Hen & Chicken

Music: Holly Carter Album Release Show
2025-11-19 19:00 - 22:30 UTC | Hen & Chicken Studio
Holly Carter – ‘Leave Your Mark’ – Official Album Release Show – Bristol
Holly Carter is an award-winning songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Bristol, UK. Two-time recipient of ‘Instrumentalist of the Year’ at the Americana UK awards (2023 & 2024) she is widely recognised as an exceptional fingerstyle guitarist and one of the UK’s only professional female pedal steel players.
Drawing deeply from the well of the folk tradition, she harnesses an approach to song as a powerful tool for education and the preservation of legacy. Along with a showstopping approach to guitar that follows hot on the heels of the likes of Chet Atkins and John Fahey, her music weaves joyously catchy melodies with thought-provoking lyrics that pay homage to a diverse collection of musical and personal heroes.
Her upcoming release ‘Leave Your Mark’ centres around a celebration and exploration of the ways we can leave our mark on the world after we’ve gone. Blending timeless storytelling with a distinct modern voice, the album showcases an impactful collection of songs that presents a truly original take on the landscape of folk and Americana. Recorded live and directly to tape at Middle Farm Studios in Devon – and accompanied by lino printed artwork designed and hand cut by Holly – it endeavours to capture a moment in time, in its most raw and honest state.
For this official album launch show, Holly will be joined by her band, featuring Joe Wilkins on guitar, John `Parker on Double Bass & Matt Stockham Brown on drums.
Listen here

Music: Julie July Band Acoustic
2025-11-16 19:30 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Four members of the touring Folk Rock Band performing original music inspired by the folk, rock and blues movement of the 60s & 70s but with a contemporary 21st Century twist. With over a decade of gigging and recording experience, they make their debut performance at the Hen and Chicken Bristol – celebrating a new album, ‘Flight of Fancy’, together with songs from their critically acclaimed albums ‘Lady of the First Light’ and ‘Wonderland’ plus a selection of Sandy Denny favourites.
The line-up features musicians with strong Folk-Rock roots including Dik Cadbury, who played with Decameron and Steve Hackett, on bass, acoustic guitar and vocals. Julie July brings powerful, emotional and crystal-clear lead vocals with a voice that really echoes the late Sandy Denny. Australian born Caley Groves brings fairy dust and magic to the mix with his acoustic guitar and offers a Latin, gypsy-jazz twist to the band’s live performances. Last, but not least, one of the band’s songwriters, Carol Lee Sampson, contributes soulful and heartfelt performances on keyboards and vocals.

GIG REVIEWS:
“Fabulous show last night. I’d only previously seen the trio at Bromyard in Dec 2019 so it was a treat to hear songs from the new albums. I hope I can make it to Pershore next month”. (Jim)
“Really enjoyable evening, Band were on great form and the songs were as wonderful as ever” (Stephen)
“Absolutely fantastic night guys, though my wife, did have a few tears when you sand wonderfully ‘Who Knows Where the Time Goes”…as the song means so much to her” (Rob)
“Another great evening of top-class musicians playing excellent songs. The Julie July Band really are on of the best folk-rock bands around.” (Stephen)
“Absolutely loved it and thank you! You we’re fabulous!” (Jon)
“Another great concert at Ludlow. A masterclass of beautiful music played by musicians at the top of their game. If you get a chance to see them don’t miss it” (Stephen)
“Really enjoyed the gig. You’ve a great sound, super mix of songs and really accomplished musicianship.” (Alastair)
“Great show..2 amazing guitarists! Really great sound!” (Pete)
“Love the band tonight. Top quality musicians & a West End London level of performance from the lead vocalist”
“It was a great night.. you certainly lived up to expectations!” (Stephen)
“Love the band tonight! Tip top quality musicians and West End London level of performance from the lead vocalist.” (Rose – Hampton Hub Club)
“Just got home from after a wonderful gig from the JJB. This was something like the 5th time we’ve seen them and both Lisa and I thought they were outstanding tonight” (Julian)
“I loved every minute, thank you for all a great evening of live music”. (Clive Payne Black Country Radio)
“What a great show…and loving the new album.” (Peter)

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Ali Woods
2025-11-15 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Ali Woods featuring Laura Lexx & Adam Beardsmore

Stand Up For The Weekend is our flagship weekly 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.
“Ali Woods is a simply brilliant storyteller” Everything Theatre

Comedy: Elliot Steel - STEEL SOFT BOI CORE
2025-11-14 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Elliot Steel returns with more of his biting wit and trademark dark sense of humour about the hellish year he, and humanity, has had. Seen on Comedy Central’s Roast Battle and Comedy Central at the Comedy Store.

