What’s On

The thrilling conclusion to the “Mission: Impossible” saga, packed with breathtaking practical stunts and high stakes. Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt, leading his trusted team—including Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Angela Bassett and Hayley Atwell—in a race against time to stop a rogue AI called “The Entity” from triggering global nuclear catastrophe. Cruise once again pushes the limits—diving deep into a sunken Russian submarine, racing across an aircraft carrier, and executing a gravity defying biplane showdown. An emotional and adrenaline-fuelled finale to one of Hollywood’s most enduring franchises.

‘Pure, heart racing entertainment from start to finish.’ –The Australian

An emotionally nuanced debut drama from director India Donaldson. Set during a three-day camping trip in the Catskill Mountains, the film follows 17-year-old Sam (Lily Collias) navigating the uneasy dynamic between her divorced father and his friend. Quiet, beautifully shot, and gently tensioned, the film is anchored by a perceptive performance from Collias and Donaldson’s delicate direction. Critics at Sundance and Cannes hailed this indie gem as one of the best films of 2024.

‘Lily Collias is a revelation in India Donaldson’s impressive first feature.’ –Film Review

MUSIC – Soul/Funk 24 January – 7.30pm

Croft hall – Tickets £27.50 incl all fees

Grammy-nominated soul artist Acantha Lang brings her signature New Orleans soul and funk to this special quartet performance. Expect a warm, soulful evening featuring a blend of Acantha’s original songs alongside some of her favorite classic soul gems.

Her acclaimed debut album Beautiful Dreams reached #3 on the UK Official Jazz & Blues Albums Chart. Listen here: https://acanthalang.com/beautifuldreams-album-stream

Intimate. Soulful. Funk-kissed. A rare chance to experience Acantha in a more stripped back setting.

Find out more about Acantha here: https://acanthalang.com

Press Quotes

“I love your voice!” (Jools Holland)

“She’s brilliant…destined for world domination.” (Craig Charles, BBC 6Music)

“One of the most exciting soul singers in the world” (Soul Tracks)

“If there is any justice, she is destined to be big, very big – 10/10” (Blues & Rhythm Magazine)

Doors and Bar Open 7.00pm

Band on Stage: 7.30 pm

Show Close (Approx) 10.00 pm

A warm-hearted British folk-music comedy drama starring Tim Key, Tom Basden and Carey Mulligan. Based on an award nominated 2007 short, eccentric fan and lottery-winner Charles hires an estranged folk duo to reunite on a remote Welsh island for a one-man gig (he’s their only audience). Original songs—written and performed by Basden—provide the emotional heart of the story. Gentle humour and folk music melodies unwind amid bittersweet reflections on loss, nostalgia and human connection. Critically acclaimed, the film charms with a quiet intelligence.

‘a sublime, adorable comedy…’ –Roger Ebert

MUSIC – Pop 7 February – 7.30pm

Croft hall – Tickets £25 incl all fees

Experience the music and story of the Carpenters like never before. Rainy Days, Mondays & Good Old Dreams explores the rise, influences, and challenges of the iconic sibling duo, celebrating their timeless songs while telling their remarkable – and sometimes tragic – story.

Kerry Le Bern brings Karen Carpenter’s soulful contralto to life with sensitivity and nuance, offering her own heartfelt interpretation of these beloved classics. Joined by the talented Jambalaya Band, Kerry transports audiences back to the magic of the 1970s and early 1980s, with performances that will have you singing, tapping your toes, and moved to the very core.

This is not a tribute – it’s an immersive homage to the artistry of the Carpenters. A show full of discovery, emotion, and unforgettable music – definitely not to be missed.

Doors and Bar Open 7.00pm

Band on Stage: 7.30 pm

Show Close (Approx) 9.40 pm

MUSIC – Blues 20 February – 7.30pm

Croft hall – Tickets £22.50 incl all fees

Alice Armstrong, renowned vocalist, songwriter and visual artist, fuses modern Blues, Funk, Soul and Rock ’n’ Roll in electrifying, sold-out shows across the UK, Europe and the USA. Backed by a world-class band, her performances are described as a ‘party’ by fans and press, leaving audiences laughing, crying and dancing all the way home.

