Hen & Chicken

Theatre: Wednesday Night Improv - November Triple Bill
2025-11-12 19:30 - 22:00 UTC | 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: 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

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: 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

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: 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.

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

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)

Music: Holly Carter Album Release Show
2025-11-19 19:00 - 22:30 | 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

Foreign Language Comedy (Russian) : Anton Lirnik
2025-11-19 19:30 - 21:30 | Chicken Shed
Join us for an evening where humour becomes deeply personal and brilliantly alive.
A stand-up show by Anton Lirnik — former member of the legendary “Chekhov’s Duet” and resident of Comedy Club.
Anton is more than just a comedian — he’s a writer, host, screenwriter, and actor.
He was also a judge on the hit TV show “League of Laughter.”
This evening is more than stand-up:

Real stories about us all — our “past lives,” and what truly makes us laugh.
A personal view and a sincere connection with every audience member.
Laughter that heals, and thoughts that stay with you long after the show.

Don’t miss the chance to see a performer with a rich stage background in a brand-new solo format — he’s here, he’s live, and it’s going to be powerful.
Plus Opening act: Igor Pavlov (member of the “Stand-Up Prihod” comedy club)

Please note this is a Russian language show

Jazz: Howl Quartet
2025-11-20 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Dan Smith – alto sax, Harry Brunt – tenor sax, Pete Komor – bass, Matt Parkinson – drums
We’re excited to present this fantastic London based group as part of an extensive tour to promote their third album release Night Song. Their tour takes in dates in Germany, Netherlands and Ireland alongside prestigious UK bookings at venues such as Pizza Express Soho and Peggy’s Skylight.
“Often Beguiling… an assured statement of identity from a band that has very much found its feet… it is very good” – Jazzwise.
This co-led acoustic quartet emerged in 2017 through a passion for developing a collective sound. Inspired by artists such as Endangered Blood, The Bad Plus and Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band, there is an innate freedom and creative intensity to their music.
Having performed at the EFG London Jazz Festival and Vortex Jazz Club, Howl Quartet’s debut album Life As We See It was released in early 2021 with the support of the Help Musicians ‘Do It Differently’ fund. Their second album, Airglow, is a refined statement by the band and was released on the 14th July 2023 to critical acclaim. Following their sold out album launch gig at Pizza Express Jazz Club, Soho, their 7 date UK tour culminated in a headline show at The Elgar Room, Royal Albert Hall as part of EFG London Jazz Festival 2023. Howl Quartet are the grateful recipients of a Developmental Award through the Peter Whittingham Jazz Awards to support the 2025 release of their third album Night Song.

Comedy: Tom Houghton DEEP
2025-11-20 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
After a phenomenal, sold-out, international tour. Plus, a second round of supporting Milton Jones. The man who asked us, “Do you ski?” is turning everything upside down and asking, “Do you scuba?”
In a world full of relentless click bate, online distractions, and brain rotting content, Tom Houghton’s racing brain finally became too much for him.
Having left the Western world behind, Tom found himself in Indonesia where he plunged into a journey of self-discovery. He submerged himself as far down in the ocean as possible, while asking the most profound questions of what truly makes someone who they are. And now he’s bringing his discoveries to you. It’s time to go “Deep”

Music: POSTPONED Harri Mason in Concert
2025-11-21 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
After taking time out to start a family in 2024 Bristol born Harri Mason is back with a bang and she, with her band, will be appearing in the Studio at the Hen and Chicken.
Blending the heartland grit of Bruce Springsteen with the melodic charm of Fleetwood Mac, Harri Mason and her band deliver powerful, emotional songs with a high-energy live show that leaves a lasting impact. Harri has curated a niche within Soft Rock and Folk that speaks to various audiences. She has been releasing new music this year which has been well received and has been played on various radio stations including BBC Bristol and Amazing Radio.
Her dynamic performances along with her inspired songs never fail to please. She will be playing some of the new tracks from her latest album ‘Reality of Expectations’. Find out more at www.harrimason.com
Harri’s special guest is Jo Burgess. Jo captures a heartfelt blend of folk rock and indie pop. A true storyteller at heart, she creates songs full of raw emotion, shimmering melodies, and lyrical honesty—drawing inspiration from a life lived close to the land and music.
Her 2024 album A Familiar Pain builds on the success of previous singles, exploring themes of love, memory, and personal reckoning that showcase her continued evolution as a bold and honest artist. With a sound inspired by the likes of Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile and The Staves, Jo has carved out a space where poetic lyrics meet anthemic, emotional songwriting.
“Poignant and timeless songwriting.” — AFX Radio
Entry requirements: 18+

