Jazz: Daan Temmink Trio
2025-04-17 19:30 - 22:30 UTC | Chicken Shed
Daan Temmink – piano, Duncan Kingston – bass, Rob Brian – drums
The Daan Temmink Trio blends cinematic classical and jazz colours with sophisticated, emotive melodies and harmonies. Pianist and award-nominated film composer Daan Temmink, Grammy-winning drummer Robert Brian (Siouxsie Sioux, Loreena McKennitt), and Bristol-based bassist Duncan Kingston (Matt Owens) bring years of playing together, creating an intuitive and tightly connected sound. Moving seamlessly from whispering quiet moments to energetic Latin grooves, their performances are captivating and vibrant.

Talk: The Philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche
2025-04-14 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Unravel one of history’s greatest thinkers exploring the ‘death of God’, the meaning of life, and the value of our values. Followed by Q&A.

‘God is dead’ proclaimed Nietzsche in 1882, a saying which has become world-renowned alongside his recognition as a philosopher of ‘nihilism’. Nietzsche is one of the key figures to address the decline in religion in Europe alongside increasing modernisation and what this means for life’s fundamental questions. If a higher power doesn’t exist, then what do our lives mean? Similarly in a largely post-religious society, how can we think about universal values?
Join Dr Elliott to explore Nietzsche’s key ideas. First, we will assess the importance of the famous ‘death of god’ message from Nietzsche’s The Gay Science, exploring its implications for thinking about nihilism, commonly understood as the absence of any ultimate value or meaning to life. We will also address the nuances of Nietzsche’s own position about what nihilism really is. Secondly, we will explore what tools or resources Nietzsche gives us for thinking about the meaning of our lives. We will look at the reasons for his rejection of traditional religious narratives about the meaning of life and take Nietzsche seriously about his claim to re-think the “value of our values”, and what possibilities are opened up to us in the wake of the death of God.
Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7:30pm – come down early to grab a good seat!
Follow us on IG @seedtalks
Dr Richard J. Elliott is Lecturer in European Philosophy at Birkbeck College, University of London. He has published widely on Nietzsche and many other topics in modern European philosophy. He currently has a book under contract on the topic of Nietzsche and the Death of God with Cambridge University Press.

Comedy: Nabil Abdulrashid URBAN BATTUTA
2025-04-13 19:30 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Award-winning, international touring comedian Nabil Abdulrashid returns with a riotous new stand-up show.
As seen on Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and the Last Leg. As heard on Off Menu with James Acaster and Ed Gamble and Hoovering with Jessica Fostekew.

Comedy: Stephen Grant & Guests
2025-04-12 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Stephen Grant featuring Funmbi Omotayo & Clint Edawrds
Headliner: STEPHEN GRANT

Stephen Grant is one of the UK’s funniest, hardest working and most respected comedians. Whether voicing animations, warming up TV audiences, presenting radio shows or hosting corporate award nights Stephen never fails to pull in the laughs.
Along with his clutch of awards and critical acclaim, it is not hard to see why Stephen is so popular, he possesses an energy and intellect which, when combined, make for dynamite comedy. His speed and dynamism create a magical energy which has audiences rapt and hanging on his every word.
“He’s famously pedantic, relentlessly logical and with the kind of comedy vision that can see round corners…” Chortle

Comedy: Rachel Fairburn - SIDE EYE
2025-04-11 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Rachel Fairburn, star of Live at the Apollo and co-host of All Killa No Filla, is a renowned stand up and “rock’n’roll star of British Comedy” (Rolling Stone). She’s bringing not only her “Bright, brave and bitterly enjoyable” (The Skinny) stand-up comedy out on the road but also some brand-new characters along for the ride. She is a “Huge presence in a pint-sized frame” (Chortle).
Co-host of International smash hit podcast All Killa No Filla and as seen on Live at the Apollo (BBC Two), Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled (Dave), Richard Osman’s House of Games (BBC Two) and Russell Howard Hour Life Lesson (Sky).

Comedy: MRS SMITH SEE ME!
2025-04-10 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
EXTRA DATE DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND
Ever wondered what your teacher was thinking?
Let Facebook’s Mrs Smith enlighten you!
Following her sellout debut at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2023 she is stepping out from behind her mask of anonymity on tour, and is ready to tell all….
Content Warning: Please be aware that no photographs of the artist are allowed in order to preserve her anonymity.

