One of the UK's finest trombonists, Dennis Rollins MBE, will be joined by the Belper Jazz Company. Together they will be putting the fun into funk. BIOGRAPHY A passionate performer and educator, British trombone player Dennis Rollins MBE has established a reputation as an artist of excellence, and has lent his unique and stylish talents to some of this country's, and indeed the world's top jazz and pop personalities such as Courtney Pine, Maceo Parker, Jamiroquai, US3, The Brand New Heavies, Blur, Monty Alexander, Pee Wee Ellis and Jean Toussaint, amongst others. As a bandleader, in 2006 his jazz/funk outfit Badbone & Co won a prestigious BBC Jazz Award in the Best Band category. In the following year he picked up both Trombonist of the Year at the British Jazz Awards and Ronnie Scott's Jazz Awards. Dennis was nominated twice in the 2008 Parliamentary Jazz Awards for Jazz Musician of the Year and for Jazz Education; he won the latter. Other awards include British Trombone Society (BTS) Player of the year Award 2013 and Jazz Yorkshire Award 2012 Best Band for his band Velocity Trio. In his hometown of Doncaster, Dennis was given Honorary Freedom of the Borough in recognition of his successful musical career and for his constant inspiration to the regions musical youth. As part of Her Majesty the Queens Birthday Honours 2018, Dennis was honoured with an MBE for Services to music. Most recently in June 2022, he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Wales, UK. A sought after jazz educationalist, Dennis has worked in collaboration with many of the UK's university and colleges delivering a wide range of music programmes and performance workshops. Dennis says "Growing up, I was extremely fortunate to have had the most inspiring and dedicated teachers. The skills and compassion I acquired were a result of that education. Teaching feels very natural to me. I feel it's a duty to pass on my musical knowledge to the next generation." As a recording artist he's currently recorded 5 critically acclaimed albums. Three with his award-winning band Badbone & Co, and two with his progressive jazz organ-trio, Velocity Trio. He's proud to be an exclusive endorsee of UK brass instrument maker, Michael Rath Trombones and Argentinian mouthpiece maker Boqar Baro Mouthpieces.

Life can’t just be the humdrum, the mundane and the routine before the inevitable slide to disease, decay and death. Why can’t we sneak in a bit of awesome, a tad of amazing and maybe a smidge of wonderful? A forest canopy opening onto a huge vista would be enchanting for some but my ancestors wandered in the desert for forty years, I think we’ve been outdoors enough. Others get their fix from the spiritual but I’ve been harbouring a grudge against God since my mother stopped me going to Arsenal after my Barmitzvah. Forty nine years ago. ’God will be watching’ she said. Well, at least he got to see the game. The point is, life could be so much better so I’m on the lookout. Come and join me on the hunt.

Paul Young broke into the big time 40 years ago when No Parlez went to number one and spawned iconic hits like Wherever I Lay My Hat (Thats My Home). More success followed with the number one album The Secret Of Association and the worldwide hit Every Time You Go Away, not forgetting the opening line for Band Aid and appearances at Wembley Stadium for Live Aid and Queens tribute to Freddie Mercury. Paul sustained that successwhile having fun in his tex-mex band, Los Pacaminos. Now, hes looking back during these intimate shows, that combine conversation and acoustic versions of hit songs. Pauls meeting fans, singing songs, and telling stories about his incredible career. Its time to revel in the classic hits and learn the stories behind them in this intimate show.

An evening with frontman of the Happy Mondays. This is a fascinating insight into life in one of the UK's most loved bands. Shaun Ryder is from Salford, Greater Manchester, where in 1980 he formed Happy Mondays. The band signed to Factory Records and their releases included the two classic albums 'Bummed' in 1988 followed by 'Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches' in 1990. Later Shaun started Black Grape releasing the album 'It's Great When You're Straight.. Yeah'. Following his achievements with both bands he received the 'Godlike Genius Award' from NME in 2000. Shaun also moved into TV taking part in the tenth series of the TV show 'I'm a Celebrity.. Get Me Out Of Here!' in 2010 where he was runner up. He also went on to have his own TV programme 'Shaun Ryder on UFOs' on The History Channel in 2013. Shaun has recently been a guest on several TV shows including 'Room 101' with Frank Skinner, 'Stars and Their Cars' with Paddy McGuinness, 'The Chase: Celebrity Special' with Bradley Walsh, 'Sam Delaney's News Thing, This Morning and 'Big Star's Little Star'.

