Your weekly what’s on guide for Bedford and the surrounding area from The Bedford Clanger.
Never miss a thing in Bedford ever again. From theatre to film, live music to art exhibitions, The Bedford Clanger what’s on guide lands every Thursday and is the only guide you need to know what’s on and what’s happening across the Borough for the next 10 days.
With thanks to the Cellar Bar, Bedford for sponsoring our What’s On Guide.
Every Thursday
Drag: Drag Race UK Viewing Party
The Barley Mow @ 8pm
Free Entry
Start your engine hunnies because the Barley Mow is screening every episode of Drag Race UK Season 5 LIVE!
Every Thursday and hosted by the one and only Eddie OK Adams, it’s free entry and there’s free pizza.
So sashay your way down, pull up a chair and watch the best drag queen win!
Thursday 26 October 2023
Quiz: Stranger Things Quiz
Bedford Esquires @
£2 per person/maximum of six per team
Do you love Stranger Things more than Eleven loves Eggo waffles? Do you consider yourself an expert on all things Hawkins or do you think you know the ‘Upside Down’ inside out?
As part of Esquires’ Halloween celebrations, they’re running a very special Stranger Things quiz.
This quiz is open to ages 14+, anyone under 16 will have to be accompanied by an adult.
Friday 27 October 2023
Drama Workshop: Monologue Roulette
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £10
Do you want to feel more confident holding the stage? Try playing different characters? Have a laugh? Then go along to Bedford Drama Company’s Monologue Roulette workshop!
Friday 27 October 2023
Comedy: Simon Brodkin – Screwed Up
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 8pm
Tickets: £22.50
Fresh from his sold-out, critically acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe run and becoming the most-viewed British comedian of all time on Tik Tok, world-famous prankster and Lee Nelson creator Simon Brodkin is back with an outrageous new stand-up show.
Read our interview with Simon here: World-famous prankster and comedian Simon Brodkin is ‘Screwed Up’ and coming to Bedford
In ‘Screwed Up’ Simon rips into celebrity culture, social media, the police, Putin, Prince Andrew and Jesus. Nothing is off limits in this hilarious show, including his own mental health, his family, his five arrests and how he once found himself at an underground party.
Friday 27 October 2023
Theatre: Rise of the Empress (followed by Q&A with Sharon DeLeonardis and Nairobi Thompson)
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £10
Rise of the Empress is a thought-provoking, highly entertaining play exploring the Black Lives Matter movement.
Two women explore the impact of the Black Lives Matter experience and the realities of being Black and British; using storytelling with emotion and insight.
Rise of the Empress goes beyond theatre, and into the realms of transformation and empowerment. Written and starring Sharon DeLeonardis (CEO of SpectaculARTS) and independent artist, and acclaimed anti-racism author Nairobi Thompson, both writers skillfully challenge societal norms around race, whilst providing an unforgettable evening of education, inspiration, laughter and music; leading to a
collective ‘call to action’.
This play will spark conversations, giving audiences from all backgrounds more confidence to examine themselves and speak up. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something truly positive and uplifting!
Friday 27 October 2023
Burlesque/Variety: Extravaganza Bedford presents ‘Gothica II” featuring live music, burlesque and cabaret
Bedford Esquires @ 8pm
Tickets: £14
Extravaganza Bedford presents its 10th show at Esquires and you just know that with Halloween around the corner, it’s going to be a spooktacular affair!
‘GOTHICA II’ features live music, burlesque and twisted cabaret, all hosted by one of Extravaganza’s original drag performers, the one and only Ginger Snaps.
Live music comes from Pretty Addicted, a dark EDM band featuring singer Vicious Precious. They descrive themselves as “a dark rave at an evil funfair”.
Burlesque is brought to you by Elena Black, a specialist in Dark Burlesque performances that are theatrical, surreal, and thought-provoking. Meanwhile, creative storyteller, Angelheart, is an angel with a dark side!
‘Draglesque’ performer, Perle Rare, completes the bill. This London-based performer and occasional Drag King combines the sexy and silly leaving audiences aroused and amused. Producer of Euro Pee Hun & a Lipsync 1000 2022 finalist- it promises to be an unforgettable night.
