Hen & Chicken

Jazz: Dom Franks' StrayHorn
2025-10-09 20:00 - 22:30 UTC | 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
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Whether you’re a seasoned comedy fan or just curious about what happens when performers make it all up as they go, this is a perfect night to dive into Bristol’s thriving improv scene. Expect laughter, surprises, and something completely different – every single time.
—
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.

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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.

Music: St Catherine's Child
2025-09-16 20:30 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
ST CATHERINE’S CHILD: “Softly stunning, mesmerising country-tinged indie” Holler
Transatlantic singer-songwriter Ilana Zsigmond AKA St Catherine’s Child is one of the rising stars of the Indie-Folk/Americana scene. She was invited into the Recording Academy as one of their ‘Class of 2024”.
Having signed to TRO Essex Music and Shamus Records in New York in late 2024, her debut album is This Might Affect You. The album’s songs tell the deeply personal and chronological story of enduring and recovering from the illness and death of her father. The A side chronicles the time leading up to his death, and the B side explores the aftermath of his passing and how she processed it.
Zsigmond decided to reach out to others who also had recently experienced loss and ask them to collaborate, and as a result, 10 of the 12 songs on the album are co-written with other songwriters. The songs on the album defy traditional genre classification and range from gun ballad to sea shanty to punk and beyond. The album’s title, This Might Affect You, is a reference to a construction planning notice Zsigmond saw during her father’s illness that encapsulated everything she was experiencing and processing, and how it affected her and everyone around her.

Comedy: JACOB HAWLEY
2025-09-13 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Jacob Hawley Featuring Barnaby Slater, Jessie Nixon & compere Clint Edwards

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

Headliner: 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

Theatre: Murder ‘Round Midnight
2025-09-12 21:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
After a sell-out debut show, Murder ‘Round Midnight returns to Bristol this Autumn.
An original and immersive crime thriller set in the heart of the Bristol jazz scene, Murder ‘Round Midnight promises a totally unique and unforgettable evening.
When a musician is murdered in cold blood, an up-and-coming trumpet player sets out to find the truth. Could this be the work of the Dorian Collective, a group of shady musicians who run the jazz scene in the city? Or is there something more sinister at work?
Narrated live with a jazz quartet playing thematic music that follows every twist and turn of the story, Murder ‘Round Midnight promises an evening of music, mystery, and murder.
Please note, this performance contains descriptions of violence and may not be suitable for younger audiences.
The performance is approximately 70 minutes with no interval. Seating is unallocated.

Theatre: Murder 'Round Midnight
2025-09-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio

Jazz: Andy Hague Quintet
2025-09-11 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Andy Hague – trumpet, Ben Waghorn – tenor sax, Jim Blomfield – piano, Riaan Vosloo – bass, Mark Whitlam – drums
Trumpeter Andy Hague returns from his summer break with the quintet to open the Be-Bop Club’s 25/26 season. The music will be a mixture of tunes from quintet album Coming of Age [2018], Andy’s 2021 quartet album Release and a few tunes from other current jazz composers.
“So impressed with this record, wow, it’s current, it’s hip” – Linley Hamilton, BBC Radio Ulster’s Jazz World. “it’s the variety of the musical structures deployed, as well as the sheer spirit and fire in these performances that makes this a significant milestone for Hague and his chums” – Peter Vacher, four star review in Jazzwise March 2019.
Well known in Bristol’s jazz scene, in 2019 Andy Hague played for the first time with legendary UK jazz composer Mike Westbrook as part of his Uncommon Orchestra, and post-Covid the band has appeared at Cheltenham and Cambridge Jazz Festivals, the Rossini Festival in Lugo, Italy and Ronnie Scott’s 2022 and 2023.
Long term associate saxophonist Ben Waghorn is a versatile musician who has worked in London’s West End and on many pop, TV and film recordings. He has been involved in a range of projects with Keith Tippett, including ‘Tapestry’, a piece written by Keith for two saxophone quartets and the BBC singers, the quartet ‘Work in Progress’ and The Keith Tippett Octet. He can also be heard on recordings with Geoff Eales and Dave Stapleton [Slowly Rolling Camera]. Ben has also recently performed with the BBC Big Band and played in Singapore with the London Concert Orchestra. Pianist Jim Blomfield has been a vital part of Bristol’s jazz scene for many years and has accompanied many of the UK’s best known players. He has released two trio CDs of his own compositions. “Jim Blomfield is the best British pianist you’ve never heard of and is an absolute marvel” – Independent on Sunday. Bassist Riaan Vosloo works regularly with saxophonist Ed Jones and runs the post-grad programme at BIMM Bristol music college. Drummer Mark Whitlam is head of the drum department at BIMM college and has played with big names such as Andy Sheppard and Iain Ballamy besides composing for his own projects.

