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

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

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

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

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

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with MICHAEL SHAFAR
2025-10-18 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Michael Shafar featuring Tom Lucy & Meryl O’Rourke

Stand Up For The Weekend is our flagship weekly comedy show featuring top circuit headliners and guest acts plus incredibly funny and engaging comperes who host the show. A choice of table seats, reserved row seats and unreserved row seats are available to book online.

Headliner: MICHAEL SHAFAR
Originally from Melbourne, Michael Schafar is now based in London where he has quickly become one of the most exciting new acts on the UK comedy circuit. He regularly performs at the country’s biggest clubs where he gets to mock British people for their awful history and terrible food to their faces.​​

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

Music: MARGINAL GAINS - 90s and 00s band night
2025-10-17 20:00 - 23:30 | Chicken Shed
Turbocharge your weekend with a night of 90s and 00s grunge and britpop BANGERS
Marginal Gains are BACK playing a selection of 90s and early 00s rock and indie including Ash, Arctic Monkey’s, Blur, Green Day, Nirvana, Oasis, Pulp, Rage Against the Machine, Radiohead Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Killers, and many more

Comedy: Harriet Dyer EASILY DISTRA....
2025-10-17 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
A new blancmange of whimsy from the somewhat fizzy mind of Harriet Dyer featuring hot topics such as wearing a wetsuit on a bus, jaunty social commentary on why couples don’t talk to each other anymore, and trying to get a cow to lick the top of your head.

2024 Winner of C4’s Sean Lock Comedy Award

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

Jazz: Benn Clatworthy Quartet
2025-10-16 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Benn Clatworthy – tenor sax, Jim Blomfield – piano, Riaan Vosloo – bass, Andy Hague – drums
Benn Clatworthy is a truly impressive modern jazz tenor saxophonist who was rated by the late Ronnie Scott as one of the best UK players that he had heard. Although born in London Benn has been resident in California since 1980, but returns to perform in the UK on a regular basis – however due to the pandemic this is his first visit to us since 2019.
In the late 80s Benn was recommended to Discovery Records by Horace Silver, resulting in his first album “Thanks Horace.” Since then he has gone on to establish himself as a musician of impressive pedigree and talent, working with the likes of The Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, Billy Higgins, Cab Calloway, Cedar Walton, Bobby Shew and Cyndi Lauper.
Over the past few years Benn has been leading a sextet called System 6, which includes trumpet legend Ron Stout – last year the band released their third album Indispensable which you can listen to here Youtube Playlist
On his last visit Benn performed as a quintet, to keep things fresh tonight, he appears with a quartet with Andy Hague switching from trumpet to drums, the mighty Jim Blomfield on piano and Riaan Vosloo – bass.

Comedy: Jack Skipper - SKINT
2025-10-16 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
THIS SHOW IS NOW SOLD OUT
Carpet-fitter turned comedian Jack Skipper delivers his debut, Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated, stand-up hour with a show about how he went from a tradesman with no qualifications to a full-time comedian (with no qualifications) – offering insights into the endeavours of a working-class father struggling to navigate his way through life.

Seen on The Stand Up Sketch Show. Tour support for Michael McIntyre and Russell Kane. Over 16 million likes on TikTok.

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

Comedy: Garrett Millerick
2025-10-11 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Garrett Millerick featuring Matt Stellingwerf & Tom Glover

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: GARRETT MILLERICK
Garrett Millerick is an acclaimed stand up comedian, writer and director. His unique and versatile style has led to him being in great demand on the alternative and club circuits both in the UK and internationally.

