Hen & Chicken

Jazz: Nick Malcolm's Organ Quartet
2026-04-09 20:00 - 22:30 UTC | Chicken Shed
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.
Nick Malcolm’s new quartet assembles three great musicians who he’s wanted to play with for ages, playing music they love! Digging into the treasures of Blue Note composers Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock, this is an unashamed celebration of the music’s golden era in the 1960s and 70s, where swing and funk began to blend. This will be an extremely fun and groovy gig featuring four fantastic players of sonic depth, personality and passion.

Comedy: SHANE TODD - HOLD ME BACK
2026-04-10 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Armed with his signature wit, razor-sharp storytelling, and a complete inability to take himself seriously, Shane Todd is coming to Bristol’s Hen & Chicken with his brand new stand up show.
Shane hosts the massively popular Tea With Me podcast and performs in some of the world’s most famous comedy clubs.
Shane Todd is an Irish comic hailing from Holywood and has just completed his third world tour with show, ‘Full House’, – Shane’s eleventh hour. The last few years have seen Shane sell out venues in the UK, Ireland, Australia, USA, Canada, and the Middle East. Shane holds the record for a solo performer in Belfast’s legendary Grand Opera House with a twenty-four-night run.
Shane also hosts the massively popular weekly ‘Tea With Me’ podcast, which last year held a live episode in a sold-out SSE Arena Belfast. Shane’s online sketches and stand-up clips have amassed millions of clips and feed well into his stand up. He has released a self-produced brand-new sketch show for BBC, ‘Chancers’, which he wrote, acted in and co-directed. Shane also stars in ‘Previously With Shane Todd’ for BBC NI, and hosts on BBC Radio Ulster.
Shane has been the resident opener for Kevin Hart’s twenty-four date European tour and performed with names such as Theo Von, Bill Burr, John Mulaney and Tim Dillon.

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Jacob Hawley & Guests
2026-04-11 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Jacob Hawley featuring Eleanor Tiernan & Ross Smith

Headliner: JACOB HAWLEY
The versatile Jacob Hawley is an actor, writer and a comedian who has appeared in numerous TV shows including BBC sitcom Ladhood, ITV’s The Stand Up Sketch Show and Sky’s The Russell Howard Hour. He is intelligent, self-aware and explores themes of class and identity in the modern world expertly.
He has also written for The Sunday Times, The BBC, and is a regular columnist for The Metro.
​Plus, if that wasn’t enough, Jacob has two hit podcasts, Jacob Hawley: On Drugs, and Jacob Hawley: On Love, both on BBC Sounds. The series have had over half a million downloads and earned Jacob a SILVER ARIA AWARD FOR BEST NEW PRESENTER. Jacob also co-hosts the hugely popular Screen Rot Podcast with Jake Farrell.
​He has also created two Radio Four stand-up specials, Welcome To Britain, and Class Act, which broadcast to rave reviews.​
“Intelligent and important, his self-aware set sees him explore themes of class and identity in the modern world expertly.” The Sunday Post

Bristol Modern Jive
2026-04-14 19:30 - 21:00 | Chicken Shed
Bristol Modern Jive Club Classes offer modern LeRoc Classes in Bristol. No need to bring a partner as we all move around the room.
Warning! Dancing seriously improves your health, including:

Balance, coordination and spatial awareness
Memory and mental fitness
Cardiovascular (good for your heart)
Meet new people and make new friends
Stress relief
Weight loss, burns calories
Reduce depression (When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body ).
Keeps you fit and increases energy.

No need to book in advance. Just turn up on the day/night.

Talk: The Neuroscience of Adverse Childhood Experiences
2026-04-14 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Discover how early life experiences could shape long-term wellbeing, and how certain factors can support recovery. With Q&A.

