This is old-fashioned glamour in the company of two, modern-day musical greats.
A Couple of Swells is the inspired pairing of two unique entertainers.
Liza Pulman, songstress, comedienne and one-third of the iconic Fascinating Aida, and virtuoso pianist, songwriter and singer Joe Stilgoe. Together they combine humour and musicianship at the very highest level, making old songs sound new and new songs feel like you’ve known them all your life.
Both born in the proverbial trunk, their style has been fine-tuned from cradle to stage. Together they have the musical and theatrical chemistry of Dudley Moore and Julie Andrews, or Barbara Cook and Wally Harper.
Prepare to be swept away by Joe’s dazzling piano playing, Liza’s exquisite vocals and their beautiful, tight harmonies as they dig into the true classics and hidden gems of Irving Berlin, Paul McCartney, Jerome Kern, Billy Joel and Leonard Bernstein, mixed with a few new songs specially written for the show.
Liza Pulman
Pulman’s career began at Glyndebourne Opera and has encompassed music, theatre and over twenty years as one-third of Britain’s best-selling satirical comedy trio, Fascinating Aida. This much-loved satirical comedy group has just completed 100 sell-out shows across the UK including three nights at the London Palladium and are set to return for a run of shows at the Royal Festival Hall in January 2025.
Liza’s solo career as a concert performer and recording artist has showcased a talent for rediscovering, reinventing and reimagining timeless classics and lost gems. Most recently, Liza Pulman - Streisand played West End runs to packed houses and five-star reviews, and a new show, The Heart Of It, started its 2023 tour at The Other Palace in London.
Joe Stilgoe
Stilgoe is an internationally acclaimed singer, pianist and songwriter, known for writing songs that feel like classics, and adapting classics so they sound like they’ve just been written. Most recently, Joe arranged and accompanied Hannah Waddingham’s performance of Time After Time at the BAFTA Film Awards and opened this year’s Olivier Awards with his arrangement of Anything Goes.
Growing up surrounded by music, Joe’s career extends across theatre, TV and radio. He’s a regular on Radio 4 on shows including Loose Ends and The Horne Section and he has worked with some of the finest orchestras and bands in the world. Joe has released eight albums, five of which topped the UK Jazz chart.
'Oooo…it’s SO good' Dawn French
'Joe Stilgoe and Liza Pulman are showbusiness royalty…' ★★★★ LondonTheatre1
'The chemistry Pulman and Stilgoe have together is second to none … together they are unstoppable' ★★★★All That Dazzles
'… a wonderful night of proper showbiz from two extraordinary artists right at the top of their game…' Damian Thantrey, Festival Director, Lichfield Festival
'Two supreme entertainers on the stage together… what’s not to love!' Stewart Collins, Artistic Director, Petworth Festival
Courtyard Theatre
£22
Led by Jim Maving
For novice guitarists who can string chords together, strum confidently and move between chords with some ease, to take the next steps. You will learn some classic songs, interesting chords, light music theory and the 12-bar blues.
These classes are split by skills level:
Beginners A - Recently completed the Absolute Beginners course but still some way to go. Yet to tackle bar chords and complicated rhythms.
Beginners B - Well on the way and able to do bar chords.
Beginners C - Almost Intermediate but not quite yet.
If you've never played guitar you need to book on the Absolute Beginners course!
Autumn
Thur 12 Sept – 10 Oct (5 weeks)
Thur 17 Oct – 21 Nov, exc 24 Oct (5 weeks)
Thur 5 Dec – 19 Dec (3 weeks)
7pm - 8pm
£50 per 5 week course | £30 per 3 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
Suitable for ages 18+ years.
Led by Jim Maving
Play guitar but stuck in a rut? Want to play some notable songs and impress your friends? Then this is the course for you. Rediscover your 6-string and why you took it up originally.
Learn some classic songs as well as learning your pentationic scales, slide guitar and alternate tunings.