Garrett is known for his grumpy, grouchy persona who is fed up with the pretenses of the modern world, aiming his criticism at everything from the fraudulent activity of the recycling industry to growing depression inflicted by miserablist, oversharing celebrities. His shouty, ironic delivery keeps you on the edge of your seat and the crushing punchlines can leave you exhilarated as he rages against yet more societal hypocrisies.
“A virtuoso display of unforgivingly grumpy stand up delivered with fire in his soul” Chortle

Comedy: Josh Baulf - LOVELY STUFF
2025-10-10 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
After bursting onto the comedy scene with his razor-sharp wit and a string of viral videos, Josh Baulf embarks on his debut solo tour! With his trademark charm and killer punchlines, Josh delves into the hilarities of millennial life, navigating modern relationships and the quirks of British culture.
Described by Rob Beckett as a comedian “you have to see live” and hailed by David Walliams as “a very funny man”. Josh brings his infectious energy to the stage for a night of big laughs and relatable truths.

Jazz: Dom Franks' StrayHorn
2025-10-09 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Dom Franks – saxophones, Matt Hopkins – guitar, Anders Olinder – organ, Andy Tween – drums
Established in 2010 as a vehicle for the accessible, groove driven compositions of saxophonist Dom Franks, StrayHorn Quartet come to the club fresh from a UK tour and on the back of a glowing 4* Jazzwise review of their current album ‘Duality Pt. 1’. Combining lyrical themes with Brazilian and African influences and adventurous swinging improvisations, StrayHorn Quartet features Stroud based guitar firebrand Matt Hopkins (Hopkins-Hammond Trio), in-demand organist Anders Olinder and former Pee Wee Elllis/Ian Ballamy drummer Andy Tween. Dom Franks is a former winner of the Daily Telegraph Jazz Award, and now combines a busy career as a performer and composer with work in music education.

“Franks’ influences are broad…from the gospel-like ‘Home Fries’ to the dreamy, soaring ‘Ellipsis’ to a cheery New York swagger. The StrayHorn band sounds settled and cohesive… Duality Pt. 1 is an accomplished and highly accessible release that effectively whets our appetite for part two.” – Jazzwise Magazine ****
“Local sax hero Franks is a Cheltenham based musician with a national reputation and has been featured on national radio and in the national jazz press. Fluent, authoritative tenor sax soloing and lyrical soprano playing”. – The Jazzmann.com

Music: Angel Snow with Joe Wilkins
2025-10-09 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
We are delighted to announce the return of singer-songwriter Angel Snow to The Hen & Chicken for an intimate show upstairs in the Studio.
Angel will be performing as a duo with Joe Wilkins.
“Snow’s purring, trance-influenced vocals ground even the most mystical of these songs, and her wonderfully descriptive lyrics balance the spiritual and mundane concepts with a steady hand.” – American Songwriter
Listen here

Comedy: Robin Ince - THE UNIVERSE AND THE NEURODIVERSE
2025-10-08 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
The Universe and the Neurodiverse is a journey from the outermost planets to our innermost thoughts.

Robin Ince has spent 15 years hosting the multi award winning The Infinite Monkey Cage with Professor Brian Cox and been at the forefront of the renaissance in science communication. Always keen to explore new avenues of communication, he has also recently been exploring poetry and was officially given his Poetic License at the 2024 Morecambe Poetry Festival. Combining poetry, stories, jokes and music, this show explores what it is to be human and the incredible diversity of our minds. It is a show about Jane Goodall and chimpanzees, about Apollo 8 and the Earthrise image, about our environment, about climate change, about neurodiversity and it is about finding joy and inspiration. It is a show created to empower and activate.

It is both Robin’s most personal and most universal show and the tour will coincide with the publication of his latest book Normally Weird…Weirdly Normal (Pan Macmillan) and then his first poetry collection, Ice Cream for a Broken Tooth (flapjack) comes out in October 2025.
“Joyfully entertaining. Full of warmth, wisdom and affectionate delight in the wonder and absurdity of being human” – Observer on I’m a Joke and So Are You

