Hen & Chicken

Comedy: EDINBURGH OR BUST STUART GOLDSMITH & JOSH WELLER
2025-07-25 20:00 - 22:00 UTC | Hen & Chicken Studio
EDINBURGH OR BUST DOUBLE BILL
Every year in August, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is THE place to see stand up comedians hone their brand new solo shows in preparation for national touring. This is your opportunity to see these work-in-progress shows before the Fringe and before they go on tour.

STUART GOLDSMITH – AN INCONVENIENT TIME
Internationally award-winning stand-up Stuart Goldsmith presents a brand-new hour. As seen on Live at the Apollo (BBC), Conan (TBS) and As Yet Untitled (U&Dave) and Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central (Comedy Central). Hilarious and candid climate comedy! Whether you’re frozen in fear or glued to the road, come and get unstuck as Stuart explores how to hold hope in your heart despite absolutely everything.
“A master of the form” The Independent
“The funny side of climate change… No, really!” The Times
“Piercingly funny” The List
JOSH WELLER
Josh Weller is a failed musician turned comedian, viral content maker, comic book author and podcast host. As seen on ITV2 Stand Up Sketch Show, Weller’s high energy brand of cleverly self-deprecating stand-up landed him on pro bills after just one year on the circuit. In addition to his live comedy work, Josh has developed a loyal fanbase for his viral musical videos and online content, with views in the millions which includes mockumentaries, sketches, professional trolling, animated stand-up comedy shorts, character work, and more. This appearance at the Hen & Chicken is a warm-up for his video record in August.

Music: The Weeping Willows
2025-07-24 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Bluegrass tradition, draped in Gothic Americana imagery – stories of sunshine, romance, God and The Devil, murder and decay – real music.
3 x CMAA ‘Golden Guitar’, 2 x Australian Folk Music and Music Victoria Award winners, The Weeping Willows (Laura Coates and Andrew Wrigglesworth) are a couple of old souls, steeped in Bluegrass tradition and draped in Gothic Americana imagery. They regale their audiences with stories of sunshine and romance, God and The Devil, murder and decay. Real music.
The last 5 years have seen The Weeping Willows nominated for 14 x CMAA ‘Golden Guitar’ awards, 7 x Australian Folk Music Awards (AFMAs), 4 x Country Music Channel (CMC) awards, 2 x National Live Music Awards (NLMAs), performing Official Showcases at AmericanaFest (USA) and Folk Alliance International (USA) and appearing at Maverick Festival, Knutsford Music Festival, Beardy Folk Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival (AU), Queenscliff Music Festival (AU) and the Australian Americana Music Honours. In recent years they have supported Lukas Nelson & POTR (USA), Hayes Carll (USA), Iris DeMent (USA), Willie Watson (USA), Eilen Jewell (USA), Mark Radcliffe & David Boardman (UK) and Katherine Priddy (UK) and completed national and international tours in support of their three LPs, including sophomore album, Before Darkness Comes A-Callin’, which received four-star reviews in Rolling Stone, The Australian and The Music. A Weeping Willows performance, whether live on location or caught on tape will always delight.
“…a mature, courageous and beguiling experience.” – No Depression (USA)
“…on the way to making some serious waves in Americana.” – AmericanaUK (UK)
“…stunning acoustic guitar work, heavenly harmonies, and a haunting melody rooted in American Gothic.” – Pop Matters (USA)
★★★★ – Rolling Stone, Rhythms Magazine, The Music and The Australian.
Have a listen here