Why do early life experiences, especially those that are difficult, shape who we become as adults? Adverse Childhood Experiences like neglect, abuse and/or chronic stress can alter the developing brains of children and adolescents. In turn, this cumulative stress could play a role in shaping our emotions, learning, memory, and decision-making.
In this talk, Dr Jeffrey DeMarco will draw on neuroscience to explore the influences of early environment on children’s long-term well-being, and how this impacts us into adulthood. He will also explore the role of support and resilience in helping the brain heal and grow after trauma. This session is perfect for any adult eager to explore and understand childhood experiences and how they can have a lasting impact on our lives.
Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7.30pm – come down early to grab a good seat!
Speaker Bio:
Dr Jeffrey DeMarco is a Senior Technical Advisor for Protecting Children from Digital Harm at Save the Children UK. He is also a chartered forensic psychologist, and frequently lectures on trauma at Middlesex University. His research and policy work bridge psychology with technology and child protection, where most recently, he led a nine-nation digital-resilience programme. He has spoken before the European Commission, Europol, and UNICEF on online harms, radicalisation, and the experience of trauma. His ideas have been featured in his TEDx RoyalHolloway talks “The Importance of Trust” and his podcast “Privacy Talks” (2025).

Jazz: Matt Stockham-Brown Quartet
2026-04-16 20:30 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Matt Stockham Brown is a drummer/composer born and living in Bristol, England. His approach is firmly rooted in groove whilst also being open to the exploration of texture, melody, freedom, energy and angles behind the kit. He is well known for his work with Run Logan Run, Dakhla Brass and most recent project 6161. Matt has put together this new line-up especially for tonight’s performance.
Saxophonist Jake McMurchie is one of Bristol’s best known musicians having played for many years with Get The Blessing, who have performed at festivals across Europe. Jake’s other projects have included the ambient electronica of Michelson Morley, and for the past few years he has held the saxophone chair with the Jazz Defenders, pianist George Cooper’s supergroup who again have played throughout the UK and have ventured across to European cities and festivals.
Dan Messore is a jazz guitarist, composer and co-founder of Unearthed Festival. Having spent years living between the UK and Costa Rica, Dan’s music is shaped by travel, surf culture and a deep connection to place, and he has previously performed at the club alongside Jake in Michelson Morley.
Riaan Vosloo is one of Bristol’s busiest bass players, who also composes and runs his own projects such as Uphill Game. Riaan has for many years been a member of London based saxophonist Ed Jones’ quartet, and lectures for the post-grad programme at BIMM music college.

Live Music: BEN DE LA COUR
2026-04-17 20:00 - 23:00 | Chicken Shed
A natural storyteller, Ben de la Cour’s visceral songwriting grabs you by the heart and doesn’t let go. Weaving evocative stories of desperate characters with his signature “Americanoir” sound, de la Cour shines a glaring light on the human condition.

His latest release, New Roses, received “★★★★” from MOJO and was named Album of the Month. While Ben’s previous album Sweet Anhedonia felt like ”the American heartland witnessed through the window of a car going 80mph” (American Songwriter), New Roses feels like being stuffed into the trunk and driven into an imploding star. The record is a singular and personal vision, with de la Cour playing nearly every instrument and delivering his strongest vocal performance yet. The result is a razor-sharp album full of what he calls “night songs”— haunting, impactful songs that feel like the witching hour. In a collection of songs filled with juxtaposition and duality, de la Cour balances doom and optimism, seeking out kernels of hope in the darkness.

While much has been written of the darkness that permeates de la Cour’s music, he finds this emphasis exaggerated: “It is an optimistic record,” he says of New Roses. “You can’t be hopeful if you’re not willing to acknowledge the spectrum of the human condition. You can be overwhelmed by beauty and you can be overwhelmed by the horrors and you can be overwhelmed by both.” De la Cour remains an optimist, hopeful that his tales can help the lost, the lonely, the doomed. New Roses finds this balance and acceptance in the dualities of life, ringing true for anyone who has ever felt the need for both light and darkness—for anyone who has learned the hard way that one cannot exist without the other.