John Power had the best rock’n’roll apprenticeship ever – playing bass as an 18-year-old in The La’s. Forming Cast in 1991, he sang, wrote songs, and played guitar for one of Britpop’s pre-eminent bands – securing two platinum-selling records before returning to the charts in 2024 with the magnificent Love Is The Call. Power’s solo career produced some of his best work and through the summer of 2025 Cast joined Oasis at their football stadium tour. Now it’s time to reflect on Britpop, the hits – Alright, Sandstorm, Walkaway, Flying and more – in this intimate show that mixes John’s best-loved songs with wild, funny, and tender stories.

Ocean Colour Scene guitarist Steve Cradock is responsible for some of the most distinctive riffs of the past 30 years. The man who gave us signature riffs ignited The Riverboat Song and Hundred Mile High and helped propel OCS to double-platinum glory with Moseley Shoals has been a mainstay of British rock since forming Ocean Colour Scene in 1989 with Simon Fowler, Damon Michella, and Oscar Harrison

Ben Forster is a British actor and singer best known for winning ITV's Superstar talent show in 2012, which led to him playing Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar. His extensive West End and international stage career includes roles in The Phantom of the Opera, Elf The Musical, and The Rocky Horror Show. A graduate of Italia Conti, he has also released musical theatre albums and continues to perform and record.

Tommy Cooper was a true comic genius. His impeccable timing, love of slapstick and quick-fire gags made him an international star. Complete with his trademark fez and a plethora of misfiring magic, the man is an undisputed icon of live entertainment. Celebrating over 100 years of Tommy, this all-encapsulating show of magic, music and mirth is the perfect celebration of Britains top comedian and features all of Tommys classic gags combined with lesser-known gems lovingly selected from his joke archive and extensive magic routines. Dont miss this gag-packed, magical tour-deforce performance. Full of inspired lunacy and deep, belly laughs.

Experience the electrifying sounds of the 60s and 70s with acclaimed guitarist Remi Harris and his band. This unforgettable show pays tribute to blues rock legends such as Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Rory Gallagher, Free and Peter Greens Fleetwood Mac. Witness some of the UKs most talented musicians deliver a world-class celebration of this iconic musical era.

Kerry Ellis is the Queen of the West End. From My Fair Lady to We Will Rock You, from Les Miserables to Wicked, in both the West End and on Broadway, she has starred in musical theatre’s biggest roles, making shows her own and earning her numerous awards. Her list of credits is remarkable and also includes Oliver!, Cats, Miss Saigon, Chess, The War Of The Worlds, and Anything Goes, among many others. She has recorded 4 studio albums, and toured the world both as a solo artist and with her good friend Sir Brian May. And now the star who grew up admiring musical theatre icons Liza Minnelli and Barbra Streisand is looking back on her illustrious career. Singing songs from the biggest musicals and telling stories about how she came to play roles, this is a unique opportunity to see and hear the West End’s biggest hits in a very intimate setting on a tour of the UK. Don’t miss it

Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Christopher Hampton based on the novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos and directed by Marianne Elliott BAFTA Award-winner Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) joins Aidan Turner (Rivals) in a striking new staging of Christopher Hamptons celebrated adaptation of the classic novel, where among the glittering salons of the super-rich, one misstep can mean ruin. Marquise de Merteuil is a master in the art of survival. Alongside the magnetic Vicomte de Valmont, they turn seduction into strategy and weaponise desire. But when their alliance collapses into rivalry, the battle between them threatens to destroy everyone in their path. Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, Marianne Elliott (Angels in America) directs this thrilling game of love, lies, and social warfare.

The Playboy of the Western World by John Millington Synge and directed by Caitrona McLaughlin Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) joins anna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls) in John Millington Synges riveting play of youth and self-discovery. Pegeen Flahertys life is turned upside down when a young man walks into her pub claiming that hes killed his father. Instead of being shunned, the killer becomes a local hero and begins to win hearts, that is until a second man unexpectedly arrives on the scene Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, Caitrona McLaughlin directs this darkly funny tale full to the brim with secrets.

With over 500,000 followers on social media and a host of sell out shows across the country, Brian Bilston is one of the UK’s most popular poets. He has published several bestselling collections of poetry, including "You Took the Last Bus Home, Alexa, what is there to know about love?" and "Days Like These". His novel "Diary of a Somebody" was shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award, and he has also written collections of poetry for younger readers. In 2025 he released an album of his poetry set to music, "Sounds Made by Humans", in collaboration with The Catenary Wires. This autumn sees Brian return to the stage with his latest book, "How to Lay an Egg with a Horse Inside". Get ready for an evening of comedy and laughter, as he takes us through the hows, whys and whats of reading, writing and enjoying poetry every day.

