drawn praise from such eminent publications as The Guardian, Jazzwise Magazine, The Telegraph and The Financial Times.
“Mells Bells further burnishes Crockatt’s substantial reputation” – The Guardian.
A rare appearance at the club for pianist Dale Hambridge who is always super busy – he has previously played at the Hen and Chicken with Jingu Bang, and has long associations with performers such as Moonlight Saving Time, We Are Leif, Nick Malcolm and Lucy Moon.
Bassist Henrik Jensen moved from Denmark to London in 1997 and is a graduate of the Royal Academy. He has toured the world from Tokyo to Moscow with various modern jazz projects and also as part of the band for close harmony group The Puppini Sisters. Henrik has previously appeared at the club as band leader with his quartet Followed By Thirteen and trio featuring Danish pianist Esben Tjalve.
Although probably best known as a trumpeter Andy Hague has always played drums to an equal extent, and has backed many visiting guest players both at the Be-Bop Club and back in the day at the legendary Albert Inn.

Comedy: Russell Hicks- THIS TIME IT'S PERSONAL
2026-02-13 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
American stand up comedian Russell Hicks is back on tour. It’s been a big year for Russell. He’s appeared in multiple feature films including Edgar Wright’s The Running Man (2025). You also may have seen his phenomenally successful ‘Dear Diary’ series on Instagram, which has gained millions of views. Last year’s show was about his life in the UK. This year is about…him. He’s back. And this time… it’s personal.

As seen on ITV, BBC, Channel 4, Prime Video, and Paramount Pictures. 2x Leicester Festival Best Show Nominee and Winner of the 2024 Prague Fringe Festival.

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Rachel Fairburn & Guests
2026-02-14 20:00 - 22:30
Stand Up For The Weekend Valentine’s Special with Rachel Fairburn Lindsey Santoro, Millie Malone & compere Jeremy Flynn

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: RACHEL FAIRBURN
Rachel Fairburn, a very established act on the UK stand-up circuit, is co-host and co-writer of the worldwide smash hit podcast All Killa No Filla. With a huge international following of over a quarter of a million listeners and growing, she has taken the podcast on several sell-out UK tours and a tour of the USA.

She has been a staple of the Edinburgh Fringe since 2014, with 6 critically acclaimed solo shows under her belt and featured in the ‘40 jokes of the fringe’ by the Daily Telegraph in 2018 and ‘Best Jokes from Edinburgh Fringe 2022’ in The Times.

Rachel appeared on BBC Presents: Stand Up For Live Comedy and Funny Festival Live, part of the BBC’s Festival of Funny. Her TV credit’s include Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled, Richard Osman’s House of Games and Russell Howard Hour Life Lessons.
“Very much the Rock’n’Roll star of British Comedy” Rolling Stone

PRE-SHOW DINING OFFER

Make a night of it. Enjoy dinner in our restaurant and skip the queue with reserved seating waiting for you at the show.

*Does not include a ticket to your chosen event. Please purchase separately. Please order promptly on arrival and allow 1 hour before doors open.
*Please note this offer is NOT available on certain dates in December.

Comedy: SAANIYA ABBAS - HELLARIOUS
2026-02-16 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Saaniya Abbas takes audiences on her most personal and side-splitting journey yet. After a hugely successful and critically acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe debut, she’s now bringing Hellarious across the country on her first UK tour.

With sharp insights and her signature feline mischief, Saaniya dives into the cultural taboos of divorce, the absurdity of internet fame, and her playful take on the concept of hell itself.

Tracing her evolution from a sheltered upbringing in a Muslim family to carving out her own path, Hellarious is a bold celebration of resilience, defiance, and self-discovery.

Music: My Girl The River & Serious Child
2026-02-19 19:30 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Two brilliant artists from the worlds of Americana and British folk-pop join forces with double bassist Joe Hughes in a celebration of what brings us together.
My Girl The River
Kris Wilkinson Hughes aka My Girl the River is a Louisiana native, now based in the UK after a decade of songwriting in Nashville. She has recently released her third album, Songs About Space, to strong critical acclaim.
As a performer, she is funny, warm and fearless with a sackful of hook laden songs and a voice of sweet sugared espresso. You might find yourself singing along or shedding a tear on your journey. Love, loss, Louisiana and Hot Chicken are just some of the stops along the way.
“A lovely mélange of Americana Roots music brings to mind Jason Isbell and Lucinda Williams…. exceptional songwriting” ★★★★ Paste Magazine
Serious Child
“I am about to utter the most fearsome words in folk,” says Alan Young, aka Serious Child. “This is a song about my grandmother … it’s a singalong” – Arts Republic
Serious Child hails from an old beech wood in Sussex, and draws from a range of acoustic influences from folk to pop to bossa nova. His pin-sharp lyrics explore the world around us with a poet’s ear for emotion and a comedian’s eye for everyday detail.
“writes about Britain today in a way that is almost tactile… with wit, style, intelligence and bags of melody” ★★★★★ Spiral Earth

