There are no scheduled instances of Avalon Edinburgh Preview: Matt Forde and Bilal Zafar.
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A double header of comedy as two top comedians warm up ahead of the Edinburgh Festival.
Due to a unforeseen circumstances, Chloe Petts has been replaced by Bilal Zafar
Matt Forde
Matt Forde is one of the country’s most in demand satirists.
Described as 'our foremost satirical stand-up' by The Sunday Times, Matt Forde has toured critically acclaimed shows nationwide including most recently Clowns To The Left of Me, Jokers To The Right in 2022 and Inside No. 10 in 2023.
Matt Forde’s hit live podcast The Political Party transferred to the West End’s Duchess Theatre in 2021 after over 70 sold out shows at Westminster’s The Other Palace, for a twice extended fortnightly residency continuing in to 2024. Matt has brought Parliament to life with his stand-up and debate with some of politics’ most powerful figures including Keir Starmer, Nicola Sturgeon, Tony Blair, Eddie Izzard, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Angela Rayner, Michael Heseltine, Anthony Scaramucci, Alastair Campbell, Gordon Brown and Gary Neville. Matt has received numerous nominations from award bodies including the British Podcast Awards and Chortle Awards and the show is regularly highlighted as a top podcast pick in the press.
Matt wrote and voiced characters for Spitting Image (BritBox/ITV) including Boris Johnson, Keir Starmer and Donald Trump. Matt currently presents Absolute Radio’s weekly Rock ‘n’ Roll Football Show. He is also the co-host of Wondery’s flagship British Podcast Award winning British Scandal alongside Alice Levine.
In 2019 alone, Matt hosted the Alternative News Desk for Channel 4’s election night coverage, chaired the One Nation Conservative leadership hustings and debated Britain’s withdrawal from the EU with Tony Blair for the Institute of Global Change.
Matt hosted four series of Unspun with Matt Forde on Dave, receiving several nominations at the Broadcast Digital Awards, and has numerous other broadcast credits including: Have I Got News For You (BBC One), The Royal Variety Performance (ITV), Mock The Week (BBC Two), 8 out of 10 Cats (Channel 4), Hypothetical (Dave) Rory Bremner’s Coalition Report and Rory Bremner’s Election Report (BBC Two), Question Time (BBC One), This Week (BBC One), Newsnight (BBC Two) and Daily Politics (BBC Two).
Matt’s first book Politically Homeless was listed by The Sunday Times as one the Best Political Books of 2020.
Bilal Zafar
Bilal Zafar was nominated for the lastminute.com Best Newcomer Award for his debut show at the Edinburgh Fringe. Bilal also won the New Act of the Year award joining the company of previous winners such as Stewart Lee, Ardal O’Hanlon, Joe Wilkinson and Linda Smith.
He was the runner up at the Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year competition. He has appeared on BBC3, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Asian Network, and has written for The Independent.
An accomplished actor, he has appeared in Channel 4 sitcom Catastrophe, Sky sitcom Sick of It and the Paul Feig directed feature film Last Christmas.
He also runs a successful Twitch page which has racked up over 12.3K followers. He streams an interactive, improvised comedy show three times a week where he plays a football manager embroiled in scandal, featuring various special guests. The show is growing every day and has been picked up by multiple radio shows and newspapers.
Avalon Edinburgh Preview line ups are subject to change.
Studio
£12
Matt Forde
Matt's website
Bilal Zafar
X @Zafarcakes
Bighead Comedy presents the reigning Funny Women Award winner and Chortle Best Newcomer nominee’s debut hour where she tries to save the world.
Where does this messiah complex come from? Is it the second coming or has she just inherited her mother's psychological disorder? If you're anxious about the state of the world (or just your own mental state), join this BBC New Comedy Awards semi-finalist as she becomes the first woman to wonder what many men have wondered before her: am I actually God?
Winner of 2023 Funny Women Stage Award.
Nominee for NextUp's Biggest Award In Comedy Best Newcomer and 2024 Chortle Awards Best Newcomer.
'Charismatic, eloquent, frank and witty...an impressive debut for a bright comic' Chortle
'Witty and charming...the audience are quickly drawn into Kate's world' The List
'She's unstoppable. Her enthusiastic delivery cracks along at such a pace that you
wonder whether she's remembering to breathe' The Skinny
'Impressive, frank and relatable' Chortle.co.uk
Studio
£16.50
Insta katechecka
Fb Kate Cheka
A double header of comedy as two top comedians warm up ahead of the Edinburgh Festival.