Finally, Extravanaza Bedford will be awarding prizes in its traditional best-dressed competition. Come spookily dressed to impress – after all, it’s nearly Halloween.
Goth/metal disco afterparty.
Friday 27 October 2023
Live music: Lord Baker Soul & Ska Show
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm/bar opens at 6pm
Free entry
An incredible soul and ska show that will get you dancing from the first song. Lord Baker really knows how to entertain and you will not be disappointed!
Friday 27 October 2023
Live music: Mad Dog Mcrae + Man the Lifeboats
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £18
Returning to Esquires for their fourth visit, Mad Dog Mcrea is a band that raises hands, lifts feet and starts parties wherever they play.
Smashing out a blend a unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and ‘shake your ass’ music from self-penned songs of adventure, drinking, love and life, to traditional songs of gypsies, fairies, legless pirates, and black flies – Mad Dog never fail to capture their audience with their infectious songs.
Matched with the unshakable dedication of their massive and “loyal-to-the-hilt”, fan base – Mad Dog Mcrea are more than just a very popular, festival act – with five albums under their belts, they are serious and acclaimed recording artists too.
The famous purple happy bus is fired up and ready for action, and there’s room for you – jump aboard!
Saturday 28 October & Sunday 29 October 2023
Children’s Theatre: There’s a Monster in your Show
The Quarry Theatre @ 1pm & 3pm on Saturday and 1pm on Sunday
Tickets: from £13.50
Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage, as the beloved ‘Who’s in Your Book?’ series makes its debut as a brand-new musical show.
A group of performers are preparing to start their show, but quickly discover they are not alone on stage. Little Monster wants to be part of the fun too! With an invitation to his friends, Dragon, Alien and Unicorn to join him, you can expect comedy and chaos as they help to create a magical show, learning about the joy of books and friendship along the way.
A high-energy 50-minute adventure featuring lively original music, this show is the perfect introduction to live theatre. Expect plenty of playful fun for your littlest ones as their favourite characters come to life in a show that is packed with interactive moments to enjoy together.
Age Guidance: from 2 years
Saturday 28 October 2023
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Sharnbrook Academy MK44 1JN @ 10am and 1.30pm
Both of this week’s walks are six miles but you can combine them both for a 12-miler.
The morning’s walk takes in the village of Odell, while the afternoon will take you through the Sharnbrook countryside.
Saturday 28 October 2023
Family fun: Spook-tacular Halloween Family Silent Disco
Bedford Esquires @ 3pm – 5pm
Tickets: £8/group saver £27 for four tickets
Esquires is pulling out all the stops this Halloween, and kicking off the freaky festivities is their SPOOK-TACULAR Halloween Family Silent Disco.
The venue is being dressed as a haunted mansion for the day, so revellers are encouraged to dress accordingly – DRESS TO DISTRESS!
There will be prizes for the best-dressed family and kids, so parents, please make an effort and don’t show your kids up…
Three channels of music will be transmitted to your LED headphones, so choose from Adult Party Anthems Channel (kid friendly), Kids Pop Channel (adult friendly) or Disney & Halloween Hits Channel.
Recommended for kids 12 years and below. On the day, all children must be accompanied by a participating adult. Likewise, Adults are not permitted unless accompanied by a child. Babies in arms are admitted for free but will not receive headphones.
*Children must be supervised at all times*
Saturday 28 October 2023
Theatre: The Signalman and Doctor Marigold
The Sharnbrook Mill Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £18
Sharnbrook Mill Theatre is delighted to welcome back Gerald Dickens, great, great-grandson of Charles Dickens following his previous triumphant performances of A Christmas Carol and Great Expectations.
The first part of the evening will tell the chilling story of a lonely Signalman set in a dismal railway. The signal box, the tunnel, and even the telegraph wires seem to haunt him at every turn and Gerald’s performance reflects the brooding, Gothic nature of the tale.
