The List

Merlin Theatre

What's On @ Merlin Theatre

Jenny Eclair: Jokes, Jokes, Jokes, Live
In celebration of the release of her hilarious memoir of the same name, comedian, novelist and professional show-off Jenny Eclair comes to venues nationwide with a brand-new autobiographical show. From drama school (mostly drinking cider and eating sausage rolls), sleeping with men who looked like they lived under a carpet, punk poetry, anorexia, bedsit misery, waitressing and not really having a clue about anything, to being the first woman to win the Perrier Award, becoming a mother, author, grumpy old woman, podcaster and nana! Still gigging to sell-out crowds forty years later, Jenny invites you to look back at what she can remember before she forgets everything. Warning: punk poetry, animal impressions and baritone nursery rhyme singing may feature.
Royal Ballet & Opera: Romeo and Juliet

Royal Ballet & Opera: Romeo and Juliet

16 Sept 2025 - 16 Sept 2025

The greatest love story ever told – through ballet. An ancient family feud casts a long shadow over the town of Verona. In this hothouse of tension, brawls are quick to break out and both sides get caught in the crossfire.
Royal Ballet & Opera: Swan Lake
Ballet
Dance
Event Cinema

Royal Ballet & Opera: Swan Lake

5 Mar 2026 - 5 Mar 2026

Classical ballet's most powerful tale of love, treachery and forgiveness. Bringing together Tchaikovsky’s sensational score with the incredible imagination of choreographer Liam Scarlett and designer John Macfarlane, Swan Lake on the big screen will be an exceptional way to experience this ultimate ballet classic.
National Theatre Live: Dr Strangelove
Seven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan (Alan Partridge, The Trip) plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s comedy masterpiece Dr. Strangelove.

 When a rogue U.S General triggers a nuclear attack, a surreal race takes place, seeing the Government and one eccentric scientist scramble to avert global destruction. This explosively funny satire is led by a world-renowned creative team including Emmy Award-winner Armando Iannucci (The Thick of It, Veep) and Olivier Award-winner Sean Foley (The Upstart Crow, The Play What I Wrote).
Alfie Moore: A Face for Radio

Alfie Moore: A Face for Radio

4 Jun 2025 - 11 Jul 2025

Somewhere in a parallel universe little Alfie’s natural comedic performance skills were recognised by his doting parents who encouraged and developed his blossoming talent. After several years as a stage school brat Alfie’s angelic face was launched on stage and screen and the rest is history. Meanwhile, in this universe Alfie Moore was told to stop messing about in class before being ‘encouraged’ into the grinding, grimy world of an apprenticeship in the Sheffield steelworks. When recession hit he traded steel for copper by joining Humberside Police. In his 40s the two universes collided when Alfie made a bid for showbiz success – but unfortunately 30 years of shift-work and being punched in the face quite a lot, had left him with ‘a face for radio’. A face not so much ‘lived in’ as inhabited by a settlement of squatters with little regard to property maintenance and repair. This is the true story of ‘Fair Cop’ Alfie’s big plan to transition from the BBC radio waves to TV star. Could it be done? Or had Father Time decided that his time had passed?
Mark Simmons

Mark Simmons

26 Jul 2025 - 28 May 2026

Mark Simmons combines hilarious one-liners with an irresistible love of performing, to resonate with audiences at virtual and in-person events. His award-winning stand-up is a cut above the rest, setting Mark apart on the booking circuit and leading him to perform on some of the most prestigious comedy stages in the UK.
John Shuttleworth's Raise the Oof!

John Shuttleworth's Raise the Oof!

11 Aug 2025 - 22 Nov 2025

Due to huge demand, John Shuttleworth returns to the Playhouse this November with Raise the Oof! Radio 4 favourite, comedy legend, and ‘the 42nd best reason to love Britain’ (The Telegraph) John Shuttleworth, is back with more hilarious stories and songs performed on his trusty Yamaha organ (with built-in auto accompaniment!) In Raise The Oof John celebrates 40 years in showbiz. Yes, it was 1985 when he met TV’s Clarinet Man – next door neighbour Ken Worthington who came last on New Faces in 73 (Tony Hatch crucified him!)
Mtp Presents: Come From Away

Mtp Presents: Come From Away

17 Jul 2025 - 19 Jul 2025

This smash hit show released for the first time amateurly in the UK, shares the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in Canada during the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community that invited these come from aways into their lives with open hearts.
Dirty Laundry

Dirty Laundry

8 Jul 2025 - 8 Jul 2025

Dirty Laundry Summer Special (live storytelling and poetry) in collaboration with the Frome Festival and the Crysse Morrison Prize for Poetry. Including the prize giving, readings from the winning poets, and a stellar open mic lineup. As well as a nourishing evening of connection and chemistry, this is a wonderful opportunity to honour Crysse Morrison who lit up the town and inspired the creation of Dirty Laundry. Everything you love about Dirty Laundry - the energy, the laughter, the feels - in a bigger venue. More is more, right? Summer Special theme - Threads of Fate The ties that bind us, the knots we cant untangle. Stories and poems that explore the invisible threads pulling us through life - chance encounters, inherited legacies, patterns we cant seem to break. From the delicate weave of relationships to the fraying edges of destiny, examine what holds us together and what sets us free.
Jeremy Vine: Murder On Line One

Jeremy Vine: Murder On Line One

21 Jun 2025 - 21 Jun 2025

Join us for a sparkling evening with Jeremy Vine as he talks about his brilliant new murder mystery novel Murder On Line One, and his career as one of Britains most well-known and best-loved broadcasters. The book is set in the South West and Jeremy will be in conversation with BBC Radio Somerset and Bristol Presenter Andy Bennett.
Buffalo Gals-Bluegrass String Band Sunday Social
One of the most sought-after acts on the Americana music circuit, Buffalo Gals, led by champion USA fiddler and funny-woman Kate Lissauer, present a joyful, relaxed Sunday social of Bluegrass, Old-time and early Country songs punctuated with thrilling step-dance.
Under The Leaves

Under The Leaves

19 Jun 2025 - 13 Sept 2025

A story told like never before, the dreams of beasts from the forest floor. When the world towers above you, and the lives of those around seem so fast and full of wonder how do you find your true self when you don’t even know what you are? The epic tale of a caterpillar as she seeks to find what she will become. Through the lives of the microcosmic world around her she battles to explore her existence and, as the forest changes dramatically about her, she’s born anew, a beautiful and graceful butterfly.
New  Old Friends Presents: Pick & Mix: A Variety Night
A little bit of everything: hilarious comedy, great music, stunning magic, breath-taking dance, and anything else that entertains. Hosted by New Old Friends, Pick & Mix is an exciting new variety night all tied together around an (optional) audience-led gameshow/quiz with real prizes!
Bratton Silver Band - A Spring Concert - Frome
Join Bratton Silver Band for a spectacular Spring Concert at the Merlin Theatre in Frome on Sunday 8th June 2025. Bratton Silver band are fresh from winning the 3rd Section Brass Band Regionals and will be promoted to the 2nd Section this year! So come and see the champions at this uplifting afternoon of live music will feature a vibrant programme showcasing the full talents of the band, with something for everyone to enjoy from rousing marches and brass band classics to film scores and popular favourites. Whether you're a long-time supporter or a first-time listener, this is the perfect way to welcome the summer season with music that will leave you smiling. The concert starts at 2:30pm, with doors open from 2:00pm we look forward to seeing you there!

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