Music: New Cut Collective ft Special Guests & DJ Jnr.D
2025-07-18 20:30 - 23:30 | Chicken Shed
You will be dancing from the off with these Bristol-based funk meisters. They’ll be playing the finest cuts of Funky Soul-Jazz and upbeat Latin grooves. This tight collective is primed to entertain, with original arrangements of tunes by the likes of Ramsey Lewis, Herbie Hancock, Sergio Mendes, Gil Scott-Heron, Mongo Santamaria and Jimmy Smith.
The line up features a core trio with a strong combined history of live and studio work. Cranking up the tremolo for those Hammond stings and going full Ramsey on the Piano, but also stripping it back to some of that mellow, funky Rhodes: Murray Benjamin, a long time musician on the local scene – MC of Fromage En Feu, and former band member of several Bristol Institutions (Mo-Funk, Orquestra Montpelier & K’Chevere).
Chic had ‘Nard Edwards, Herbie Hancock had Freddie Washington but neither of these were available so we settled for the funkiest (and nicest) bassman in town: Mike Rogers, at the back giving the band that solid groove foundation (Kid Sinister, Stick of Rock & Gee Baby).
The newest member of the band from New Orleans, Louisiana, laying down those funky beats to set it all ablaze, introducing: Chris Courville (of Grammy-nominated band Lost Bayou Ramblers).
Special Guests: At this Summer gig we will also be joined onstage by some select Bristol talent, but you’ll need to come on in to fi nd out who…
In between sets, DJ Steve Dawson (Jnr. D of BUMP RollerDisco) will be spinning the vinyl to keep those feet on the dance floor (bring spare shoes!).
Limited numbers so book your tickets today to join the party…

Comedy : EDINBURGH OR BUST SIMON EVANS & RIA LINA
2025-07-18 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
EDINBURGH OR BUST DOUBLE BILL
Every year in August, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is THE place to see stand up comedians hone their brand new solo shows in preparation for national touring. This is your opportunity to see these work-in-progress shows before the Fringe and before they go on tour.

SIMON EVANS: STARING AT THE SUN
An odd title, but those familiar with Plato will understand the reference, as will those familiar with Donald J Trump. Simon Evans hits 60 this year, and perhaps more significantly his daughter hits 21 and his son 18. He no longer needs to think of the children; his time is short and with no more shackles on his instinct, he’ll give you the raw, unlubricated truth.
“A masterclass” The Scotsman
RIA LINA: RIABELLION
Following her killer debut tour, Riawakening, the wickedly funny Ria Lina returns with a riotous Work in Progress before she hits the road again in Autumn 2025. Expect a relentless stream of hilarity as Ria explores the eternal battle of the sexes, the delight in throwing life up in the air after years of following the rules, and the art of radical indifference. Much loved in the industry, this multi-award winner commands the stage with a whirlwind of energy and leaves audiences breathless with laughter.
“Fearless, provocative and very funny… wonderfully on-the-edge stuff… There isn’t a comedy venue in the country that shouldn’t be fighting for her” The Scotsman

SPORT: Sweden V England
2025-07-17 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Join us in The Chicken Shed as we cheer on England’s Lionesses this Thursday.

Comedy: EDINBURGH OR BUST CHLOE PETTS & GLENN MOORE
2025-07-17 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
EDINBURGH OR BUST DOUBLE BILL
Every year in August, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is THE place to see stand up comedians hone their brand new solo shows in preparation for national touring. This is your opportunity to see these work-in-progress shows before the Fringe and before they go on tour.

CHLOE PETTS
As seen on Have I Got News of You, Live at the Apollo and Richard Osman’s House of Games, join Chloe Petts as she tries new material for, what will hopefully be, another smash-hit Edinburgh Fringe show.
“A rising star whose name will soon be in lights” – Evening Standard

GLENN MOORE
Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Glenn Moore is a comedian, actor and one of the best and most prolific joke writers in the country. Glenn’s 2022 Fringe show sold out with rave five star reviews from The Mail on Sunday, Chortle and The Courier, amongst a number of other publications.

Glenn is a regular face on TV, having appeared on Mock the Week (BBC), The Russell Howard Hour (Sky), and The Stand Up Sketch Show (ITV2).

Music: The Best Of The Raff Pack
2025-07-12 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Join The Raff Pack, Bristol’s friendliest male singing group in their Best Gig Ever, upstairs at the Hen and Chicken!
The choir are donning their hats again and performing their most popular songs from their nine year history – including rock anthems, singalong sea shanties, folk, barbershop, pop, hip hop and much more, all performed in spectacular a capella. Expect everything from Dr Dre to The Wurzels, with every song a tried and tested crowd pleaser!
This celebration of men’s singing is their most ambitious concert yet, and promises to be an event not to be missed! Support is provided by the amazing Gasmen Collective and incredible Bristol Groove.

Comedy: EDINBURGH OR BUST PAUL McCAFFREY & DAN TIERNAN
2025-07-11 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
EDINBURGH OR BUST DOUBLE BILL
Every year in August, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is THE place to see stand up comedians hone their brand new solo shows in preparation for national touring. This is your opportunity to see these work-in-progress shows before the Fringe and before they go on tour.

