Hen & Chicken

Muisc: Marginal Gains 90s & 00s band night
2025-11-28 20:00 - 22:30 UTC | Chicken Shed
The band are back for another night of 90’s & 00’s nostalgia!
Turbocharge your weekend with a night of 90s and 00s grunge and britpop BANGERS
Playing a selection of 90s and early 00s rock and indie including Ash, Arctic Monkey’s, Blur, Green Day, Nirvana, Oasis, Pulp, Rage Against the Machine, Radiohead Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Killers, and many more

Tickets are free!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stand Up For The Weekend is our flagship weekly show from The Comedy Box, featuring top circuit headliners and guest acts plus incredibly funny and engaging comperes who host the show. A choice of table seats, reserved row seats and unreserved row seats are available to book online.
Headliner: ANDREW BIRD
Andrew Bird is a top headline act throughout the UK and Ireland and has performed all around the world. He is highly in demand as a tour support for big name comics such as Rhod Gilbert, Rob Brydon, Jon Richardson and Michael McIntyre playing venues such as Wembley and O2 arenas, and is one of the hardest working TV warm-up acts in the industry having worked on shows as varied as Pointless, Have I Got News For You, The Jonathan Ross Show and Taskmaster.

There is a very good reason for Andrew Bird’s popularity. He is always funny and frequently hilarious. He’s a nimble storyteller, with a relaxed, personable style. He simply proves cracking company, whether he’s got an angle or not. Fast, fluid and animated, you might mistake his relentless chatter for a spontaneous stream of consciousness, were it not so effortlessly reliable in generating laughs.
“A great storyteller, funny, likeable and effortless” Time Out

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please note this is a Russian language show

Music: Holly Carter Album Release Show
2025-11-19 19:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Holly Carter – ‘Leave Your Mark’ – Official Album Release Show – Bristol
Holly Carter is an award-winning songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Bristol, UK. Two-time recipient of ‘Instrumentalist of the Year’ at the Americana UK awards (2023 & 2024) she is widely recognised as an exceptional fingerstyle guitarist and one of the UK’s only professional female pedal steel players.
Drawing deeply from the well of the folk tradition, she harnesses an approach to song as a powerful tool for education and the preservation of legacy. Along with a showstopping approach to guitar that follows hot on the heels of the likes of Chet Atkins and John Fahey, her music weaves joyously catchy melodies with thought-provoking lyrics that pay homage to a diverse collection of musical and personal heroes.
Her upcoming release ‘Leave Your Mark’ centres around a celebration and exploration of the ways we can leave our mark on the world after we’ve gone. Blending timeless storytelling with a distinct modern voice, the album showcases an impactful collection of songs that presents a truly original take on the landscape of folk and Americana. Recorded live and directly to tape at Middle Farm Studios in Devon – and accompanied by lino printed artwork designed and hand cut by Holly – it endeavours to capture a moment in time, in its most raw and honest state.
For this official album launch show, Holly will be joined by her band, featuring Joe Wilkins on guitar, John `Parker on Double Bass & Matt Stockham Brown on drums.
Listen here

Music: Julie July Band Acoustic
2025-11-16 19:30 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Four members of the touring Folk Rock Band performing original music inspired by the folk, rock and blues movement of the 60s & 70s but with a contemporary 21st Century twist. With over a decade of gigging and recording experience, they make their debut performance at the Hen and Chicken Bristol – celebrating a new album, ‘Flight of Fancy’, together with songs from their critically acclaimed albums ‘Lady of the First Light’ and ‘Wonderland’ plus a selection of Sandy Denny favourites.
The line-up features musicians with strong Folk-Rock roots including Dik Cadbury, who played with Decameron and Steve Hackett, on bass, acoustic guitar and vocals. Julie July brings powerful, emotional and crystal-clear lead vocals with a voice that really echoes the late Sandy Denny. Australian born Caley Groves brings fairy dust and magic to the mix with his acoustic guitar and offers a Latin, gypsy-jazz twist to the band’s live performances. Last, but not least, one of the band’s songwriters, Carol Lee Sampson, contributes soulful and heartfelt performances on keyboards and vocals.