Raised in Brooklyn, de la Cour lived in London, Cuba and across the United States before making his home in the American south over a decade and a half ago. Drawing on inspiration from writers and musicians alike—Townes Van Zandt, Jimi Hendrix, Nick Cave, Nina Simone, Leonard Cohen, James Baldwin and Carson McCullers among them—de la Cour’s gothic folk songs are as heartbreaking as they are beautiful.
De la Cour’s solo tour of Ireland and UK in 2024 was met with high praise, and included sold out performances in Kilkenny and London. He will be returning to Ireland and UK in January/February 2026 as direct support for Lucinda Williams, who personally invited Ben to join the tour. This will be followed in Spring by a headlining tour of the UK in April 2026, which is certain to be Ben de la Cour’s grandest UK headline tour yet.

“A friend took me to see Ben de la Cour at a little hole-in-the-wall in Nashville. It didn’t take long to realize I was in the presence of greatness. He has much to say, and knows how to say it as only a true poet can. You owe it to yourself to check him out. He is important. You need this bright young talent now more than ever. We all need Ben de la Cour.” – Lucinda Williams

New Roses by Ben de la Cour

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Ignacio Lopez & Guests
2026-04-18 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Ignacio Lopez featuring Jamie D’Souza & compere Jeremy Flynn
Headliner:
Ignacio Lopez has been wowing audiences internationally with his individual style and high gag-rate since 2010. A crazy mixture of Welsh & Spanish Ignacio has become one of the most unique voices on the UK circuit. A frequent headliner and MC in top comedy clubs all over the UK, Ignacio also performs regularly at corporate functions, private shows, military gigs, sports dinners, art centres and festivals. Ignacio soon gained TV recognition in 2011 when he appeared on ITV’s ‘Show Me The Funny‘, and since then he has gone on to become a regular face on BBC Wales Sesh, appear on Live At The Apollo, QI, Have I Got News For You, his online content has racked up nearly 40 million views across all social media channels.
“Charismatic and waspish charm” – Chortle
“Playful, brutal and bloody funny” – Moody Comedy

Film: Reel Adventures' #7
2026-04-21 19:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
An inspiring evening of short films celebrating adventure, resilience and the power of the outdoors.

Screening No.7 of the Youth Adventure Trust’s series of inspirational adventure films.
The programme this time features stories of winter swimmers in London, a 2,000-mile cycling research journey through England’s farming communities, women climbing a Himalayan peak, a joyful wild swim in the Lake District, and a modern adventurer retracing the paths of forgotten female explorers. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the film participants, a free prize draw and an opportunity to learn more about the work of the Youth Adventure Trust.
The Home for Broken Toys
Every weekend through the winter, a group of middle-aged men plunge into the freezing waters of a pond in central London. ‘The Home for Broken Toys’ follows them through one season to explore their motivations for braving the extreme cold each week, a decision which seems alien to the filmmaker.
Farming Futures Cycle Tour
In Spring 2025, Veronica White embarked on the Farming Futures Cycle Tour – a low-carbon, human-powered PhD fieldwork adventure. Over the course of 12 weeks, she cycled 2,000 miles across England, stopping along the way to interview women in farming communities about their visions for the future of farming. This film shows some of the highlights and challenges that Veronica experienced during her expedition.
More Than A Mountain
‘More Than a Mountain is an inspirational documentary that flips the script on who gets to be seen as strong, bold, and brave. Fifteen women take on the demanding ascent of Yala Peak, a 5500m mountain in Nepal. Led by Jo Bradshaw, a former comfort seeker turned Everest and Seven Summiteer.
Skinny
Emily Cartigny’s debut film, Skinny is the story of authors Sara Barnes and Jo Moseley’s skinny dip one August morning in a hidden waterfall in an ancient woodland in the Lake District. Both in their early 60s Skinny is about cherishing the joy of immersing ourselves in nature, the freedom of getting older and Sara and Jo’s wish to age creatively, adventurously & bravely
The Bride of Mont Blanc
Adventurer Elise Wortley retraces the forgotten journeys of 19th-century female explorers, wearing authentic period clothing to honour their courage. A powerful act of historical resurrection that reveals how absence from history still shapes the present.

