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Avalon Edinburgh Preview: Matt Forde and Chloe Petts
A double header of comedy as two top comedians warm up ahead of the Edinburgh Festival.
Matt Forde
Matt Forde is one of the country’s most in demand satirists.
Described as 'our foremost satirical stand-up' by The Sunday Times, Matt Forde has toured critically acclaimed shows nationwide including most recently Clowns To The Left of Me, Jokers To The Right in 2022 and Inside No. 10 in 2023.
Matt Forde’s hit live podcast The Political Party transferred to the West End’s Duchess Theatre in 2021 after over 70 sold out shows at Westminster’s The Other Palace, for a twice extended fortnightly residency continuing in to 2024. Matt has brought Parliament to life with his stand-up and debate with some of politics’ most powerful figures including Keir Starmer, Nicola Sturgeon, Tony Blair, Eddie Izzard, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Angela Rayner, Michael Heseltine, Anthony Scaramucci, Alastair Campbell, Gordon Brown and Gary Neville. Matt has received numerous nominations from award bodies including the British Podcast Awards and Chortle Awards and the show is regularly highlighted as a top podcast pick in the press.
Matt wrote and voiced characters for Spitting Image (BritBox/ITV) including Boris Johnson, Keir Starmer and Donald Trump. Matt currently presents Absolute Radio’s weekly Rock ‘n’ Roll Football Show. He is also the co-host of Wondery’s flagship British Podcast Award winning British Scandal alongside Alice Levine.
In 2019 alone, Matt hosted the Alternative News Desk for Channel 4’s election night coverage, chaired the One Nation Conservative leadership hustings and debated Britain’s withdrawal from the EU with Tony Blair for the Institute of Global Change.
Matt hosted four series of Unspun with Matt Forde on Dave, receiving several nominations at the Broadcast Digital Awards, and has numerous other broadcast credits including: Have I Got News For You (BBC One), The Royal Variety Performance (ITV), Mock The Week (BBC Two), 8 out of 10 Cats (Channel 4), Hypothetical (Dave) Rory Bremner’s Coalition Report and Rory Bremner’s Election Report (BBC Two), Question Time (BBC One), This Week (BBC One), Newsnight (BBC Two) and Daily Politics (BBC Two).
Matt’s first book Politically Homeless was listed by The Sunday Times as one the Best Political Books of 2020.
Chloe Petts
'One of the most compelling young comics' Brian Logan, The Guardian
'Clearly a rising star whose name will soon be in lights' Bruce Dessau, The Evening Standard
Chloe has established herself as one of the most exciting up and coming acts on the circuit.
Chloe is returning to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer with her new show How You See Me, How You Don’t. This comes after a UK Tour of her show If You Can’t Say Anything Nice which sold-out in the first week of the Edinburgh Fringe last year, leading to 6 extra shows being added to the run. In 2022, she performed her debut show Transience to sold-out audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and for two five night runs at Soho Theatre, which led to a tour around the rest of the UK which ended with an extra date added at London’s Leicester Square Theatre. Receiving rave reviews from publications including The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Evening Standard.
On television and radio, Chloe recently appeared on Have I Got News For You (BBC One), and hosted her own segment every Saturday morning on Sky Sports News. She has also been a regular on The Frank Skinner Show (Absolute Radio), World Cup Breakfast (Sky Sports) for the Men’s Football World Cup 2022 and previously for Good Morning Euros (Sky Sports) for the UEFA Women’s Euros. Further appearances include MOTDx (BBC), Jonathan Ross’s Comedy Club (ITV), The Stand-Up Sketch Show (ITV2), Richard Osman’s House of Games (BBC Two), Random Acts (Channel 4), Hypothetical (Dave), Fighting Talk (BBC Radio 5 Live), BBC Three Quickies (BBC Three), as well as winning Pointless Celebrities (BBC One). In terms of podcasts, Chloe has appeared on Off Menu, Films to Buried With and co-hosted The Guilty Feminist.
An alumna of the prestigious Pleasance Comedy Reserve, shortlisted for the BBC Comedy Award, finalist of Leicester Square New Comedian of the Year Awards 2017 and runner-up in the Funny Women Awards 2017. As well as supporting Ed Gamble on current Hot Diggity Dog UK tour and previous tour Electric, Chloe has supported Frank Skinner during his West End run and performed at Melbourne International Comedy Festival this year and last year.
She is a co-founder of The Lol Word, a queer comedy collective that hosts sell-out monthly London nights, boasting the finest female and non-binary queer acts on the circuit. Their most recent Edinburgh run was a sell-out. Diva Magazine has described it as a space that is demographically queer, inclusive, and safe, and on top of all of that – the comedic talent is smart, insightful, hilarious, and completely relatable.