Voted UK Contemporary Artist of the Year in both 2024 and 2025 at the UK Blues Awards, Armstrong also won the 2024 UK Blues Challenge, leading her band to Croatia, where they went on to win the 2025 European Blues Challenge, triumphing over 22 other countries to bring the trophy back to the UK. Her music now features regularly on BBC Radio 2, having performed live at BBC Maida Vale Studios and appeared twice on the fabulous Cerys Matthews’ show. Armstrong’s releases frequently appear in the IBBA’s Most Played list and on Joe Bonamassa’s Spotify playlists, following her performance aboard his iconic Mediterranean Blues Cruise III.

Doors and Bar Open 7.00pm

Band on Stage: 7.30 pm

Show Close (Approx) 10.00 pm

Emma Stone (La La Land, The Help) and Jesse Plemons (Friday Night Lights, Kinds of Kindness) star in this absurdist black comedy from director Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster, Poor Things). Two conspiracy obsessed young men kidnap a high-powered CEO, convinced she is an alien intent on destroying planet Earth. Featuring Lanthimos’ signature unsettling visuals and a powerful final act, Bugonia is generating a lot of Oscar buzz, with strong predictions for acting, Best Picture, and Director nominations following glowing reviews and festival attention.

MUSIC – Blues, Soul & Funk – 7.30pm

Croft hall – Tickets £23 incl all fees

Greg Coulson is a British musical powerhouse – an expressive singer-songwriter and dynamic performer who blends soul and classic rock with the groove of blues, funk and jazz. Known for his mesmerising stage presence and unique sound, Greg has quickly established himself as one of the UK’s most exciting and versatile musicians.

In 2018, Greg made waves with his debut album, What’s New?, which received widespread critical acclaim and sparked memorable performances at top UK festivals. His music captures both depth and energy, resonating with fans who crave authenticity and world-class musicianship. Audiences often remark Greg’s live performances are like watching musical magic happen in front of their very eyes!

Beyond his solo work, Greg has collaborated with some of the industry’s greatest legends such as the iconic Burt Bacharach. His impressive résumé also includes celebrated artists: Morcheeba, The Blockheads, The Selecter, Lilly Moore, Tom Grennan, and Sway. As a member of renowned rock band Spiritualized, he has graced stages across America, even opening for the legendary Queens of the Stone Age.

Currently pushing his original music to new limits, and crafting a brand new album due for release in 2025, Greg has performed at leading venues and events including Ronnie Scotts, Isle of Wight Festival, Coachella, Camp Bestival, PizzaExpress Live, Riot Fest, Upton Blues Festival and The Great British R&B Festival.

An experienced producer and noted talent on both keyboards and guitar, Greg’s artistry is inspired by the timeless work of Steely Dan, Randy Newman, Little Feat, Ray Charles, Booker T.

Doors and Bar Open 7.00pm

Band on Stage: 7.30 pm

Show Close (Approx) 10.00 pm

Following the success of his first top-ten single,  _Hungry Heart_, battling his new-found fame, Bruce Springsteen rebels against his record label’s demand for more surefire rock hits and records the quieter, deeply personal _Nebraska_.  With stellar performances from Jeremy Allen White (The Bear) and Jeremy Strong (Succession) _Deliver Me from Nowhere_ cuts deep as an intimate portrait of a key part of _Springsteen’s_ life, capturing the emotional struggle that shaped his legendary _Nebraska_ album.

Doors and Bar Open 7.00pm

Screening 7.30pm

An internationally recognised musician and multidisciplinary artist, Rachel Croft is known for her powerful vocals, cinematic songwriting, and electrifying stage presence. Her works have been featured on Netflix, BBC Two, and premiered on major global outlets including CMT (USA) and the BBC.

Described as “truly exceptional” by BBC Introducing, her distinctive sound has graced iconic venues such as The Bitter End (New York), The Bluebird Cafe (Nashville), Bush Hall and Camden Assembly in London, alongside special performances in renowned spaces like Abbey Road Studios and The Blue Room in London’s O2 Arena.

From her earliest recordings to her latest releases, Rachel’s work has been a compass for navigating the human condition.
Her songs explore life’s turning points, the choices that shape us, and the turbulent yet familiar experiences of our paths.
Though she has experimented with shades of folk, soul, blues and rock, the steady thread that links it all together is a deeper search for humanness and connection.

Recent festival appearances include Secret Garden Party (UK), Black Deer (UK), Toxoplasmose (Switzerland) and Festival a Toute Heure Paris (France) around packed shows around Europe on regular tours. 

Rachel’s music has been on rotation across leading UK and international chains such as Tesco and Waterstones, she works closely with Gibson Guitars, and was named Caffè Nero’s Artist of the Month.

