What's On at Square Chapel Arts, Halifax

 All the details in the new newsletter:

You deserve to have Some Fun!     Whatever your vibe is, gigs, poetry, discussions of a regal nature, theatre, comedy or just straight up GROOVES, we have the remedy to cure your need for some day-out inspo with a packed out programme of events!   Did you know there’s a new event in town? We’re going to have you in stitches this summer as Comedy is BACK, with ‘Jubbs Comedy Club’, the story behind the name, perhaps noot so funny… keep scrolling to find out more!   There’s also an opportunity for you to perform at one of Calderdale’s BIG events this Summer… you’ll have to get through a certain Dame first though!   Check out our April/May What’s on Guide!   Fancy some lunch? Our kitchen is open for lunch and brunch in the Atrium 10:00 am  - 4:00 pm, Wednesday to Sunday   John Hegley: Biscuit of Destiny Thursday 27th April   Renowned for deadpan delivery and witty wordplay, we’re excited to welcome back John Hegley!   John Hegley, the star of radio, T.V and school assemblies, is ready once more to take to road and rail with a clutch of new verses, a few older favourites, and a cardboard camel with a moving jaw.   The biscuits in the show derive from a phrase used by Romantic Poet, John Keats: ‘a scarcity of biscuit’ – not the sort of phrase nor spelling you expect from a romantic poet. The show delves into the more eccentric side of Keats, alongside everyday goings-on in the Hegley homes of now and yesteryear. It includes 7 drawings of elephants, myths, discos, daleks, optional community singing and the search for a sense of self-worth. Designed more for adults, but suitable for the odd nine-year-old. TICKETS This Week Coronations II (1761-1937): Splendour, Pageantry and Minor Disasters Presented by David Glover Wednesday 19th April     The third discussion in this Royal Series includes fascinating anecdotes and asks,  which Queen consort was forbidden entry to her husband’s crowning?   Who tumbled down the steps of Queen Victoria’s throne in 1838? Whose crowning was delayed due to appendicitis? Which guest required a white cow in his household at the time of the 1902 celebrations?   And learn how Lionel Logue – who figured in the film “The King’s Speech” – helped King George VI in 1937. TICKETS Daoirí Farrell Thursday 20th April   Daoirí Farrell is singlehandedly spearheading a resurgence of the authentic in Irish folk music…he is rightly in demand all over the world.   It’s commonly accepted that Dublin born singer and bouzouki player Daoirí Farrell is one of most important singers to come out of Ireland in recent years.   A product of Dublin’s famous club An Góilin Traditional Singers, since launching his own solo live career at the 2016 Celtic Connections, Daoirí Farrell has gone from strength to strength. On the verge of releasing his fourth solo album in early 2023, he can boast numerous honours from BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards to ALSR Celtic Music accolades.   On record, The debut album, ‘The First Turn’, surfaced back in 2009, with his breakthrough album appearing in 2016 with the powerful ‘True Born Irishman’, a set that Songlines called ‘an album that could yet prove to be one of the most significant Irish releases of recent years.’ It went on to win him two prestigious BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.   On stage Daoirí’s live work sees the 2013 All Ireland Champion Singer touring far and wide, performing regularly at festivals around the globe including in Canada, Australia and Europe.   As well as touring internationally, Daoirí still hones his art with regular unannounced visits to the many sessions across the city of Dublin.   Doors 19:30 Performance Start 20:00 Performance End 22:00 TICKETS Snake Davis Band Friday 21st April   “SO very excited to be back playing to folks in the real world in a favourite space!”     Snake Davis brings his 4 piece band, with guitar, bass guitar and drums. Something for everybody, from floaty to dance-able, from soul through pop to jazz and world, original material and classic sax pieces such as ‘Baker Street’ and ‘Night Train’.   He is one of the most in-demand rock soul and jazz sax players in the world, widely known for his solos on tracks such as Lisa Stansfields “Change”, M-Peoples “Search For A Hero” and “Moving On Up” and Take Thats “A Million Love Songs”. He has played and recorded with artists ranging from James Brown to Tina Turner to Paul McCartney, The Eurythmics to Amy Winehouse. As a session player to the stars he plays arenas and stadiums, but his greatest to play intimate venues as himself, his own music choice with his favorite musicians. Playing the saxophone family as well as flutes, whistles and the ancient Japanese wind instrument, the Shakuhachi, and singing, it is his total passion and commitment to every note that draws people in. TICKETS Victor, Vi and the Volvo Saturday 22nd April   When Victor drives into Vi’s life in his dodgy Volvo, things change forever. With the arrival of son Callum, there’s never a dull moment!   However things start to take a dark turn as teenager Sid’s looming influence on Callum grows stronger. When things get tough, will Vic be there for his family? Northern Edge Theatre returns with their hit one-act comedy drama.‘Victor, Vi and the Volvo’ explores the themes of family, growing up and peer pressure.   After the performance there will be a Q&A with Writer/Director Sam Milnes and the cast. TICKETS Just Added Cerys Bradley and Eric Rushton: Edinburgh Previews   Saturday 6th May   A chance to catch two back to back, work in progress comedy shows before they hit the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August!     Cerys Bradley: Not Over Thinking Things 2019   Did Cerys cause their parents’ divorce? Are they too mean to their work colleagues? Did they just make that interaction really awkward? Is a new year’s resolution ever going to be enough to fix their personality? In this surreal and silly interactive stand-up show/birthday party, you get to decide. Cerys Bradley is a non-binary comedian who won the Autistic Excellence Award at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2022 for their debut show Sportsperson.     