Music: Triple Scoop Big Band at The Chicken Shed
2025-11-14 20:00 - 22:00 | Chicken Shed
Triple Scoop: a Jazz, Funk & Soul 12-Piece Big Band playing a double set in the Chicken Shed at the Hen & Chicken in Bedminster, Bristol!
We’ve got saxes, trumpets, trombones, guitar, bass, keys, drums – everything you could want from a jazz band!
Triple Scoop’s fun and jazzy vibe covers a large selection of music, from traditional swing to funk, meaningful melodies to jazzed-up versions of children’s TV themes and 80s crowd pleasers. There’s something for everyone to enjoy at our shows. We have a big sound and thrive outside where the crowd can move and dance, finding positivity and connection in our modern take on a classic sound that’s filled with history.

Comedy: Neil Delamere ACHILLES NEIL
2025-11-13 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Fresh from sell out shows at The SSE Belfast Arena and Vicar Street Dublin our comedy hero is back on the road with a brand new epic standup show.
Join Neil Delamere as he takes on life’s absurdities in his own inimitable way. A celebration of the altogether too frequent weaknesses that make us human. Don’t miss the hilarious Achilles Neil.
*Does not contain any actual Greek mythology
As seen on Live At The Apollo, QI, Countdown, News Quiz, Blame Game and Celebrity Mastermind

Jazz: Rob Brian Quartet
2025-11-13 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Rob Brian – drums, Mat Sibley – tenor sax, John-Paul Gard – piano, Paul Jefferies – bass
The Robert Brian Quartet delivers an eclectic and electrifying mix of jazz styles—from classic swing to latin grooves, funk, drum & bass, and everything in between. With a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation, the quartet puts a fresh rhythmic spin on jazz standards, captivating audiences with their energy and musicality.
Led by Grammy-winning drummer Robert Brian, whose diverse career includes collaborations across a wide range of genres, the quartet marks Rob’s return to his first musical passion – jazz. Known for his masterful technique and inventive rhythms, Rob brings a unique voice to the jazz drum kit, guiding the ensemble through both tight arrangements and open improvisation.
Rob has assembled a group of highly experienced players.
It’s great to see Mat Sibley back at the club on sax after many years. Mat is a powerful player influenced by Bob Berg and Michael Brecker who has played with Scissor Sisters, Super Furry Animals, Gomez, Tony Christie, Martha Reeves and Joe Longthorne amongst others and has appeared on numerous TV and radio shows worldwide. For the past few years he has been touring theatres with one of the UK’s best Motown shows, How Sweet It Is.
John-Paul Gard is usually seen at the club playing organ, but tonight sticks to piano with bass provided by Paul Jefferies. Paul may be a new face to our audience but is well known for organising many jazz events across Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds.

Comedy: Mike Rice - CRUEL LITTLE MAN
2025-11-12 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
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

Theatre: Wednesday Night Improv - November Triple Bill
2025-11-12 19:30 - 22:00 | 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] BIRDWATCHERS:
Birdwatchers are a two-prov team made up of Anna Kemp (This is Your Musical) and Paige Tummons (Jazz Police). In their original “epilogue” format, Birdwatchers explore the present and past of 2 characters reminiscing together. The exploratory flashbacks combine comedic elements, heartfelt scenes, and absolutely ridiculous moments that are sure to make you laugh and think that maybe your own family isn’t that weird after all.
Birdwatchers have performed extensively in Bristol and won the Improv Cagematch in 2019.
[2] AFTER DUSK: THE IMPROVISED TWILIGHT ZONE
Filed mistakenly under E for Mystery: unscripted episodes of the television anthology known as The Twilight Zone. An improvised parody of the 1960s TV show that inspired Black Mirror.
Accompanied by a live violinist, some of Bristol’s best improvisers create two brand-new episodes of the cult sci-fi classic. Suitable for all levels of nerdiness and Twilight Zone knowledge, including none! Winner of The Brighton Seagull’s Best Improvised Show award and top 3 shortlisted for the Best Show in all categories by The Reviews Hub at the Brighton Fringe 2022.
★★★★★ “A beautiful demonstration of everything improvised performance can be.”
– The Reviews Hub
[3] PRESSURE COOKER: THE IMPROVISED RESTAURANT SHOW
Pressure Cooker whisks you into the chaos of a fictional restaurant where chefs, customers, and kitchen staff are all played by a dynamic ensemble. Using YOUR stories as ingredients, our performers cook up hilarious, unpredictable scenes every night. From meltdowns to menu mayhem, it’s comedy served hot and fast.
“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
Entry requirements: 18+