Jazz: Jim Blomfield's Saoco Collective
2026-04-23 20:30 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Recognised as one of the UK’s ﬁnest latin jazz and salsa pianists, Jim Blomﬁeld has worked with such legends of the genre as Roberto Pla, Henry Fiol and Asere as well as a host of UK names from the world of jazz.
Alongside Jim in the rhythm section is the brilliantly dynamic percussion section of Lisa Cherian and Jon Clark, their rhythmic chemistry having evolved from their collective experiences as being much in demand players in ensembles such as Bristol Salsa Orchestra, Dockside Latin Orchestra, Baila La Cumbia and Buena Bristol Social Club.
The rhythm section is completed by the ever inventive bass playing of ‘Tosh’ Wijetunge who worked with Jim for several years in a piano trio that released two albums of original contemporary jazz compositions. Alongside Jonny Bruce’s ﬁery latin trumpet virtuosity is the brilliant and soulful Swiss born saxophonist Martin Kern who worked and recorded extensively in both Berlin and Vienna before moving to the UK in 2018.

Comedy: MC HAMMERSMITH - HIPPITY HOPPITY GET OFF MY PROPERTY
2026-04-24 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
MC Hammersmith is the world’s leading freestyle rapper to emerge from the ghetto of middle-class West London. He presents an evening of improvised comedy raps based on your
suggestions. Featuring brand-new routines for 2026! You’ll leave astounded at the speed of his brain, the spontaneity of his punchlines, and the stability of his upbringing. Jaw-dropping, hilarious, utterly unbelievable.

“Stomach-achingly funny raps” ***** EdFringeReview.com
“An improvised hip hop masterpiece” ***** VoiceMag.uk

Music: Arthur Coates & Kerran Cotterell.
2026-04-24 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Traditional Celtic / Americana acoustic folk duo.
Arthur Coates & Kerran Cotterell are a two-man trad tornado tearing through the folk world with fiddle, guitar, foot percussion, vocals, and groove to spare.
Mixing Scottish and English roots with modern flair, they deliver foot-stomping tunes, rich harmonies, and cheek and charm. Whether in a village hall or a festival field, their shows radiate connection and joy.
Winners of the Robinson Emerging Artist Showcase at Canada’s Goderich Celtic Roots Festival, they’re fast becoming one of the scene’s most talked-about acts. Their upcoming album turns tradition sideways – storytelling with soul, and grooves that smoulder, spark, and occasionally catch fire.

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Stuart Goldsmith
2026-04-25 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Stuart Goldsmith featuring Micky Overman & compere Jack Campbell

Stuart Goldsmith is an internationally award-winning comedian, writer, podcaster and host. With a reputation for smart, accessible stand-up, Stuart’s enthusiasm and natural charm conceal a quick wit and fearlessness honed by his early career as a street performer. Surprisingly candid about his exploits, sexploits and textploits, Stuart likes to get his teeth into love, romance and the downside of getting what you want.

“A charming, expert stand-up” Sunday Times
In recent years, Stuart is probably better known as the “climate comedian” where he exposes the inevitable hyprocrisies in confronting the challenges facing all humans living in a more sustainable society. Recycling stories have never been funnier – that’s stories about recycling not Stuart digging out the old routines, by the way! So 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.
“He infuses the material with a sly wit and underplayed sharpness, not to mention eloquent writing. This is smooth, smart and absorbing stand-up.” Chortle
“It carries the slick professionalism of someone whose been master of their comedy voice for years.” Edinburgh Festival Magazine

Music: MARGINAL GAINS - 90s and 00s band night
2026-04-25 20:00 - 23:30 | Chicken Shed
Hen & Chicken house band Marginal Gains are back for another night of pure nostalgia!
Playing a selection of 90s and early 00s rock and indie, including Ash, Arctic Monkeys, Blur, Green Day, Nirvana, Oasis, Pulp, Rage Against the Machine, Radiohead, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Killers, and many more.
Turbocharge your weekend with a night of 90s and 00s grunge and Britpop BANGERS.

