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Varnish

Presented by Doubletake Theatre.

It takes star quality to get adopted… and Jonathan Mayor has it.

'I was chosen, you see. Right from the start. They weren’t prepared to leave the quality of their offspring to chance!'

In an explosion of sequins and songs, our prince of stage and screen is every inch the superstar.

It’s been a tough journey from the cobbled streets of Oldham to the glamour of Hollywood. Tougher still for a Scottish-Mauritian adopted son of white parents. But let’s not dwell on that… your fabulous host is here to entertain you!

Inspired by stand-up comedian Jonathan Mayor’s real life, Varnish is a blistering new play from Janet Taylor, exploring transracial adoption and the struggle for identity.

Snap up your hot ticket to join Jonathan's live, star-studded audience and buckle up for belly laughs in this darkly flamboyant, varnished version of the truth.

Studio
£16 I £14 Supporters

Doubletake Theatre's website

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PS145: The Diviners

Four broken AI entities are trying to make sense of the world but no longer have the correct information. These are The Diviners.

In their fragmented state they explore a nether world, between the lines of stories and through unheard harmonics of music. Is this where the truth really lies?

An electrifying and strangely topical story, People Show 145: The Diviners plays out in an imaginary world not so far from our own. Powerfully visual, a colourful cuboid trap defines the parameters of the action.

The show is written and performed by Gareth Brierley, Sadie Cook, Fiona Creese and George Khan (in virtual form). Each night features a secret guest artist from the extended People Show family.

The Diviners premiered at Golden Goose Theatre, Camberwell, London in October 2023, running for three weeks.

'Humorous and somehow profound...great fun on the surface with great depth beneath' ★★★★ The Stage

'Witty, touching, and thought-provoking...this is a piece of theatre which has already wormed its way into my brain' ★★★★ Salterton Arts Review

'Intelligent and perceptive, and it’s short and sweet without being rushed or saccharine' ★★★★ London Theatre1

'Thoughtful, funny, romantic and philosophical…what may happen if AI is left to run without human intervention or guidance' TheReviewsHub

Age guidance: 14+ years.

Studio
£16 | £14 conc

Neon Members - Free membership for ages 16 - 25
£8 (offer applied in basket once logged in). Find out more about Neon Membership here.

People Show's Website

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Paradise Lost (lies unopened beside me)

A one man staging of Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost – but nothing like you’d expect.

The highlights of this well-known story about Creation are combined with the struggles of modern life. From juggling a work-life balance to wrangling the children into the car.

Olivier award nominee Sharif Afifi plays seven different characters – from Adam and Eve to himself and his wife in the present day.

Combining comedy, theatre and music this is a funny and engaging show. For anyone who has created anything (child, garden, paper aeroplane) and then watched it spiral out of control.

Paradise Lost (lies unopened beside me) premiered in May 2015 at Battersea Arts Centre and was shortlisted for a 2015 Total Theatre Award. It has toured to over 60 venues both nationally and internationally.

‘The comedy is divine’ ★★★★★ The Independent

‘Comic yet touching’ ★★★★ The Times

‘Hugely entertaining without sacrificing the gravity of the original piece’★★★★★ The Argus

★★★★★ The Observer | ★★★★★ The List | ★★★★★ Evening Standard | ★★★★ The Guardian | ★★★★ The Herald | ★★★★ The Scotsman | ★★★★★ Edfest Magazine

Presented by Lost Dog.

Studio
£16 I £14 Supporters

Lost Dog's website

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Insta Lost Dog

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Eshaan Akbar: Live 2025

Eshaan Akbar is back doing jokes on tour! His previous tour was described by The Times as 'pretty sick' (not an actual quote) so this one is likely to be mad good.

Eshaan has supported some of the biggest acts in the UK, including Micky Flanagan, Jason Manford and Kae Kurd.

He's been seen on Netflix's Sex Education, BBC's Mock The Week, QI and Live At The Apollo, Comedy Central Live and many more. Forthcoming TV includes Channel 4's The Last Leg and BBC's Pilgrimage. He's also been heard on award-winning podcasts Have A Word, Ninetwentynine and Spitting Image, as well as LBC, Times Radio, and BBC Radio 4.