Edge Street Live presents: Henry Normal & Jan Brierton Henry Normal and Dubliner Jan Brierton present an evening of poetry and laughs. Henry will be reading poems from his new book 'A Quiet Promise' whilst Jans' poems reflect on being a wife, mother, daughter, sister and retired raver. Expect a highly engaging evening. Jan and Henry's books will be available to buy on the evening and they can be available to sign during the interval and post show Run time: 2hrs 20m (this is inclusive of a 20 mins interval) Age: 16+ (due to swearing and light sexual references)

About Greg Abate: Greg Abate, New England saxophonist, flutist and composer is enjoying an extraordinarily diversified International career that includes; playing lead alto for the Ray Charles Orchestra in the 70's and tenor sax for the revived Artie Shaw Orchestra under the direction of Dick Johnson in the 80's. Recording a total of 23 recordings as a leader and recording or performing with some jazz greats, including Phil Woods, Kenny Barron, Claudio Roditi, Red Rodney , Ben Riley, George Mraz, Rufus Reid, Claudio Roditi, James Williams, Barry Harris, Richie Cole, Kenny Washington, Hilton Ruiz, Jerome Richardson, Billy Hart and many more. Greg is very busy 275 days a year touring, and also is adjunct professor of Jazz at RI College and is a Conn-Selmer representative artist conducting master classes and as guest artist at many schools, College and Universities. About Belper Jazz Company: The Belper Jazz Company is a dynamic jazz trio featuring Neil Hunter on piano, Paul Gray on double bass, and Ian Beestin at the drums. Known for their seamless blend of classic jazz standards and contemporary flair, this accomplished group captivates audiences with their rich, soulful sound and deep passion for the music. Drawing inspiration from jazz legends like Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, and Monty Alexander, the trio delivers performances brimming with rhythm and energy. Individually, the members of the Belper Jazz Company have performed at several of the UKs leading jazz festivals. Together, they offer an unforgettable evening of timeless jazz that resonates with enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Bakewell Town Hall Chamber Series 2026 Professional chamber music on your doorstep Welcome to the 2026 series of chamber concerts brought to you by members of the Hall and friends. We have three wonderful programmes offering a broad range of music and styles from different periods and European cultures. OurFolk and Fantasy concert on April 18th at 7pm is a programme of music for oboe and string trio which includes a rarely performed work by Czech composer Ji Drueck who was a contemporary of Mozart. Alongside this will be two English works a short and rarely heard piece in two movements by Elgar, and a haunting and atmospheric Fantasy Quartet by the Anglo-Irish composer Ernest Moeran, which draws on the folk melodies of Norfolk where he grew up. For this concert we welcome back Stphane Rancourt (oboe), Marie Schreer (violin), Chris Emerson (viola) and Dale Culliford (cello).

Bakewell Town Hall Chamber Series 2026 Professional chamber music on your doorstep Welcome to the 2026 series of chamber concerts brought to you by members of the Hall and friends. We have three wonderful programmes offering a broad range of music and styles from different periods and European cultures. To close the series on May 31st at 7pm is a wonderful programme of works for string ensemble. Vaughan Williams wrote his Phantasy Quintet in 1912 for a composition award. It highlights his love of both Renaissance English music and folk music. Included in this concert is the great string sextet opus 36 by Brahms - a work full of longing, melancholy and joy in which he enshrines the name of one of his great loves, Agathe, in musical notation. For this Dreams and Farewells concert the performers are Caroline Pether and Rosemary Attree (violins) Alistair Vennart and Raymond Lester (violas) with Nicholas Trygstad and Dale Culliford (cellos).

Its been twenty-five years since Trigger Happy TV burst onto our screens, transforming the hidden camera format with its surreal universe of characters and unforgettable pranks. Now, to celebrate a quarter-century of chaos, Dom Joly is bringing his most iconic characters and sketches to the stage in the Trigger Happy TV Live! 25th-anniversary tour. Fans will experience beloved moments from the show, including The Giant Snail, The Traffic Warden, The Morris Dancer, The Scout, A Gang of Squirrels, and THAT Big Mobile Phone. Dom will share behind-the-scenes stories and insights on how these unforgettable moments came to life. But the surprises don't stop there this is live theatre, and fans can expect the unexpected.