Talk: The History of Greek Mythology: From Mount Olympus to modern mystery
2026-04-29 19:00 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
From Mount Olympus to Medusa, discover the fascinating history of Greek mythology and its echoes through the ages. Followed by Q&A.

For over two thousand years, Greek mythology has shaped Western imagination. Stories of Olympian gods, epic heroes, and fearsome monsters have inspired philosophers and poets, painters and playwrights, filmmakers and fans alike. We’ve seen Homeric epics to the spectacle of Troy and the bold reinvention of myth in Netflix’s Kaos. Every retelling places us in an unbroken chain of storytellers stretching back to antiquity, keeping ancient voices alive in the modern world. But how well do we really know the origins of these tales?
In this talk, Dr Shelby Judge explores the great mythic ages of ancient Greece – the Golden and Silver Ages, the Bronze Age, and the Age of Heroes – bringing to life the defining stories and figures of each era. Along the way, the talk asks a deeper question: why have these myths endured? By examining their archetypes, moral tensions, and enduring insights into the human condition, this talk reveals why Greek mythology continues to fascinate, challenge, and enchant us today.
Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7.30pm – come down early to grab a good seat!
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, producing the thesis Contemporary Feminist Adaptations of Greek Myth, and her work in this field is ongoing due to the genre’s proliferating nature. Shelby has published on topics including #MeToo and the Trojan War, 21st-century adaptations of Helen of Troy, transgender adaptations of Frankenstein, and transgender readings of Ovid.
She has delivered public lectures on toxic masculinity in Greek myth and sea monsters in Scottish folklore, and is a regular contributor to the Literary Encyclopedia, where she has written on the poetry of Carol Ann Duffy and Margaret Atwood, as well as entries on Laura Bates and Janice Hallett. She also serves as a committee member for the Transatlantic Literary Women network, funded by the US Embassy and BAAS.

Talk: Getting Away with Murder: Why some murders stay unsolved
2026-04-30 19:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Every crime tells a story. But not every story ends with justice.

Behind every closed case and every cold file lies a question we can’t quite let go of… how did they get away with it?
In this series, we’ll uncover the truth behind the world’s most baffling crimes… where evidence was missed, witnesses were silenced, and the guilty walked free. We’ll explore the psychology of deception, the flaws in forensic science, and the fragile line between guilt and innocence. Because when the system breaks, it’s not just the victims who suffer — it’s our faith in justice itself.
Join Dr. Friday, as we go beyond the headlines… and into the minds of those who got away with murder.

Dr Friday earned his PhD at the University of Greenwich and went on to lead their forensic psychology course for the Criminology Department.
His experimental research earned him the ‘doctor’ title and several academic awards, but he’s very much just Ross when bringing the darker edges of human behaviour to the public. With pitch-black humour and personal stories, he makes complex forensic psychology accessible, entertaining — and sometimes even hilarious. He’s created live shows, a book, and even an immersive crime scene experience that lets guests step into the macabre world of the serial killer.