Jazz: Joe Bradford Quintet
2026-02-19 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Joe Bradford – trombone, Greg Sterland – tenor sax, Tom Berge – piano, Chris Jones – bass, Paolo Adamo – drums
Trombonist Joe Bradford returns to the Be-Bop Club after his last sold out appearance. This time bringing another fantastic quintet, playing a collection of his own compositions along with some hard bop tunes. Harking back to the 50’s and 60’s of East Coast Jazz, the group will be bringing intensity, intricate arrangements and plenty of warm lyricism to match. Drawing inspiration from artists like the Jazz Messengers, Jackie Mclean and Kenny Dorham.
Trombonist Joe Bradford is a familiar face on the Bristol scene. Having grown up playing in local big bands, Joe studied in the USA for a year, under the tutelage of Steve Davis (Art Blakey, Chick Corea), and other greats. Since then Joe returned to Bristol as a professional player. You may have seen him playing with the Tammy Payne Quintet, the Jonny Bruce Organ Sextet, the Dockside Latin Orchestra or Soma Soma, and he is now also running a popular series of jazz workshops.
Saxophonist Greg Sterland is a graduate of the Royal Welsh College and has played at the club several times before both as a band leader and as part of the Jonny Bruce Organ Quartet. He cites a wide range of influences including Lester Young, Lars Gullin, Warne Marsh and Joe Lovano and is renowned for his adventurous but melodic style of improvisation.
Pianist Tom Berge is a graduate of Leeds College and is constantly busy gigging across the south west. With a growing reputation as a film composer, Tom wrote the music for Laura Tofarides’ award winning short animation Brain Space. Click for promo video.
Great to welcome back bassist Chris Jones – having been a mainstay of the Bristol music scene for several years, Chris moved up to Coventry in 2025. Chris studied jazz at the University of Exeter and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire where he had the privilege of studying and playing with some great musicians such as John Taylor, Stan Sulzmann, Mark Hodgson and Dave Holland.
Drummer Paolo Adamo grew up in a tiny village in the southern Italian region of Molise. He attended the Thelonious Monk Jazz Academy of Campobasso for nine years, and for six years participated in Jazz Puzzle, an annual seminar in Belgium where he played with musicians from all over Europe, and which helped inform his decision at age 19 to relocate to Bristol to pursue a career in music.

Comedy: Robin Morgan LET'S OVERSHARE!
2026-02-20 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Join Robin Morgan for more of his trademark cheeky charm, more quick wit and even more hilarious oversharing, in this brand new stand-up show from the star of Mock The Week and Radio 4’s The News Quiz
We’re all talking to each other in an increasingly online world, is that really talking? Robin doesn’t think so.
So let’s get together, in real life, to watch Robin share some more outrageously honest stories.
It’s good to talk, but it’s even better to overshare.

Hold The Line -The Ultimate Toto Experience
2026-02-20 20:00 - 23:00 | Chicken Shed
Get ready for HOLD THE LINE, a brand-new tribute band bringing the legendary music of Toto to life!
This powerhouse 6-piece group delivers all the hits, spanning four decades of Toto’s iconic sound. Based in Cornwall, HOLD THE LINE combines top- tier musicianship and passion to recreate the magic of classics.
Expect electrifying renditions of your favourite Toto tracks like “Africa,” “Rosanna, and, of course, “Hold the Line”.
If you are a Toto fan, you won’t want to miss Hold the Line live. Buckle up for an unforgettable musical journey that will leave you singing along and wanting more.

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Matt Richardson and Guests
2026-02-21 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Matt Richardson featuring Harriet Dyer & Jack Campbell

Headliner: MATT RICHARDSON

Brash, slick and full of mildly laddish but self-deprecating stories, all delivered with an irresistible twinkle, Matt Richardson is a multi-award winning stand-up comedian and one of the most exciting names on the circuit currently rising through the ranks. Having started stand-up in 2009 at 18 years old, Matt became one of the youngest comedians on the circuit and soon made it through to the finals of two national stand-up competitions – the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny and the Chortle Student Comedy Award – He quickly established himself in all of the major comedy club chains in the UK and has gigged overseas on countless occasions.

Since then Matt has firmly established himself as one of the UK’s most exciting young performers and presenters – hosting the drive-time show on Virgin Radio.
“High wattage charisma from a talented young comic whose star is on the rise” The Guardian

PRE-SHOW DINING OFFER

Make a night of it. Enjoy dinner in our restaurant and skip the queue with reserved seating waiting for you at the show.

*Does not include a ticket to your chosen event. Please purchase separately. Please order promptly on arrival and allow 1 hour before doors open.

