Joe and his wife are having a baby. He's autistic so statistically it's quite likely the baby will be too.
In this new show, critically acclaimed comedian Joe Wells explores fatherhood through the lens of neurodiversity. Plus, there’s a really good joke about a parrot.
As seen on Rosie Jones’ Disability Comedy Extravaganza, BBC Two’s Ouch Storytelling Live and Channel 4’s Jokes Only a Neurodivergent Can Tell.
Over 20 million online views.
'Some of the most surprising and thought-provoking material coming from any comedian' Guardian
'One of my favourite comics' Frankie Boyle
★★★★★ NeurodiverseReview.co.uk
★★★★ Chortle.co.uk
Studio
£16.50
Additional accessibility information about this show
- Audience members can use phones during the show (as long as they don’t record the performance)
- Audience members are allowed to step outside during the show for any reason
- Audience members are allowed to stim (move about) during the show
- There is no unwanted audience interaction in this show
- The show does not have any flashing lights but there are some loud noises
- There are very small amounts of visual humour in the show (written text and pictures on a screen). If you attend with someone who is visually impaired, then you are welcome to explain those elements of the show
- The show is an adult stand up show with swearing and inappropriate jokes, this is not a relaxed performance for children. The style of comedy may not be accessible to everyone so check it out online if you are unsure (www.joewells.org.uk)
- If there is anything else we can do to make the show accessible for you please either phone 01628 788997 or email boxoffice@nordenfarm.org
A double header of comedy as two top comedians warm up ahead of the Edinburgh Festival.
Marise Gaughan
Marise Gaughan is a critically acclaimed comedian and author from Dublin.
In 2022 Marise’s debut memoir, Trouble, was published by Monoray. It was described by The Irish Times as ‘a graphic, explicit, often visceral memoir that engulfs the reader’ as it traces Marise’s unravelling through sex, self-destruction and a near-miss with Scientology. The book went on to be an Irish Bestseller and received fantastic reviews in the press. It was published in paperback in 2023 and Marise is currently working on her first novel.
As a stand-up comedian, Marise started her career in Los Angeles, appearing in on stages including The Comedy Store and The Hollywood Improv. Since returning to the UK, her debut stand-up show Drowning explored her father’s (successful) suicide attempt and her own (unsuccessful) one. It premiered at the Dublin Fringe Festival in 2019 where it was nominated for the Fringe’s Spirit of Wit Moira Brady Averill Award for artists whose work defies categorisation with bold and unconventional material and for the First Fortnight Award for shows that challenge stigma and prejudice about mental health. Marise was subsequently awarded the Women’s Irish Network Arts Bursary. She has also supported acts including Rob Delaney, Ari Shaffir and Jim Norton on tour.
'Gaughan’s humour is dark, biting, and painfully honest, but it is in the moments when she is being gentler to herself that her words are at their most transcendent' Irish Independent
'Trouble is an outstanding memoir, a text on addiction that gets to the heart of its implicit trauma and complications. Gaughan has a remarkable voice, self-assured yet vulnerable, frank to a staggering degree – and likeable even in her darkest moments' The Business Post
'An outstanding text on addiction and girlhood, equal parts vulnerable and witty' The Business Post
Bella Hull
Bella Hull is a stand-up comedian and writer. She is one of the UK’s most exciting young comedians and her television appearances include BBC’s Stand Up for Live Comedy, ITV’s The Stand Up Sketch Show and Comedy Central Live.
A hugely acclaimed live act, Bella regularly plays to sold out crowds both in the UK and abroad. She has taken two critically-acclaimed shows to the Edinburgh Fringe, Babycakes in 2022 and Piggie in 2024 and has supported Phil Wang, Russell Howard and Paul Chowdhry on tour.
Bella also co-hosts the Rats of the Roundtable and Last Night Ever podcasts and as a writer, Bella is working on a script commission with the BBC and has been featured on BBC Radio 4’s Newsjack and Flux Magazine.