Studio
£12
Matt Forde
Matt's website
Chloe Petts
Chloe's website
X ChloePetts
Insta chloepetts
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Avalon Edinburgh Preview: Glenn Moore and Pierre Novellie
A double header of comedy as two top comedians warm up ahead of the Edinburgh Festival.
Glenn Moore
Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Glenn Moore is a comedian, actor and one of the best and most prolific joke writers in the country.
Glenn is a regular face on TV, having appeared on the likes of Live At The Apollo (BBC), Have I Got News For You (BBC), Mock The Week (BBC), 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (Channel 4), The Russell Howard Hour (Sky), Guessable (Comedy Central), and The Stand Up Sketch Show (ITV2). He is a regular guest on The Great American Joke Off (CW network) in the US.
He has his own Radio 4 comedy series Glenn Moore’s Alamanac. He can be heard daily as one quarter of The Dave Berry Breakfast Show on Absolute Radio, the UK’s biggest commercial radio breakfast show. He’s also appeared regularly on The News Quiz (Radio 4) and The Now Show (Radio 4).
Glenn’s 2022 Fringe show sold out with rave five star reviews from The Mail on Sunday, Chortle and The Courier, amongst a number of other publications. His critically-acclaimed stand-up show Glenn, Glenn, Glenn, How Do You Like It, How Do You Like It was nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award. He also toured the UK with his follow up hit Edinburgh show Love Don’t Live Here Glenny Moore. He was named one of Just For Laughs’ New Faces in Montreal in 2023.
He has written for numerous TV shows including The Mash Report (BBC) and Fantasy Football League (Sky), and has been a staff writer on the sketch comedy show Scrambled (CITV).
Pierre Novellie
Pierre Novellie is a stand-up comedian, writer, radio host and podcaster.
Pierre is co-host of The Frank Skinner Show on Absolute Radio, and his television appearances include World’s Most Dangerous Roads (Dave), The Mash Report (BBC2), and Stand Up Central (Comedy Central). Pierre’s first book Why Can’t I Just Enjoy Things?: A Comedian’s Guide to Autism was published by Bonnier in 2024.
In audio, Pierre co-hosts the hit Budpod podcast alongside Phil Wang which has over 3.5million downloads, has performed on The Now Show and The News Quiz (Radio 4), and hosts the BBC Sounds podcast series Obsessed With… SAS: Rogue Heroes. As a writer, Pierre was a regular writer on the rebooted Spitting Image (ITV/Britbox) and has also written on shows including Mock the Week (BBC2), The News Quiz (Radio 4) and The Mash Report (BBC2).
One of the UK’s most acclaimed live acts, Pierre‘s latest show Must We? saw a sold-out run at the Monkey Barrel at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and was his fourth show to have been placed in the top 20 best-reviewed comedy shows across the entire festival and will tour the UK in 2024. He has released two comedy specials, Quiet Ones and Why Can’t I Just Enjoy Things? via US comedy label 800 Pound Gorilla Records which have amassed over half a million views online.
'packed full of belly laughs – each topic could be a full show on its own' ★★★★★ Sharon Lougher, Metro
'A storming hour of punchy, exceptional stand up' ★★★★ Jay Richardson, The Scotsman
'Hilarious…he will go far' ★★★★ Dominic Maxwell, The Times
Studio
£12
Glenn Moore
Glen's website
X TheNewsAtGlenn
Insta glennrogermoore
Fb Glenn Moore
Pierre Novellie
Pierre's website
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Insta pierrenovellie
Fb Pierre Novellie
- 30 Apr SOLD OUT
Kate Cheka - A Messiah Comes
Bighead Comedy presents the reigning Funny Women Award winner and Chortle Best Newcomer nominee’s debut hour where she tries to save the world.
Where does this messiah complex come from? Is it the second coming or has she just inherited her mother's psychological disorder? If you're anxious about the state of the world (or just your own mental state), join this BBC New Comedy Awards semi-finalist as she becomes the first woman to wonder what many men have wondered before her: am I actually God?
Winner of 2023 Funny Women Stage Award.
Nominee for NextUp's Biggest Award In Comedy Best Newcomer and 2024 Chortle Awards Best Newcomer.
'Charismatic, eloquent, frank and witty...an impressive debut for a bright comic' Chortle
'Witty and charming...the audience are quickly drawn into Kate's world' The List
'She's unstoppable. Her enthusiastic delivery cracks along at such a pace that you
wonder whether she's remembering to breathe' The Skinny
'Impressive, frank and relatable' Chortle.co.uk
Studio
£16.50
Insta katechecka
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Avalon Edinburgh Preview: Pierre Novellie and Toussaint Douglas
A double header of comedy as two top comedians warm up ahead of the Edinburgh Festival.