GIG REVIEWS:
“Fabulous show last night. I’d only previously seen the trio at Bromyard in Dec 2019 so it was a treat to hear songs from the new albums. I hope I can make it to Pershore next month”. (Jim)
“Really enjoyable evening, Band were on great form and the songs were as wonderful as ever” (Stephen)
“Absolutely fantastic night guys, though my wife, did have a few tears when you sand wonderfully ‘Who Knows Where the Time Goes”…as the song means so much to her” (Rob)
“Another great evening of top-class musicians playing excellent songs. The Julie July Band really are on of the best folk-rock bands around.” (Stephen)
“Absolutely loved it and thank you! You we’re fabulous!” (Jon)
“Another great concert at Ludlow. A masterclass of beautiful music played by musicians at the top of their game. If you get a chance to see them don’t miss it” (Stephen)
“Really enjoyed the gig. You’ve a great sound, super mix of songs and really accomplished musicianship.” (Alastair)
“Great show..2 amazing guitarists! Really great sound!” (Pete)
“Love the band tonight. Top quality musicians & a West End London level of performance from the lead vocalist”
“It was a great night.. you certainly lived up to expectations!” (Stephen)
“Love the band tonight! Tip top quality musicians and West End London level of performance from the lead vocalist.” (Rose – Hampton Hub Club)
“Just got home from after a wonderful gig from the JJB. This was something like the 5th time we’ve seen them and both Lisa and I thought they were outstanding tonight” (Julian)
“I loved every minute, thank you for all a great evening of live music”. (Clive Payne Black Country Radio)
“What a great show…and loving the new album.” (Peter)

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Ali Woods
2025-11-15 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Ali Woods featuring Laura Lexx & Adam Beardsmore

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

Headliner: ALI WOODS
Ali Woods is a half-English, half-Scottish comedian, podcaster and content creator. After a third sell-out Edinburgh Fringe run in 2024, Ali is a refreshing mix of the ‘every man’ and the ‘modern man’, whose sensitivity and genuine interest in men’s mental health gives him a great perspective on the modern ‘lad’ culture which often features in his comedy. Ali is that wonderful blend of comedy with a heart, speaking on topics such as football, the environment, and many social causes close to his heart.

His online comedy sketches under the tag @aliwoodsgigs have gained millions of views and likes, and featured on LadBible and Buzzfeed UK. In 2022, he supported Russell Kane and Axel Blake on tour and in 2024 supported Adam Kay.

In 2024, Ali starred on Comedy Central Live and Stand Up Sketch Show. He also had a third sold out Edinburgh run with his show ‘At the Moment’ he then embarked on his first ever solo tour across the UK and Ireland to sold-out audiences, including a date at Bristol’s Hen & Chicken.
“Ali Woods is a simply brilliant storyteller” Everything Theatre

Comedy: Elliot Steel - STEEL SOFT BOI CORE
2025-11-14 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Elliot Steel returns with more of his biting wit and trademark dark sense of humour about the hellish year he, and humanity, has had. Seen on Comedy Central’s Roast Battle and Comedy Central at the Comedy Store.

Music: Triple Scoop Big Band at The Chicken Shed
2025-11-14 20:00 - 22:00 | Chicken Shed
Triple Scoop: a Jazz, Funk & Soul 12-Piece Big Band playing a double set in the Chicken Shed at the Hen & Chicken in Bedminster, Bristol!
We’ve got saxes, trumpets, trombones, guitar, bass, keys, drums – everything you could want from a jazz band!
Triple Scoop’s fun and jazzy vibe covers a large selection of music, from traditional swing to funk, meaningful melodies to jazzed-up versions of children’s TV themes and 80s crowd pleasers. There’s something for everyone to enjoy at our shows. We have a big sound and thrive outside where the crowd can move and dance, finding positivity and connection in our modern take on a classic sound that’s filled with history.

Comedy: Neil Delamere ACHILLES NEIL
2025-11-13 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Fresh from sell out shows at The SSE Belfast Arena and Vicar Street Dublin our comedy hero is back on the road with a brand new epic standup show.
Join Neil Delamere as he takes on life’s absurdities in his own inimitable way. A celebration of the altogether too frequent weaknesses that make us human. Don’t miss the hilarious Achilles Neil.
*Does not contain any actual Greek mythology
As seen on Live At The Apollo, QI, Countdown, News Quiz, Blame Game and Celebrity Mastermind