'a new template for generations Z and Alpha to follow' Rolling Stone
'A gifted comedian…definitely see this' ★★★★ Bruce Dessau, Beyond the Joke
'very intelligent – and witty – comedy…an ambitious debut, Hull is clearly a very talented writer and performer' ★★★★ Veronica Lee, The Arts Desk
'There is just so much packed into this show…a sensational performance' ★★★★ Deadline
Studio
£12
Marise Gaughan
X MariseComedy
Insta marisegaughan
Bella Hull
X BellaBellaHull
Insta bellabellahull
Being loud, brazen and a little bit lairy was all Matt needed to propel himself onto the comedy circuit aged 18 and be presenting national telly by 22.
But faster than you can say ‘Celebrity Coach Trip’ he suddenly finds himself in his 30s, so what’s next for the lad?
Matt has moved to the countryside, settled down and is trying his hardest to not make rude jokes. It’s not going as well as he’d hoped…
Attempting to navigate a world of mate’s kids, mortgages and village life is proving a challenge for the guy who can't resist causing a scene. How do you age with grace and dignity when it’s at odds with all the personality traits that got you this far?
As seen on Dancing on Ice, The Stand Up Sketch Show, Love Island: Aftersun, Comedy Central’s Roast Battle and many more.
‘High wattage stand-up’ The Guardian
‘Hilarious and charming’ The Mirror
Age guidance
18+ years
Courtyard Theatre
£16
X MattRichardson3
Insta mattrichardson3
Fb comedianmattrichardson
Welcome to The Museum of Marvellous Things, where the impossible can happen!
Discover stars in jars, catch moons like balloons, dance with Doo-Dahs in cages, sing with Noo-Nahs on stages. Because this is a museum like no other it’s made from the magic of your imagination and you get to bring it alive.
With giant puppets, songs, interactive storytelling, show stopping costumes, live original music and a chance to make your own special puppet. This is a fun-filled family show celebrating the magic of imagination and the power of creativity, based on the picture book by Kristina Stephenson, bestselling author and illustrator of Sir Charlie Stinky Socks. Meet sensible, serious Norbert Norris and wild, wonderful Tilly T. Pott, as they give you a sneak peek inside their amazing museum and ask YOU to fill it with magic!
So…come on in, let the magic begin!
Age guidance 3 - 8 years.
Courtyard Theatre
£12 | £10 under 16s
Family and Friends (4 people) £40
Practically Perfect Pictures website
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Insta practicallyperfectpictures
Fb PracticallyPerfectPictures
Share your thoughts on contemporary fiction with other readers in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
This season our Book Club will be reading:
Thursday 17 April
The Romantic by William Boyd
Thursday 15 May
Normal Rules Don’t Apply by Kate Atkinson
Thursday 19 June
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Thursday 17 July
Table for Two by Amor Towles
Thursday 14 August
TBC
Suitable for 18+ years.
Spaces are limited, early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
7.30pm – 9pm
£5 per session (includes a glass of wine or soft drink from the bar)
Led by Kayleigh Robinson
A sensory play session which includes inflatables, lights, colour and movement to soothe and stimulate little minds and bodies.
Suitable for babies and children under 5.
This event is part of Quest Family Fest 2025. Join us to navigate your way through 2 weeks of creative adventures.
45 mins
Tickets for this pre school workshop are £4.50 for 1 adult + 1 child | Siblings £4.50 | Additional adult £4.50
Things you need to know!
Booking
• Explore workshops are always really popular so we recommend booking in advance as it’s unlikely tickets will be available on the day
• Workshops for specific age ranges are designed for children to attend on their own
• Family Workshops are designed for children and grown ups to get creative together – you’ll need a ticket for every participant attending
• If you can no longer make your workshop, please let our Box Office team know so that the space can be freed up for another participant!