Age restriction: 18+

Jazz: Simon Spillett
2025-04-10 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Our special guest soloist tonight is Simon Spillett, who over the past twenty years or so has established himself as one of the UK’s pre-eminent saxophonists. Simon is a firm advocate of straight ahead hard-swinging modern jazz, and his lack of pretention has made him a huge hit with the UK jazz audience, although he sometimes jokes online about his lack of eligibility for Arts Council grants.
Since his last visit in 2024 Simon has been busy promoting and performing the music from his big band album Dear Tubby H, featuring the cream of the UK jazz scene and dedicated to performing the arrangements of Tubby Hayes, many of which have not been heard performed live since Tubby passed away in 1973. Released in Sept 2023 the album has been immediately hailed as one of the most significant UK jazz recordings of recent years, and gained an extremely rare 5-star review in Jazzwise magazine. “Everything about this first-ever release on drummer Pete Cater’s new mister PC label exudes class. The look of the album, its design and booklet notes, the superb photography, the marvellous sound, but above all, the sheer fizzing intensity of the playing. It’s all here.” – Pete Vacher, Jazzwise.
Alongside his playing career Simon is also a jazz author and reviewer, perhaps best known for his biography of Tubby Hayes, “The Long Shadow of the Little Giant.” Both through his writing and his playing he has done a huge amount to bring the achievements of one of the UK’s most important jazz musicians to a whole new generation. Although able to sound uncannily like Tubby when he chooses to, Simon’s palette is broader than just one player and he is also highly knowledgeable about the styles of other saxophonists such as Zoot Sims, Stan Getz, Dexter Gordon and John Coltrane.
Simon has won several awards, including the tenor saxophone category of the British Jazz Awards (2011), Jazz Journal magazine’s Critic’s Choice CD of the Year (2009) Rising Star in the BBC Jazz Awards (2007) and Services to British Jazz in the 2016 British Jazz Awards.
For tonight’s quartet performance Simon is backed by some of Bristol’s finest – Tim Funnell – piano, Will Harris – bass and Andy Hague – drums.

Comedy: Jacob Hawley & Guests
2025-04-05 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Jacob Hawley featuring Omar Badawy & Meryl O’Rourke
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.

​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

Music: John Donegan Sextet
2025-04-03 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
John Donegan – piano, Andy Hague – trumpet, Luke Annesley – alto sax, Ben Waghorn – tenor sax, Riaan Vosloo – bass, Ryan Thrupp – drums.
Pianist John Donegan provided stand-out gigs in 2023 and 2024, and returns to present a new CD and batch of compositions. For his new album “We Will Meet Again, Sometime” John sticks with the three horn line-up of the Irish Sextet featuring some of the biggest names in the Irish jazz scene. On four tracks the regular sextet is expanded to septet by the addition of Hugh Buckley on guitar, cousin to the famous sax playing brothers Michael and Richie. “We Will Meet Again, Sometime” achieved a hard-to-get four star review from respected jazz author Pete Vacher in the recent edition of Jazzwise magazine, and was also made Editor’s Choice – “it’s a packed and varied programme coupling fine writing and striking playing by these Irish superstars.”
Originally from Cork in Ireland, John Donegan lived in Bristol during the 90s and was a mainstay of the jazz scene here before work took him to London. Now retired from his day job, over the past few years John has been able to dedicate his time exclusively to music and has released several recordings demonstrating his compositional skills including a suite of 21 contemporary pieces which have been released as 2 CDs, Siamsa Vols 1 & 2. “An intriguing combination of classic bebop laced with Irish folk melody, this album from pianist John and his saxophonist friend Tommaso Starace is full of sublime lyrical moments” – Musicians Union Magazine.
When performing in London John’s sextet includes such heavy hitters as Steve Fishwick on trumpet and Alex Hitchcock on tenor sax, but for tonight we have reunited a special cast of Bristol’s finest players to perform John’s excellent arrangements – hopefully all of whom should be no strangers to our regular audience.

Comedy: Riona O'Connor & Olga Thompson THIS IS ALL TOO MUCH
2025-04-03 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
The Irish & Greek comedy sensations are finally leaving their couches after 8pm to bring you their brand new shows! With over 1 million followers, a writers award and viral videos by the bucket load, these West End and Hit Edinburgh Fringe ladies will make you laugh till you leak.