Eric Rushton: Not That Deep   Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Eric Rushton’s brand-spanking new hour. As well as spanking brands, he’ll be telling loads of jokes that range from good in quality to excellent in quality. He might also chuck in some poor ones for a laugh   “Manages to keep a stag party almost rapt even while talking about the toxic pressures of masculinity.” – Chortle.   “Reminiscent of Sean Lock” – The Scotsman   TICKETS Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote   Thursday 8th June Jessica Fletcher heads to London but soon gets caught up in a murder mystery only she (or you!) can solve!   Cult hit event Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote comes to town, with an interactive screening of the classic Murder, She Wrote episode “Sing a Song of Murder”.   Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote is a unique and hilarious night featuring games, prizes and audience participation, with special permission from NBC Universal Television. See the show Time Out rated one of 2021 and 2019’s 50 Great Nights Out in London that has played to sell-out audiences across the UK and Australia. Hosted by super-fan Tim Benzie, Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote features: * A race to solve to the crime, via the Fameometer and the Suspiciometer!   A Cabot Cove quiz!   A singalong to the theme tune with new lyrics! * Clips and biogs of the campy guest stars! TICKETS Calderdale Pride’s Got Talent 2023  Sunday 11th June A fun and FAB opportunity for some fantastic local talent to win a chance to perform on the main stage at Calderdale Pride 2023! Could it be you?   Hosted by the one and only Dame Shirley Bazzy the contest will be taking place in Square Chapel’s Atrium Bar where a selection of food and drink will be available. This event is FREE to attend but please book your free tickets so we have an idea of attendance.   Come along for a great afternoon from 2PM showcasing some amazing local talent. If you have a talent and wish to enter there is still chance to apply! Email calderdalepridetalent@outlook.com TICKETS Jubb’s Comedy Club: Mc Aaron Twitchen, Ben Silver, Silky  Saturday 5th August Comedy is BACK and sure to have you stitches this summer.     Jubb’s comedy club was created in loving memory of our bar manager’s cat who sadly passed away recently. To cheer her up, we decided to bring the hottest comedy talent on the scene today to Square Chapel, including some well-known faces as well as stars of the future!   Each show will host a range of comedy styles from professional comics regularly playing clubs across the UK, some of whom are familiar faces on TV.   MC | Aaron Twitchen A highly energetic MC a crowd favourite on the circuit. Twitchen has been featured on Darren Harriot’s Red Label on BBC Radio 4 and is also a trained circus performer.   Opener | Ben Silver A ‘Masterful joke-writer’ who crafts ‘Hilariously abstract comedy vignettes’ with his absurdist style and linguistic sleight-of-hand. ‘He’s dead good. Highly Recommend’ Danny Mcloughlin ‘Natural talent’ -Colin Manford   Closer | Silky Despite possessing one of the silliest names in comedy – and there’s been a few – Liverpudlian in exile Silky has managed to emerge as one of the very best comics in the business. Rated by fellow comics, critics and audiences alike, he has completed two consecutive sell-out tours of the UK with his mix of classic one-liners and off-the-cuff banter without parallel. TICKETS London Afrobeat Collective   Saturday 30th September 8 musicians. One goal. To increase the positive energy in the world by making people dance!     After 2 years in the wilderness crafting a huge new set drawing on their favourite influences from around the world, London Afrobeat Collective are thrilled to be hitting the festival circuit again this summer.   Having cut their teeth on the London scene, and a regular hit on the UK & Europe touring circuit since 2017, their high-energy live set is not to be missed! Virgin Music said of one festival performance “London Afrobeat Collective, … a multi-instrument band providing infectious, vibrant grooves to a crowd that literally wouldn’t let them leave the stage.” The band themselves rarely want to leave the stage, so getting back to a full summer of touring has them all chomping at the bit.   With a 4th studio album in the works this year, crowds can expect more heavy funk and afrobeat grooves, conscious lyrics, and a dedication to making everybody shake it!   Personnel: Vocals – Juanita Euka Rhythm Guitar – Alex Farrell Lead Guitar – Alex Szyjanowicz Bass – Luigi Casanova/John Mathews Drums – Giuliano Osella Percussion – Richie Sweet Baritone Saxophone – Klibens Michelet Trumpet – Andy Watts   Lineup: 19:45-20:15 – Special Guest TBA 20:30-22:00 – London Afrobeat Collective TICKETS Mark Watson: Search   Thursday 16th November   ‘This is a stand-up operating at the very top of his game, ★★★★’ – Independent     Mark Watson’s 12-year-old son has just got a phone. His 70-year-old dad has been through the most frightening experience of his life. Both a dad and a kid himself, around the midpoint of his life, the Taskmaster star and multiple award-winner – now also famous as one-third of YouTube cult sensation No More Jockeys – returns. He’ll consider the search for meaning that we’re all on, with or without Google. There’ll be a lot of jokes, and a show that’s different every night.   ‘Quite unlike anything else I’ve seen in almost 20 years of covering the Fringe…witty, warm, perfectly judged’ ★★★★★ - Telegraph   TICKETS Copyright (C) 2023 Square Chapel Arts Centre. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: SQUARE CHAPEL ARTS CENTRE, 10 SQUARE ROAD, HALIFAX, WEST YORKSHIRE, HX1 1QG