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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

other events you may be interested in

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U2Baby

U2Baby are the U2 tribute band from the west side of London that are flown in to Dublin to host fan parties when U2 are in town.

They exist to help people, some of whom may not be able to see the real U2, discover the power of U2’s music live.

U2Baby have appeared in films and played at music venues, corporate events, U2 fan meets, U2 birthday parties, U2 weddings, award ceremonies and pretty much anything that needs the music of U2! With a song list that extends from Boy to Songs of Experience, U2Baby can appeal to any U2 fan.

Featured in Hotpress and the Record Collector Magazine U2 special, U2Baby are Consistently rated as one of the most authentic U2 tributes and were finalists in the National Tribute Music Awards. U2Baby have played all over the world including a headlining performance at Tribfest Bahrain, Sporting Club Monaco, Mad Club Lausanne Switzerland, The Cavern Club Liverpool, The Church Dublin, Spektrum Meyergarden Norway, The Globe Cardiff, the Half Moon Putney London and many many more...

Courtyard Theatre
£22

U2 Baby website

Fb U2Baby - The U2 Tribute

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Salsa

Led by SalsaStyle

Specialising for twenty years in providing individual attention to help you develop dance techniques and grow in confidence. SalsaStyle will ensure everyone feels welcome no matter what level.

Spring
Fri 10 Jan - 7 Feb (5 weeks)
Fri 14 Feb - 14 Mar (5 weeks)
Fri 21 Mar - 25 Apr (5 weeks) (excl 18 Apr)

Summer
Fri 2 May - 6 Jun (6 weeks)
Fri 13 Jun - 11 Jul (5 weeks)
Fri 18 Jul - 15 Aug (5 weeks)

8.15pm - 9.15pm
£12 per session | £50 per 5 week course

Don't forget to stay for the Salsa Social from 9.15pm - 10pm: stay after the class for a dance and drink!

Box Office closes at 8pm but online booking is still available.

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Align and Flow Yoga

Led by Deborah Le Vene-Page

Align and Flow Yoga is influenced by the biomechanics and heart orientated philosophy of the Anusara Hatha style of yoga. With a specific alignment focus within the flow of postures the practice will tone and strengthen the body, improve posture and create more freedom in the body and mind resulting in a calm and relaxed state of being.

Each week there will be a different theme weaving its’ way through the session, but a typical class starts with breathing techniques to centre and ground, poses to warm up and then progresses to a fun and challenging mix of vinyasa and alignment yoga.

This class is designed to cultivate focus, stamina, strength, and flexibility. Leaving time at the end for a well-deserved relaxation.

Come prepared for an energising class that will also leave you feeling relaxed.

Age guidance: 18+ years

Spring
Sat 8 Mar - 26 Apr (8 weeks)

Summer
Sat 3 May - 21 Jun (8 weeks)
Sat 12 Jul - 16 Aug (8 weeks)

£13 per session | £88 per 8 week course | £55 per 5 week course

Please note that the sessions below will be covered by the following tutors:
Sat 12 Apr and 14 Jun - Sarah Norman
Sat 19 Apr and 21 Jun - Michelle Carvill

Suitable for all levels of experience. Please bring a yoga mat with you.

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Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (15)

Dir: Michael Morris 2024 | 130 mins

Bridget is alone once again, widowed four years ago. She’s now a single mother to 9-year-old Billy and 4-year-old Mabel.

She finds herself pressured by her Urban Family - Shazzer, Jude and Tom, her work colleague Miranda, her mother and her gynecologist Dr Rawlings (Emma Thompson) - to forge a new path toward life and love. Bridget goes back to work and even tries out the dating apps, where she’s soon pursued by a dreamy and enthusiastic younger man (Leo Woodall).

Now juggling work, home and romance, Bridget grapples with the judgment of the perfect mums at school, worries about Billy as he struggles with the absence of his father, and engages in a series of awkward interactions with her son’s rational-to-a-fault science teacher (Chiwetel Ejiofor).

'Renée Zellweger’s Bridget faces new challenges in parenting and love, but it’s the familiar faces around her who deliver heart and humour in this unexpectedly poignant fourth outing' ★★★★ The Guardian

£10.50 | £9.50 conc

Neon Members - Free membership for ages 16 - 25
£5 (offer applied in basket once logged in). Find out more about Neon Membership here.

Three Films Ticket Offer
£9 | £8 conc tickets when you book for three films at the same time. Offer excludes event cinema screenings. Offer applied in basket.

Bring Baby Screening
The screening on Fri 28 Mar 11.30am is exclusively for parents, carers and grown-ups with children under 2 years. Lights are kept on low level and you can move around if you need to. Tickets are £5.50 for adults (including a cup of tea/coffee); babies and infants are free of charge. Seating is unreserved and unaccompanied adults are not admitted.

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As Long As I Have Music

Presented by The Project Singers.

Charvil based choir, The Project Singers, invite you to a special concert to celebrate their 35th anniversary under the direction of Suzanne Newman.

With one section for girls and another for ladies, the singers will be performing some of Suzanne’s favourite songs from over the years.

Courtyard Theatre
£12

Suzanne's website

Insta theprojectsingers
Fb The Project Singers

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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

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Bollybhangra Dance Fit

Led by Nanda Sharma

Welcome to Bollybhangra Dance Fitness Party sessions! Nanda teaches her original choreographies to top hits from Bollywood, Bhangra, Belly dance and also other international music and dance rhythms.

The joyful music and movements encourage us to open our hearts and minds to possibilities, improve wellbeing and body-confidence and encourage us to embrace our individuality.

Enjoy the benefits of dance on flexibility and balance, health and fitness, and mood, memory, in a fun and friendly environment, at your own pace - no pressure. Beginners welcome.

Every class feels like a party and your place awaits! Dress up or dress down, some colour, sequins and a jingly bellydance scarf will add to your experience!

Bring water, a towel, wear dance sneakers or trainers.

Spring
Tues 14 Jan - Tues 29 Apr (excludes 4, 11 and 18 March)
3pm - 4pm

£10 per session

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The Royal Opera: Turandot

Event cinema screening.

Sung in Italian with subtitles

The beautiful but icy Princess Turandot will only marry a man who can correctly answer three riddles. Those who fail are brutally beheaded. But when an unknown prince arrives, the balance of power in Turandot’s court is forever shaken, as the mysterious stranger does what no other has been able to.

Courtyard Theatre Cinema
£16

Running time: 205 minutes, two intervals

The Royal Opera website

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