Now firmly in the over 40s club, Riona O’Connor & Olga Thompson are battling their perimenopausal panic with belter comedy songs, hot flashes, and memory lapses. Desperate to feel visible, these 2 Moms of 5 boys are taking sexy back… and asking for a refund.

Coming to you in their slippers for a raucous night of big laughs, big hair and big knickers. Grab your granny pants and join Riona & Olga for 2 killer shows in one hilariously hormonal night!

Comedy: Simon Munnery ON TOUR
2025-04-02 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Simon Munnery – ‘one of the all-time great British stand-ups’ (Stewart Lee) – is back on tour in 2025.
Expect all your classic Munnery one-liners, sketches and anecdotes from the British Comedy Award nominee, serial innovator and ‘Perennial fringe maverick’ (The Guardian).
Simon Munnery isn’t short on accolades: he’s an Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and Chortle Award winner, was the star of Comedy Central’s Alternative Comedy Experience and has been seen on BBC2’s Culture Show and heard on Radio 4’s News Quiz, amongst others.
When every room you’re in faintly reeks of urine it is time to wash your trousers.

Film: Reel Adventures #6 - Women's Adventure Film Tour 2025
2025-04-01 19:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Screening No.6 of the Youth Adventure Trust’s series of inspirational adventure films. Includes FREE prize. All proceeds go to the Trust.

The Women’s Adventure Film Tour is coming soon with its highly anticipated 9th season. It features an exhilarating selection of short films that showcase the inspiring journeys of remarkable women who fearlessly pursue adventure in various fields. This year’s tour highlights the resilience and creativity of individuals navigating the challenges of both the outer world and their own inner landscapes.
The screening will include a FREE raffle and an opportunity to hear more about the work of the Youth Adventure Trust. This is the 6th film in our Reel Adventures series of fundraising adventure films, with more to follow.

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Markus Birdman
2025-03-29 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Markus Birdman featuring Robin Morgan & compere Malinda Mukuma
Stand Up For The Weekend is our flagship weekly comedy 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: MARKUS BIRDMAN
Laugh, marvel and cry at the completely spell-binding Markus Birdman. He is a master of comic timing and isn’t afraid to push what society deems appropriate.
He is one of British comedy’s most experienced and well-travelled performers. In demand all over the UK and abroad, Markus is a veteran of the Edinburgh Fringe with many solo shows to his credit and headliner status at all the top clubs. He’s performed at the Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth Comedy Festivals and was nominated by the New Zealand Comedy Guild for Best International Guest.

Comedy: Scott Bennett STUFF
2025-03-28 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
As heard on BBC Radio 4!

As a society we love stuff, it’s a statement about who we are and who we want to be. But apparently, this message is at odds with the looming environmental crisis. We’re now struggling to balance these worlds, to focus on the things that bring us real connections and nourish the soul. Award-winning Comedian and Award-winning Product Designer, Scott Bennett is desperately trying to cleanse his life of stuff, but is this even possible anymore?

Tour support for Mickey Flanagan, Rob Brydon Jason Manford, and John Bishop. The star of Live at the Apollo, The News Quiz, The Now Show, The Ultimate Choice and Chortle Best Club Comedian Nominee 2022.

Music: Phonseca Album Launch
2025-03-28 19:30 - 23:00 | Chicken Shed
Phonseca launch their first new music in 5 years with their new album Everything Lasts Forever.
With excellent support from Alex Comaish and DJ Chris Faulkner.
Phonseca is the Synthpop/Ambient/Electronica project, which brings together Bristol’s much respected keys/synth player, classically trained pianist Matthew O’Connor and brilliant Swedish vocalist Kristina Sheppard.
Matthew has a rich musical background, bringing his talent to bands across the musical spectrum from House to Shoegaze, Psyche to Soundtrack, Electronica, Britpop and Rock.
Inevitably the urge to form a more personal musical landscape saw him starting to write his own music. This started the process which resulted in Between A Dream, the debut album under the name Phonseca.
The album was championed in the UK on BBC Radio 6 Music by both Gideon Coe and Steve Lamacq. With Steve Lamacq featuring it in his “Recommends” show. It also picked up lots of airplay and excellent reviews around the world.
Matthew’s classical training has an influence on his work. In addition to Phonseca, he has composed Library Music where his work has been synched on primetime T.V. like BBC1’s – The One Show and Gardeners World, Channel 5 programs and National T.V. in most of Europe.
This was the catalyst for first writing with Kristina, initially working on songs for a Disney project which followed a chance meeting at a wedding fayre, where they had stalls directly opposite each other.
Since its release, they have spent the past few years promoting the debut album while writing/recording the second “Everything Lasts Forever” which is now ready for release via Old Bad Habits Label.”
Quotes
Jason Small – Small Music Scene
“Matthew is a man with genuine talent that can’t afford to go amiss. Kristina sings with stunning sublime harmonies, honestly the pair should collaborate more in future, they make a great team.”
Steve Lamacq BBC6 Music
“This is a great album, really interesting stuff”