On the Day
• We expect the carpark to be busy so please allow at least 15-20 mins to park / walk to Norden Farm / find your workshop
• Workshops take place across the building – everything will be well sign posted. Use posters to find out where you should be and check the location on your tickets
• We recommend flat shoes and dressing for mess at our workshops
• Our team of friendly Young Leader volunteers will be on hand to help (look out for their lanyards)
Food and Drink
• The Café Bar is open from 9am and serves food from 9am – 3pm. Why not start the day with breakfast?
• Snacks and soft drinks can be bought throughout the day. Newspapers and WiFi are available to keep adults entertained!
Children’s Grab Bags:
• Pre-order a children’s packed lunch when you buy your Explore! Day tickets. These will be ready for you to collect throughout the day from the Café Bar
•Packed lunch costs £6 and includes:
•Tortilla wrap with a choice of: Tuna Mayo, Ham, Cheese, Vegan cheese
•Carrot and Cucumber sticks, Yoghurt, 150ml Fruit Juice, Pom Bears
Have fun and Explore!
Disclaimer: Please note that a photographer will be present at some Explore Workshops. Images will be used for Norden Farm marketing purposes, including, but not limited to: use in printed material such as brochures, on the website and social media, and in local publications. If you do not wish your child to be photographed, please advise our Box Office team on the day (Friday 18 April).
Led by And Circus
Try tightrope walking, giant ball walking, unicycling and juggling.
The minimum age for this family workshop is 5 years.
This event is part of Quest Family Fest 2025. Join us to navigate your way through 2 weeks of creative adventures.
60 mins
£4.50 per workshop | 4 workshops £16 per person
The Explore Pass offers access to 4 different workshops for £16 per person – saving £2 (Explore! Festival Pass can be used by named participant only)
Things you need to know!
Booking
• Explore workshops are always really popular so we recommend booking in advance as it’s unlikely tickets will be available on the day
• Workshops for specific age ranges are designed for children to attend on their own
• Family Workshops are designed for children and grown ups to get creative together – you’ll need a ticket for every participant attending
• If you can no longer make your workshop, please let our Box Office team know so that the space can be freed up for another participant!
On the Day
• We expect the carpark to be busy so please allow at least 15-20 mins to park / walk to Norden Farm / find your workshop
• Workshops take place across the building – everything will be well sign posted. Use posters to find out where you should be and check the location on your tickets
• We recommend flat shoes and dressing for mess at our workshops
• Our team of friendly Young Leader volunteers will be on hand to help (look out for their lanyards)
Food and Drink
• The Café Bar is open from 9am and serves food from 9am – 3pm. Why not start the day with breakfast?
• Snacks and soft drinks can be bought throughout the day. Newspapers and WiFi are available to keep adults entertained!
Children’s Grab Bags:
• Pre-order a children’s packed lunch when you buy your Explore! Day tickets. These will be ready for you to collect throughout the day from the Café Bar
•Packed lunch costs £6 and includes:
•Tortilla wrap with a choice of: Tuna Mayo, Ham, Cheese, Vegan cheese
•Carrot and Cucumber sticks, Yoghurt, 150ml Fruit Juice, Pom Bears
Have fun and Explore!
Disclaimer: Please note that a photographer will be present at some Explore Workshops. Images will be used for Norden Farm marketing purposes, including, but not limited to: use in printed material such as brochures, on the website and social media, and in local publications. If you do not wish your child to be photographed, please advise our Box Office team on the day (Friday 18 April).
Led by Street Dance Energy
Get energised and learn some amazing moves with this contemporary dance class with funky tunes.
This event is part of Quest Family Fest 2025. Join us to navigate your way through 2 weeks of creative adventures.
60 mins
£4.50 per workshop | 4 workshops £16 per person
The Explore Pass offers access to 4 different workshops for £16 per person – saving £2 (Explore! Festival Pass can be used by named participant only)
Things you need to know!
