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18-21 MARCH 2026 Book Tickets

The 19th Annual WriteFest

WriteFest returns for its 19th year with a sparkling line-up of brand-new short plays from a range of talented writers. Expect sharp comedy, bold characters and plenty of surprises, from mythological mishaps and small-town secrets to medical mayhem, menopausal fury and even the quietly irritating presence of zombies. By turns witty, surreal and laugh-out-loud funny, this year’s selection showcases original voices and inventive storytelling – a fast-paced celebration of new writing that promises something for everyone.

This year's plays are:

Dead Annoying by Adam Wells
Curious Incident of the Man in the Bowler Hat by Liz Carroll
Indefinite Edibility by Dan Clark
Ye Gods by Liz Carroll
World of Pain by Peter Roan
Shambridge by Melanie Roan

Next Jazz

20 FEBRUARY 2026 Book Tickets

Ben Crosland’s All Star Band Play the Ray Davies Song Book

Theo Travis reeds
Ben Crosland bass
Steve Lodder keyboards
John Etheridge guitar
Buster Birch drums

"...a lot of affection, a lot of respect for those unforgettable melodies and a whole lotta damn fine playing…these well respected men have done Mr. Davies proud” Jazzwise

Those of us who were growing up at the time of the swinging 60s need no introduction to the music of The Kinks. However, for those not acquainted, the band’s website will tell you all you need to know. Not that the band and leader, composer Ray Davies, stopped developing and influencing rock and popular music in the 60s. Far from it.

Whether Ray ever thought that his tunes would one day be performed and rearranged as jazz band material is possibly unknown, but he has approved in writing Ben Crosland’s and his musician’s treatment of his compositions.

Ben was commissioned by Marsden jazz festival in 2014 to write arrangements of Ray Davies tunes, which duly done and performed, in 2015, resulted in an album “The Ray Davies Songbook” followed in 2018 by Volume 2.

Whilst the line up has changed from the albums, Ben, John Etheridge and Steve Lodder remain, and with the addition of Theo Travis form the since well-honed core of the band. They have performed many times over several years and never fail to hit the spot.

Next Art Exhibition

Available for viewing during events throughout January and February 2026.

Brambledown Designs

by Symon Leech

www.brambledowndesigns.com
[email protected]