The second part is a depiction of one of Charles Dickens’ most popular readings: Doctor Marigold. A market ‘cheap jack’, this trader, with his rapid sales patter, tells a story both moving and heartbreaking. We follow the relationship of Marigold and his beloved adopted orphan Sophy as he attempts to amend his past paternal hardships.
A professional actor, director and producer, Gerald has always been fascinated by the life and works of his literary ancestor and this has led him to write and direct many one-man shows including A Christmas Carol and Nicholas Nickleby.
Saturday 28 October 2023
Live Music: Double Header – Frenzy & Blame Caesar
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm/bar opens at 6pm
Free entry
It’s all change at the Cellar Bar this Saturday as the incredible Frenzy kick off the night with some new wave punk – the band describe themselves as a cross between Jilted John, the B52’s and Bob Dylan.
Then, Blame Caesar, with their debut performance at The Cellar Bar. They are a brand new original five-piece indie rock band from Bedfordshire.
Since being founded by singer-songwriter Joe Cullen in April 2023, the band have been rehearsing and working on original material behind the scenes.
Their sound is described as having songwriting elements at its core with Indie / Rock and Roll influences including Arctic Monkeys, Foo Fighters, The 1975, Biffy Clyro, Guns n Roses, Oasis and more.
Open til 3am.
Saturday 28 October 2023
Comedy: Jokes and Laffs – October Comedy Night
The Place Theatre @ 7pm
Tickets: £14.99
An evening filled with laughter and more. Showcasing the very best of established and new comedy talents – both homegrown and international, while also making sure to cater for all comedy lovers of all ages and backgrounds.
Featuring Dana Alexander, Quincy, Junior Booker and the uber-confident, self-appointed, side-splitting dictator of ‘Lafta Republic’, President Obonjo.
Saturday 28 October 2023
Live music: Henry & The Bleeders + Skimmington Ride + Graveyard Rats
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £10
Henry and the Bleeders scream into Halloween with all your favourite Bedford hits along with new material from their forthcoming new album.
Support from two of Bedford’s best bands right now: Graveyard Rats and Skimmington Ride. A night of thrills, chills and Snakebite spills.
It’s fancy dress, so wear your creepiest costume, you scary Marys…
Saturday 28 October 2023
Choral music: Lay a Garland – a choral miscellany for the season sung by Cantamus Chamber Choir
All Saints Church, Milton Ernest @ 7.00 pm
Free entry/Retiring donations
Cantamus Chamber Choir will delight you with a varied programme of exquisite and often moving choral gems by composers including Purcell, Mendelssohn (For He Shall Give His Angels), Rheinberger (Morganleid and Abendleid), Duruflé (Notre Père), Pearsall (Lay a Garland), Ireland (The Hills) and their very own local resident composer Paul Edwards (Surely the Lord, Hold thou my Hand, Eriskay Love Lilt and others).
Saturday 28 October 2023
Live music: The Magic of Motown
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £27
Music fans are invited to the biggest party of the year as the unstoppable Magic of Motown show steams into town! Seen by over a million people, it’s no surprise that the show is one of the biggest success stories in British theatre history, even performing for Her Majesty the Queen, as special guests at the Royal Variety Performance.
Prepare yourself for 40 back-to-back classic Motown hits, glittering costume changes, dazzling dance moves and outstanding musicianship in this explosive concert experience.
The timeless songs of Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson and more, are sensationally recreated for you by an exceptionally talented cast and band.
Saturday 28 October 2023
Spooky: Halloween Party
Herd, St Cuthbert’s Street @ 8pm – late
Free entry
Herd’s annual Halloween party kicks of this Saturday with three rooms of music and a new cocktail menuu available in the front bar.
Expect soul and disco in the front bar, house in the back and darker underground beats in the basement till late. There’s a prize for the best fancy dress and as always the restaurant is open till 10 if you want to grab something to eat first.
The event is free entry but there is only limited space so arrive early.
Saturday 28 October 2023
Spooky: Halloween Silent Disco
Bedford Esquires @ 9.30pm – 2am
Tickets: £8
The spooky season just wouldn’t be complete without one of Esquires’ legendary Halloween Silent Discos.
Entire Esquires’ gothic mansion for the night and DRESS DEAD to match it.