Music: John Law's Congregation
2025-03-27 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
John Law – piano, Sam Crockatt – tenor saxophone, Nick Pini – bass, Alex Goodyear – drums
This is the same rhythm section that played with saxophonist Jon Lloyd in a completely sold-out gig back in January, so hopefully another highly popular gig in the offing. Pianist John Law takes over band-leader and compositional duties for this one, with the excellent Sam Crockatt on saxophone.
Congregation is the name John uses for his quartet playing all his original music, as opposed to Re-Creations – his project we have previously presented in which he radically reworks the material of other composers.
Presenting, alongside new compositions, some of John’s best works from the back catalogue of both Congregation and the Art of Sound trio, this is a return to a purely acoustic quartet, without synths and samples! Featuring works from the Congregation albums Three Leaps of the Gazelle, These Skies In Which We Rust and CONFIGURATION, including I Sink Therefore I Swam, Configuration, Triadic Ballet and from the older trio group, tunes like Bo Peep and the signature hit tune Congregation.
Covering everything from broad, anthem-like melodies and hard-hitting, rhythmically powerful groovers, to slow, poised ballads with meltingly beautiful tunes…
Come and join the Congregation!

Talk: Beware the Ides of Musk
2025-03-27 19:30 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Beware the Ides of Musk — is it time to put the brakes on Elon?
The world’s richest person is seeking to influence British politics.
Unelected and unaccountable, we will talk about Musk – his methods, misinformation and interference.
We’ll ask what we can do to protect democracy and truth in this new era of the American tech oligarch.
Altered State Host Rudy Millard will be joined by:
Cllr Cara Lavan, deputy leader Green Party Group, Bristol City Council
Dr. Marcus Gillroy-Ware, expert in misinformation and new media at SOAS
Prof. Colin Gavaghan, specialist in ethics, law and emerging tech at Bristol University
If have any questions email hello@alteredstate.org.uk

Talk:The Psychology of Autism and Relationships
2025-03-26 07:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Discover the unique aspects of autistic communication and gain practical strategies for strengthening relationships. Followed by Q+A.
Autistic individuals communicate and build relationships in unique ways with both autistic and non-autistic individuals. They may face challenges like camouflaging – adapting or minimising their behaviour to fit in – and social rejection. These experiences can be understood through Double Empathy Theory, which suggests that people with different worldviews may struggle to empathise with each other due to differences in language use and comprehension.
In this talk, Emine Gurbuz will unpack the distinctive nature of autistic communication, through the lens of Double Empathy Theory. She will focus on the role of non-autistic partners and explore how these experiences affect mental health. She will conclude by offering actionable insights and tools to bridge the gap and enhance understanding and communication between autistic and non-autistic individuals.
Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7:30pm – come down early to grab a bite to eat!
Speaker Bio
Emine Gurbuz is a senior lecturer at the University of Portsmouth’s School of Psychology and Sport Sciences. She is part of the Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity Research which examines social interactions across human development. Her research supports families, children and professionals in education, employment and care settings. Emine uses Collaborative Participatory Research Approach to study the experiences of autistic adults using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Talk: Ruby Rare presents The Non-Monogamy Playbook
2025-03-25 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
A practical guide to reframing relationships, embracing the mess, and finding joy
Whether you’re new to non-monogamy, taking your first steps, or already navigating your own polyamorous constellation, the journey can feel overwhelming. In The Non-Monogamy Playbook, Ruby Rare blends practical how-tos, personal experiences, and wider social and political context to help reframe relationships and build confidence in exploring new ways of connecting.
Ruby takes a deep and nuanced approach to non-monogamy, moving beyond superficial advice to address key questions, including:

Why is non-monogamy on the rise now?
What does it mean to decentre monogamy and ‘the couple’ in your life?
Why do we prioritise romantic connections over platonic ones?
How do capitalism and other social structures shape our romantic and sexual lives?
What do non-monogamous breakups look like?
How can we navigate jealousy and communicate more honestly?
How can we centre joy and pleasure in non-monogamous relationships?