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Jimmy Mcghie
2025-11-08 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Jimmy McGhie featuring Omar Badway & Robin Morgan

Stand Up For The Weekend is our weekly flagship 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: JIMMY McGHIE
International stand up Jimmy McGhie was an Assistant Producer for the BBC’s Science and History Dept, having spent seven years working in factual television before he ran off to join the stand up comedy circus professionally in 2009. Since then he has performed stand up all over the world and appeared on numerous television and radio programmes including the BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5, Comedy Central, ABC Australia, THREE New Zealand, Absolute Radio and many more.

He is “a brilliant talent” (The Scotsman) and with “an easy charm and appealing relaxed manner” (Chortle), he has performed 10 solo shows at festivals around the world including the Edinburgh Fringe, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Adelaide Fringe, Sydney Comedy Festival, Perth Comedy Festival and New Zealand International Comedy festival.

He is now a top circuit act in the UK, as well as a highly sought after corporate awards host and TV warm up artist. He has also provided the studio warm up for BBC1’s Graham Norton Show, ITV’s Loose Women and Ch4’s Deal or No Deal.
“Exquisitely done, with a compelling, simmering fury… impressive” Chortle.co.uk

Comedy: Josh Jones I HAVEN'T WON THE LOTTERY SO HERE'S ANOTHER TOUR SHOW
2025-11-07 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
After his 2023/24 sell-out smash tour Gobsmacked, this marvellous Manc is back with his best show yet.

A TV favourite, and now an aspiring doctor’s wife, Josh Jones is now knee deep into his 30’s and nothing thrills him more than a Greggs Sausage Roll and an M&S food shop. Living a more sedate life isn’t without its challenges though – he’s still trying to earn his cat’s respect!

Josh is hitting the road with a show packed full of laughs and he’s keeping it light – nothing super political, nothing controversial and it’s definitely not going to change your life, but you can be sure of a fab night out filled to the brim with jokes about history, cats, his love of wrestling and much more. Please come, he’d really like to buy a new sofa.

Star of Would I Lie To You? (BBC1), The Jonathan Ross Show (ITV), 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (CH4), Comedy Central Live, Out of Order (Comedy Central), House of Games (BBC2), Battle in the Box (Dave), Dancing On Ice (ITV), The Stand Up Sketch Show (ITV2) and much, much more.

Comedy: Stephen K Amos NOW WE'RE TALKING!
2025-11-06 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
How good’s a laugh? My joke book is overflowing, so let’s get talking about what gives me the ick and what makes me tick. It’s time to get down to the nitty gritty. No filter, no limits. The gloves are off and I’m packing a punchline, so let’s speak easy and laugh freely. Join me for freestyling musings and merrymaking to get your belly aching! After all, in jokes we trust…

Jazz: Eddie Gripper & Alex Clarke Quartet
2025-11-06 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Alex Clarke – saxes, Eddie Gripper – piano, Nick Kacal – bass, Ronan Ristord – drums
Following on from their spring tour in 2024 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.
Ronan Ristord joins the band as special guest drummer for some of the tour dates. Ronan is a rising star of the Paris jazz scene, having studied at the famous Berklee College in Boston, USA.

Comedy: RACHEL GALVO - THE SHITE FEMINIST
2025-11-05 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Rachel Galvo is an incredibly shite feminist… but its not her fault. She spent 15 years locked up in an all-girls Irish catholic school run by nuns- and she’s ready to tell the truth…
“Rachel Galvo presents refreshingly funny interpretations of girlhood and ironically, The Shite Feminist could not be more empowering. You will leave feeling like you’ve caught up with a good friend.” ★★★★★ Ed Fest Mag

Talk: A History of Tarot Cards: The ancient art of inner knowing
2025-11-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
What makes tarot such a compelling tool for reflection, insight, and even transformation?
In this talk, we’ll explore how tarot works not just as a way to predict the future, but as a tool for spiritual growth. Rich in symbols, emotions and archetypes, tarot offers a way to better understand ourselves and the world around us.
We’ll start with how tarot is used today, then trace its roots back to the Italian Renaissance. Thinkers like Pico della Mirandola were searching for a way to talk to angels – a kind of spiritual language – and this quest helped shape the deeper meanings tarot still carries.
We’ll then take a closer look at three powerful cards: the High Priestess, Temperance, and the Devil, and explore what they might be saying. Finally, we’ll explore the explosion of tarot design in recent years, and why so many people turn to tarot to make sense of the world.
Diane Purkiss is Professor of English at the University of Oxford, and a fellow of Keble
College. She has published works on witchcraft, fairies, and also on the English Civil War, the occasion of England’s biggest witchhunt. She has been in more than a dozen television documentaries; she even has an IMDb entry and a Wikipedia page.She has spoken to general audiences at numerous literary festivals and to many local history societies.