Three DJs will be battling it out, so just flick the switch on the new, bass-heavy headphones to choose which one you want to listen to!
DJ 1: 80’s, 90s & 00s pop hits / DJ 2: Hip Hop & RnB Classics / DJ 3: Indie & Rock
Prizes on offer for the best and worst dress – advance tickets are highly advised as these events are always ram jam.
Sunday 29 October 2023
Walking: “The Jewel in Bedford’s Crown” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the gold postbox in St Paul’s Square
Tickets: £3/£1.50
Join the Association of Bedford Tour Guides for one of their fascinating weekly walks. Each walk is of 90 minutes to two hours duration and covers a distance of one or two miles. Most walks are suitable for people who are less mobile.
Children of all ages are most welcome on all of our walks but those aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Each walk costs £3.00 per adult or £1.50 for children over 8. All walks must be pre-booked.
Sunday 29 October 2023
Family fun: Jurassic Earth
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 1pm and 3pm
Tickets: £20/VIP £30
Prepare to go on a Jurassic adventure, meet intrepid explorers, fascinating professors and the bravest of rangers as they take you on a journey through Jurassic Earth, introducing their herd of the most incredible Dinosaur species to have ever lived.
Bring your biggest ROOAR and your fastest feet as you take Rangers Danger’s masterclass to become an Official Dinosaur Ranger – gaining the skills you need to come face-to-face with the world’s largest walking T Rex, a big-hearted Brontosaurus, tricky Triceratops, uncontrollable Carnotaurus, vicious Velociraptors and sneaky Spinosaurus.
Feel the EXCITEMENT of watching a dinosaur egg hatch in front of your eyes and the thrill of meeting the cutest Ankylosaurus, Pterodactyl and baby hatchling.
This fun-filled 75-minute show is suitable for all ages, featuring astounding animatronics and excitingly realistic performances.
General admission tickets include photo opportunities in the foyer and access to the merchandise stand. VIP tickets inlcude priority seating, guaranteed meet and greet the show’s baby dinosaurs and chat to the rangers, plus a free programme and activity book with crayons.
Doors open 30 minutes prior to show and you may be lucky enough to see a Baby Dinosaur wandering around, but we can’t guarantee it due to their feeding schedules!
Sunday 29 October 2023
Live music: Soul on Sunday
The Cellar Bar @ 3pm
Free entry
Head to the Cellar Bar for an afternoon of Soul and Motown classics with DJ Shazza at the helm.
Playing only vinyl records this is as authentic as it gets. What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon? The wheels of steel will be spinning from 3pm until 7pm, free entry.
Sunday 29 October 2023
Live music: The Flamin’ Wet Gurus play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
Flamin’ Wet Gurus will be playing reggae, drum n bass, folk n funk, brass, percussion n harmonies. What more could you want on an autumnal Sunday afternoon?
Sunday 29 October 2023
Music: Pramod Rudrapatna – Stringfest
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £15
R P Pramod is a member of an esteemed family of musicians from Rudrapatna, India. He was trained by his father the distinguished vocalist Vidwan Sri R.K.Prasanna Kumar. His grandfather was a renowned Veena maestro in the Mysore Palace, Sri. R.S. Keshava Murthy.
He comes from a lineage of musicians who have been practising Carnatic music for seven generations. Pramod started playing the Veena at the tender age of three. His musical journey began at home with his first gurus, his parents Smt. Poornima and Sri. R K Prasanna Kumar which continues to the present day. He made his Veena debut in 2003.
R P Pramod has performed many prestigious festivals around the world and has acquired a very good appreciation for his unique style of performance.
Monday 30 October 2023
Film: Bedford Film Society presents – Are you there God, it’s me, Margaret?
The University of Bedford, Polhill Avenue @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £69/annual membership, £5/day guest
For women of a certain age [me – Ed], Judy Blume was the YA writer of a generation.
Censored when published in 1970 for its open-hearted discussion on menstruation and atheism of the titular sixth-grader, this adaptation of Judy Blume’s magnum opus remains timelessly relevant.