Wednesday Night Improv: Triple Bill
2025-10-08 19:30 - 22:00 | Chicken Shed
Wednesday Night Improv is back 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] BEANSVILLE: THE IMPROVISED WORKPLACE PILOT
Beansville presents: The Workplace. It’s another day at the office… the shop… the factory… or maybe even that weird place you once worked. You know the one. With all of the romances, rivalries, politics and performance issues you’d expect, all made up on the spot in this improvised workplace comedy.
Watch the pilot episode of a wholly improvised workplace comedy based on your suggestions.
[2] WHAT’S YOUR STAR SIGN?: THE IMPROVISED HOROSCOPE SHOW
Have you ever read a horoscope and wondered who is having that kind of day? Wonder no longer, as we take you through the day of someone whose fate is in the stars. We’ll read a star sign from the most acceptable tabloid we can find, explore that day and the crazy events that come up. Today’s horoscope: This lunar phase sees you stepping in the right direction and making great decisions. That could be buying a ticket to see the next Wednesday Night Improv at the Hen & Chicken.
[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
—
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.
—
Part of the Wednesday Night Improv series

Music: Annie Keating Band
2025-10-07 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
We are excited to welcome the Annie Keating Band back to Bristol this Autumn with support artist, Seamus Foley.
From Brooklyn, New York, Annie Keating sings about heartbreak being the price of hope and all of it being worth the cost … the epitome of all things ‘Americana’.
Have a listen here

Talk: ADHD & Women: Misunderstood, misdiagnosed & moving forward for change
2025-10-06 19:30 - 21:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Discover the nuances of how ADHD presents itself differently within women in a neuroaffirming environment. Followed by Q&A.
Join us for an insightful talk exploring how ADHD uniquely affects women – from late or missed diagnoses to the emotional toll of being misunderstood.
Despite growing awareness, many women are still overlooked or misdiagnosed due to outdated assumptions and gender bias. Drawing on the latest research and real-life experiences, we’ll unpack key topics including emotional regulation, masking, burnout and Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria. We’ll also explore how hormonal changes can intensify ADHD symptoms – and what can be done to support wellbeing throughout these shifts.
This talk takes a neuro-affirming approach, offering practical strategies and insights to empower women to better understand themselves and advocate for the support they need.
Speaker Bio:
Dr Emilie Moorhead (DClinPsych, CPsychol, BSc) is a Clinical Psychologist with nearly two decades of clinical experience working with Neurodivergent people. She is a Registered Practitioner Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Chartered Clinical Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (BPS). Dr Moorhead runs her own successful Psychology practice, This Is Me Psychology, which specialises in supporting Neurodivergent people to gain the best possible understanding of themselves. She adopts a neuro-affirming approach, helping Neurodivergent people to recognise the strengths and values that they have to enable them to embrace their full potential. She strongly believes that everybody should be able to access Neurodivergent support in a proactive and preventative manner, without needing to reach crisis point first.
Dr Moorhead has also worked in a range of NHS and private mental health services, including Clinical Lead at two specialist Neurodiversity Services. She works with individuals across the lifespan. She is a guest lecturer on a number of University courses, specialising in Neurodivergent conditions and post-diagnostic support.

Comedy: Carey Marx
2025-10-04 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Carey Marx featuring Abigoliah Schamaun and Tom Toal

Stand Up For The Weekend is our 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.

Headliner: CAREY MARX
Carey Marx is an unapologetic gagsmith. The jokes are short and sharp, often uncomfortably so, as any morality is sacrificed on the altar of quick laughs. And there’s no better way of guaranteeing a reaction than storming headlong into decidedly dodgy territory.

There’s plenty here for the connoisseur of comedy writing. The lines are efficient, original and potent – and rarely fail to blindside the audience.
And they come at a blistering rate, thanks to a hugely economical delivery. He doesn’t go out of the way to befriend an audience, yet there is a subtle charm and intelligence to him, even when the material is blatantly offensive.