Comedy: THE SCREEN ROT PODCAST: LIVE
2025-11-02 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
With JACOB HAWLEY and JAKE FARRELL
Jacob Hawley (As seen on The Russell Howard Hour, The Have A Word Podcast, Sky One, ITVX and Channel 4) and Jake Farrell (as seen on ITVX) present Screen Rot, their social media themed podcast where they discuss the weirdest and worst content that has been rotting their screens and indeed their minds. After selling out London shows in a matter of hours, the duo are embarking on a tour of the UK. Expect guest appearances, tangents, non sequiturs, and nonsense.

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Steve Bugeja
2025-11-01 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Steve Bugeja featuring Jamie D’Souza & Clint Edwards
Stand Up For The Weekend is our weekly flagship 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: STEVE BUGEJA
Steve Bugeja is one of the circuit’s most exciting comedians. Steve hosted the BBC Radio 4 series Economics with Subtitles and has made numerous appearances on TV shows including The Russell Howard Hour (Sky One), Love Island: Aftersun (ITV2), Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central (Comedy Central) and Zoe Ball on Saturday (ITV1).

Making a name for himself internationally, Steve has twice been invited to perform at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, appearing on Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow (ABC1) and on Comedy Up Late (ABC1).

A prolific writer, Steve was a key member of the writing team for The Russell Howard Hour (Sky One) and for Iain Stirling’s CelebAbility (ITV2) and has contributed material to Mock the Week (BBC2), 8 Out of 10 Cats (Channel 4) and BBC Radio 4.

Steve won the BBC New Comedy Award in 2013 and has since performed numerous Edinburgh Fringe shows and national tours.
“Plentiful jokes and compelling storytelling” — The Scotsman

Music: Rod Picott THE FINAL TOUR
2025-10-31 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
US singer-songwriter Rod Picott is bringing down the curtain on the Circus of Misery & Heartbreak – he brings it down with the release of his album, Starlight Tour – the album is packed with raw themes and totally absorbing in its immersive Americana noir. It is being critically acclaimed as his finest body of work.

Jazz: Andy Hague's Sixty-tet
2025-10-30 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Andy Hague – trumpet, Luke Annesley – alto sax, Ben Waghorn – tenor sax, Jim Blomfield – piano, Riaan Vosloo – bass, Ryan Thrupp – drums – plus possibly a guest or two!
The big day has arrived for trumpeter Andy Hague, who presents an all-star sextet to mark the occasion. Andy has accumulated a substantial library of sextet arrangements over the years and the repertoire will be a mixture of standards, Blue Note classics and perhaps a couple of originals with the emphasis on having some fun.

Talk: Beneath the skin – an intimate look at our bodies
2025-10-30 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Altered State returns with a new talk, taking a fresh look at how bodies are seen in medicine.
From the influence of tradition and male bias to the blind spots of race and gender. Have female sexual organs had the attention they deserve? We’ll explore how priorities in surgery are arrived at and what we can do to compensate.
Altered State host Eliz Mizon will be joined by:
Gabriel Weston – surgeon, author and mother of 4
Gene Feder – Professor of Primary Care at University of Bristol
The event will be followed by a book signing with Gabriel
Contact hello@alteredstate.org.uk if have any questions
Entry requirements: 16+

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Ian Stone
2025-10-25 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Ian Stone featuring Micky Overman & Tom Glover
Stand Up For The Weekend is our flagship weekly 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: IAN STONE
Ian Stone is one of the most talented topical acts in the country. Edgy and provocative, with an easy-going manner and self-deprecating style, Ian has performed all over the world. Formerly a regular guest on Radio 5 Live’s flagship sports panel show Fighting Talk, and more recently on TNT Sport, he also presented Channel 5’s Comedy Bigmouth in 2017. In 2020 Ian wrote and published his first book To Be Someone, an in-depth look at his teenage years in the late 1970s against the backdrop of his favourite band, The Jam.
“Stone is probably better than we deserve. Ultimately, it is the sheer quantity of funny material that really impresses” The List

Comedy: Connor Burns - GALLUS
2025-10-24 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
The all-new show from Scotland’s hilarious new international breakthrough stand-up star.