Discovery Talk: Changing the Soundtrack of the Ocean
2025-09-11 19:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Marine biologist Steve Simpson, Professor of Marine Biology & Global Change at the University of Bristol, will take us on an adventure into the world of underwater acoustics in this fascinating talk. Tuning into the sounds of the ocean reveals amazing habitats and behaviours, but also highlights environments at risk. Discover how sound itself may hold the key to reversing some of the issues facing marine life, such as the ravages of climate change, overfishing and pollution.
Steve and his team use cutting edge acoustic technology to listen to the ocean and gain new insights into the extraordinary abundance of life beneath the waves. Tens of thousands of species of fish, marine mammals, crustaceans, mussels opening and closing, sea urchins and snapping clams all contribute to an incredible aquatic soundscape. But we are adding to this cheerful cacophony with human-made noise pollution.
Steve and his team have gained worrying insights into the changing health of precious habitats by listening to the ocean’s symphony in places as far flung as Indonesia, and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Overfishing, climate change and pollution are all taking a toll on habitats and biodiversity. But all is not lost – through the use of sound, Steve’s team have found ways to encourage the restoration of habitats and measure their recovery. Steve’s message is one of optimism and active hope – through the use of technology, and also art, film and music, we can bring people together to rewrite the soundtrack of the ocean and create a better future.
“Listening to the ocean connects us to marine life, highlights the severity of human impacts, and gives us tools and stories to underpin active hope and build a better future.” Steve Simpson, Professor of Marine Biology & Global Change, University of Bristol
About the speaker
Prof. Steve Simpson teaches marine biology to hundreds of undergraduates and masters students, and leads a thriving research group consisting of 15 postdoc, PhD and Masters students, with active projects in the UK, Maldives, Egypt, Caribbean and Australia. He runs the MSc in Science Communication for a Better Planet at the University of Bristol. He was Series Academic Advisor to the BBC’s Blue Planet II and Netflix’s Our Oceans, and recently featured in the BBC’s Our Changing Planet. He gives public lectures and media interviews on marine biology, global impacts and potential solutions, and remains optimistic that we can work together to restore the oceans for a better future.
The event will be chaired by Miranda Krestovnikoff, TV presenter, diver and author.
Pre-show dining is available in the bar/restaurant downstairs at the Hen & Chicken, including a pizza/burger & drink offer for ticket holders. Please contact the Hen & Chicken direct to reserve your table for pre-show dining. Pre-Events Restaurant Offer – Hen & Chicken

Comedy: Rob Mulholland - ALLEGATIONS
2025-09-10 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
“Allegations” is the debut tour from Rob Mulholland; seasoned stand-up comedian, podcaster (Dead Men Talking) and one of the kings of the North’s burgeoning DIY comedy scene. A wild, high-energy barrage of belly laughs covering all the topics you’re not really meant to talk about.

Not for the easily offended.
“Mulholland’s language and content may be a tad startling to some, but don’t be fooled into assuming that he’s some one-dimensional shock-comic looking to offend for notoriety’s sake. His material is clever, layered and acutely observed.” Joe.co.uk

Wednesday Night Improv: Triple Bill
2025-09-10 19:30 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Wednesday Night Improv’s monthly show continues with a triple bill packed with quick wit, bold characters, and stories made up on the spot.
Join us for a midweek comedy boost featuring three of Bristol’s sharpest improv acts – each one creating a brand-new show right before your eyes, all inspired by audience suggestions.
[1] THE GROUNDHOGS: THE IMPROVISED TIME-LOOPY SHOW
The Groundhogs are an improv-sketch group that will take a recent conversation you had with a loved one and show you every single way it could have gone. Hilarious, unpredictable, often cartoonish, and occasionally poignant, The Groundhogs are staples of the Bristol Improv scene for a reason.
[2] JAZZ POLICE: THE IMPROVISED SKETCH SHOW
American-style longform improv comedy troupe from Bristol. Having performed at the Edinburgh International Improv Festival and the Birmingham Comedy Festival, explore the world of improv through a hilarious compilation of scenes and bits as these masters of wit take one word and turn it into a show.
“Damn near perfect improv” – The Glasgow Improv Theatre
[3] PRESSURE COOKER: THE IMPROVISED RESTAURANT SHOW
Pressure Cooker whisks you into the chaos of a fictional restaurant where chefs, customers, and kitchen staff are all played by a dynamic ensemble. Using YOUR stories as ingredients, our performers cook up hilarious, unpredictable scenes every night. From meltdowns to menu mayhem, it’s comedy served hot and fast.
“Pure Comedic Alchemy” – Bristol 24/7
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Whether you’re a seasoned comedy fan or just curious about what happens when performers make it all up as they go, this is a perfect night to dive into Bristol’s thriving improv scene. Expect laughter, surprises, and something completely different – every single time.
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Part of the Wednesday Night Improv series – We’re on the second Wednesday of every month!

TALK: The Science of Trauma & The Body: The Psychosomatic Nature of Trauma
2025-09-09 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Discover how and why trauma manifests as physical symptoms and what we can do about it. Followed by Q&A.
Trauma is not just in your head! In fact, trauma can impact our whole bodies. We will explore what happens in our bodies during the survival response, how our nervous system responds and coordinates physiological responses throughout our body. We need these responses to survive, but what happens when we get ‘stuck’?
Discover what the implications are for our bodies, and crucially, what we can all do to help ourselves and those around us. When we understand how trauma and the body are intrinsically interconnected, we can understand how to heal, and reconnect to ourselves, those around us and to our environment.

Dr Susanna Petche is redefining trauma care and leading a movement for change. Founder of Trauma-Sense and creator of the C-Sense methodology, she blends neuroscience, functional medicine, and coaching to address the hidden effects of trauma. With 25+ years as a GP, she saw how unresolved trauma fuels many health issues, inspiring her to create training and resources for professionals, workplaces, and individuals. In October 2025, she will deliver a TEDx talk on the importance of acknowledging trauma. A sought-after speaker, she has shared stages with Dr Gabor Maté and Dr Rangan Chatterjee, challenging outdated approaches to health and healing.

Comedy: Olga Koch - OLGA KOCH COMES FROM MONEY
2025-09-08 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
From the maker of Succession and White Lotus, Money™ brings you yet another little white b*tch you will love to hate: Olga Koch. The star of Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week and QI finally addresses the elephant in the room.
NOMINEE: Most Outstanding Show, Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025
Directed by Jet Vevers