“Hilariously demented” Edinburgh Evening News
“Anecdotally debauched … But if his lines are frequently sick, they’re elegantly written, too, and there’s a childlike glee to his naughtiness.” The Herald

Music: Jon Wilks
2025-10-03 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Acclaimed singer, guitarist and storyteller Jon Wilks is known for his work at the intersection of traditional folk and contemporary narrative songwriting. Recognised with a double-page feature in global Guitarist magazine, Jon is a guitarist of exceptional calibre. Jon’s most recent solo release was named Folk Album of the Month in The Guardian and his stand-out talent has been applauded by other publications such as Uncut Magazine and Klofmag. Having spent recent years delving deep into traditional ballads and broadsides, his latest album, Could You Be the One?, marks a return to original material — songs that reflect on time, memory and belonging. Live shows will also draw from Jon’s rich back catalogue of traditional material, reworked through the lens of the full band.
Jon is joined by a group of close musical allies; Jon Nice on keyboards, electric guitars and backing vocals — a trusted musical companion since they met in Japan in 2007. On bass is Rich Davies, one of Jon’s oldest friends; they first played together as teenagers in the Midlands and are reuniting musically for the first time since 2003. On drums is Laurence Hunt, known for his work with the Wayward Band and Hack Poets Guild. He and Jon first crossed paths in the Jim Moray Band in 2023.

Recent Press for Jon and his music:
‘Jon’s a badman fingerpicking guitarist and leading exponent of the songs of Old Albion’. Carl Barat, The Libertines
‘Wilks proves once again what a stand-out talent he really is. There is an honesty and compassion in Wilks’ writing and performance, which is entirely charming’. Klofmag
‘A scholar’s ear for vernacular and a dashing sense of verve on fingerpicked guitar’. Uncut Magazine
‘Sublime songwriting. Wilks is a rather special performer.’ Folk Radio

Needless Alley | Jon Wilks

Comedy: DAISY DORIS MAY - BIG NIGHT OUT
2025-10-03 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Calling all VIPS. Daisy Doris May brings together her iconic characters Steve Porters, The Divine Karen Moonstone and Häns Off for one BIG NIGHT OUT! Get on ze GL bishes. Hannah Gadsby tour support. Over 30 million views across TikTok & IG.
“A masterclass in character comedy” ★★★★★ Broadway Baby.
“The next Catherine Tate” Creative Reviews UK
“Electric” ★★★★ The Scotsman

Comedy: Sam Avery THUNDERSTORM!
2025-10-02 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Back with a bang, award-winning comedian Sam Avery returns with his electrifying new show, Thunderstorm! ⚡

In his trademark punchy style, Sam takes you on a whirlwind journey through the chaos of the modern world – from parenting disasters to culture wars, conspiracy theories to political morons.

With sharp wit and a stormy twist, he’s here to prove that the only way to weather modern life is through laughter!

Expect thunderous punchlines, lightning-fast jokes, and a night of belly laughs you won’t forget.

Jazz: Trinomika
2025-10-02 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Greg Sterland – tenor sax, Pasquale Votino – bass, Paolo Adamo – drums
This trio were heard recently hosting one of the jam sessions at the Stag and Hounds and impressed greatly with their well structured set and careful use of the chordless instrumentation.
Very much a cooperative venture, the compositions developed as a group make full use of the available pallet of sounds. You can hear the earthy influence of the down town New York scene as well as the avant garde.
Shades of Tim Berne, Chris Speed et al as well as a plethora of influences from within the more straight ahead jazz tradition also – all played with heart and beauty in this highly interactive and musical trio.

CANCELLED : ELENA GABRIELLE DISTURB - THE VIBE
2025-10-01 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Elena Gabrielle, international comedy queen, chaos merchant, and all-around vibe saboteur—is back with her vibey-iest show yet: “Disturb the Vibe”

Get ready for vibe checks, vibe confessions, and vibe revelations as Elena Gabrielle flips the script, disturbs the vibe, and leaves you questioning everything you thought you knew about relationships, stereotypes, and the legacies we leave behind.

It’s time to embrace the chaos.

Elena Gabrielle’s satirical look on modern relationships teamed with her uproarious musicality has seen her steal the show from Canada to South Africa.