Pierre Novellie
Stand-up comedian, writer, radio host and podcaster. Pierre is co-host of The Frank Skinner Show on Absolute Radio, and recent TV appearances include World’s Most Dangerous Roads (Dave), The Mash Report (BBC2), and Stand Up Central (Comedy Central). On the radio, Pierre has performed on The Now Show (Radio 4), hosts the BBC Sounds podcast series Obsessed With… SAS: Rogue Heroes and co-hosts the hit Budpod podcast alongside Phil Wang. As a writer, Pierre was one of the regular writers on the rebooted Spitting Image (ITV/Britbox) and has also written on shows including Mock the Week (BBC2), The News Quiz (Radio 4) and The Mash Report (BBC2).
Toussaint Douglas
One of comedy’s most exciting and talked about new names and is already making serious waves across the industry. His innovative brand of stand up mixes the personal with the political, whilst adding a uniquely absurdist slant to brilliant comic effect.
His extensive list of credits include Late Night Mash (DAVE), Outsiders (DAVE), Hypothetical (DAVE), Comedians Giving Lectures (FAVE), Unforgivable (DAVE), Alan Davies, As Yet Untitled (DAVE), Funny Festival Live (BBC One), Question Team (DAVE) BBC Presents: Stand Up For Live Comedy (BBC Three), The News Quiz (BBC Radio 4) and Dead Ringers (BBC Radio 4).
'There’s something of a Richard Ayoade vibe to Toussaint Douglass, stiffly awkward and on a different plane from rest of the world. He creates vivid, slightly absurd, images of his life…but it’s skillfully concealed beneath a charming quirkiness. One of the best and most distinctive acts' Chortle
Studio
£13.50
Pierre Novellie
Pierre's website
Insta pierrenovellie
Fb PierreNovellie
Toussaint Douglas
Insta toussaint_gram
Carl Donnelly - Another Round
Join one of the UK’s finest comedians as he brings you up to speed on how he’s settling into being a married middle-aged father.
With recurring stomach ulcers, a bald patch, and an internet search history that now includes anti-leakage boxer shorts.
With his signature blend of honesty and wit, Carl turns life’s darkest moments into comedy gold. Raise a glass and join him for laughs, resilience, and hard-earned perspective.
Previously nominated for both the Best Newcomer and Best Show in the Edinburgh Comedy Awards, he’s appeared on such shows as Mock The Week and Russell Howard’s Good News as well as recently supporting Kevin Bridges on his international tour. He’s also a regular on radio (BBC 5Live’s Fighting Talk and Talksport) as well as being one half of the podcast TVI (Two Vegan Idiots).
'Observational genius' Guardian
'His comic warmth could fill the Sydney Opera House' Chortle
'Masterful stand-up with the lightest of touches' British Comedy Guide
'Up there with the best' ★★★★ Herald Sun
'A bringer of delight' ★★★★ Scotsman
★★★★★ Skinny
★★★★★ Broadway Baby
Age guidance: 15+ years.
Content warning - mild language
Studio
£17.50
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Crafternoons - Tuesdays
Led by Creative Eye
Norden Farm's Crafternoons are relaxed crafting sessions for older people.
Get crafty with a range of activities, or bring along your own projects to work on with support from tutor Kayleigh Robinson.
You can learn new skills, meet new people and try something new, a cup of tea is included with the ticket price. Come either Tuesday or Wednesday and join in that week's craft. If you are unable to attend in person you can log on from home to chat and join in the session.
Spring Season
Tues 11 Mar - Felt Keyring / Brooch
Tues 18 Mar - Woven Basket
Tues 25 Mar - Wool Hoop Art
Tues 1 Apr - Book Folded Sheep
Tues 8 Apr - Fabric Flower
Tues 15 Apr - Cube Bunny
Tues 22 Apr - Embossed Foil Decorations
Tues 29 Apr - Iris Paper Folding
Summer
Tues 6 May - Stencilled Hoop Art
Tues 13 May - Cupcake Case Flowers
Tues 20 May - No Session
Tues 27 May - Abstract Square Art
Tues 3 Jun - Glass Magnets
Tues 10 Jun - Mini Decoupage Sign
Tues 17 Jun - Quilling
Tues 24 Jun - Yarn Wrapped Vases / Jars
Tues 1 Jul - Dotty Tote Bags
Tues 8 Jul - Dried Flower Art
Tues 15 Jul - Wood Slice Nail Art
Tues 22 Jul - No Session
Tues 29 Jul - Bird Seed Ornaments
Tues 5 Aug - Yarn Canvas Art
Tues 12 Aug - Air Dry Clay Candle Holder
Social Arts Crafternoons is a partially funded project run by Norden Farm with support from The Berkshire Community Foundation.