‘An artfully pointed, refreshingly funny hour that suggests a big talent in the making' ★★★★ The Times

'A fine comic entertainer, an intelligent maker of points and a wealth of fascinating facts' ★★★★ The Scotsman

'Genius stand-up comedy' Edinburgh Festivals Magazine

'A story that’s likely to go far' Chortle

Courtyard Theatre
£18.50

Eshaan's website

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Tiktok eshaanakbar8

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Justin Moorhouse: The Greatest Performance of My Life

A poignant exploration of comedy intertwined with the essence of life's ups and downs.

Justin's unparalleled ability to blend side-splitting humour with touching insights offers a rare glimpse into the human condition through the lens of a comedian.

This performance is more than just a series of jokes - it's a heartfelt journey through the joys, sorrows, and hilarity of life, delivered with Justin's characteristic charisma and warmth. Prepare to laugh, reflect and connect deeply with every story, making this evening an unforgettable highlight in your cultural calendar.

'What sets him apart is the craft. Lightning fast wit, masterful delivery' ★★★★ Chortle

'If joke-telling is your thing, then Justin Moorhouse is your man...very high gag rate' ★★★★ Fest

'Skilful crafting... he keeps the laughs coming' ★★★★ British Theatre Guide

'He charms the pants off the crowd' Sunday Times

'The amount of first-rate comic craft that goes into his routines is worthy of admiration' Guardian

'Simultaneously down-to-earth and out of this world' The List

Age guidance: 14+ years.

Courtyard Theatre
£16 | £6 unwaged with proof of JSA

Justin's website

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Jamali Maddix: Aston

The critically acclaimed comedian is back on the road with a brand new tour show.

Expect Jamali's trademark brutally honest and unflinching perspectives on the world at large.

His last tours have sold out shows across the globe, playing the UK, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. He is a regular on Sky's Nevermind the Buzzcocks and was one of the most anarchic Taskmaster contestants the show has ever seen. Alongside this he was a regular contributor for BBC2's Frankie Boyle's New World Order and has been seen on BBC2's Live at the Apollo, More4's 8 Out of 10 Cats, CBS's The Late Late Show with James Corden as well as many others.

Courtyard Theatre
£22

This event goes on sale to Members on Thursday 29 August and on general sale on Friday 30 August. Find out more about becoming a Member by clicking here. Members can click here to login for priority booking.

Jamali's website

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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

Autumn
Wed 11 Sept - 9 Oct (5 weeks)
Wed 16 Oct - 13 Nov (5 weeks)
Wed 20 Nov - 18 Dec (5 weeks)

11am - 12.15pm
£12 per session | £50 per 5 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

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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


Autumn - Improvisation Term
Wed 11 Sept - 18 Dec, exc 30 Oct (14 weeks)
5pm - 6pm
£145


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

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Norden Farm Youth Theatre (Senior)

Led by Emma Duncan.

Each term we will be focusing on developing the participants confidence and well-being through a series of drama games and activities.

This term the Senior Youth Theatre group are focusing on developing drama skills. They’ll learn a deeper understanding of performance and managing their nerves as well as some more specialised techniques including comedy and physical theatre.

Suitable for school years 7 - 12.

'Drama has upped my confidence remarkably and I’m getting better every time, it’s my favourite club and I look forward to it each week' Youth Theatre Seniors Student

'The youth theatre is one of the best dramas clubs ever, we can express ourselves' Youth Theatre Seniors Student

'The instructor is very supportive and everyone is very respectful' Youth Theatre Seniors Student

'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' Youth Theatre Student

'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

Autumn - Improvisation Term
Wed 11 Sept - 18 Dec, exc 30 Oct (14 weeks)
6.05pm - 7.30pm
£180

Senior Youth Theatre Booking Form

'Drama has upped my confidence remarkably and I’m getting better every time, it’s my favourite club and I look forward to it each week' Senior Youth Theatre Student

'The youth theatre is one of the best dramas clubs ever, we can express ourselves' Senior Youth Theatre Student

'The instructor is very supportive and everyone is very respectful' Senior Youth Theatre Student

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