PAUL McCAFFREY
Join Paul McCaffrey for a work in progress of his brand-new hilarious show. In the last few years Paul has performed to over half a million people while supporting his comedy heroes Sean Lock and Kevin Bridges on their UK tours and has gone down an absolute storm. As seen on Live at the Apollo, Impractical Jokers, Russell Howard’s Good News, and Stand up Central.
“McCaffrey is going to make it big any day now. Grab your chance to say ‘I saw him when…’” – The Scotsman
“Never anything short of gut-bustingly hilarious” – GQ
DAN TIERNAN
Work in progress show from 2023 Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer Nominee Dan Tiernan. In 2022, Dan won the BBC New Comedian of the Year and British Comedian of the Year. He’s achieved two sold-out Edinburgh runs in 2023 (debut) and 2024, during which he received 4 & 5* star reviews from The Scotsman, Daily Telegraph, The List, Chortle, and The Skinny (to name a few!).”

TV includes: Live at the Apollo (BBC Two), The Stand Up Sketch Show (ITV 2), QI (BBC Two) and Mel Giedroyc: Unforgivable (Dave), The Last Leg (Channel 4), 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (Channel 4).
“Raucously entertaining” – The Guardian

Comedy: EDINBURGH OR BUST with Pierre Novellie & Josh Baulf
2025-07-09 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
EDINBURGH OR BUST DOUBLE BILL

Every year in August, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is THE place to see stand-up comedians hone their brand new solo shows in preparation for national touring. This is your opportunity to see these work-in-progress shows before the Fringe and before they go on tour.

PIERRE NOVELLIE
Award-winning comedian Pierre Novellie comes to Bristol to try some new stuff out. Pierre has co-hosted The Frank Skinner Show on Absolute Radio, and his television appearances include World’s Most Dangerous Roads (Dave), The Mash Report (BBC2), and Stand Up Central (Comedy Central). Pierre’s first book Why Can’t I Just Enjoy Things?: A Comedian’s Guide to Autism was published by Bonnier in 2024.

In audio, Pierre co-hosts the hit Budpod podcast alongside Phil Wang which has over 3.5million downloads, has performed on The Now Show and The News Quiz (Radio 4), and hosts the BBC Sounds podcast series Obsessed With… SAS: Rogue Heroes. As a writer, Pierre was a regular writer on the rebooted Spitting Image (ITV/Britbox) and has also written on shows including Mock the Week (BBC2), The News Quiz (Radio 4) and The Mash Report (BBC2).
“Tremendous” ★★★★★ EdFestMag.com

JOSH BAULF

After bursting onto the comedy scene with his razor-sharp wit and a string of viral videos, Josh Baulf embarks on his debut solo tour, but before that he will be spending a month at the Edinburgh Fringe! With his trademark charm and killer punchlines, Josh delves into the hilarities of millennial life, navigating modern relationships and the quirks of British culture.

Described by Rob Beckett as a comedian “you have to see live” and hailed by David Walliams as “a very funny man”. Josh brings his infectious energy to the stage for a night of big laughs and relatable truths.
“Laugh out Loud Funny” One4Review

Comedy: Dutch Barn Spirit of Comedy - BEST NEW STAND UP COMIC COMPETITION
2025-07-04 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
‘Dutch Barn Spirit of Comedy’ launches to find the UK’s next best stand up comedian and this show on Friday 4 July at the Hen & Chicken Studio is the Bristol Regional Heat.
The new progressive ‘Spirit of Comedy’ competition launched on 9th April 2025, with multiple regional rounds reaching all 4 corners of the UK, and a grand final taking place in October 2025.
Co-owned by Ricky Gervais, Dutch Barn Vodka is a premium vodka brand distilled from British apples in Yorkshire – and they’re committed to helping their drinkers have a laugh.
Every guest attending a Spirit of Comedy event will be welcomed with a complimentary Dutch Barn serve.
Applicants have been applying online from 1st April 2025, submitting a short clip of their comedy
• First round: May-July 2025, including 20 towns and cities across the UK
• Second Round: August-September, including 5 towns and cities across the UK
• Final round: October 2025.
Judging will include a mix of online consumer voting and expert panels, with entrants being required to take to the stage for 1-10 minutes across the various rounds.