Jazz: Rob Brian Quartet
2025-11-13 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Rob Brian – drums, Mat Sibley – tenor sax, John-Paul Gard – piano, Paul Jefferies – bass
The Robert Brian Quartet delivers an eclectic and electrifying mix of jazz styles—from classic swing to latin grooves, funk, drum & bass, and everything in between. With a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation, the quartet puts a fresh rhythmic spin on jazz standards, captivating audiences with their energy and musicality.
Led by Grammy-winning drummer Robert Brian, whose diverse career includes collaborations across a wide range of genres, the quartet marks Rob’s return to his first musical passion – jazz. Known for his masterful technique and inventive rhythms, Rob brings a unique voice to the jazz drum kit, guiding the ensemble through both tight arrangements and open improvisation.
Rob has assembled a group of highly experienced players.
It’s great to see Mat Sibley back at the club on sax after many years. Mat is a powerful player influenced by Bob Berg and Michael Brecker who has played with Scissor Sisters, Super Furry Animals, Gomez, Tony Christie, Martha Reeves and Joe Longthorne amongst others and has appeared on numerous TV and radio shows worldwide. For the past few years he has been touring theatres with one of the UK’s best Motown shows, How Sweet It Is.
John-Paul Gard is usually seen at the club playing organ, but tonight sticks to piano with bass provided by Paul Jefferies. Paul may be a new face to our audience but is well known for organising many jazz events across Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds.

Comedy: Mike Rice - CRUEL LITTLE MAN
2025-11-12 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
There’s a cruelty to Mike Rice, a wickedness. In this show Mike talks about doing psychedelics with his brother, an entanglement with a Spanish Sausage Dog named Nino, and many other such rotten adventures.
“A phenomenal wordsmith, and world class raconteur” Chortle

Theatre: Wednesday Night Improv - November Triple Bill
2025-11-12 19:30 - 22:00 | Chicken Shed
Wednesday Night Improv’s monthly show continues with a triple bill packed with quick wit, bold characters, and stories made up on the spot.
Join us for a midweek comedy boost featuring three of Bristol’s sharpest improv acts – each one creating a brand-new show right before your eyes, all inspired by audience suggestions.
[1] BIRDWATCHERS:
Birdwatchers are a two-prov team made up of Anna Kemp (This is Your Musical) and Paige Tummons (Jazz Police). In their original “epilogue” format, Birdwatchers explore the present and past of 2 characters reminiscing together. The exploratory flashbacks combine comedic elements, heartfelt scenes, and absolutely ridiculous moments that are sure to make you laugh and think that maybe your own family isn’t that weird after all.
Birdwatchers have performed extensively in Bristol and won the Improv Cagematch in 2019.
[2] AFTER DUSK: THE IMPROVISED TWILIGHT ZONE
Filed mistakenly under E for Mystery: unscripted episodes of the television anthology known as The Twilight Zone. An improvised parody of the 1960s TV show that inspired Black Mirror.
Accompanied by a live violinist, some of Bristol’s best improvisers create two brand-new episodes of the cult sci-fi classic. Suitable for all levels of nerdiness and Twilight Zone knowledge, including none! Winner of The Brighton Seagull’s Best Improvised Show award and top 3 shortlisted for the Best Show in all categories by The Reviews Hub at the Brighton Fringe 2022.
★★★★★ “A beautiful demonstration of everything improvised performance can be.”
– The Reviews Hub
[3] PRESSURE COOKER: THE IMPROVISED RESTAURANT SHOW
Pressure Cooker whisks you into the chaos of a fictional restaurant where chefs, customers, and kitchen staff are all played by a dynamic ensemble. Using YOUR stories as ingredients, our performers cook up hilarious, unpredictable scenes every night. From meltdowns to menu mayhem, it’s comedy served hot and fast.
“Pure Comedic Alchemy” – Bristol 24/7
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Whether you’re a seasoned comedy fan or just curious about what happens when performers make it all up as they go, this is a perfect night to dive into Bristol’s thriving improv scene. Expect laughter, surprises, and something completely different – every single time.
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Part of the Wednesday Night Improv series – We’re on the second Wednesday of every month! Details here: https://linktr.ee/wednightimprov
Entry requirements: 18+

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Jimmy Mcghie
2025-11-08 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Jimmy McGhie featuring Omar Badway & Robin Morgan

Stand Up For The Weekend is our weekly flagship 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: JIMMY McGHIE
International stand up Jimmy McGhie was an Assistant Producer for the BBC’s Science and History Dept, having spent seven years working in factual television before he ran off to join the stand up comedy circus professionally in 2009. Since then he has performed stand up all over the world and appeared on numerous television and radio programmes including the BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5, Comedy Central, ABC Australia, THREE New Zealand, Absolute Radio and many more.

He is “a brilliant talent” (The Scotsman) and with “an easy charm and appealing relaxed manner” (Chortle), he has performed 10 solo shows at festivals around the world including the Edinburgh Fringe, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Adelaide Fringe, Sydney Comedy Festival, Perth Comedy Festival and New Zealand International Comedy festival.