Autumn
Thur 12 Sept – 10 Oct (5 weeks)
Thur 17 Oct – 21 Nov, exc 24 Oct (5 weeks)
Thur 5 Dec – 19 Dec (3 weeks)
8.30pm - 9.30pm
£50 per 5 week course | £30 per 3 week course
Alternative classes include:
If you've never played guitar you need to book on the Absolute Beginners course!
Beginners A - Recently completed the Absolute Beginners course but still some way to go. Yet to tackle bar chords and complicated rhythms.
Beginners B - Well on the way and able to do bar chords.
Beginners C - Almost Intermediate but not quite yet.
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
Suitable for 18+ years.
Singing is a great way to relieve stress and promote well-being.
Meet new people and take some time for you in this new acappella choir for mums, dads, grandparents, carers and their babies!
It is a baby friendly class, created especially so you can bring the baby you care for. Grown ups are in a semi circle (with room for your buggy next to you) and babies can sit, crawl or play on the blanket in front of you.
These uplifting classes are led by conductor/composer (and mum) Marta Radwan. There's no auditions, no singing experience is needed and you don't need to have a 'good voice' - just an openness to have a go! You'll be sure to know the songs and there will even be some which include your little one.
There's also:
* Free on-site parking
* Café (open all day)
* Baby changing facilities
Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Carers all welcome with their babies under 18 months
12.30pm - 1.30pm
Autumn
Fri 6 Sept - 11 Oct (6 weeks)
Fri 18 Oct - 22 Nov, exc 1 Nov (5 weeks)
Fri 29 Nov - 13 Dec (3 weeks)
£10 per session | £48 per 6 week course | £40 per 5 week course | £24 per 3 week course
Led by Dr Marta Mathea Radwan
Norden Farm’s Daytime Choir is a fun, friendly, non-auditioned choir for everyone. We learn by ear, so you don’t need music experience. Our music ranges from gospel, world and jazz to pop and classical - anything that sounds great and is a joy to sing. Joining us is a great way to meet people and sing your stress away.
Autumn
Fri 6 Sept - 11 Oct (6 weeks)
Fri 18 Oct - 22 Nov, exc 1 Nov (5 weeks)
Fri 29 Nov - 13 Dec (3 weeks)
2pm - 3.30pm
£12 per session | £60 per 6 week course | £50 per 5 week course | £30 per 3 week course
Suitable for 18+ years.
About the tutor
Dr Marta Mathea Radwan is an award-winning vocalist, composer and musical director. Heralding from Poland and with over 30 years' experience in musical performance, Marta conducts choirs around London, including: jazz group Alle Choir London, Offbeat a cappella community choirs in Acton and Richmond, and Singing for Fun groups at Brunel University London.
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!
Autumn
Tues 10 Sept - 17 Dec, exc 29 Oct (14 weeks)
7.30pm – 9pm
£11 per session | £140 per 14 week term
Led by Jim Maving
Always wanted to learn guitar but never got around to it? Want to trade your air guitar skills for real guitar skills? It is never too late to learn. Learn guitar right from the very beginning. This is a foundation course for those with little to no experience of playing guitar. You will learn how to hold a guitar and to make the right noises out of it. The aim of these lessons is to get you playing your first song within 4 weeks of lessons, as no-one takes up guitar to strum random chords, it’s all about the songs.
If you are returning to guitar having not played for some time and can barely remember chords this is a great way of getting back into the swing of things.
If you've never played guitar you need to book on the Absolute Beginners course!
These classes are split by skills level;
Beginners A - Recently completed the Absolute Beginners course but still some way to go. Yet to tackle bar chords and complicated rhythms.
Beginners B - Well on the way and able to do bar chords
Beginners C - Almost Intermediate but not quite yet.
Autumn
Tues 10 Sept – 8 Oct (5 weeks)
Tues 15 Oct – 19 Nov, exc 22 Oct (5 weeks)
Tues 3 Dec – 17 Dec (3 weeks)
7.45pm - 8.45pm
£50 per 5 week course | £30 per 3 week course
Suitable for 18+ years.
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