Dutch Barn Vodka promises each comic who takes the stage a bottle of their award-winning vodka as a prize, with other cash prizes to be announced.

Music: Juliet Lloyd
2025-07-03 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
There’s an unmistakable urgency you can feel when a song is written and performed from a place of complete honesty. That feeling permeates singer-songwriter Juliet Lloyd’s new album, Carnival.
Juliet will be performing live in our intimate music space The Studio.
Juliet Lloyd is an acclaimed singer/songwriter who splits her time between the DC region and Nashville and has garnered comparisons to Patty Griffin, Grace Potter, Carole King, and Chris Stapleton for her signature blend of soulful, roots-infused folk/pop. Across her 20-year career as a writer and artist, Juliet has released four studio albums, garnering placements on television shows on MTV and VH1 and airplay on more than 175 radio stations across the country. Her 2024 full-length album Carnival has been hailed by reviewers for its “evocative storytelling and raw honesty” and “beautiful imagery…a truly dynamic album.” It features nine brand new songs that “transcend genre, moving between indie pop, folk, soul, and rock as effortlessly as Lloyd glides across the notes of her vocal runs.” Juliet’s songwriting and performance chops have earned her top honors in the 2022 Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards and Mid-Atlantic Song Contest, four “Wammie” finalist nods, and multiple prestigious national songwriter awards across the past several years. Both solo and with her band, Juliet has performed 150+ shows a year since 2020, including headlining and supporting slots at regional festivals and a growing number of listening rooms across the US.
Have a listen here

Comedy: Stuart Mitchell TIPS NOT INCLUDED
2025-06-28 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
With over 100M views online see the longest running panellist from BBC Scotland’s “Breaking The News” live in his first national tour! “One of Scotland’s rising star’s, Stuart Mitchell is a comedian worth catching before he becomes mega.” Sunday Mail.

Stuart Mitchell is now regarded as one of the UK’s top comedians and social media stars with over a 100M views online. You’ve seen him online and now you can see him on his first ever national UK tour, Tips Not Included. Join the longest running panellist of BBC Scotland’ Breaking The News as he shares his amazing life story. “Please go and see Stuart Mitchell” Will Ferrell.

Comedy: Andrew Bird & Guests
2025-06-27 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Andrew Bird featuring Tadiwa Mahlunge & Emma Coyne plus 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: ANDREW BIRD
Andrew Bird is a top headline act throughout the UK and Ireland and has performed all around the world. He is highly in demand as a tour support for big name comics such as Rhod Gilbert, Rob Brydon, Jon Richardson and Michael McIntyre playing venues such as Wembley and O2 arenas, and is one of the hardest working TV warm-up acts in the industry having worked on shows as varied as Pointless, Have I Got News For You, The Jonathan Ross Show and Taskmaster.
There is a very good reason for Andrew Bird’s popularity. He is always funny and frequently hilarious. He’s a nimble storyteller, with a relaxed, personable style. He simply proves cracking company, whether he’s got an angle or not. Fast, fluid and animated, you might mistake his relentless chatter for a spontaneous stream of consciousness, were it not so effortlessly reliable in generating laughs.

Music: Bobby Bare Jnr. (with Matthew Paige)
2025-06-26 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Unfortunately, this tour has been cancelled due to unforeseen family reasons.

Nashville, the son of country music icon, Bobby Bare singer-songwriter Bobby Bare jr cites influence by the songwriting of Shel Silverstein, encapsulating humour and references to popular culture within his songs.
Bobby has been in bands such as Young Criminal Starvation League and Guided By Voices.
He is accompanied on this tour by Matthew Paige.
Matthew is from East Nashville and is a member of the band, Dee-oh-Gee.
Matthew will perform with Bobby, but will also open the show, performing solo material that will be a contrast from his work with Dee-oh-Gee.
Have a listen here

Music: The Pine Hill Haints
2025-06-25 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Alabama Ghost Country Music
Alabama’s favourite haunted artists The Pine Hill Haints return with their latest long player, Shattered Pieces Of The True Cross, on Single Lock Records, available in stores physical and digital on May 30.
The collection of southern psychedelic tunes were recorded at the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound on Jackson Highway, captured and mixed by Ben Tanner, Grammy-winning producer/engineer and Single Lock co-founder.
The Haints have long represented a 21st century chapter in the Muscle Shoals music legacy, applying a DIY ethos to folk and blues traditions. Not unlike their Swamper forebears in the same studio, the Haints transcend their myriad influences to sculpt a sound of their own.
The album bears their signature sonic palette – washtub bass, snare drum (no bass drums allowed!), washboard, and the occasional singing saw – and combination of styles: Scotch Irish traditional music via Appalachia (“Ki Yi Woopi Ti Yay” and “Henry My Son”, classic country (“Honky Tonk and Dance With You”) and punk rock (“Svenghoolia”), plus a fresh take on the Grateful Dead song “Loser”.