Booking
• Explore workshops are always really popular so we recommend booking in advance as it’s unlikely tickets will be available on the day
• Workshops for specific age ranges are designed for children to attend on their own
• Family Workshops are designed for children and grown ups to get creative together – you’ll need a ticket for every participant attending
• If you can no longer make your workshop, please let our Box Office team know so that the space can be freed up for another participant!
On the Day
• We expect the carpark to be busy so please allow at least 15-20 mins to park / walk to Norden Farm / find your workshop
• Workshops take place across the building – everything will be well sign posted. Use posters to find out where you should be and check the location on your tickets
• We recommend flat shoes and dressing for mess at our workshops
• Our team of friendly Young Leader volunteers will be on hand to help (look out for their lanyards)
Food and Drink
• The Café Bar is open from 9am and serves food from 9am – 3pm. Why not start the day with breakfast?
• Snacks and soft drinks can be bought throughout the day. Newspapers and WiFi are available to keep adults entertained!
Children’s Grab Bags:
• Pre-order a children’s packed lunch when you buy your Explore! Day tickets. These will be ready for you to collect throughout the day from the Café Bar
•Packed lunch costs £6 and includes:
•Tortilla wrap with a choice of: Tuna Mayo, Ham, Cheese, Vegan cheese
•Carrot and Cucumber sticks, Yoghurt, 150ml Fruit Juice, Pom Bears
Have fun and Explore!
Disclaimer: Please note that a photographer will be present at some Explore Workshops. Images will be used for Norden Farm marketing purposes, including, but not limited to: use in printed material such as brochures, on the website and social media, and in local publications. If you do not wish your child to be photographed, please advise our Box Office team on the day (Friday 18 April).
Led by Maria Chemyak-Belenky
Maria will guide you to create a whimsical animal cup using coil and pinch techniques (These will be fired and returned to Norden Farm, to be collected after Tues 6 May).
This event is part of Quest Family Fest 2025. Join us to navigate your way through 2 weeks of creative adventures.
60 mins
£4.50 per workshop | 4 workshops £16 per person
The Explore Pass offers access to 4 different workshops for £16 per person – saving £2 (Explore! Festival Pass can be used by named participant only)
Things you need to know!
Booking
• Explore workshops are always really popular so we recommend booking in advance as it’s unlikely tickets will be available on the day
• Workshops for specific age ranges are designed for children to attend on their own
• Family Workshops are designed for children and grown ups to get creative together – you’ll need a ticket for every participant attending
• If you can no longer make your workshop, please let our Box Office team know so that the space can be freed up for another participant!
On the Day
• We expect the carpark to be busy so please allow at least 15-20 mins to park / walk to Norden Farm / find your workshop
• Workshops take place across the building – everything will be well sign posted. Use posters to find out where you should be and check the location on your tickets
• We recommend flat shoes and dressing for mess at our workshops
• Our team of friendly Young Leader volunteers will be on hand to help (look out for their lanyards)
Food and Drink
• The Café Bar is open from 9am and serves food from 9am – 3pm. Why not start the day with breakfast?
• Snacks and soft drinks can be bought throughout the day. Newspapers and WiFi are available to keep adults entertained!
Children’s Grab Bags:
• Pre-order a children’s packed lunch when you buy your Explore! Day tickets. These will be ready for you to collect throughout the day from the Café Bar
•Packed lunch costs £6 and includes:
•Tortilla wrap with a choice of: Tuna Mayo, Ham, Cheese, Vegan cheese
•Carrot and Cucumber sticks, Yoghurt, 150ml Fruit Juice, Pom Bears
Have fun and Explore!
Disclaimer: Please note that a photographer will be present at some Explore Workshops. Images will be used for Norden Farm marketing purposes, including, but not limited to: use in printed material such as brochures, on the website and social media, and in local publications. If you do not wish your child to be photographed, please advise our Box Office team on the day (Friday 18 April).
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