This talk offers insights and practical guidance for anyone curious about or practicing non-monogamy, encouraging deeper understanding and more fulfilling connections.
Speaker Bio
Ruby Rare (she/they) is an award-winning sex and relationships expert, passionate about helping people overcome shame through knowledge, empowerment, and celebration. Their work, shaped by experiences as a queer, non-monogamous, dual-heritage person, began with teaching Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) in schools before shifting to adult education. Ruby is an ambassador for Brook, the UK’s leading sexual health charity, and co-hosts The Ins and Outs podcast with Megan Barton-Hanson. A trusted voice in the sex-positive community, Ruby fosters care and curiosity both online and beyond.

Comedy: ESHAAN AKBAR LIVE 2025
2025-03-23 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Eshaan Akbar is back doing jokes on tour! Eshaan’s previous tour, the Pretender, was described by The Times as “pretty sick” (not an actual quote) so this one is likely to be mad good.
Eshaan has supported some of the biggest acts in the UK, including Micky Flanagan, Jason Manford and Kae Kurd, be sure to buy tickets for this much-anticipated tour.
As seen on Sex Education (Netflix), Mock The Week (BBC), QI (BBC), Live At The Apollo (BBC), Comedy Central Live and many more. Forthcoming TV includes The Last Leg (Channel 4) and Pilgrimage (BBC). A long with being heard on award-winning podcasts Have A Word, Ninetwentynine, and Spitting Image, as well as LBC, Times Radio, and Radio 4.

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Ali Woods & Guests
2025-03-22 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Ali Woods featuring Jessie Nixon & Burt Williamson plus compere Jeremy Flynn

Stand Up For The Weekend is our flagship weekly comedy 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.

Music: QUICKEXIT
2025-03-21 19:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Quick Exit is a 5-piece band that plays a wide range of generally ‘dancey’ numbers, both old and modern.
We’re excited to have the band performing live upstairs in our event space The Studio!
Join us for an evening filled with great music and dancing. We can’t wait to see you there!
Entrance is free | donate what you can on the door.

Music: Jim Blomfield's Saoco Collective
2025-03-20 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Jim Blomfield – piano, Jonny Bruce – trumpet, Martin Kern – tenor sax, Roshan ‘Tosh’ Wijetunge – bass, Jon Clarke – drums, Lisa Cherian – congas
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.

Podcast: 2 Promoters, 1 Pod SOLD OUT
2025-03-20 19:30 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
With almost 40 years’ combined experience promoting UK music festivals, James Scarlett (2000trees and ArcTanGent) and Gavin McInally (Damnation) don’t just pull back the curtain on the industry, they rip it down and bulldoze through the stage, right into the dressing rooms. What does it take to book Enter Shikari or Opeth? What are the exact costs of setting up a small town on a farm for pop punk fans or transforming an industrial estate into a mecca for metal devotees? And is there such a thing as a booking agent you can trust? With startling honesty, rarely seen in a business full of chancers, Gav and James talk about the highs, the lows and the downright ridiculous – of surviving, and thriving, in the promoting world.

Talk: The Science of ADHD & Psychedelics with Dr James Brown
2025-03-19 19:00 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder in which the brain develops differently, leading to issues with attention, inhibition of thoughts, movements and emotions. This talk will cover how psychedelics work in the brain, how an ADHD brain looks and functions differently to non-ADHD brains, and the emerging evidence that psychedelics may be an effective therapeutic option for some people with ADHD.
The use of psychedelic drugs as therapeutic treatments for psychiatric disorders have led to their use being suggested for other conditions such as ADHD. Join us and discover how!
Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7.30pm – come down early to grab a bite to eat.
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.

Muisc: Kevin Montgomery with Jude Johnstone
2025-03-18 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Nashville singer-songwriter Kevin Montgomery returns to Bristol for an evening of music and laughter with his musical friends. The legendary Jude Johnstone opens the show.
Montgomery has written songs for Juice Newton, Martina McBride. Recently, wrote the single “Come to Mine” for Beth Neilsen Chapman’s most recent record with Chapman and Graham Gouldman from 10CC. He is a hardcore troubadour having completed four 50 States in 50 Days tours.
Seating is limited, so get your tickets early.
20 pounds plus booking fee advance/24 on the door.