He is now a top circuit act in the UK, as well as a highly sought after corporate awards host and TV warm up artist. He has also provided the studio warm up for BBC1’s Graham Norton Show, ITV’s Loose Women and Ch4’s Deal or No Deal.
“Exquisitely done, with a compelling, simmering fury… impressive” Chortle.co.uk

Comedy: Josh Jones I HAVEN'T WON THE LOTTERY SO HERE'S ANOTHER TOUR SHOW
2025-11-07 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
After his 2023/24 sell-out smash tour Gobsmacked, this marvellous Manc is back with his best show yet.

A TV favourite, and now an aspiring doctor’s wife, Josh Jones is now knee deep into his 30’s and nothing thrills him more than a Greggs Sausage Roll and an M&S food shop. Living a more sedate life isn’t without its challenges though – he’s still trying to earn his cat’s respect!

Josh is hitting the road with a show packed full of laughs and he’s keeping it light – nothing super political, nothing controversial and it’s definitely not going to change your life, but you can be sure of a fab night out filled to the brim with jokes about history, cats, his love of wrestling and much more. Please come, he’d really like to buy a new sofa.

Star of Would I Lie To You? (BBC1), The Jonathan Ross Show (ITV), 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (CH4), Comedy Central Live, Out of Order (Comedy Central), House of Games (BBC2), Battle in the Box (Dave), Dancing On Ice (ITV), The Stand Up Sketch Show (ITV2) and much, much more.

Comedy: Stephen K Amos NOW WE'RE TALKING!
2025-11-06 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
How good’s a laugh? My joke book is overflowing, so let’s get talking about what gives me the ick and what makes me tick. It’s time to get down to the nitty gritty. No filter, no limits. The gloves are off and I’m packing a punchline, so let’s speak easy and laugh freely. Join me for freestyling musings and merrymaking to get your belly aching! After all, in jokes we trust…

Jazz: Eddie Gripper & Alex Clarke Quartet
2025-11-06 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Alex Clarke – saxes, Eddie Gripper – piano, Nick Kacal – bass, Ronan Ristord – drums
Following on from their spring tour in 2024 the quartet reunites for a swift, heavy hitting UK tour of hard-bop and feel good swing.
As a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020, winner of the Rising Star category in the 2019 British Jazz Awards and nominee in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2021 & 2022, Alex Clarke is known to be one of the most in-demand and versatile saxophonists to have emerged on the British jazz scene. Praised for her intelligent ear for harmony and a deep knowledge of repertoire across a variety of styles, Alex’s sound is steeped in the tradition of swing and bebop, “leaving the listener captivated by every phrase and nuance” (Jazz Views).
Having “already garnered comparisons with the greats” (Jazzwise) after the release of his debut album ‘Home’, Eddie Gripper has been rapidly establishing himself as another young contender on the national jazz circuit. He has worked as a performer, promoter and producer alongside top musicians in his field, including Huw Warren, Iain Ballamy, Laura Jurd, Alex Merritt and Yuri Golubev. As a composer, he has collaborated with Welsh folk artist Angharad Jenkins in a handful of projects, exploring the various aspects of folk, jazz and contemporary classical traditions.
Nick Kacal is a bassist originally from Trinidad who has lived in London and Manchester but is now residing in South Wales. After studying with Tony Hougham, the principle bass of the Covent Garden Opera, he moved to London and has played as a sideman on the scene playing predominantly jazz and acoustic folk, occasionally touring to places such as Cape Verde, France and Spain. He formed his own group, Guerillasound, releasing a CD in 2008 and touring successfully in Japan.
Ronan Ristord joins the band as special guest drummer for some of the tour dates. Ronan is a rising star of the Paris jazz scene, having studied at the famous Berklee College in Boston, USA.