Visit the Bedford Film Society website to sign up to become an annual member (£69/year). Alternatively, anyone can turn up before showtime (7.30pm).
Tuesday 31 October 2023
Lecture: North Beds Art Society presents Resurgam – the music of St Paul’s Cathedral
The Addison Centre, Kempston @ 10.45am
Guests welcome (£10/non-members)
Connect with like-minded people and make new friends through a shared curiosity for the arts.
This week’s lecture is by Patrick Craig with an account of music at St Paul’s Cathedral before and after the devastating Fire of London in 1666.
In 1697 Christopher Wren was able to triumphantly declare RESURGAM as the phoenix rose from the ashes. Patrick will look at music from either side of this momentous event enhancing his lecture with images and music. Patrick is a vicar choral at the cathedral as well as a renowned countertenor and conductor who sang internationally with the Tallis Singers for over 20 years.
Tuesday 31 October 2023
Live music: Tuesday lunchtime concert
St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Square @ 1pm
Free entry with retiring collection (suggested donation £5)
A piano recital from Simon Watterton. Free with a retiring collection.
Tuesday 31 October 2023
Art: The Circus of Illustration’s Drink and Draw – Peculiar Potions!
The Park pub, Kimbolton Road @ 7.30pm
Free (£2 donation appreciated)
Eye of newt, and toe of frog, Wool of bat, and tongue of dog….
Get your cauldron bubbling for the Circus of Illustration’s next Drink and Draw on Halloween. Meet at The Park pub on Kimbolton Road for a chilled evening doodling your own fantastical potion recipes. They’ll be providing recipe cards and potion bottle tags for that authentic touch.
Any skill level, free to attend, no need to book, just turn up. Equipment and resources are provided in a no-pressure, relaxed atmosphere to chat, drink and doodle.
Drink and Draw is for all grown-ups!
– Chat with new people who like creative stuff
– Do some no-pressure doodling and get inspiration from others.
– Equipment provided
– All abilities welcome
– No membership, no signing up, it’s free to just turn up and join in.
Tuesday 31 October 2023
Variety: Green Earth Cafe Halloween Variety Show
Green Earth Cafe, St Paul’s Square @ 7pm
Pay what you can
A night full of entertainment from Comedy to Poetry to Music to Drag!! You’re not going to want to miss out on this. We have everything for everyone and MORE! The entertainment. CHECK! The Food? You’re gonna want to come back, trust us! Wear your best Halloween Costume and prepare for the night of your life!
A night full of entertainment from Comedy to Poetry to Music to Drag!! You’re not going to want to miss out on this. We have everything for everyone and MORE! The entertainment. CHECK! The Food? You’re gonna want to come back, trust us!
Wednesday 1 November 2023
Film: Cinema @ 3 St Peter’s presents – Terminator
3 St Peter’s Street @ 7pm
Tickets: £12/£10.50/£9/£6
Disguised as a human, a cyborg assassin known as a Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) travels from 2029 to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton).
Sent to protect Sarah is Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), who divulges the coming of Skynet, an artificial intelligence system that will spark a nuclear holocaust. Sarah is targeted because Skynet knows that her unborn son will lead the fight against them. With the virtually unstoppable Terminator in hot pursuit, she and Kyle attempt to escape.
Wednesday 1 November 2023
Theatre: Haunted
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £10
Two classic ghost stories to chill the blood, adapted and performed by Adam Z. Robinson.
In The Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs, the White family are visited by an old friend who brings with him a strange object, said to be able to grant wishes to anyone who possesses it. As the old saying goes: be careful what you wish for!
In The Upper Berth by F. Marion Crawford, Cabin 105 of an ill-fated ocean liner has many strange tales attached to it about the thing that dwells in the upper berth. But none of the stories can be true… can they?
Dare you join The Storyteller as he brings to life two classic ghost stories for a unique and thrilling solo show.
Wednesday 1 November 2023
Comedy: Simon Says Comedy Night
The Cellar Bar @ 8pm/doors open at 7pm
Tickets: £10 for four fabulous acts
After the incredible success of the Cellar Bar’s comedy night, it returns with another four outstanding comics: Nicole Harris, Rabiah Coon, Callum MacKenzie and headliner Aaron Symmonds.