Have a listen here

Talk: Trump & Vance
2025-06-24 19:30 - 23:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Trump & Vance- with friends like these, who needs enemies?
Altered State welcomes General Sir Timothy Radford and Richard Graham, former diplomat and MP, to the panel to discuss the impacts of America First foreign policy on the UK, NATO as is, geopolitics and any likely realignments and new alliances that it might beget

TALK: The History of Folklore and Feminism
2025-06-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
For centuries, feminist writers and thinkers have turned to myths, legends, fairytales, religious stories, and cultural traditions to make sense of women’s experiences. All of these come under the umbrella of ‘folklore’. This talk will explore the enduring relevance of folklore, asking how these stories can be reclaimed and reimagined for the 21st-century feminist.
We’ll trace figures like the witch, the shapeshifter, and the maiden across different traditions, examining the societal norms they were created to enforce and how feminist thinkers have reshaped them into symbols of resistance and possibility.
Finally, we will ask why we continually return to ancient stories to tell new ones — does this suggest that we’re out of new stories, or is it a part of a longstanding literary tradition in women’s writing, to look back, to subvert dominant myths, and to challenge the patriarchal ideas embedded in our society?
Speaker Bio:
Dr Shelby Judge is a Lecturer in Creative and Cultural Industries at the University of Derby,
where she researches digital feminist and popular feminist responses to Incels and the
Manosphere. She recently completed her PhD in English Literature at the University of
Glasgow, for which she produced the thesis Contemporary Feminist Adaptations of Greek
Myth. Due to the proliferating nature of this genre, Shelby’s work in this field is ongoing. She
has published work on #MeToo and the Trojan War, 21st Century adaptations of Helen of
Troy, transgender adaptations of Frankenstein, and transgender readings of Ovid. She has
previously given public lectures on toxic masculinity in Greek myth and sea monsters in Scottish folklore. She is a regular contributor to the Literary Encyclopedia, for which she has
written articles on the poetry of Carol Ann Duffy and Margaret Atwood, as well as entries on
Laura Bates and Janice Hallett. Shelby is a committee member for the Transatlantic Literary
Women network, funded by the US Embassy and BAAS.

Comedy: Daliso Chaponda & Guests
2025-06-20 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Daliso Chaponda featuring Erich McElroy & Clint Edwards
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: DALISO CHAPONDA
Daliso Chaponda shot to fame on Britain’s Got Talent, making it to the final of the 2017 series and establishing himself a firm favourite with the judges and the British public. He became a Facebook and YouTube star amassing over 300 million views of his performances.

Daliso is also the writer, creator, and host of his Rose d’Or nominated BBC Radio 4 show Citizen of Nowhere that has aired for two series.

As seen and heard on The Royal Variety Performance 2020 (ITV), Britain’s Got Talent 2017 (ITV), Britain’s Got Talent Champions 2019 (ITV), QI (BBC2), The Apprentice: You’re Fired (BBC2), Good Evening Britain (ITV), The News Quiz (BBC Radio 4), and The Now Show (BBC Radio 4).

Daliso Chaponda is a hugely engaging and highly intelligent stand-up comedian. He explores all sorts of challenging subjects including race, politics, religion, pandemics etc but always endeavours to seek the funny.

