Join us to celebrate 50 years of the Oriel Singers in a programme celebrating the joy of choral music, conducted by Ben Sawyer.

Remember, remember it’s the 28th of November (doesn’t quite have the same impact of the 5th but you get what we’re trying to do here). The only thing blowing up around here is more fantastic stand-up at our regular stand-up comedy club! November fun-fire-crackers are Tadiwa Mahlunge, Louise Leigh, Joey Page and compered by the fantastic Ben van Der Velde! Do note that lines ups are subject to change Ben Van der Velde is a stand-up comedian, actor, improviser and presenter. Over the past few years, has spread joy and nonsense to all four corners of the British Isles, as well as Greece, Estonia, Latvia, Finland and Norway. Outside the circuit, Ben has performed a voodoo re-marriage ceremony, founded the Church of the Holy Kazoo with comedy legend Mark Thomas, and walked the entire London Underground network to raise money for The Refugee Council. ‘Wonderfully improvised riffs showcasing his impressive spontaneity and sharp tongue.’ Edinburgh Festivals Magazine ‘Turns lazy stereotypes and political messes into biting, personal, satire.’ Ed Fringe Review Louise Leigh Award-nominated comedian, Louise Leigh wanted to be comedian when she was sixteen, but it took her until her forties to get round to it. Now, she brings daftness, deftness and some brilliant physical comedy to a stage near you. You’ll never think the same way again about shaving your legs. “Like the kind of Radio 2 DJ who’d be caught in the gossip columns… Brilliant.” The Wee Review (★★★★) “Imaginative, brilliant” The Scotsman Tadiwa Mahlunge Billed as “one of the country's top new comedy acts” by The York Press, Tadiwa Mahlunge has performed at, among others, the Latitude, Greenman, and Greenwich Comedy Festivals - alongside the biggest names in comedy - and has provided tour support for Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Jessica Fostekew, and TV warm up for Desiree Birch’s Amazon Prime special. As seen on BBC 1, BBC 2, BBC Sesh, Dave, Comedy Central, UTV, Comic Relief and heard on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Sounds - Tadiwa Mahlunge has established himself as one of comedy’s hottest prospects. ★★★★ ‘Young and gifted, he’s already looking like the complete package’ - The Scotsman ★★★★ ‘Remarkably confident, with a set as smooth as his shiny silk shirt’ - Fest Mag Joey Page has been hailed as the future of stand up and is storming the circuit with his trailblazing brand of ‘Indie Comedy’ that’s surreal and inventive. Joey’s enigmatic and charming presence brings about an instant rapport with his audiences. Every now and again you see a comedian like this who’s so wonderfully gifted he makes it all look effortless. The style and subject matter of his material is unlike that of any other out there, making him one of the most unique and memorable acts you will see. He’s also favourite of Noel Fielding (from The Mighty Boosh and Great British Bake Off) and as a result has supported him on tour “Really Good, Proper Funny” Ronnie Wood “Surreal, charming and hilarious, one of comedy’s most unique and exciting new talents. This innately likeable young man has an instinct for funny” Chortle Please note, a £2 ticket commission fee is included in the price of the ticket. If you require a carer ticket, or have any accessibility requirements please book your tickets over the phone by calling 01242 528 764. The lines are open 9.00am – 5.00pm, Monday – Friday.

We’re back for another jam-packed Autumn season of comedy and cor-blimey, have we got some fun for you! (Yes, yes we have!) This month’s comedy crackers are Kate McCabe, Patrick Monahan, James Ellis and topped off with a Javier Jarquin! Do note that lines ups are subject to change Javier Jarquin is an extremely experienced and highly respected, multi-skilled performer. Having performed his critically acclaimed show Card Ninja in 27 territories, Javier has established himself as a masterful entertainer. Javier was raised in New Zealand with Latin-American/Chinese parents and skilfully weaves his unique perspective into every performance and delivers sharply executed insights on life as an immigrant. In addition, Javier’s joke rate is something to be envious of, a witty quick hitter. The perfect all-round entertainer with an abundance of skill, comedic flair and excessive likability, Javier is one to watch. 'High calibre throughout' The Morning Star ‘Fresh, funny and unique.’ The Press (NZ) James Ellis Award-winning comedian James Ellis is a rising star in the UK comedy scene. His sharp observational humour and clever punchlines have won him raves reviews from audiences and critics alike. James’ comedy is rooted in everyday life, and he has a knack for finding the funny in the mundane. A gifted write, his jokes are well-crafted and delivered with precision. ‘James Ellis is a triple threat, he’s really very bloody funny, has a great stage presence and has the best hair in the business” Angela Barnes Kate McCabe is an American comic who lives in the UK and gigs all over the country. You can also catch her with ComedySportz Manchester and Murder Inc Improv. When she is not working professionally as a comic, she also lends her voice to audio books and video games. You may have even been killed by her flamethrower-wielding baddie in Tom Clancy’s THE DIVISION 2. ‘Just a goddam delight’ Manchester Wire Patrick Monahan Audience favourite Patrick Monahan blends a high energy comedy style with hilarious and engaging topical and observational material. Known for working a room, Patrick is adored by his audiences with whom he makes an effortless connection! Winner of the 2011 ITV1 series ‘Show Me The Funny’ which led to the release of his debut DVD ‘Patrick Monahan Live’ (2 Entertain). Patrick is also a regular MC and headlining act at the top London and UK comedy clubs and in addition to this he is in huge demand on the corporate circuit as an after dinner speaker and awards host. Expect plenty of playful audience fun from this loveable Irish/Iranian Teessider! Please note, a £2 ticket commission fee is included in the price of the ticket. If you require a carer ticket, or have any accessibility requirements please book your tickets over the phone by calling 01242 528 764. The lines are open 9.00am – 5.00pm, Monday – Friday.