This Australian born European based comedian appeals to sold out audiences across the globe with her witty, no-holds barred approach to stand-up comedy and because of this, has seen her go viral with 40 million plus views on YouTube to date.

Her embarrassing date stories are delivered in an intuitive storytelling style which cuts through cultural divides and is enjoyed globally. After touring non-stop for 3 years with ‘Story Party Tour’ (which saw her perform over 700 shows in that time and in 65 countries) and sold-out runs with her 2 solo tours “DIRRTY” in 2021/22 and “Addickted” in 2023, Elena is back on tour in 2024 with her new show “OK!?”

“Elena Gabrielle captured the audience with her dynamic stage presence” – Pop Culture-y

Talk: The Psychology of EMDR Therapy: Rewiring memories
2025-09-29 19:00 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Have you ever wondered how our brains process and heal from life’s toughest moments? Many of us carry unresolved experiences—whether it’s a difficult breakup, childhood criticism, or a lingering fear—that can quietly block our confidence, relationships, or success.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a groundbreaking therapeutic approach designed to help people move past trauma, anxiety, and other emotional hurdles.
In this talk, you’ll discover how EMDR works—by using a combination of focused attention and guided eye movements to “unblock” the trauma stored in the brain and release emotional pain. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR taps into the brain’s natural ability to heal, offering relief often in a shorter timeframe.
Trauma expert Shelly Bradley-Scholey will explore real-world success stories and explain why EMDR has become a trusted tool for millions worldwide. Whether you’re curious about new ways to heal or want to understand how the mind can overcome its deepest struggles, this talk will open your eyes to the possibilities of modern therapy.
About your host:
Shelley Bradley-Scholey is a UK-based trauma expert, accredited EMDR Consultant, BABCP-certified CBT therapist, and Registered Mental Health Nurse with over 20 years of experience in mental health, including 13 years in Defence Mental Health Services. She holds a MSc in CBT Research from the University of Oxford and is the founder of Fortitude Psychological Therapy, offering trauma-focused therapy, supervision, and teaching. A guest lecturer at Oxford and Exeter Universities, published author, and public speaker, Shelley integrates EMDR, Beckian CBT, and Compassion-Focused Therapy into her survivor-centered, compassionate approach to healing.

Comedy: STUART GOLDSMITH
2025-09-27 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Stuart Goldsmith featuring Joe Sutherland & compere Adam Beardsmore.

Stand Up For The Weekend is our weekly flagship 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: STUART GOLDSMITH

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 change 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

Comedy: Stephen Bailey TART
2025-09-26 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Star of BBC’s Live at the Apollo, Would I Lie To You? and Channel 5’s The Madame Blanc Mysteries, comedian and TV’s Stephen Bailey makes a very welcome return to the stage with his brand new live show, TART, touring in 2025.

Jazz: James Borland Quartet
2025-09-25 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
James Borland – trumpet, Nick Manz – piano, Ben Love – bass, Kai Chareunsy – drums.
Trumpeter James Borland first visited the club in Nov 23 as part of the Birmingham based sextet Abacus led by Liam Brennan, and impressed greatly with his warm sound and inventive phrasing. James was recently seen in national media performing with Bostin Brass, the band picked to lead the funeral cortège for Ozzy Osbourne.
One of the most in-demand young musicians of the vibrant Birmingham jazz scene, his characterful improvising speaks both of his love of the jazz tradition and also the forward-thinking melodicism of contemporary NY figureheads such as Ambrose Akinmusire and Immanuel Wilkins. His quartet brings together an impressive young rhythm section who share his love of free-flowing, exciting jazz music, featuring sought-after bass and drum team Ben Love and Kai Chareunsy, and BBC Young Jazz Musician finalist Nick Manz on piano. The quartet play James’ original music, alongside carefully selected favourites from jazz pioneers.