A hit at the 2024 Fringe Encore Series as part of the New York Comedy Festival, Connor Burns’ previous show “1994” also sold 10,000+ tickets in Edinburgh, toured 100 dates around UK and Australia. He’s supported Daniel Sloss in 3 continents and his debut comedy special gets its world-wide release this summer.
“Burns has arrived” ★★★★ Entertainment Now
“Brilliant… gags coming at you at a terrifying rate… Superb!” ★★★★ The List
“Hilarious… he is fearless and it is wonderful…!” ★★★★★ The Scotsman

* Gallus: Traditional Scots dialect meaning Bold, Daring and Reckless

Music: Never The Bride
2025-10-23 20:30 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
At the heart of Never The Bride are two trailblazing women: powerhouse vocalist Nikki Lamborn — hailed by Roger Daltrey as “the best female rock voice since Janis Joplin” — and Catherine “Been” Feeney, the band’s primary composer, keyboardist, and occasional guitarist. Together, they craft music with grit, grace, and passion, supported by a world-class lineup of musicians.
Their career reads like a rock and roll hall of fame — sharing stages with legends such as The Who, Robert Plant, Elton John, Paul Rodgers, Eric Clapton, and Beth Hart. Their unforgettable rendition of Going to California on Encomium: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin earned them a gold disc, further cementing their place in music history.
BBC’s Bob Harris, a long-time supporter, introduced their live album Long Live Live with these words: “I was absolutely struck by their brilliant musicianship, their passion, their commitment — they really, mean it. They are one of the best live bands in Britain today.
Listen here

Jazz: Nick Malcolm and Martin Kolarides Quartetand Martin Kolarides
2025-10-23 08:00 - 17:00 | Chicken Shed
Nick Malcolm – trumpet, Martin Kolarides – guitar, Greg Cordez – bass, Mark Whitlam – drums
Trumpeter Nick Malcolm should be well known to Bristol audiences and has a growing national reputation. A fearless and inventive soloist, he moves effortlessly between completely free improvisation and blistering hard-bop. He is known for his work with Out Front, Dee Byrne’s Outlines, Rebecca Nash and has recently ended a long tenure with the Jazz Defenders.
Guitarist Martin Kolarides is yet another fine musician who has been drawn from London into the mysterious jazz vortex of Frome in Somerset. A graduate of London’s Trinity College of Music, Martin has established himself as one of the most creative, versatile and hard working musicians in the UK. Equally at home playing rock, blues, swing and jazz, Martin has worked with many outstanding musicians who have inspired his love of many styles including jazz, folk, Americana, experimental pop and electronica to name just a few. In addition to writing for and directing his own groups, Martin is a seasoned session player with numerous jazz and pop credits to his name… recent notable artists have included mainstream TV appearances with US singer-songwriter Valerie June as well as being the touring guitarist for another US act, chart topping jazz/R&B singer Lizz Wright. Martin has also recorded two top 20 albums and performs internationally with English close harmony vocal trio The Puppini Sisters. He has also recently completed a European tour with US singer and Snarky Puppy guest vocalist Shayna Steele, and is one of the founding members of electronic neo-soul outfit HUGH. Martin also produces music under the guise of ‘Sinking Monolith’ and has numerous writing and remix credits to his name.
It’s great to welcome back bassist Greg Cordez to the live scene. Having recorded three albums as band leader and composer, two of which were recorded in the USA with top-flight American players, Greg has rather retreated in to academia since Covid, concentrating on his teaching job at BIMM music college – but now he’s back and ready for a new chapter.
Drummer Mark Whitlam also tutors at BIMM and is currently working on his PhD. One of Bristol’s busiest musicians, Mark has worked with major jazz names such as Andy Sheppard, Iain Ballamy and Jason Rebello.