How on earth have we all survived the past decade of modern living without Victoria Woods observational wit and wisdom? What would she make of an Air Fryer? The Repair Shop? K-Pop Demon Hunters? Paulus The Cabaret Geek is on hand to help us find answers. From the creators behind the critically acclaimed Looking For Me Friend comes What Wood Victoria Do? A brand new show, that takes an even deeper dive into the world of Wood. It is a celebration of those women who dont mince their words but make everything better with a cuppa and a mutual distaste for next doors extension: navigating friendship and loss amongst tea towels and village halls. Sit back and enjoy a fresh batch of brilliant tunes from The Victoria Wood Songbook. Directed by the multi-award-winning Sarah-Louise Young (An Evening Without Kate Bush) this is a show not to be missed. Though Vic may be gone, she has left behind so many nuggets of advice to help us build community based upon camaraderie, gossip and Custard Creams. So come and get your second helping of music, mirth and macaroons! Finds that sweet spot, where homage turns into truly honouring our hero The Recs Paulus homage to Victoria Wood is practically and national institution Kate Copstick https://thecabaretgeek.com/what-wood-victoria-do-wwvd/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584296636635

A five-piece band playing the sublime music of Steely Dan and Donald Fagen.

Dan started his career with folk rock band Ocean Colour Scene and toured the world, played headline slots at major festivals for over a decade and co-founded the band Merrymouth with Simon Fowler. Merrymouth featured award-winning musicians, John McCusker, Andy Cutting and even a guest appearance from Chas Hodges (Chas and Dave). Dan also re-formed the legendary Music Hall double act Cosmotheka with his father Dave who were huge on the folk scene throughout the 80s and 90s until Dans uncle, Al sadly passed away. Cosmotheka toured the world with Chas and Dave, had several of their own Radio Two programmes and made multiple TV appearances. Dan and father, Dave (one half of the original duo) decided to take the band back out on the road and had great fun headlining Folk Festivals in Bromyard, Whitby, Towersey, Sidmouth, Broadstairs and Upton to name but a few. Dan now takes his own show on the road, featuring music from all the bands hes played in, along with the often-hilarious stories hes amassed along the way - plus material from his forthcoming album. A particular highlight of this years festival was the excellent and amusing Dan Sealey - Beardy Folk Festival The highlight of the entire week! - Broadstairs Folk Week Attendees If you ever need a masterclass in song writing, Dan Sealey is a good place to start. Oozing class on record and live, Dan wraps his reflections on the passing of time in beautiful, lilting musical constructions that work perfectly alongside his silky, easy on the ear vocals. Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition

Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) feature in a five-star, triumphantly acclaimed new production of Arthur Miller’s classic play, from visionary director Ivo Van Hove (A View from the Bridge). One family, the heart of the American dream. When wartime delivers profits for Joe, it comes at a price when his partner is charged with criminal manufacturing deals, and his eldest son goes missing in action. Will peacetime bring peace of mind, or will he be confronted by the consequence of his actions? Filmed live from the West End, Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You), Tom Glynn-Carney (House of the Dragon), and Hayley Squires (I, Daniel Blake) also feature in this disturbingly prescient play.

Simon Spillett is the latest special guest to join our house Jazz band on the Town Hall stage: "Straight-ahead, high energy jazz is his line and he does it with aplomb" The Guardian Over his twenty-five year career Simon Spillett has worn almost as many hats as it's possible to wear within jazz; multi-award-winning instrumentalist (BBC Jazz Awards, British Jazz Awards, Jazz Journal's Album of The Year), quartet and big band leader, recording artist, author, historian, record producer, archivist, magazine columnist and latterly blogger. However, for all these varied skills he identifies most strongly as a powerfully swinging, straight-ahead tenor saxophonist, one capable of taking the audiences who hear him on a roller-coaster ride encompassing everything from energetic bebop to heartfelt balladry. And its in this guise that hes become a solid fixture on the UK jazz landscape, regularly playing sold-out gigs at major festivals (EFG London Jazz Festival, Brecon, Swanage, Scarborough, Wigan etc.) and world famous club venues (Ronnie Scotts). A charismatic performer, gifted with a dry observational wit, hes never lost sight of the fact that jazz is entertainment as much as self-expression and whether playing, writing or articulately holding forth on his favourite subject UK jazz history hes an infectiously passionate communicator.