Jazz: Nils Kavanagh Trio
2026-04-30 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Award-winning Irish/Danish pianist Nils Kavanagh launches his highly anticipated debut album, “No Expectations”. Winner of the Young Irish Jazz Musician of the Year Award 2022-2024 and finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician 2024, Nils is already making his mark on contemporary improvised music. Audiences will journey through Nils’ unique upbringing, rooted in the north-west of Ireland’s mystic landscapes and joyous fellowship, while also inviting listeners to explore the sense of unity and introspection present in Denmark and broader Scandinavia. Home, joy, family, mythology, folk music, loss and longing are all key to the music, with an overarching focus on warm melody and musical storytelling.
The trio has an energetic and explorative sound, with a taste for strong melodies, bright harmonies and explosive rhythms influenced by Kavanagh’s Irish and Danish roots. With Ursula Harrison (BBC Young Jazz Musician winner 2024) on bass and Sam Green on drums, the group brings a new flavour to the classic piano trio format, presenting a diverse mix of music ranging from compositions inspired by Celtic traditional music and contemporary jazz from Scandinavia and the UK, to modern interpretations of jazz repertoire and other popular music.
“There is beauty, there is communication, there is space, and there is energy” – Daniel Rorke, Jazz Ireland album review
“A strikingly mature debut. Kavanagh and his colleagues give the compositions room to breathe and grow and the interplay between the three instruments is highly developed and richly detailed” – The JazzMann

Comedy: Signing Funny - An evening of comedy performed in sign language
2026-05-01 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Join us for an evening of signing funny – acclaimed deaf comedian Gavin Lilley (John Bishop tour support, Leicester Comedy Festival) is joined by international deaf comedy superstar from Sweden, Florian Tirnovan (Flow TV) and local comedian Adrian Bailey for an evening of irreverent and sharp comedy – all performed in sign language – interpreted into English for the signing impaired.

Live Music: Juliet Lloyd
2026-05-01 20:00 - 23:00 | Chicken Shed
We are thrilled to welcome back singer-songwriter Juliet Lloyd for an intimate performance in The Chicken Shed.

After a decade-long hiatus, Juliet Lloyd returned to music in 2020 and Carnival (2024) was her fouth album – it reflects her folk-rooted storytelling with pop sensibilities and melodies.
Juliet Lloyd is an acclaimed singer/songwriter who splits her time between the DC region and Nashville and has garnered comparisons to Brandi Carlile, Aimee Mann, and Tori Amos 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 “powerfully emotive performance from start to finish.” It features nine songs that “movingly and poetically tell of broken hearts and loneliness yet finds brightness in its melodies and in the luster of Lloyd’s voice.” 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 festivals and listening rooms across the US and UK.
Her shows are described by audiences as being both intimate and electrifying.

Music: Never The Bride
2026-05-02 20:00 - 22:30 | 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.

Music: Riff Raff Daytime Choir
2026-05-06 11:00 - 13:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
A daytime a cappella choir, perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy music, connection, and creativity without the late nights.

Why daytime singing works:
Boost your mood & energy for the rest of the day
Great for mental wellbeing — singing reduces stress and lifts your mindset
Fits around school runs, shift work, or flexible schedules
Easier travel — no rushing in the dark or battling evening traffic
A social highlight — meet like-minded people and still have your evenings free
Wake up your voice — your vocals are fresh and ready to go!
And of course…
What you’ll get:
Rock & pop hits (all a cappella — no instruments!)
A relaxed, no-pressure environment
No auditions — just bring your voice
A chance to learn harmonies, improve confidence, and have fun
When: Wednesday 11am-1pm
Where: Hen and Chicken

Whether you’re carving out “you time,” looking for a creative outlet, or simply want to start your day on a high note – this choir is for you.

Music: Open Mic Night
2026-05-06 20:00 - 23:30 | Chicken Shed
Our monthly open mic night is hosted by Larkham & Hall in our friendly, welcoming, intimate music space, The Chicken Shed.
If you wish to play, please get in touch via our dedicated Facebook page The Hen & Chicken Open Mic. (linked in the ‘Book Now’ button)
Come and join the fun, soak up the vibes, and enjoy the music. Free entry.