Beyond music, Rachel is a multifaceted creative force. She brings her vision to life through original pen and ink illustrations, mixed media animation, lino cuts, and video editing, weaving her visual art into all of her projects. 

Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight

Actress Embeth Davidtz (Bridget Jones’ Diary, Matilda) makes her directorial debut with this stunning adaptation of Alexandra Fuller’s bestselling memoir. Newcomer Lexi Venter has wowed international audiences on the festival circuit as 8-year-old Bobo: we watch through her eyes as the War Of Independence ends white minority rule in Zimbabwe (previously known as Rhodesia), offering a child’s perspective on the violent tail-end of colonial occupation and her mother’s descent into alcoholism and mania.

‘utterly heartfelt, beautifully shot and meticulously realised’ The Guardiani

Doors and Bar 7.00pm

Film Start 7.30pm

A whimsical film based on the 2016 graphic novel, which is in turn nominally based on the tale of Scheherazade and her One Thousand and One Nights. Once upon a time in a fairytale kingdom, Cherry is married to Jerome, but the couple have yet to conceive an heir, displeasing the rulers of their patriarchal society. When Jerome absconds, leaving Cherry in the company of a handsome young friend who has vowed to seduce her, Cherry’s troubles look set to worsen. But Hero, Cherry’s cunning and loyal maid (The Crown’s Emma Corrin) concocts a plan, telling captivating stories night after night about rebellious women who refuse to follow the rules of their society. Gender, sexuality, status and power are all in flux amongst Julia Jackman’s dreamlike medieval visuals and sumptuous costumes, reminiscent of Peter Greenaway’s The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover.

Doors and Bar Open 7.00pm

Screening 7.30pm

RT 100/0 IMDB 6.6 1h 32m

Over their fifteen plus years on the international folk scene, UFQ have achieved something remarkable – garnering a reputation as a crowd-pulling, energising act, whilst also maintaining fierce commercial and musical independence. Their output is built on hearty fiddle-led music that draws heavily from celtic dance forms and traditional song – but from there on in it is unlike any folk band you’ve ever heard. UFQ’s approach to the folk ethos is to embrace any and every influence that genuinely makes sense of their time and place and makes sense in their music. From funk grooves to middle-eastern melodies, afrobeat to north Indian rhythms.

“UFQ are impossibly wonderful” – fRoots

“Seriously exceptional musicians” – R2 (Rock ‘n’ Reel)

“Up there with the best of them – amazing musicians.” – BBC Radio 2 Folk Show

Doors and Bar Open 7.00

Artist On -Stage 7.30

Finish approx 10.00

Annemarie Jacir’s gripping historical drama follows a year of violent conflict under British rule from a Palestinian perspective. Palestine 36 addresses the fraught issue of Britain’s own colonial history in Palestine in what The Guardian calls “a vehement reminder of what doesn’t get taught in British schools.” At the heart of the story is Yusuf (Karim Daoud Anaya), a village boy who gets a job in Jerusalem, which is undergoing an influx of Jewish immigrants escaping antisemitism in Europe. Not particularly political to begin with, he is inevitably radicalised by the brutal British. Impressive in scale and scope, with a score that makes sensitive use of traditional Arab musical instruments, the film received a twenty-minute standing ovation following its gala premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2025.

Doors and Bar Open 7.00pm

Screening 7.30pm

RT 100/98 IMDB 7.2 1h 58m

Pioneering Palaeontologist Mary Anning was born in Lyme Regis in 1799, discovered her first dinosaur fossil at the age of 12 and went on to become the world’s greatest fossil hunter. Her incredible discoveries changed the way people thought about the evolution of life on earth but she was not credited for her extraordinary achievements during her lifetime because she was a poor, working class woman. The men of science took credit for her discoveries and she struggled with poverty throughout her life, but in 2010 The Royal Society recognised her as one of the 10 most influential female scientists and her finds, now attributed to her, can be seen in museums around the world, including the Natural History Museum.

This new play, written and performed by Elizabeth Blake and directed by Brenda Longman celebrates Mary’s remarkable life and pays tribute to her remarkable achievements.