All hosted by Mr Sparkly Boots himself Simon Hall.
Tickets are non-refundable and you will be asked to show your ticket with QR code on the door. Only people with a valid ticket will be allowed entry to the venue.
Thursday 2 November 2023
Dancing: Planet Swing featuring Kit Packhams Swing Pact
The Dance Hall, Wixams Retirement Village, Bedford Road, Bedford, MK42 6EA @ 8pm
Tickets: £12
Weekly Swing event suitable for dancers and music enthusiasts alike.
Come along at 7.15pm for a 45-minute dance class in Balboa (additional payment) – one of the original swing dances. Book in advance for the dance class. To take part in the main event, just turn up and have fun – no booking is required. Cash on entry but bar is card-only.
Thursday 2 November 2023
Theatre: Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: from £13.50
Mark Farrelly (Howerd’s End) brings his hugely-acclaimed solo play to the Quarry Theatre.
From a conventional upbringing to global notoriety via The Naked Civil Servant, Quentin Crisp was one of the most memorable figures of the twentieth century.
Openly gay as early as the 1930s, Quentin spent decades being beaten up on London’s streets for refusing to be anything less than himself. His courage, and the philosophy that evolved from those experiences, inspire to the present day.
Naked Hope depicts Quentin at two phases of his extraordinary life: alone in his Chelsea flat in the 1960s, certain that life has passed him by, and thirty years later, performing An Evening with Quentin Crisp in New York. Packed with witty gems on everything from cleaning (“Don’t bother – after the first four years the dust won’t get any worse”) to marriage (“Is there life after marriage? The answer is no”), Naked Hope is a glorious, uplifting celebration of the urgent necessity to be your true self.
Thursday 2 November 2023
Live music: Millie Manders & The Shutup + guests
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12
Millie Manders & The Shutup head to Bedford Esquires this November as part of their UK tour.
With lyricism that pokes fun, draws you in or leaves you questioning social norms teamed with incredible vocal dexterity, grinding guitars, irresistible horn hooks and a pumping rhythm section, the Millie Manders Music Machine churns out more raw punk fusion than you can shake a stick at, with a huge amount of Pop appeal.
Friday 3 November 2023
Live Music: Rob Le Tash
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm/bar opens at 6pm
Free entry
Rob makes a welcome return to The Cellar Bar and will be playing an eclectic mix of songs from the past and present including Alanis Morissette, Fleetwood Mac, Ed Sheeran and many more. In the words of George Ezra ‘Let’s have a party!’.
Friday 3 November 2023
Live music: FEET + Better Joy + super secret special guest
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12
Previous Feet gigs at Esquires have seen outbreaks of furious dancing, ill advised facial hair and a sprained ankle or two.
With a sound influenced by The Strokes, Britpop and The Happy Mondays, we are contractually banned from describing the Coventry five piece as ‘wonky pop’, so we will have to make do with calling them one of the best new bands we’ve heard in absolutely ages.
Their trippy debut LP ‘What’s Inside Is More than Just Ham’ (terrible title, great record) was dubbed by the NME as ’one of the most intriguing British Indie albums of the year’ while their subsequent ‘Walking Machine’ EP showcased a grittier side to the band.
Energetic, psychedelic and above all fun, we are delighted that Feet are returning to Esquires for one of only two headline shows before the head off on tour with Willie J Healy…
Now joined by newcomers Better Joy and a super secret special guest. Check the poster for a clue…
Friday 3 November 2023
Comedy: Gary in Punderland
The Quarry Theatre @7.30pm
Tickets: £22
Get ready to dive into a rabbit hole of the best jokes in the world – star of Live at the Apollo and sell-out sensation Gary Delaney is back.
One of the most sought after joke writers in the country and longstanding Mock the Week special guest, Gary has been through the laughing glass and he’s ready to bring you a brand new show with hit after hit of the kind of one-liners only a master could craft.
If you’re hunting for snark, Gary’s got it covered!