Local transport can be provided as part of the ticket price for those attending on a Wednesday.
If you need transport to Norden Farm for the Wednesday sessions please contact Jess Thompson at jess.thompson@nordenfarm.org / 01628 682563 to talk through your requirements.
Suitable for ages 60+ years.
2pm - 3pm
£6.50 per session, including a cup of tea
Norden Farm Choir
Led by Seann Wilkinson
A non-audition community choir open to all. Working on everything from Madonna to Les Mis, from gospel to pop - this is an opportunity to meet people, learn some harmonies and sing your hearts out. No experience required. Enthusiasm absolutely necessary!
Spring
Tues 14 Jan - 1 Apr (excl 18 Feb)
7.30pm – 9pm
Summer
Tues 22 Apr - 22 Jul (excl 27 May)
7.30pm – 9pm
£11 per session | £130 per 13 week term
Beginners/Gentle Yoga
Led by Julie Potter
This class is particularly suited to beginners, those returning to yoga having had a break, those with specific injuries or conditions or even those that consider themselves to be of a certain age that might need a less challenging approach. We will cover general breathing practises, the basic and gentler postures, together with general information and possible discussion around movement and the potential difficulties we might come up against.
The aim will be to relax and enjoy.
The yoga I teach is an evolution of nearly 30 years of practice and study, with a broad experience of many styles and teachers. In recent years I have been moving away from ‘external’ evaluation of the postures and moving towards an internal sense of the postures, moving away from the more used traditional approach of systemised yoga to a more experiential and felt approach, influenced by teachers who have been inspired by the teachings of Vanda Scaravelli.
Please bring a blanket, a Yoga / Pilates mat, and wear loose comfortable clothing
Spring
Wed 19 Feb - 19 Mar (5 weeks)
Wed 26 Mar - 30 Apr (5 weeks)
Summer
Wed 7 May - 11 Jun (6 weeks)
Wed 18 Jun - 23 Jul (6 weeks)
Please note that Susan Bett will be covering the session on Wed 16 Apr. The sessions on Wed 11 and 18 Jun will also be covered by a different teacher.
11am - 12.15pm
£12 per session | £60 per 6 week course
This class will take place both in person and online via Zoom.
You will find the link to access the session in your booking confirmation email.
Norden Farm Youth Theatre (Junior)
Led by Emma Duncan
In each session children take part in a series of drama games and activities that develop their confidence as well as teaching them drama skills. These include focus, communication, developing a character and voice projection.
As the weeks go on the group will each have a part with some lines to learn in a small-scale show. They will rehearse as a team and share what they have learnt during the last session, more details to follow on this after half term.
Suitable for school years 2 - 6.
'Norden Farm is my favourite after school club, it always keeps me moving and relaxed. It is a great place to go for drama and within a short time, I have become far more confident and expressive' Timothy, age 7
'We have sent both of our children to Youth Theatre at Norden Farm and have seen dramatic improvements in there ability, confidence, social awareness and expressiveness generally and specifically. The environment is safe and developmental in a broad and exciting sense' Alex - parent
Summer
Wed 30 Apr - Wed 23 Jul
5pm - 6.30pm
Junior Youth Theatre Booking Form
'The youth theatre is a nice place and I’ve only been here a short time and I Love it!' Junior Youth Theatre Student
'It is cool and welcoming' Junior Youth Theatre Student
'The youth theatre is one of the most professional classes I’ve enrolled in' Junior Youth Theatre Student
'The youth theatre is one of the best drama clubs, everyone is so friendly and we do amazing games' Junior Youth Theatre Student
'We have absolutely loved the drama classes, we have seen a tremendous improvement with our daughter's confidence, she enjoys the sessions as there is a mixture of techniques and games and has made friends along the way! Emma is great at adapting the lessons and I have only seen improvements, we Look forward to the end of summer show combined with the senior class!!! Love Norden Farm as the venue!' Junior Youth Theatre Parent
'This is my daughter’s first experience of a drama club - and it has been such a positive, confidence-boosting, creative experience for her. I particularly love that there is no pressure on the children - there is plenty of time and practice to get ready for the end of season Sharing Session, and the level of performance is just enough to stretch them, without making them worry. It’s pure joy and excitement! You can see how far the group has progressed from term to term - they are becoming a very confident and capable group of Thespians!' Junior Youth Theatre Parent
- 30 Apr
- 7 May
- 10 more dates...
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