Comedy:Simon Evans - Staring at the Sun
2026-05-07 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Simon Evans is Back! Waaaay back…

With growing evidence that we are living in a Computer Simulation – and a pretty glitchy, off-brand simulation at that – and the approaching watershed of the AI Singularity looming like a weirdly pixelated cumulo-nimbus on the horizon, BBC Radio 4 stalwart and veteran of a quarter century of highly acclaimed stand-up comedy Simon Evans is squinting at an uncertain future, and revisiting the blue remembered hills of his youth.

The analogue world of hitch-hiking, pub bets and hedge porn. Of being able to get properly lost. And also pondering the great thinkers and mystics of the past who had, it seems, the same doubts and misgivings about “reality”, back when an adjustable sandal passed for cutting-edge tech.

Jazz: Walrws - 60s Pop Classics with a Jazz Twist
2026-05-07 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
The band consists of 4 musicians with many accolades and performances throughout Britain and abroad.
With a recording soon to be released the band are performing with their new Welsh spelling name, and will play a selection of their pad which will take you through tunes by artists ranging from The Beach Boys, The Monkees, Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel and of course The Beatles. The essence of the originals is maintained but the quartet have added in the spontaneous and care free approach which is also attached to this great era.
Pembrokeshire Online live review by Nigel Summerley from Aber Jazz Festival:
Guitarist James Chadwick led the band through a series of inspired improvisations on tunes familiar to those of a certain age, but taking them into unfamiliar territory. Bob Dylan’s Mr Tambourine Man, Paul Simon’s Sound Of Silence, the Beatles’ Blackbird and the Brian Wilson’s God Only Knows were revealed as fertile ground for jazz – perhaps not surprising, given the genius of their composers. But even the Monkees’ Daydream Believer became a fascinating musical exploration.
Mark Sambell on piano and Aidan Thorne on bass proved to be masters of invention, but it was the fierce and focused drumming of Liz Exell that kept the musical fire burning throughout and made this a very special gig.
[Nigel Summerley retired from The Oldie magazine to return to freelance journalism. He previously held executive staff jobs at the London Evening Standard amongst others.]

Comedy: NATALIE CUOMO LIVE
2026-05-08 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Natalie Cuomo is an internationally touring stand-up comedian. Her debut album, Shut Up You Loved It released by The Stand Comedy Club Records, debuted at #1 on the iTunes comedy charts.

Natalie can be seen on Ink Master: No More Ink! Season 16 on Paramount Plus. Natalie was named a Finalist in New York Comedy Festival’s “New York’s Funniest” Competition in 2024, and one of the festival’s “Comics To Watch” in 2023. Natalie has amassed millions of followers across social media. She has been featured in Inked Magazine, New York Magazine, Time Out NY, Metal Injection, and LA Times.

Follow her @nataliecuomo_ on instagram and @nataliecuomo on TikTok, Twitch, and Twitter.

Talk: The History of Punk, Goth & Alternative Fashion
2026-05-11 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Explore how punk, goth and alternative fashion turned clothing into protest and whether style still has the power to rebel today. With Q&A.

Have you ever been judged for what you’re wearing? Ever dressed a certain way to belong, to provoke, or to push back? Can an outfit really be an act of rebellion?
From the 1950s onwards, British youth culture turned clothing into protest. Teddy Boys shocked post-war Britain with Edwardian revival suits and rock ‘n’ roll attitude. Mods and Rockers clashed on seaside promenades. Then punk exploded out of economic crisis and political disillusionment – ripped fabrics, safety pins and DIY slogans all exuded anti-establishment energy. By the 80s, goth and alternative subcultures emerged and continued to captivate young and old alike.
In this talk, we’ll explore the history and politics of fashion through punk, goth and alternative style: how subcultures form and why they’re labelled rebellious. Together, we’ll trace how clothing became the language of resistance and ask whether dressing differently still has the power to disrupt.
Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7:30pm – come down early to grab a good seat!
Dr Nathaniel Weiner is a Senior Lecturer in Cultural Studies at Central Saint Martins (University of the Arts London). He holds a PhD in Communication & Culture from York University and Ryerson University’s joint program. His research interests include consumption, digital cultures, masculinity, menswear and style subcultures. He is currently researching subcultural style in heritage menswear branded content, Japanese vintage reproduction subcultures, and the Blitz Club. Nathaniel has published in The European Journal of Cultural Studies, The International Journal of Fashion Studies, Men and Masculinities and Punk and Post-Punk. His monograph Sharp Dressed Men: Menswear, Masculinity and Consumption Online is forthcoming from Palgrave Macmillan.