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Andrew Bird
2025-11-22 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Andrew Bird featuring Joey Page & Meryl O’Rourke

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: 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.
“A great storyteller, funny, likeable and effortless” Time Out

Music Sarah Larkham / El Hall 'Head to Head' songwriters in the round
2025-11-23 18:00 - 20:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
The acclaimed folk-rock songwriters from Bristol play their solo songs, ‘in the round’ as part of the launch of their joint lyric/photo book.
Married songwriters El Hall and Sarah Larkham are known for their onstage act together, sometimes apart, but for the first time they will both be bringing their solo songs to the stage on the same night.
In an ‘in the round’ style format, folk songwriters Hall and Larkham will each play their own critically acclaimed songs, telling the stories behind them, discussing the songs with each other and opening the floor to questions and comments, in an interactive, live ‘podcast style’ event.
This will also be the launch night of their limited edition full colour lyric / photo booklet, available at a special launch price. And, as it is Sarah’s birthday, the ticket price includes free cake.
THE SONGWRITERS:
SARAH LARKHAM
vocal coach, writer and mental health music workshop leader, Sarah is a fan of older music, songs with stories, atmosphere, the sound of rain and birds, church bells, black and white movies, books, red wine and candle flame. She has been writing songs since the age of 11 when she found a plastic guitar in a skip. Her songs are honest, open, personal and raw. She brings her heart-on-her-sleeve truths and her shaped-by-life voice to the stage with warmth and personality.
YOUTUBE – @sarahlarkhamofficial
EL HALL
Spanish guitar enthusiast, travel guru, foodie, lover of rock, Lorca, TS Eliot, the darker side of art, rivers and mountains and wild swimming, El Hall has been lauded by the NME for his ‘authentic, awe-inspiring’ songs and gravely voice. One of the best unsigned songwriters of our generation, he deserves a wide audience of true folk and rock followers. The NME said he is ‘what this country needs to reignite a spark for credible songwriting.’ El Hall also founded mental health music charity Mind Your Music (patron Sir Mark Rylance) in 2003 and won Bristol Songwriter of the Year in 2012.
Youtube: @elhallmusic
ticket prices: from Sep 3 EARLYBIRD £9 / from October 23rd £11 / £9 concessions / on the door £14 / £11 concessions

Talk: The Phenomena of Parapsychology: A scientific approach to the extraordinary
2025-11-24 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
What if science could explain your most mysterious experiences – like sensing someone’s thoughts, glimpsing the future, or feeling a presence when no one’s there?
Parapsychology is the scientific study of the paranormal – those strange, often unspoken moments that challenge our understanding of reality. From telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition to altered states of consciousness and near-death experiences, parapsychology explores the outer edges of human perception. It also investigates ghost sightings, poltergeists, mediumship, and even memories of past lives – phenomena that seem to blur the boundary between life and death.
What many don’t realise is that this field has a long and surprising history. The scientific investigation of paranormal phenomena began in 1882 – before psychology itself was formally established. Over the past 140 years, parapsychological research has quietly influenced our understanding of the mind, both within and beyond the mainstream. Join Dr David Luke for a deep dive into this fascinating realm – and discover what decades of scientific research say about the extraordinary experiences so many of us quietly wonder about.
Speaker Bio:
Dr David Luke is Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Greenwich, and Perrott-Warrick Senior Researcher (via Trinity College, Cambridge) exploring parapsychology. He is a past president of the Parapsychological Association, the field’s professional body. His research focuses on transpersonal and paranormal experiences, anomalous phenomena and altered states of consciousness, especially via psychedelics, having published more than 100 academic papers in this area, including thirteen books, such as Otherworlds: Psychedelics and Exceptional Human Experience. When he is not running clinical drug trials with LSD, studying lucid dream precognition, or exploring apparent weather control with Mexican shamans he manages a small ancient woodland and is a cofounder and trustee of Breaking Convention: International Conference on Psychedelic Consciousness. He lives life on the edge of Sussex, England.

