Lifting the veil on Britain’s greatest comic genius.

A new feature documentary film titled THE REAL KEN DODD: The Man I Loved will premiere at The Varieties on Sun 9 June 2024. Narrated by Miriam Margolyes and featuring interviews with stars such as Sir Ian McKellen, Paul O’Grady, and Jonny Vegas, the documentary delves into Doddy’s private world, revealing the secrets of his comic talent through never-before-seen home videos, stage performances, and extracts from his extensive diary notebooks.

John Power had the best rock ’n’ roll apprenticeship ever – playing bass as an 18-year-old in The La’s. 

Forming Cast in 1991, he sang, wrote songs, and played guitar for one of Britpop’s pre-eminent bands, securing two platinum-selling records before returning to the charts in 2024 with the magnificent Love Is The Call.

Power’s solo career produced some of his best work, and now it’s time to reflect on Britpop, the hits: Alright, Sandstorm, Walkaway, Flying, and more, in this intimate show that mixes John’s best-loved songs with wild, funny, and tender stories.

Both critics and fans agree that Roy Hemmings is a great showman and dynamic singer. Understood as the longest-serving former member of the legendary group, The Drifters, Roy had worked alongside founder Johnny Moore for more than 20 years.

He has entertained audiences around the world with his easy, relaxed style and fabulous voice in a career that spans four decades and includes appearances in several Royal Variety shows and twice at The White House for then-President Bill Clinton.

Join comedian, crash mat and winner of Drag Race UK Ginger Johnson as she swaps her stilettos for safety goggles and takes a death-defying leap from the runway to the real world.

Expect big hair, big heart and big laughs as Britain’s ditziest daredevil takes on her biggest challenge yet and asks the question: just how far will she go for a round of applause?

Bursting with stunning looks and cunning stunts, Ginger Johnson Blows Off is a hilarious new show about taking risks, pushing yourself and living up to expectations.

Not for the faint of fart.

For the first time since 1999, we are opening the doors of the Purana Gurudwara to invite you in for a mid-summer music dream.

This beautiful, history laden space will host the 13th Summer Solstice Festival dedicated to classical music traditions synonymous with Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Taking you on a spectacular music experience are talented torchbearers of the classical music tradition from the UK, India, and Australia.

Celebrate International Yoga Day and World Music Day with us this Summer Solstice!

Traditional yoga teacher Shivani Mair and Drupad singer Deepa Shakti will introduce you to Nada Yoga, meaning "union through sound."

This ancient Indian practice fosters inner transformation through sound and tone, providing techniques to manage modern life's demands, enhance well-being, and simply be.

There isn't always enough out there that guides South Asian females on how to access the arts and develop their creative practice. 

In our first online event to kick off Summer Solstice 2024 we are demystifying the process in an interactive panel discussion, commissioned by SAA-uk, presented by Seetal Kaur of Forward Culture.

Featuring four incredible South Asian females who have made waves in the arts industry, they share their insights, experience, and top tips to show you how they have pursued creative career pathways, and how you can too!

We've got a plan to create a GIANT DOODLE with local artist Edek Thompson founder of Doodle Chats!

Come and draw, paint, play with collage ANYTHING you fancy and contribute to a GIANT DOODLE created together!