Friday 3 & Saturday 4 November 2023
Cinema: Right in the Eye – George Méliès Live Movie Concert
The Place Theatre @ 1.30pm & 7.30pm on Friday and &.30pm on Saturday
Tickets: from £10
A live concert designed as a soundtrack to a montage of silent films by George Méliès (1861 – 1938) considered to be one of the inventors of cinematography.
The musical brainchild of Jean-François Alcoléa who has created a magical show where a multi-layered, evocative and intricate score complements and interprets the otherwise silent films.
A trio of virtuoso musicians are almost a show in themselves, as they conjure music from an extraordinary array of instruments: basics like piano, percussion and guitar; fantastic oddities like the aquaphone (ocean harp), theremin and melodica; and mundane objects like stemware, circular saws, and even plastic take-out lids.
The mesmerizing score and panoply of unexpected sound expertly evokes the technical wizardry, hilarity, and stream of invention bequeathed to cinema by Méliès.
Friday 3 November 2023
Workshop: Schools Creative Image Workshop
The Place Theatre @ 11am
Tickets: £2.50
Alongside the movie-concert Right in the Eye, these workshops offer an introduction to the movie- concert, the early days of cinema and the moving image until the advent of the cinematograph.
It also looks at the discovery of Georges Méliès’ works including viewing of short films by the Lumière brothers and by Georges Méliès and explanations of special effects and visual tricks. The creative workshop covers discovery of animated pictures and optical toys and object manipulation.
Friday 3 & Saturday 4 November 2023
Workshop: Focus on Sound: Recreational Practical Workshop
The Place Theatre @ 2.15pm on Friday and 10.30am on Saturday
Tickets: £2.50
Alongside the movie-concert Right in the Eye this practical workshop incorporates the use of original instruments, including a piano frame to discover wide palettes of sounds, tones and modes of playing. This fun workshop explores the use of everyday objects in search of sound.
Suitable for ages 8-11 and 11-14.
Friday 3 November 2023
Halloween: Dia de los Muertos featuring Miguel Muziq
Herd, St Cuthbert’s Street @ 7pm
Tickets: £20 (including tacos)
More details coming soon…
Saturday 4 November 2023
Festivals: Festival of Lights organised by Bedford Indian Community
Bunyan Centre, Mile Road @ 4pm onwards
Free entry / everyone welcome
This year sees the 13th annucal celebratinon of the Festival of Light by the Bedford Indian Community.
This has become a landmark date in the Bedford calendar, attracting audiences in the region of 2,500 from all walks of life and backgrounds. The festival features performance and acts from other local communities joining the celebrations including a Chinese Fusion dance group, local Irish choir, Polish dance group and contributions from faiths and communities who have come over from across India, bringing their own culture, exciting acts and performances.
Saturday 4 November 2023
Walking: North Bedfordshire Ramblers’ weekly walk
Keysoe Village Hall MK44 2JE @ 1.30pm
This week it’s an afternoon 4.5 mile walk in the Wolds followed by the North Beds Ramblers’ AGM.
Please bring a drink, snack or lunch as there’s always a break during the walk. For more information contact Margaret Sawyer 07780 933729 or check out North Beds Ramblers on social media or on their excellent website.
Saturday 4th November 2023
Live Music: Triple Header – Stalkers, Samantha Hughes & Five Five Six
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm/bar opens at 6pm/Happy Hour until 9pm
Free Entry. Bar opens at 6.00pm, Happy Hour until 9.00pm. 3.00am close.
Five Five Six are heading back to the Cellar Bar, getting ready for a rocking night of legendary tunes.
Also on the Saturday night bill is Samantha Hughes who has become a regular having previously performed at Twinwood Festival and the Festival of Vintage. Samantha’s set will be part acoustic so you are in for a treat as she plays a selection of Rock n Roll, Country, 50s/60s and Blues, spreading some good old-fashioned music from years gone by.
Last on the line-up are Stalkers, a five-piece rock band bringing youth energy and new rock to the scene since July 2023. Head down and watch them for a set full of classics, attitude and good times.
Saturday 4 November 2023
Music: The Rolling Stones Now
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £16
The band, in their 24th year, return to the Quarry Theatre, for a night of strutting, pouting & romping rock’n’roll!