TALK: The Science of ADHD: Navigating Neurodiversity in a Neurotypical World
2025-06-16 19:00 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
A simple scroll through Instagram or TikTok and you’ll be left questioning: do I have ADHD? The rise in ADHD in adults is undeniable. But only over the last decade has ADHD been formally recognised in the UK. It has been suggested that about 1.5 million adults in the UK have ADHD but only 120,000 have been diagnosed. Waiting times to access an adult ADHD specialist clinic in the NHS can be up to 2 years or more. It’s hard to find support and help.
From dopamine dips, hits and myths, how ADHD can present differently in women than men, and the neuroscience of neurodiversity; this talk is designed to give you an increased awareness and understanding of an ADHD brain. It will include advice and tips on how to navigate a neurotypical world as a neurodivergent person.
This talk will also highlight how society is demanding change. People are increasingly recognising and accepting neurodiversity and self-defining as neurodivergent. Surely, it’s time for the world to alter neurotypical societal standards as they are fast becoming outdated.
Follow us on IG @seedtalks
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.

Music: Gee Baby I Love You - Summer Sundowner
2025-06-13 21:00 - 23:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
After their sell-out show in December, legendary Bristol band Gee Baby I Love You, return to the Hen & Chicken to perform a Summer Sundowner of soul/funk / r’n’b.

Jazz: Hopkins-Hammond Trio with Gary Alesbrook
2025-06-12 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
The Hopkins-Hammond Trio was formed in 2016 to explore the classic organ trio line-up popularised by Jimmy Smith of Hammond organ, guitar and drums. It was immediately apparent that the players generated a special chemistry, and they have gone on to become one of the hardest grooving bands on the Bristol scene, playing tunes by the likes of John Scofield, Larry Goldings and Pat Metheny and their own originals. For this special event they are joined by outstanding trumpeter Gary Alesbrook.
Matt Hopkins – guitar. Matt’s inventive and melodic guitar playing has been featured in groups as stylistically diverse as Andy Sheppard’s Hotel Bristol and Emily Wright & The Royals. He also takes the lead role in the “Music of Pat Metheny” project alongside pianist Dave Newton. Matt is also known as an instructor and educator, specialising in jazz improvisation.
Scott Hammond – drums. Scott is probably best known for playing rock music with Ian Anderson/Jethro Tull all over the globe since 2010 but he’s not just a rocker. Jazz, especially in the organ trio setting, has always been close to Scott’s heart and this trio shows a more subtle side to his playing. In the jazz world Scott has worked with Alan Barnes, Tina May, Herb Geller, Bobby Wellins, Jason Rebello, Pee Wee Ellis and many others. More recently Scott has formed funk band Jingu Bang to play early Herbie Hancock and Weather Report type material.
Ruth Hammond – organ. Ruth has many strings to her bow as she is equally adept on organ, piano, saxophones, accordion and vocals. After graduating from Leeds College of Music in 1998, she became Runner Up in the Young Jazz Musician of the Year (on tenor saxophone). She has released a solo album “All The Good Things” which features her singing her own songs. She also plays sax in Jingu Bang alongside Scott, and is often heard around town with the Brass Junkies.
Special guest: Gary Alesbrook – trumpet/flugelhorn. Gary studied jazz trumpet at Leeds College of Music. His debut jazz album, “Jazz In Movies,” was released in 2018 and his second album “The Stories We Tell Ourselves” was released in 2019. Alesbrook started his session career in 1999 with the Super Furry Animals, touring and playing on the albums ‘Mwng, Rings Around the World, Hey Venus! and Phantom Power. He also played on Gruff Rhys solo album, Hotel Shampoo. Alesbrook recorded with Kasabian in 2006 playing “The Doberman” on their second album “Empire.” He toured next with the Scissor Sisters on their UK dates and for their live DVD recorded July 2007 at London O2 arena. He then joined Kasabian for recording and touring from 2007 until the present day, recording on Empire, West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum, Velociraptor! 48:13 and most recently For Crying Out Loud. In between Kasabian commitments Alesbrook also toured and performed with US RnB artist Raphael Saadiq, Kelis, Rag ‘N’ Bone Man, Nadine Coyle and recorded on albums KT Tunstall, Tiger Suit and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.