Comedy: Ashley Gavin - Big Momma
2026-05-12 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
After a smash hit sellout debut UK tour in 2024, Ashley Gavin returns with her brand new show, Big Momma.

Ashley has been featured on Comedy Central, Netflix, Just For Laughs, and more. Her critically acclaimed YouTube special has amassed over 1 million views. She’s best known for her viral social media clips, where her bold, raw audience interactions, authenticity, and relentless energy set her apart. Her latest hour, “Big Momma” focuses on her fertility journey and getting pregnant as a masculine lesbian.

Ashley’s Edinburgh Fringe debut made the British Comedy Guide’s list of Best Reviewed shows in 2024. Deadline praised her show My Therapist Is Dying as “a hilarious yet arresting hour… one of the hottest tickets at the Fringe”, while Broadway Baby described it as “a performance that is nothing short of extraordinary”. EdFest Magazine deemed it “a raw, hilarious, and emotionally charged journey”.

Theatre: Wednesday Night Improv - Anniversary Special!
2026-05-13 19:30 - 21:45 | Chicken Shed
Wednesday Night Improv’s monthly show celebrates one year with a special containing your favourite performers from some of the best shows appearing at WNI over the past year.
Expect quick wit, bold characters, games and stories made up on the spot. All inspired by your suggestions.
## YOUR PERFORMERS FOR THE EVENING ##
– Alex (representing What’s Your Starsign?)
– Anna (representing Birdwatchers)
– Gemma (representing G&T)
– Holly (representing The Bish Bosh Bash)
– Jack (representing The Groundhogs)
– Katie (representing Beansville)
– Marie (representing Pressure Cooker)
– Ros (representing Real Positive Poles)
– Theo (representing Last Day on Earth)
– Tim (representing Jazz Police)
And your host, Ste Brown (representing himself… and bald men from Derby).
—
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.
—

Comedy: Ashley Gavin- Big Momma
2026-05-13 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio

Jazz: Ray D'Inverno's Quintessential Groove
2026-05-14 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
We’re pleased to welcome back veteran pianist Ray D’Inverno who last visited in Oct 2024. The previous year 2023 was a milestone for Ray as he reached 80 years of age, and celebrated his birthday with a sell-out gala concert at Southampton’s Turner Sims concert hall featuring Quintessential Groove with special guests including his son Mark D’Inverno [also a pianist] and tenor sax star Ed Jones.
Quintessential Groove has been booked for Swanage Jazz Festival in July 26, so this is something of a warm-up gig for that prestigious event.
Ray is based near Dorchester, but for many years ran Southampton Jazz Club alongside his career as a Professor of Mathematics and General Relativity at Southampton University. Ray has performed alongside many of the UK’s greatest players, and has released recordings featuring Jim Mullen, Stan Sulzmann, Tony Roberts and many more. He has been leading his current band Quintessential Groove for the past decade. Tonight they will be playing music from their recent CD release All In The Same Boat, which features eleven of Ray’s melodic but rhythmically varied compositions.
The band consists of highly rated Canadian saxophonist Terry Quinney [Sound of BlueNote], Andy Hague – trumpet, Ray D’Inverno – piano, with Bristol’s Will Harris stepping in on bass. We’re also very pleased to have local legend Tony Orrell guesting on drums, who whilst a regular fixture up at Bristol Music Club in Clifton has not played at the Be-Bop for many years.
You can listen to Ray’s extensive back catalogue on Bandcamp.