Pierre Novellie
Stand-up comedian, writer, radio host and podcaster. Pierre is co-host of The Frank Skinner Show on Absolute Radio, and recent TV appearances include World’s Most Dangerous Roads (Dave), The Mash Report (BBC2), and Stand Up Central (Comedy Central). On the radio, Pierre has performed on The Now Show (Radio 4), hosts the BBC Sounds podcast series Obsessed With… SAS: Rogue Heroes and co-hosts the hit Budpod podcast alongside Phil Wang. As a writer, Pierre was one of the regular writers on the rebooted Spitting Image (ITV/Britbox) and has also written on shows including Mock the Week (BBC2), The News Quiz (Radio 4) and The Mash Report (BBC2).
Toussaint Douglas
One of comedy’s most exciting and talked about new names and is already making serious waves across the industry. His innovative brand of stand up mixes the personal with the political, whilst adding a uniquely absurdist slant to brilliant comic effect.
His extensive list of credits include Late Night Mash (DAVE), Outsiders (DAVE), Hypothetical (DAVE), Comedians Giving Lectures (FAVE), Unforgivable (DAVE), Alan Davies, As Yet Untitled (DAVE), Funny Festival Live (BBC One), Question Team (DAVE) BBC Presents: Stand Up For Live Comedy (BBC Three), The News Quiz (BBC Radio 4) and Dead Ringers (BBC Radio 4).
'There’s something of a Richard Ayoade vibe to Toussaint Douglass, stiffly awkward and on a different plane from rest of the world. He creates vivid, slightly absurd, images of his life…but it’s skillfully concealed beneath a charming quirkiness. One of the best and most distinctive acts' Chortle
Avalon Edinburgh Preview line ups are subject to change.
Studio
£13.50
Pierre Novellie
Pierre's website
Insta pierrenovellie
Fb PierreNovellie
Toussaint Douglas
Insta toussaint_gram
Join one of the UK’s finest comedians as he brings you up to speed on how he’s settling into being a married middle-aged father.
With recurring stomach ulcers, a bald patch, and an internet search history that now includes anti-leakage boxer shorts.
With his signature blend of honesty and wit, Carl turns life’s darkest moments into comedy gold. Raise a glass and join him for laughs, resilience, and hard-earned perspective.
Previously nominated for both the Best Newcomer and Best Show in the Edinburgh Comedy Awards, he’s appeared on such shows as Mock The Week and Russell Howard’s Good News as well as recently supporting Kevin Bridges on his international tour. He’s also a regular on radio (BBC 5Live’s Fighting Talk and Talksport) as well as being one half of the podcast TVI (Two Vegan Idiots).
'Observational genius' Guardian
'His comic warmth could fill the Sydney Opera House' Chortle
'Masterful stand-up with the lightest of touches' British Comedy Guide
'Up there with the best' ★★★★ Herald Sun
'A bringer of delight' ★★★★ Scotsman
★★★★★ Skinny
★★★★★ Broadway Baby
Age guidance: 15+ years.
Content warning - mild language
Studio
£17.50
Fb Carl Donnelly
Insta carldonnelly
Led by Seann Wilkinson
A non-audition community choir open to all. Working on everything from Madonna to Les Mis, from gospel to pop - this is an opportunity to meet people, learn some harmonies and sing your hearts out. No experience required. Enthusiasm absolutely necessary!
Spring
Tues 14 Jan - 1 Apr (excl 18 Feb)
7.30pm – 9pm
Summer
Tues 22 Apr - 22 Jul (excl 27 May)
7.30pm – 9pm
£11 per session | £130 per 13 week term
Presented by Maidenhead Concert Band.
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we pay tribute to Peter Ripper and his daughter Carrie Rogers who created Maidenhead Concert Band over 25 years ago. Enjoy a trip down memory lane as we perform their favourite music from popular classics and big band favourites to show tunes and the big screen.
Conducted by our new Musical Director Kevin Ransom, this concert promises to be a joyous celebration filled with gratitude and nostalgia. Don't miss this night of musical excellence and heartfelt thanks!
Courtyard Theatre
£10
Led by Julie Potter
This class is particularly suited to beginners, those returning to yoga having had a break, those with specific injuries or conditions or even those that consider themselves to be of a certain age that might need a less challenging approach. We will cover general breathing practises, the basic and gentler postures, together with general information and possible discussion around movement and the potential difficulties we might come up against.
The aim will be to relax and enjoy.