Doors and Bar Open 7.00

Artist On -Stage 7.30

Finish approx 9.00

Historical drama The Choral is written by national treasure Alan Bennett (Talking Heads) and directed by former National Theatre Artistic Director Nicholas Hytner (Miss Saigon), the powerhouse team behind The Madness Of King George, The History Boys, and The Lady In The Van. During World War I, when the choirmaster in the fictional Yorkshire town of Ramsden enlists, the choral society must find a new leader. They take a chance on an atheist homosexual (and – worse – Germanophile) who, faced with all the men being shipped off to the trenches in Europe, recruits teens and holds auditions at the local military hospital to boost the bass and tenor sections for a performance of Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius. Starring the wonderful Ralph Feinnes and making the case for the power of music to unite and heal in the worst of circumstances, The Choral looks set to be an instant British cinema classic.

Doors and Bar Open 7.00pm

Screening 7.30pm

RT 100/98 IMDB 7.2 1h 58m

Agnes, the wife of William Shakespeare, struggles to come to terms with the loss of their only son, Hamnet – the grief driving a wedge between the couple. Shakespeare channels the tragedy and his sorrow into his work, creating Hamlet. Zhao (Nomadland, The Rider) brings a rawness and honesty to this profound portrait of love, grief and the power of storytelling.

Isabel Moir

The Most Devastating Movie I’ve Seen in Years

RT 88/0 IMDB 8.2

Doors and Bar Open 7.00pm

Screening 7.30pm

Captivating audiences with his unique, husky voice and tasteful piano accompaniment, Eddy Smith has been making his mark on the UK’s growing Americana scene. Widely recognised as one of the major male vocalists on the Country Soul and Blues circuit, his infectious melodies and soulful song-writing has drawn comparisons to the likes of Joe Cocker, JJ Grey and Marcus King to name a few.

Backed by his long-time friends, they form the multinational five-piece, Eddy Smith & The 507. Their music, engulfed by rich vocal harmonies and gospel-like organ is reminiscent of a sound from way before their time. With an irresistible blend of various Americana styles, such as Blues, Soul, Country and Rock, the quintet take a leaf from the books of Nathaniel Rateliff, The Rolling Stones, The Eagles and countless other pioneers of their Genres. 
 
Deemed festival favourites since appearing on some of the UK’s most prestigious stages, including The Isle of Wight Festival, Black Deer, The Long Road, Americana UK Festival, Cambridge Folk, The British Country Music Festival and more, along with prestigious support slots such as opening for George Thorogood & The Destroyers at Birmingham Symphony Hall, the band have gained recognition as ‘ones to watch’ on the UK Roots scene_._ Having sold out their debut album launch, along with a packed-out headline show at London’s iconic The Jazz Cafe, international live performances including The USA and Europe, radio play and TV features, the band are well and truly on their way towards a bright future.

“Joe Cocker and Andrew Strong rolled into one” – FortyFive Vinyl Cafe

“They are a contender for find of the festival.” – Soul of a Clown (Black Deer Festival 2022 Review)

“A jewel in the whiskey-stained rough” – Holler (Artist of The Week, Dec 2020)

“A sure hand with southern-fried Soul” – Blues In Britain 
 
“The soul in Eddy’s voice is where I want music to be at” – Huey Morgan, BBC 6 Music
 
“They blew our socks off” – Hard Rock Café (The Isle of Wight Festival) 
 
“A heady blend of Soul, Blues and Rock and Eddy Smith has a voice that suits it perfectly.” – Blues Matters 
 
“Fun, soulful grooves that won’t fail to put a smile on your face” – GIGsoup 

Doors and Bar Open 7.00

Artist On -Stage 7.30

Finish approx 10.00

When Cambridge academic Helen’s father dies, the grief sends her spiralling into an abyss. In an effort to process her loss, she retreats from the human world to train a fearsome Northern goshawk. Foy gives an exceptional, career-best performance as Helen, while Charlotte Bruus Christensen’s cinematography and Sarah Finlay’s production design help Lowthorpe access the gravity and emotion of this story.

Kristy Matheson

RT 85/0 IMDB 7.1

Doors and Bar Open 7.00pm

Screening 7.30pm

Sisters Nora and Agnes reunite with their estranged father, the charismatic Gustav, a once-renowned director who offers stage actress Nora a role in what he hopes will be his comeback film. When Nora turns it down, she soon discovers he has given her part to an eager young Hollywood star. Suddenly, the two sisters must navigate their complicated relationship with their father — and deal with an American star dropped right into the middle of their complex family dynamics. RT

Doors and Bar Open 7.00pm

Screening 7.30pm