*Please note this offer is NOT available on certain dates

Comedy: Mike Rice - Crule Little Man
2026-02-22 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
EXTRA SHOW ADDED DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND

There’s a cruelty to Mike Rice, a wickedness. In this show Mike talks about doing psychedelics with his brother, an entanglement with a Spanish Sausage Dog named Nino, and many other such rotten adventures.
“A phenomenal wordsmith, and world class raconteur” Chortle

Music: Peter Case, with Sid Griffin.
2026-02-23 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
An evening with American song writing legends, Peter Case and Sid Griffin.
Peter Case is a three time Grammy nominated singer-songwriter from the USA who has a most impressive resume. He was the founder of the Nerves, the very first American indie band to put together a nationwide tour and one of the very first to release their own indie EP. He then was the founder and leader of the legendary Plimsouls, an incredibly influential L.A. rock and roll band which drew praise from everyone from Elvis Costello to Tom Petty to critics nationwide.
For the past thirty-some years Peter Case has been a solo troubadour in the great tradition of Dylan, Guthrie, and Pete Seeger. Early on he was produced by T-Bone Burnett and he’s played with and been championed by Roger McGuinn, Van Dyke Parks, Mike Campbell of Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers and many more. His latest album is The Midnight Broadcast and it just might be his very best album.
Sid Griffin is best known by his leadership of the Long Ryders, the founding fathers of alt-country and Americana. He is also the proud artist behind four well-received solo albums, was the leader of the wonderful ‘alt-bluegrass’ UK band, The Coal Porters, he was the Resident Musicologist on BBC 6 Music’s Radcliffe & Maconie radio show for over a decade and Sid has written four books. Sid’s most recent book, Million Dollar Bash: Bob Dylan, The Band, and the Basement Tapes, has been reissued twice and Sid did the liner notes for that collection of legendary Dylan tracks.

Talk: The History of Mermaids, Sea Spirits & Women
2026-02-24 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Dive beneath the surface of mermaid lore, tracing their long histories and what they may reveal about wider society. Followed by Q&A.

Since Hans Christian Andersen turned the mermaid into a romantic heroine, shimmering sea-maidens have swum through popular culture. “Mermaiding” has even become a verb. But where do these figures really come from, and why do they hold such power over us?

Theatre: Tales From The Wasteland
2026-02-25 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Tales From The Wasteland is an improvised post-apocalyptic adventure comedy. This twisted and talented cast of wastelanders will take a single suggestion from you and craft an entire narrative show with no pre-prepared characters, story or dialogue.
If the world was ending, what would be the one thing you’d want to survive? Join us as we explore a new world and find out what’s left over after Earth’s devastation. Expect raiders, mutants and violence over scarce resources in this absurd dark comedy inspired by classics of the genre such as Mad Max, The Last of Us and Fallout.
Warning: this show tends to have dark themes, violence and cannibalism. Seriously, cannibalism comes up way too often.
“I’m still reeling at how such an intricate tale was woven on the spot, it’s truly a gift this cast has been blessed with.” – Obscure Reviews
“They have the audience in stitches, thanks to sharp timing and an ability to spin chaos into comedy.” – Bristol 24/7
“Their world-building is bewitching; conjuring a violent, gory Mad Max vibe alongside whimsical and, somehow, endearing characters.” – The Everyday Magazine
Entry requirements: 16+

Comedy: MELANIE BRACEWELL - A LITTLE TREAT
2026-02-26 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Bad day? Time for a little treat. Good day? I think that deserves a little treat. With the end of her twenties rapidly approaching, Melanie Bracewell, one of New Zealand’s most popular comics unpacks the last decade of her life.

As seen on Taskmaster NZ, and after complete sell-out seasons at Edinburgh Fringe and Melbourne Festivals. Go on, you’ve earned it.
“Prepare to be captivated” ★★★★ Chortle