Comedy: UROOJ ASHFAQ - HOW TO BE A BADDIE
2025-11-26 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Newcomer Urooj Ashfaq is back, but this time she’s different.

No longer is she a good girl and a relatable comedian. Most importantly, she is not sweet. Now she’s a bona fide bad girl and edgelord who at times mentions sexy things and topics. Come and watch her to find out what’s happened…

One of India’s most exciting comics, Urooj Ashfaq heads out on her second UK tour with her new show How To Be A Baddie, the follow-up to her debut show Oh No!, which won the Edinburgh Comedy Best Newcomer Award before selling out at London’s Soho Theatre and on tour around the UK.
“Back-to-back laughs… a must see” ★★★★★ Wee Review

Jazz: Yetii
2025-11-27 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Alex Veitch – piano, Ashley John Long – bass, Alex Goodyear – drums
Yetii return to the club to celebrate the release of their second album Inner Worlds.
Inner Worlds is about what goes on beneath the surface. Each composition immerses the listener in a different experience or state of mind. Singing melodies open and shift to reveal their inner workings. Solos morph into group improvisations: a shared single voice that ebbs and flows between and within the band’s original compositions. The album is a distillation and documentation of the sound we have formed over time at our monthly residency in Bristol over the last 7 years.
2025 has been a big year in the world of Yetii. They played their concert hall debut to a sold out 400-strong crowd at St. George’s in Bristol, supported The Bad Plus on their recent UK tour, and have sold out each of their monthly gigs at The Greenbank in Bristol, including collaborations with Parliamentary Award winner Arun Ghosh, Get the Blessing’s Jake McMurchie, and most recently Edition’s Ant Law.
“all played with great beauty and sensitivity… a standing ovation greeted the end of their set ” Jazzwise
“A performance that enthralled and delighted the audience ★★★★★” The Jazz Mann
“Fluent and wildly inventive improvisers” UK Jazz News

Muisc: Marginal Gains 90s & 00s band night
2025-11-28 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
The band are back for another night of 90’s & 00’s nostalgia!
Turbocharge your weekend with a night of 90s and 00s grunge and britpop BANGERS
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

Tickets are free!

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Jarred Christmas
2025-11-29 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Jarred Christmas featuring Andrew White & Jeremy Flynn

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: JARRED CHRISTMAS

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

TALK: The History of Horror Films & Women
2025-12-02 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Horror films often get a bad rap for how they treat women. Many lean on explicit sex and violence, reduce women into disposable victims, or fall back on familiar roles: the mother, the virgin, and the whore. But is that the whole story?

In this talk, Prof Susanne Kord takes a fresh look at women in horror, from the “final girl” who outlasts everyone else to the archetypes we love to fear. Drawing on film and cartoon theory, she explores how horror shapes the way we see women, whether audiences share some responsibility for what they watch, and whether an “ethical” horror film can exist.
At its core, this talk wrestles with two big questions: why do we keep watching horror – and what does that say about us?
Speaker Bio:
Professor Susanne Kord is a Professor Emeritus of German at UCL and a member of the British Academy. Her research interests include German history and culture, English literature, cinema (with an emphasis on horror and/or gender issues), and the history of crime (in real life, literature, and film). She is the author of eleven books and dozens of essays, and has received seven major awards for her writing, including a life-time achievement award. So far she has gone on three international lecture tours, and additionally offered fifteen keynote or plenary addresses at major conventions, four named lectures, and hundreds of other talks.