Music: Nigel Wearne
2025-09-22 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Solo performance
CRH Music invites you to a unique opportunity to experience a solo performance by Australian singer-songwriter / guitarist, Nigel Wearne.
Marking a return to his roots as a folk songwriter, he launches his latest album, ‘The Lone Reckoning’. A raw, emotive, stripped-back rendition of his 2023 award-nominated album ‘The Reckoning’.
Self-produced by Wearne, ‘The Lone Reckoning’ features the same 11 songs as the full band album with 3 additional bonus tracks, all recorded in their original form; solo and acoustic.
Nigel’s had a huge couple of years touring internationally, performing at some of the world’s most prestigious music festivals including Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (USA), Cambridge Folk Festival (UK), MerleFest (USA), Philadelphia Folk Festival (USA) and Adelaide Guitar Festival (Australia).
Hailing from Gunditjmara Country in the deep south of Australia, Nigel Wearne saunters after dark in the music of the night, blending blues, folk and Americana-noir. A deep thinker and truth seeker with a penchant for all things peculiar, he sings of human frailty, grace and the cosmos; songwriting that cuts to the bone.
“Tailor made for fans of Tom Waits… with fire and brimstone lyrics that recall Nick Cave” – Rhythms Magazine
“Poignant and mysterious” – Maverick Magazine UK
“Vocal swagger of Van Morrison and dark spirituality and intelligence of Nick Cave” 4 STARS – The Australian

Nigel blends his influences, creating music that weaves its way through blues. jazz and Ameriana-noir.

Heading

Comedy: Dane Baptiste
2025-09-20 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Dane Baptiste featuring Jarred Christmas & Clint Edwards

Stand Up For The Weekend is our weekly flagship 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: DANE BAPTISTE

Original and provocative, Dane Baptiste is hailed as one of the most exciting acts to break in years. The London born stand up made comedy history in 2014 as the first Black British act to be nominated for a comedy award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for his debut stand up show Citizen Dane. Following this nomination, the show enjoyed incredible success at London’s Soho Theatre completing two sold out runs with additional dates added due to phenomenal demand. His second stand up show Reasonable Doubts was again met with huge critical acclaim and performed to sold out audiences at the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe, with his first nationwide solo tour following in 2016. In 2018 Dane set out on a massive world tour, covering numerous territories, with his smash hit third stand up hour G.O.D. (Gold. Oil. Drugs).

His extensive TV credits include Live at the Apollo (BBC Two), Mock the Week (BBC Two), 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (Channel 4), The Stand Up Sketch Show (ITV2), Black, British and Funny (Channel 4), Frankie Boyle’s New World Order (BBC Two), Roast Battle (Comedy Central), Comedians Giving Lectures (Dave), Hypothetical (Dave), Tonight at the London Palladium (ITV1), Live from the BBC (BBC Three), Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled (Dave), Comedians Solve World Problems (Comedy Central) and more.
“A comical genius” Edinburgh Festivals Magazine

Comedy: Chris Kent OFFLINE
2025-09-19 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Cork’s own Chris Kent returns with a brand new show ‘Offline’.
He tries to give up the internet and navigate life without asking his phone what to eat, where to go or how to get home. He longs for a simpler time of playing ‘Snake’ and constructing emojis himself. Now that he has hit 40 years of age, he wonders if he can ever go back to thinking for himself. Join him on a journey that will either make him or break him.

Jazz: Kevin Figes Ad Hoc Quartet
2025-09-18 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Kevin Figes – alto sax/flute, Dale Hambridge – piano, Matthew Read – bass, Andy Hague – drums
Due to illness, poor Brigitte Beraha has had to cancel the first part of her tour, so many thanks for the musicians above for stepping in at short notice. The great thing about the Bristol scene is that it is often possible to put a really strong line-up together at short notice.
Kevin Figes is of course a stalwart of the scene, endlessly creative and productive with his many projects, Pig Records label and now short film ventures. The band will probably mainly play standard material, but perhaps a couple of Kevin’s original tunes if a quick rehearsal is managed beforehand – just to be clear this line-up has been assembled especially for tonight’s gig and is not one of Kevin’s regular projects.