The yoga I teach is an evolution of nearly 30 years of practice and study, with a broad experience of many styles and teachers. In recent years I have been moving away from ‘external’ evaluation of the postures and moving towards an internal sense of the postures, moving away from the more used traditional approach of systemised yoga to a more experiential and felt approach, influenced by teachers who have been inspired by the teachings of Vanda Scaravelli.
Please bring a blanket, a Yoga / Pilates mat, and wear loose comfortable clothing
Spring
Wed 19 Feb - 19 Mar (5 weeks)
Wed 26 Mar - 30 Apr (5 weeks)
Summer
Wed 7 May - 11 Jun (6 weeks)
Wed 18 Jun - 23 Jul (6 weeks)
Please note that Susan Bett will be covering the session on Wed 16 Apr. The sessions on Wed 11 and 18 Jun will also be covered by a different teacher.
11am - 12.15pm
£12 per session | £60 per 6 week course
This class will take place both in person and online via Zoom.
You will find the link to access the session in your booking confirmation email.
Led by Emma Duncan
In each session children take part in a series of drama games and activities that develop their confidence as well as teaching them drama skills. These include focus, communication, developing a character and voice projection.
As the weeks go on the group will each have a part with some lines to learn in a small-scale show. They will rehearse as a team and share what they have learnt during the last session, more details to follow on this after half term.
Suitable for school years 2 - 6.
'Norden Farm is my favourite after school club, it always keeps me moving and relaxed. It is a great place to go for drama and within a short time, I have become far more confident and expressive' Timothy, age 7
'We have sent both of our children to Youth Theatre at Norden Farm and have seen dramatic improvements in there ability, confidence, social awareness and expressiveness generally and specifically. The environment is safe and developmental in a broad and exciting sense' Alex - parent
Summer
Wed 30 Apr - Wed 23 Jul
5pm - 6.30pm
Junior Youth Theatre Booking Form
'The youth theatre is a nice place and I’ve only been here a short time and I Love it!' Junior Youth Theatre Student
'It is cool and welcoming' Junior Youth Theatre Student
'The youth theatre is one of the most professional classes I’ve enrolled in' Junior Youth Theatre Student
'The youth theatre is one of the best drama clubs, everyone is so friendly and we do amazing games' Junior Youth Theatre Student
'We have absolutely loved the drama classes, we have seen a tremendous improvement with our daughter's confidence, she enjoys the sessions as there is a mixture of techniques and games and has made friends along the way! Emma is great at adapting the lessons and I have only seen improvements, we Look forward to the end of summer show combined with the senior class!!! Love Norden Farm as the venue!' Junior Youth Theatre Parent
'This is my daughter’s first experience of a drama club - and it has been such a positive, confidence-boosting, creative experience for her. I particularly love that there is no pressure on the children - there is plenty of time and practice to get ready for the end of season Sharing Session, and the level of performance is just enough to stretch them, without making them worry. It’s pure joy and excitement! You can see how far the group has progressed from term to term - they are becoming a very confident and capable group of Thespians!' Junior Youth Theatre Parent
Led by Emma Duncan
Each term we will be focusing on developing the participants confidence and well-being through a series of drama games and activities.
This term the Senior Youth Theatre group are focusing on developing drama skills. They’ll learn a deeper understanding of performance and managing their nerves as well as some more specialised techniques including comedy and physical theatre.
Suitable for school years 7 - 12.
'Drama has upped my confidence remarkably and I’m getting better every time, it’s my favourite club and I look forward to it each week' Youth Theatre Seniors Student
'The youth theatre is one of the best dramas clubs ever, we can express ourselves' Youth Theatre Seniors Student
'The instructor is very supportive and everyone is very respectful' Youth Theatre Seniors Student
'Norden Farm is my favourite after school club, it always keeps me moving and relaxed. It is a great place to go for drama and within a short time, I have become far more confident and expressive' Youth Theatre Student
'We have sent both of our children to Youth Theatre at Norden Farm and have seen dramatic improvements in there ability, confidence, social awareness and expressiveness generally and specifically. The environment is safe and developmental in a broad and exciting sense' Alex - parent
Spring
Wed 15 Jan - 2 Apr (12 weeks)
6.05pm - 7.30pm
£156
Summer
Wed 23 Apr - 23 Jul, exc 28 May (13 weeks)
6pm - 7.30pm
£169
Senior Youth Theatre Booking Form
'Drama has upped my confidence remarkably and I’m getting better every time, it’s my favourite club and I look forward to it each week' Senior Youth Theatre Student
'The youth theatre is one of the best dramas clubs ever, we can express ourselves' Senior Youth Theatre Student
'The instructor is very supportive and everyone is very respectful' Senior Youth Theatre Student
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