Comedy: RACHEL GALVO - THE SHITE FEMINIST
2025-11-05 20:00 - 22:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Rachel Galvo is an incredibly shite feminist… but its not her fault. She spent 15 years locked up in an all-girls Irish catholic school run by nuns- and she’s ready to tell the truth…
“Rachel Galvo presents refreshingly funny interpretations of girlhood and ironically, The Shite Feminist could not be more empowering. You will leave feeling like you’ve caught up with a good friend.” ★★★★★ Ed Fest Mag

Talk: A History of Tarot Cards: The ancient art of inner knowing
2025-11-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
What makes tarot such a compelling tool for reflection, insight, and even transformation?
In this talk, we’ll explore how tarot works not just as a way to predict the future, but as a tool for spiritual growth. Rich in symbols, emotions and archetypes, tarot offers a way to better understand ourselves and the world around us.
We’ll start with how tarot is used today, then trace its roots back to the Italian Renaissance. Thinkers like Pico della Mirandola were searching for a way to talk to angels – a kind of spiritual language – and this quest helped shape the deeper meanings tarot still carries.
We’ll then take a closer look at three powerful cards: the High Priestess, Temperance, and the Devil, and explore what they might be saying. Finally, we’ll explore the explosion of tarot design in recent years, and why so many people turn to tarot to make sense of the world.
Diane Purkiss is Professor of English at the University of Oxford, and a fellow of Keble
College. She has published works on witchcraft, fairies, and also on the English Civil War, the occasion of England’s biggest witchhunt. She has been in more than a dozen television documentaries; she even has an IMDb entry and a Wikipedia page.She has spoken to general audiences at numerous literary festivals and to many local history societies.

Comedy: THE SCREEN ROT PODCAST: LIVE
2025-11-02 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
With JACOB HAWLEY and JAKE FARRELL
Jacob Hawley (As seen on The Russell Howard Hour, The Have A Word Podcast, Sky One, ITVX and Channel 4) and Jake Farrell (as seen on ITVX) present Screen Rot, their social media themed podcast where they discuss the weirdest and worst content that has been rotting their screens and indeed their minds. After selling out London shows in a matter of hours, the duo are embarking on a tour of the UK. Expect guest appearances, tangents, non sequiturs, and nonsense.

Comedy: Stand Up For The Weekend with Steve Bugeja
2025-11-01 20:00 - 22:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Stand Up For The Weekend with Steve Bugeja featuring Jamie D’Souza & Clint Edwards
Stand Up For The Weekend is our weekly flagship 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: STEVE BUGEJA
Steve Bugeja is one of the circuit’s most exciting comedians. Steve hosted the BBC Radio 4 series Economics with Subtitles and has made numerous appearances on TV shows including The Russell Howard Hour (Sky One), Love Island: Aftersun (ITV2), Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central (Comedy Central) and Zoe Ball on Saturday (ITV1).

Making a name for himself internationally, Steve has twice been invited to perform at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, appearing on Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow (ABC1) and on Comedy Up Late (ABC1).

A prolific writer, Steve was a key member of the writing team for The Russell Howard Hour (Sky One) and for Iain Stirling’s CelebAbility (ITV2) and has contributed material to Mock the Week (BBC2), 8 Out of 10 Cats (Channel 4) and BBC Radio 4.

Steve won the BBC New Comedy Award in 2013 and has since performed numerous Edinburgh Fringe shows and national tours.
“Plentiful jokes and compelling storytelling” — The Scotsman

Music: Rod Picott THE FINAL TOUR
2025-10-31 20:00 - 23:00 | Hen & Chicken Studio
US singer-songwriter Rod Picott is bringing down the curtain on the Circus of Misery & Heartbreak – he brings it down with the release of his album, Starlight Tour – the album is packed with raw themes and totally absorbing in its immersive Americana noir. It is being critically acclaimed as his finest body of work.

Jazz: Andy Hague's Sixty-tet
2025-10-30 20:00 - 22:30 | Chicken Shed
Andy Hague – trumpet, Luke Annesley – alto sax, Ben Waghorn – tenor sax, Jim Blomfield – piano, Riaan Vosloo – bass, Ryan Thrupp – drums – plus possibly a guest or two!
The big day has arrived for trumpeter Andy Hague, who presents an all-star sextet to mark the occasion. Andy has accumulated a substantial library of sextet arrangements over the years and the repertoire will be a mixture of standards, Blue Note classics and perhaps a couple of originals with the emphasis on having some fun.

Talk: Beneath the skin – an intimate look at our bodies
2025-10-30 19:30 - 21:30 | Hen & Chicken Studio
Altered State returns with a new talk, taking a fresh look at how bodies are seen in medicine.
From the influence of tradition and male bias to the blind spots of race and gender. Have female sexual organs had the attention they deserve? We’ll explore how priorities in surgery are arrived at and what we can do to compensate.
Altered State host Eliz Mizon will be joined by:
Gabriel Weston – surgeon, author and mother of 4
Gene Feder – Professor of Primary Care at University of Bristol
The event will be followed by a book signing with Gabriel
Contact hello@alteredstate.org.uk if have any questions
Entry requirements: 16+