Live Jazz: Harry Dowell Quartet
2025-12-04 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
First time at the club for this fine band, check out the video at the bottom for Harry playing Coltrane’s Giant Steps.
Harry Dowell is an Exeter-based saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. A graduate of the University of Bristol, where he studied jazz flute and saxophone under Kevin Figes, Harry draws influence from post-bop and contemporary jazz artists such as John Coltrane, Chick Corea, Pat Metheny and Kurt Rosenwinkel. His thoughtful yet complex improvising and rich, warm tone have been heard across the country with artists such as Lack of Afro and Jonah Hitchens, from Glastonbury Festival to the airwaves of BBC Radio. Harry is a mainstay on the Devon jazz scene, and his own band was recently heard at Sidmouth Jazz and Blues Festival.
Based in the south west, Felix Yeats-Brown is a pianist, physicist and composer living in Bristol. As an alumnus of youth groups such as NYJC and SYJO, he has been involved with jazz from a young age, and has had opportunities to play alongside experienced musicians such as Yazz Ahmed and Julián Argüelles. Felix and Harry are common collaborators – they performed together at Sidmouth Jazz Festival, and the two recently finished recording the first EP for their joint project “Third Room”.
John Donnelly is a Graduate of Leeds University with thirty years experience performing, teaching and composing. He has worked as a session player all over the world and is now a regular on the UK jazz scene. Known for his solid time keeping and traditional approach John is often first call for visiting musicians looking for a pickup band in the South West.
James Fuke is an in-demand drummer on the Bristol scene. His jazz pedigree sees him playing with top Bristol sax player Craig Crofton.

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Dan Tiernan
2025-12-06 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Dan Tiernan featuring Kate Barron & Tom Toal

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: DAN TIERNAN
Comedian Dan Tiernan made a big impact on the UK comedy circuit back in 2022 after winning both the BBC New Comedy Award and the British Comedian Of The Year, and if this wasn’t enough he was winner of the Best Newcomer at the ISH Comedy Awards in 2023 and nominated for Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Festival the same year. Since then, Dan has also been nominated for the Next Big Thing by the British Comedy Guide in 2025. With all of these accolades it does make you wonder where Dan can go from here.

Dan is hugely in demand and has performed at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival in Ireland, and the BBC Comedy Festival, and has appeared on various radio and TV shows including The Last Leg, Live At The Apollo, 8 Out Of 10 Cats does Countdown, and The Stand Up Sketch Show.
“Raucously entertaining” The Guardian

Theatre: Panto in a Day! - BS3 DICK WHITTINGTON
2025-12-07 18:30 - 20:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
The ‘play in a day’ team have once again recruited actors and artists of all ages from the local community to join the cast and create BS3 – DICK WHITTINGTON
The performance will be at 18:30 at The Hen and Chicken Studio and is open to all. Tickets are £5 plus booking fee . All profits from the pantomime tickets will be split equally between Cancer Research UK and BS3 Community Development Charity.
If you or your child would like to be part of the cast or crew please email enquiries@actingoutdrama.com

Theatre: Alone Together: A Night of Monologues
2025-12-09 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Alone Together: A Night of Monologues brings a vibrant mix of performers to the stage, each with something bold, funny, heartfelt, or unexpected to share. From intimate confessions to powerful character pieces, this one-night event celebrates the magic that happens when a single voice fills a room…and everyone listens.
Join us at the Hen & Chicken, Southville, on Tuesday 9th December at 8pm for a showcase of original monologues that spotlight the talent, humour, and heart of our community. Whether you’re a writer, performer, theatre-lover, or simply curious, come be part of a night that proves we’re never truly alone when we share our stories.
Presented by Clandestine Theatre, created as part of our weekly workshops for non-professional performers: Theatre Shed Sessions
Directed by Sophie Cottle
Guest Direction from George Nichols & Tom Brennan
Workshop Assistant Axel Bode

Talk: The History of Witchcraft in Popular Culture
2025-12-10 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Why do witches have such a strong pull on our collective imagination? Are they simply bewitching caricatures, or is there something more metaphysical that drives their continuing popularity?
From the printed engravings of the 15th century to the images created by AI in the 21st century, witches continue to occupy a place in popular culture. They feature in art, literature, theatre, music, and film, and many more.
Dr Julia Phillips will examine the role of the witch in popular culture, from its earlier depictions to the present day. Discover why this figure has remained so compelling, and how it has continually evolved to embody the fears, values and hopes of each generation. Expect a lively journey through history, myth and gender, and leave with a fresh perspective on one of culture’s most enduring icons.