Talk: The Psychology of Carl Jung with Dr Rachel Newsome
2025-10-21 19:00 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Have you ever wondered what our dreams and imagination can say about our inner psychology? Join us for an illuminating introduction to the psychology of Carl Jung and his groundbreaking ideas about the creative, healing power of the unconscious. A founding father of depth psychology, Jung was a maverick thinker, artist and visionary whose ideas were ahead of his time. His extensive studies of ancient religions and mythologies, alongside his deep dream work, brought him to the edge of sanity. Through this work, he developed the pioneering concepts of the collective unconscious, the archetypes (including the shadow and the self), synchronicity, individuation, creative self-realisation and more.
In this talk, we’ll explore key Jungian concepts in relation to how Jung combined ancient Eastern wisdom with Western psychology. We’ll learn how this can be understood as a form of ‘sacred science’ reflecting the spiritual crisis of late stage capitalism and how Jung’s thought places us inside a larger reality transcending space and time. We’ll look at the instrumental role of imagination, dreams and symbols in Jung’s approach to psychoanalysis, including his innovative technique of active imagination or ‘dreaming awake’. We’ll consider how Jung’s psychoanalysis is still relevant today as a powerful, transformative tool to access the unknown and facilitate creativity in support of both individual and collective growth.
Dr Rachel Newsome is a Jungian-based writer and teacher. She holds a doctorate in applying Jungian psychoanalysis to creative writing and is the founder of Depth Writing With Dr Rachel, a holistic creative learning programme aimed at supporting transformational growth. Dr Rachel has a background in the media and academia as a former editor of arts & culture magazine Dazed & Confused and a lecturer with twenty years’ experience, respectively. She is an Associate of the Higher Education Association and an Editorial Board Member of the London Arts-Based Research Centre. Her research has been published in international academic journals and she is Co-Editor of the forthcoming Routledge publication The Creative Psyche: Between Spirit and Matter. Her monthly Depth Writing With Dr Rachel dispatches on travels between worlds via the arts, culture and all things Jungian can be found on Substack.

Music: Lilly Hiatt
2025-10-20 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
The search for answers—where she’s been, who she’s become, what it all means—lies at the heart of Hiatt’s striking new album, Forever. Written and recorded in Hiatt’s new home just outside Nashville, the collection grapples with growth and change, escape and anxiety, self-loathing and self-love.
The songs are intensely vulnerable here, full of diaristic snapshots and deeply personal ruminations, but they’re also broad invitations to find yourself in Hiatt’s unflinching emotional excavations, to see your own humanity reflected back in her pursuit of something larger than herself. Hiatt cut the album with her husband, Coley Hinson, who produced and played most of the instruments on the record, and the result is a raw, unvarnished work of love and trust that walks the line between alt-rock muscle and singer/songwriter sensitivity, a bold, guitar-driven, at times psychedelic exploration of maturity and adulthood from an artist who wants you to know you’re not alone, no matter how lost you may feel.

Comedy: Matt Green LEGITIMATE CONCERNS
2025-10-19 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Following his debut sell-out national tour, online comedy star Matt Green returns with brand new jokes about the state of politics, the world and himself. Matt has moved house and the world has moved into an even more chaotic state. But we can still laugh about it – right?

Is selling a flat more annoying than Donald Trump? Will Keir Starmer ever be cool? And what happens when an algorithm knows you better than you know yourself? Or are these all just illegitimate concerns?

As seen and heard in his viral clips on social media and YouTube, James O’Brien’s show on LBC, Radio 4’s POV, Oh God What Now?, Paper Cuts, Mrs Sidhu Investigates, The Marlow Murder Club and even as a news reporter in Doctor Who! You might also have seen the back of his head in A Very Royal Scandal, but only if you were really paying attention in the wedding photographer scene.

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with MICHAEL SHAFAR
2025-10-18 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Michael Shafar featuring Tom Lucy & 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.​
“Shafar circumnavigates the line between edgy and offensive with beautiful finesse” The Age (Melbourne)

Music: MARGINAL GAINS - 90s and 00s band night
2025-10-17 20:00 - 23:30 | Chicken Shed
Turbocharge your weekend with a night of 90s and 00s grunge and britpop BANGERS
Marginal Gains are BACK 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: Harriet Dyer EASILY DISTRA....
2025-10-17 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
A new blancmange of whimsy from the somewhat fizzy mind of Harriet Dyer featuring hot topics such as wearing a wetsuit on a bus, jaunty social commentary on why couples don’t talk to each other anymore, and trying to get a cow to lick the top of your head.

2024 Winner of C4’s Sean Lock Comedy Award

As seen on Live At The Apollo, Rosie Jones’ Disability Comedy Extravaganza, Comedy Central Live, The Russel Howard Hour.
“A must-see and a masterclass of originality“ ★★★★★ Neurodiverse Review