The Rolling Stones Now is a celebration of all that has made the The Rolling Stones legendary. In full costumes, recreating the Stones live shows of the late 60’s – 90’s,
Mick’s pout, Keith’s riffs and Bill’s stony face are all on show as the band play some of the greatest songs ever written including ‘It’s only Rock ‘n’ Roll’, ‘Jumpin Jack Flash’, ‘Paint it Black’ and ‘Sympathy for the Devil’. Don’t miss a night of struts, riffs and downright dirty Rock n’ Roll where Satisfaction is guaranteed!
Sunday 5 November 2023
Live music: The King Bees play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry
A warm welcome back to The King Bees to Bedford Esquires Sunday Afternoon Session, mixing their own material with some Blues and Soul covers.
Sunday 5 November 2023
Poetry: Read Poets Society – Autumn Season
The Eagle Bookshop @ 7pm
Tickets: Free but please book via The Place Theatre website
Join the Read Poets Society for their monthly poetry reading of poems reflecting the season. This monthly event takes place at The Eagle Bookshop in St Peter’s Street.
Every Thursday
Cocktails, Quiz Night & Karaoke
The Cellar Bar from 5.00pm
Pit your wits against The Cellar Bar’s resident quizmaster to see if you can win the jackpot every Thursday from 8pm. £2 per person entry and a maximum of six per team. The winning team will win the jackpot PLUS a round of shots. Followed by Karaoke til close
Every Saturday
Food & drink: Cocktail mixology masterclass
The Cellar Bar @ 3pm / doors open at 12 noon
£30 per person
The Cellar Bar’s resident mixologist, Marley, will explain how to create some outstanding cocktails for your tasting enjoyment. Then, it’s your turn to put what you’ve learned into practice by making (and drinking) three cocktails!
Every Sunday
Live Music: Open Mic Night
The Cellar Bar @ 7.30pm
Free Entry
Every Sunday, join Mat Roberts for the Cellar Bar’s weekly Open Mic night. An opportunity for new and experienced performers to get up on stage and perform.
So whether you think you are the next Tom Grennan or just want a good night of entertainment, head the to Cellar Bar from 7.30pm.
Until 2024
Exhibition: We Are Ten
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane
Free entry
The Higgins begins its 10th birthday celebrations with an exhibition featuring old favourites and rarely seen works from the collection, all chosen by organisations, groups and individuals who have worked with the museum and gallery over the last decade.
The exhibition runs for the next year, with special events planned next month to mark the exact date the museum reopened in 2013. Watch this space for more information.
Until 7 January 2024
Exhibition: Quilla Constance – Teasing Out Contingencies
The Higgins Bedford until January 2024
Free entry
Don’t miss your chance to see eight new large-scale paintings and a costume installation by Bedford artist Quilla Constance (also known as QC) at The Higgins Bedford until 7 January 2024.
As British society becomes increasingly polarised, this exhibition seeks to cross social borders, confront stereotyping, and challenge gender, racial and class inequalities.
QC states “Teasing Out Contingencies seeks to create exciting new narratives to explore: what is British society now and where are we going?” – These are timely questions as we emerge from the Covid 19 pandemic, and as we re-examine our relationship with the British monarchy in the wake of the Queen’s passing and the Coronation of King Charles III.
Read more here: Don’t miss the Teasing Out Contingencies exhibition at The Higgins Bedford
Until 2024
Exhibition: Edward Bawden – Planes, Trains and Automobiles
The Higgins Bedford @ Tues – Sat: 11am – 5pm/Sun: 2pm – 5pm/Closed Mondays
Free entry
Let Edward Bawden transport you in this exhibition celebrating all things travel.
Drawn exclusively from the Higgins Bedford’s Edward Bawden archive, see large linocuts of London’s iconic stations and an array of wonderful vehicles from hot air balloons to jumbo jets and tall ships to cruise liners.
Read: New Edward Bawden ‘trains, planes and automobiles’ exhibition to open this weekend
Theatre highlights by Paula Walker