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

Theatre: Wednesday Night Improv: Christmas Special Triple Bill!
2025-12-10 19:30 - 22:00 | Chicken Shed
Wednesday Night Improv’s monthly show continues with a CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 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] COSMIC PUDDLE
Cosmic Puddle – making the everyday ✨whimsical.✨ Narrative 2-prov from two of Bristol’s most improvisers – David Puck and Jack Greenwood. This show will feature a super secret special guest in Jack’s place – who will it be???
[2] LAST DAY ON EARTH
The first graduate house team of legendary improv night Parent’s Basement take a location from the audience and proceeds to take us on a journey through improvised sketch and character comedy.
Featuring performers from: This Is Your Musical, Up The Antics & After Dusk: The Improvised Twilight Zone, Last Day on Earth have travelled all over the country with their chaotic, hilarious comedic style and consistently deliver premium laughter.
[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

Live Jazz: Jonathan Gee Trio SW
2025-12-11 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
We’re very excited to present pianist Jonathan Gee, one of the UK’s finest players with an international reputation including many European tours and frequent trips to New York. He is perhaps best known to the Bristol audience for some of the most memorable nights at the legendary Albert Inn, where he appeared many times with saxophonist Ed Jones and trumpeter Damon Brown. He visits as part of a short SW tour facilitated by Devon based bass player and sculptor Marcus Vergette.
Jonathan is one the most prolific and imaginative composer-pianists operating today, with a succession of ever-enticing bands and projects with world class line-ups from Europe and the USA. Aside from his own bands with which he has recorded 8 albums, he has also worked closely with Bobby Wellins, Claire Martin and Tim Whitehead, Pharoah Sanders, Mark Murphy and Art Farmer. With Tony Kofi he co-founded the Monk Liberation Front, whose legendary performances of the complete Thelonious Monk catalogue have led to award-winning recordings. He has performed in groups comprised of leading musicians from France, Finland and Italy, and a fantastic trio emerging from the hothouse of the New York jazz scene featuring Joseph Lepore and Nasheet Waits which has packed out Dizzy’s at Lincoln Centre.
Marcus Vergette, musician, bell-maker, sculptor, was born on the banks of the Mississippi river in Southern Illinois. He grew up in the UK. Much of his recent work involves making large bells (up to 3 metres high) in bronze, – his Time and Tide Bells. These are hung in specific locations around the coast and rung by the action of the sea at high tide. The first was installed at Appledore, Devon, in 2009. Subsequent sites range from Trinity Buoy Wharf, on the Thames, to the Outer Hebrides. Marcus is an accomplished double bass player and composer, and has played in projects led by UK jazz legend Mike Westbrook over the past two decades.

Comedy: MRS SMITH 1, 2, 3, EYES ON ME!
2025-12-12 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Mrs Smith is back with a brand-new show; 123, Eyes on Me!
Ever wondered what your teacher was thinking?
Let Facebook’s Mrs Smith enlighten you!
Mrs Smith was an ordinary teacher in an ordinary school until she went viral on Facebook and accidentally became a stand-up comedian.

123, Eyes on Me! is the follow up to her sell-out show of 2023 that debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe.
“Mrs Smith transforms the stage into a classroom of laughter and nostalgia“

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Christopher Hall
2025-12-13 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Christopher Hall featuring Alex Kitson & Robin Morgan

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: CHRISTOPHER HALL
A rising star in the comedy world, Christopher Hall is known for his quick wit and infectious energy. With a knack for finding humour in the everyday – he is effortless on stage. Bursting with charismatic stage presence and natural comedic timing, and an ever growing fan base, Christopher Hall is undoubtedly one to watch, poised to leave a lasting mark on the world of comedy.

During lockdown, Christopher took to Instagram and TikTok and started releasing a series of sketches; he has built up an impressive following and a number of characters that have become known across the world. Since then, Christopher has taken his comedy and his charm on to the stand-up circuit and performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, with sell out shows as well as appearing on ITV’s The Stand Up Sketch Show. Following the UK success of his first debut show, Christopher took his show Self Helpless to Australia to tour the country and festivals down under.
“Big laughs and charisma” The List