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Stephen Bailey & Guests
2025-03-15 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Stephen Bailey featuring Eleanor Tiernan & compere Tom Glover

Stand Up For The Weekend is The Comedy Box’s flagship weekly comedy show live at the Hen & Chicken. It features top circuit headliners and guest acts, as well as incredibly funny and engaging comperes who host the show. Online booking is available for table seats, reserved row seats, and unreserved row seats.

Headliner: STEPHEN BAILEY

The multi-award nominated Stephen Bailey is a comedian, presenter, actor and writer whose brand of gossipy humour has singled him out as one of the UK’s most sought-after talents, as well as boasting over 100k followers on Instagram after one of his videos was shared by none other than Melissa McCarthy.

Stephen’s quick-wit, playful sarcasm and enigmatic charm captivates audiences instantly. As well as being a prominent presence on the UK comedy circuit, he has also supported the biggest names in stand-up, including Micky Flanagan on his arena tour, Lucy Beaumont, Katherine Ryan, Jenny Eclair, Jason Manford, John Bishop and Sarah Millican.

Stephen is very much in demand and his numerous TV credits, let alone making a name for himself on Channel 5’s Celebs On The Farm, include hosting BBC’s Live at the Apollo and appearing on shows including Unbreakable, co-host on Date or Drop, alongside Amanda Holden, Would I Lie To You. Richard Osman’s House of Games, Celebrity Bridge of Lies and Celebrity Weakest Link, The Apprentice: You’re Fired, Between The Covers and Strictly: It Takes Two, and Pointless Celebrities. ​

In 2024, Stephen also joined the cast of the hit Channel 5 comedy-drama, The Madame Blanc Mysteries as the menacing John Marsden.​

Most recently, he has recorded BBC’s new stand-up show Live From Barry Island and his debut BBC Radio 4 stand-up special Stephen Bailey: One of Many.

Music: Dee Byrne's Outlines
2025-03-13 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Dee Byrne – alto sax, Nick Malcolm – trumpet, Tom Ward – clarinets, Rebecca Nash – piano, Olie Brice – bass, Andrew Lisle – drums
Dee Byrne has a powerful and innovative sound on alto sax, and is a very creative and original composer. Her album Outlines was released on Whirlwind Recordings in June 2023 and was included in ‘Best Jazz on Bandcamp, July 2023’ and ‘Best of Jazz UK 2023‘ Spotify playlist, with radio play on Jazz FM and BBC Radio 3. The six piece line-up includes local heroes Nick Malcolm and Rebecca Nash.
The band played a sold out show at the Bath Jazz Weekend January 2025 and received some great reviews:
… a contemporary approach to small band, collective, free-wheeling improvisations. Her layered and pulsing themes, driven along by the energy of Olie Brice’s bass and Andrew Lisle on the kit, prepared the ground for some formidable and expansive soloing, not least from Byrne herself – Mike Collins, UK Jazz News
Saxophonist Dee Byrne’s Outlines sextet swung effortlessly from harmonic chorales to free blowing anarchy and back – Tony Benjamin,
Bristol 24/7
I wasn’t the only audience member to enjoy this thrilling blend of composition and improvisation with Byrne’s evocative, colourful and intelligent writing given colourful voice by a supremely talented sextet of hand picked collaborators – Ian Mann, The Jazz Mann

Music: Carter Sampson
2025-03-11 20:00 - 23:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Carter Sampson – singer/ songwriter from Oklahoma City, with a family legacy which includes Roy Orbison, sings straight from the heart – no sugar coating, right down to her red dirt roots and her red cowboy boots.

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Michael Shafar & Guests
2025-03-08 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Michael Shafar featuring Jamie D’Souza & 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: MICHAEL SHAFAR
Originally from Melbourne, Michael Schafar is now based in London where he has quickly become one of the most exciting new acts on the UK comedy circuit. He regularly performs at the country’s biggest clubs where he gets to mock British people for their awful history and terrible food to their faces.​​

If you have lived in Australia, or even just visited there, you might already know Michael from his appearances on Network 10’s The Project and Studio 10, ABC’s Comedy Bites and triple j’s Good Az Friday. Of course, traditional media is dead, so it’s more likely that you might be one of his 100,000+ followers on social media or the 100+ million people who have seen his videos online. You may have also watched his debut special A(LIVE) on Amazon Prime or his most recent special Alright, Next Joke on YouTube.​