Theatre: Wednesday Night Improv presents.... The Bish Bosh Bash
2025-06-11 20:00 - 23:00 | Chicken Shed
The Improvised Game Show!
Step into the exhilarating world of The Bish Bosh Bash, where two teams of quick-witted improvisers go head-to-head in a series of spontaneous games and challenges, all fueled by your suggestions. Familiar with ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ You’ll feel right at home! ​
In the first half, enjoy rapid-fire games that showcase the performers’ versatility and comedic flair. Then, brace yourself for the knockout round, where the teams craft mini-plays on the spot, inspired by audience prompts. Your votes determine the night’s champions, making every show a unique and interactive experience. ​
Whether you’re an improv aficionado or a first-timer, The Bish Bosh Bash promises an easy-going and mischievous evening filled with laughter and surprises. Don’t miss this Bristol institution show, where the script is unwritten, and anything can happen! ​
★★★★★ “A good value evening’s entertainment and plenty of playfulness.” – Bristol 24/7

Theatre: Tales From The Wasteland: Post-Apocalyptic Improv
2025-06-07 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

WITH SUPPORT FROM: Blame of Thrones

A gripping political court drama! The beloved Monarch has suffered a terrible “accident,” leaving the royal court teeming with Machiavellian schemers, each vying for power. As the Monarch lingers on their deathbed, who will outmaneuver the rest to save their own skin? And who will seize the crown to become the all-powerful successor?

Entry requirements: 16+

Jazz: Fini Bearman
2025-06-05 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Fini Bearman is a superb vocalist who took over from Brigitte Beraha as vocal tutor for the last few years of the Falmouth Jazz Summer School, and is Professor of Jazz Songwriting at London’s Guildhall School. Visiting the club for the first time, she is touring nationally with her band of A-list London jazz musicians.
Fini tours regularly across Europe and notable performances include Ronnie Scott’s, The Sage Gateshead, The Barbican, The A-Trane (Berlin), Cafe Mercedes Jazz (Valencia), Manzioli (Izola, Slovenia) and Dizzy’s (Jazz at the Lincoln Center, New York). Festival highlights include the London Jazz Festival, Manchester Jazz Festival, Berlin Jazz Festival, ‘Jazz Voices’ in Lithuania and ’Voicingers’ in Poland.
For this tour she is presenting music from her 5th studio album “Last Night of the World” (Pastiche Records). An eclectic collection of jazz, folk & pop-infused songs, Last Night of the World draws on Fini’s experiences of motherhood & new beginnings, of love & loss, sometimes of a new-found sense of meaning, sometimes an existential lack thereof! The record was conceived using writing exercises created for her work teaching songwriting, and these seeds grew over time, coming to fruition in tandem with her pregnancy; final vocal and instrumental takes often taking place with Bridget asleep in a sling… Inspiration for the songs is drawn from a diverse spectrum of influences: the melodic inventiveness of Madison Cunningham, the esoteric jazz/folk realms of Becca Stevens, Chris Thile, Paul Simon and the electronic, minimalist songwriting voice of Bjork.
This album marks a departure from Fini’s last LP (the solo record La Loba, 2020) and acts as a return to her true ‘musical north’- a jazz-meets-indie-pop rhythm section playing lyric-based songs, with nuanced and at times complex harmonic structures and rhythmic idiosyncrasies. Each song is individual and unique in its own right, with space for improvisation, interaction and connection.

Music: Dana Sipos
2025-06-03 20:00 - 23:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Known for crafting music that is both fragile and orchestral, acclaimed Canadian songwriter Dana Sipos invites the listener beneath the surface through a nuanced lens that isn’t afraid to be out of focus at times. Sipos’ talent for earthen imagery, rich spiralling vocals, and textured instrumentation sets the stage for a deeply moving performance. She is a consummate performer, having brought her her unique brand of cosmic folk to living rooms, concert halls and festivals stages across North America, Europe and Australia. Her 2021 release, The Astral Plane, was lauded as a “mesmerizing jewel of an album” (No Depression) and garnered Sipos a Solo Artist of the Year nomination at the 2022 Canadian Folk Music Awards. With a new collection of captivating songs that hold the complexity of the human experience up to the light, her new album Golden Molten will be released in spring 2025.

The Shroomshop: DIY Mushroom Cultivation Workshop with Darren Le Baron
2025-06-03 18:30 - 22:00 | Chicken Shed
Learn how to grow edible, nootropic and medicinal mushrooms at home from expert cultivator Darren Le Baron.Darren has been educating and growing mushrooms for over thirteen years, welcoming thousands of budding mycologists to his famous Shroomshop! This event will sell out, so grab your ticket now!
Mushrooms have been growing wild since prehistoric times. Their therapeutic value has been prized in indigenous cultures for thousands of years. They play a critical role in medicinal practice and were noted in some of the first books on herbal medicine written thousands of years agoIn the past few decades, mushrooms have become more popular for their therapeutic qualities in the west as a result of an expanding body of scientific research supporting their numerous health benefits.Come and learn the basics of mushroom cultivation, explore various techniques for growing gourmet and medicinal mushrooms such as Oyster, Reishi, Lions Mane and many other magical varieties of mushrooms.This will be a hands-on experience and will cover everything you need to know to get you started. What will you learn?