Jazz: Gideon Tazelaar and Arnie Somogyi Quintet
2026-02-26 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Gideon Tazelaar – tenor sax, Arnie Somogyi – bass, Andy Hague – trumpet, Jim Blomfield – piano, Ryan Thrupp – drums.
For tonight’s presentation we welcome back after a long absence one of the Be-Bop Club’s co-founders, the great bassist Arnie Somogyi. Arnie started the club alongside Italian pianist Andrea Papini around 1988 as far as anyone can remember, originally in the now closed Crown and Anchor at the bottom of Jacobs Wells Rd.
Arnie visits as part of a short tour featuring special guest New York based saxophonist Gideon Tazelaar.
One of the rising stars of European jazz, tenor saxophonist Gideon Tazelaar grew up in the Netherlands, where he developed his musical skills by playing with saxophonist Benjamin Herman and drummer John Engels from a young age. A prodigious talent, he was admitted to the Bachelor’s degree programme at Amsterdam Conservatoire at the age of just 14. In 2017 he moved to New York City, where he studied at the Juilliard School of Music and played with Wynton Marsalis in a number of line-ups. Now a full-time resident of New York, where he is mentored by saxophone legend George Coleman, Tazelaar is rapidly establishing himself as one of the most exciting young tenor players on that scene, working as a sideman with artists as diverse as Dr Lonnie Smith, Eric Alexander and Dick Oatts as well as leading his own bands. His debut album ‘Volume One’ which he co-released with trumpeter Ian Cleaver, features Danish bassist Felix Moseholm and Jorge Rossy on drums, both of whom are currently touring as two thirds of the Brad Mehldau Trio.
Bassist Arnie Somogyi is well-known to jazz audiences through his work with some of the stars of the British and international scene. A band leader in his own right he has performed frequently at world-famous jazz club, Ronnie Scott’s and at festivals throughout the world with major artists including the Mingus Big Band, Bobby Hutcherson, Art Farmer, James Moody, Seamus Blake and Annie Ross, as well as international stars Tom Jones, Charlie Watts and Amy Winehouse and British jazz legends such as Stan Tracey and Kenny Wheeler. His music has featured on radio, television and in films and he has been nominated for both BBC Radio 3 and Parliamentary Jazz Awards and released 4 critically acclaimed albums as a leader.
To complete the specially assembled band for tonight’s gig, Gideon and Arnie are joined by Bristol’s Andy Hague – trumpet, Jim Blomfield- piano and Ryan Thrupp – drums.

Comedy: SCHALK BEZUIDENHOUT - HEY HEY DIVORCE
2026-02-27 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Schalk Bezuidenhout is back with a brand new show. His first and (hopefully, for the love of all things good) only show post divorce. Schalk hasn’t checked in with you all in sometime and he wants to talk to you. Actually… he NEEDS to talk to you! Why? Because it’s cheaper than therapy. That’s why!
“Rapid-fire gags and manic energy. Highly recommended.” ★★★★ – The Age.

Music: Furlined
2026-02-27 21:00 - 23:30 | Chicken Shed
Alt-country 5-piece band, Furlined, fronted by singer-songwriter Neil Crossley, brings their unique sound to CRH Music @ the Chicken Shed.
Infectious hooks, rich vocals and lush, swooning cello are the defining features of Furlined, a Bristol-based band formed in 2012 by singer-songwriter Neil Crossley and cellist Tegan Everett. The band’s sound spans alt country and wry English chamber pop – “Morrissey meets Americana” as one review put it – and they have been likened to Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Richard Hawley and Orange Juice.
Furlined have attracted acclaim in publications such as Mojo, Clash Magazine, RnR and Billboard. “Songwriter Neil Crossley has one of those winning, strong yet gentle Jackie Leven / Richard Hawley baritones that do male vulnerability beautifully,” concluded Mojo in a 4/5 review of the band’s second album Win A Dream Wedding. “Furlined’s other striking sound is Tegan Everett’s cello, which intros most of Crossley’s dark-honey melodies… A band with distinct aural charms.”
“Morrissey meets Americana – superb songs with an irresistible English wit.” Total Guitar 9/10

Furlined will be performing in our event space, The Chicken Shed, with their first set starting at 9pm

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Matt Stellingwerf and Guests
2026-02-28 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Matt Stellingwerf featuring Josh Weller & Tom Glover

Headliner: MATT STELLINGWERF
Hamilton-Born New Zealander and Wangnui-raised farmer’s son, trained criminologist and stand up comedian…Matt Stellingwerf is a man of contradictions.

He expertly brings these contradictions to the stage with his typical low-key style and confidence finding the humour in topics as diverse as love, politics and a crazy interview he once conducted with a serial killer in Death Row!

Highly regarded by his peers, Matt Stellingwerf has won four NZ Comedy Guild Awards, including Best Newcomer. He is now UK based and respected nationwide by promoters and comedy venues.

A renowned MC and compere, Matt is a 3-time nominee for Best MC in New Zealand. Matt was a 2015 and 2016 nominee for the prestigious Billy T Award.

When this erudite satire-superstar gets onto the stage, the acceleration from zero to a hundred jokes is measured in seconds. Matt Stellingwerf’s deftly crafted jokes display a man full of seriously good comedic talent.
“Stellingwerf’s comedy is intelligent, clever and thoroughly researched..all of the while being really likeable” Libel

PRE-EVENT DINING OFFER

Make a night of it. Enjoy dinner in our restaurant and skip the queue with reserved seating waiting for you at the show.

*Does not include a ticket to your chosen event. Please purchase separately. Please order promptly on arrival and allow 1 hour before doors open.
*Please note this offer is NOT available on certain dates