Schumann: ‘Der Dichter spricht’ Kurtág: Aus die Ferne III Dvořák: Selection from Cypresses Mendelssohn: String Quartet in E flat major op.44 no.3 Brahms: String Quartet in A minor op.51 no.2 Now in wide demand on the international stage, the Castalian String Quartet are regular performers at the Wigmore Hall and have recently been invited to extend their inaugural Hans Keller String Quartet Residency at Oxford University. Tonight’s programme offers the treat of a series of short pieces followed by two quartets from mainstream repertoire rarely heard at our concerts.

Chopin: Barcarolle op.60 Grażyna Bacewicz: Sonatina Rachmaninov: Etudes-Tableaux op.33 Florence Price: Fantasie Nègre no.1 Michael Betteridge: Prison piece Janáček: In the Mists Earl Wild: Virtuoso Etudes after Gershwin nos. 4, 6 and 7 Much-loved by Cheltenham audiences and promising another recital of the finest musicianship, Clare Hammond returns with a typically varied and eye-catching programme.  The piece by Michael Betteridge is a reflection of her increasing commitment to community engagement in schools and prisons and is a co-composition resulting from a series of workshops undertaken with Michael in prisons in Staffordshire in 2025.

Mozart: Horn Quintet in E flat major K407 (arr. for horn trio) Ethel Smyth: Horn Trio in A major Brahms: Horn Trio in E flat major op.40 Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective is one of the UK’s most imaginative and versatile ensembles with a reputation for creativity and joyous music-making of the highest order. The group’s co-founder and artistic director, Tom Poster, is joined by pianist Ben Goldscheider and violinist Elena Urioste in a mouth-watering set of horn trios.

Beethoven: String Quartet in F major op.135 Kaija Saariaho: Terra Memoria Mendelssohn: Octet in E flat major op.20 The Marmen Quartet delighted their Music Festival audience in 2024. For this concert they join forces with the young Kleio Quartet, recently appointed as BBC New Generation Artists and already with a multitude of awards to their name. This is an evening not to be missed: the lyricism of Beethoven’s last quartet, the absorbing intensity of Kaija Saariaho’s work from 2007, and the 16-year-old Mendelssohn’s astonishing Octet performed by two of the most exciting of today’s upcoming ensembles.

An English Song Winterreise Schubert’s song cycle Winterreise captivates singers and audiences alike. One of the UK’s most sought-after and best-loved baritones, Roderick Williams has collaborated with pianist Christopher Glynn to transpose Schubert’s traveller to a journey through English song. The result is a journey through English song set against the backdrop of the 24 songs of Schubert’s cycle. Composers include Vaughan Williams, Finzi, Britten, Bridge, Judith Weir, the newly announced Master of the King’s Music Errolyn Wallen, and Roderick Williams himself.

Haydn: String Quartet in G minor op.74 no.3 ‘Rider’ Bartók: String Quartet no.3 Schubert: Quartettsatz in C minor D703 Debussy: String Quartet in G minor op.10 Cheltenham Music Society begins an exciting season with a concert by the wonderful Takács Quartet, without doubt one of the truly great quartets on the global stage. Their programme this evening offers four works from the quartet repertoire each in its own way representing a landmark in the musical development and legacy of the composer.

Tonight’s concert offers a rare opportunity to experience live the vocal sound-world of a group described by The Arts Desk as ‘the Rolls-Royce of British a cappella ensembles’. They bring to the Pump Room a programme showcasing a selection of their favourite works and arrangements in celebration of their 20th anniversary in 2025. The wide-ranging programme spans the centuries from the Renaissance to the present day, including Gibbons’ anthem ‘O Clap Your Hands’, Monteverdi’s Sixth Book of Madrigals, works by Weelkes, Mendelssohn, Elgar, Nat ‘King’ Cole, Gershwin and Irving Berlin – and more!

Get ready for a magical Christmas Princess Afternoon Tea like no other! Step into a sparkling winter wonderland at the historic Pittville Pump Room, where dreams come to life and fairy tales take centre stage! This festive season, The Cheltenham Trust invites you and your little ones to experience an afternoon filled with enchantment, elegance, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic. As you arrive, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our princesses—ready for meet-and-greets, hugs, and photo opportunities to capture the magic forever. Then, take your seat and indulge in an afternoon tea buffet, brimming with festive finger sandwiches, enchanting sweet treats, and delightful drinks—all lovingly prepared to add a touch of sparkle to your day. The princesses will then take to the stage for a joyful, interactive performance full of favourite songs, heartwarming stories, party games, and plenty of Christmas cheer. Dress in your finest—princess gowns, superhero costumes, or festive jumpers—and come ready to sing, dance, and celebrate a truly magical Christmas experience with your friends and family. A fairy tale afternoon awaits… and you're the guest of honour. Please note seating will be allocated by the events team based on party size and guests may be sat with other parties.

From Enchantment to Destiny Humperdinck Prelude Hansel & Gretel Dvok Cello concerto featuring soloist Rebecca McNaught TchaikovskySymphony No. 4 Join us for an evening of musical grandeur as we explore the rich emotional landscapes of three iconic composers. The concert begins with Humperdincks enchanting Prelude to Hansel and Gretel, setting a magical tone with its lush orchestration and fairytale charm. This is followed by Dvoks powerful Cello Concerto, where the expressive depth of the soloist is beautifully complemented by the sweeping, lyrical qualities of the orchestration. Finally, we close with Tchaikovskys Symphony No. 4, a work of intense passion and drama, driven by the fateful motif that runs throughout the piece. A journey from whimsy and heartache to triumph, this concert promises to captivate and inspire.