What are Mushrooms?
How do Mushrooms grow?
How to cultivate Mushrooms at home!
How to make your very own grain spawn!
Making a mushroom fruiting tub!
Mushroom Aftercare!
Where to get everything?
Each participant will leave with a mushroom grow kit and access to digital notes.

Comedy: Ignacio Lopez SEÑOR SELF DESTRUCT
2025-05-31 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Spain’s Best Export(TM) Ignacio Lopez is on a mission to destroy himself, and build a better version. Leaner. Smarter. Funnier. Join the star of Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You, Comedy Central, QI, House of Games, & more, for a riotously funny exploration of vices, intrusive thoughts,
and self improvement.

Expect an armada of playful, wicked humour from the exotic outsider comedian, as he tries to identify his faults and how to improve. Is it worth going to the gym? Can you be addicted to technology? Do you know what happens if you give spiders drugs? Ignacio uses his razor-sharp wit, and effortless charm to tackle these questions and a bunch of other irrelevant horsesh*t.
★★★★★ “CHARMING, CHARISMATIC, HILARIOUS. WILL HAVE YOU LEAVING WITH A SMILE ON YOUR FACE” DEADLINE

Comedy: Pierre Novellie and Guests
2025-05-30 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Pierre Novellie featuring Joe Wells & Jeremy Flynn

Pierre Novellie is a stand-up comedian, writer, radio host and podcaster. He was co-host of The Frank Skinner Show on Absolute Radio, and TV appearances have included World’s Most Dangerous Roads (Dave), The Mash Report (BBC2), and Stand Up Central (Comedy Central). On the radio, Pierre has performed on The Now Show (Radio 4), hosts the BBC Sounds podcast series Obsessed With… SAS: Rogue Heroes and co-hosts the hit podcast Budpod with Phil Wang. As a writer, Pierre was one of the regular writers on the rebooted Spitting Image (ITV/Britbox) and has also written on shows including Mock the Week (BBC2), The News Quiz (Radio 4) and The Mash Report (BBC2).​

One of the UK’s most acclaimed live acts, Pierre‘s latest show Why Can’t I Just Enjoy Things? saw a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and was his third show to have been placed in the top 20 best-reviewed comedy shows across the entire festival. He first special, Quiet Ones, was distributed by US comedy label 800 Pound Gorilla Records and has amassed over 250,000 views online.​

Comedy: Jack Skipper SKINT
2025-05-29 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Carpet-fitter turned comedian Jack Skipper delivers his debut, Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated, stand-up hour with a show about how he went from a tradesman with no qualifications to a full-time comedian (with no qualifications) – offering insights into the endeavours of a working-class father struggling to navigate his way through life.
Seen on The Stand Up Sketch Show. Tour support for Michael McIntyre and Russell Kane. Over 16 million likes on TikTok.

Nominated for Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2024.
Winner of Best Debut Show at Leicester Comedy Festival 2024.
Nominated for Next Up’s Biggest Award In Comedy 2024.
So You Think You’re Funny 2022 runner-up.

Jazz: Andy Urquhart Quartet
2025-05-29 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Andy Urquhart is the power house trumpeter who has played at the club many times with Sound of Blue Note. Tonight he appears for the first time as band leader playing a set of standards and contemporary jazz tunes by current luminaries. Based near Blandford Forum, Andy has for many years led the house band at Jazz Café Sandbanks near Poole, in which capacity he has played with most of the UK’s best known players as visiting guests, recent examples being Art Themen, Iain Ballamy, Liane Carroll and Vasilis Xenopoulos.
Pianist Phil Doyle also plays with Sound of Blue Note, and is a former forces musician who works with the famous Joe Loss Orchestra. Known as one of the best jazz pianists working along the south coast, he has accompanied visiting US artists such as Bobby Shew and Scott Hamilton.
The band is completed by Bristol rhythm team Chris Jones – bass and Andy Hague – drums.
