Things to Do in Cumbria

Extended Theatre Seated One family, one condition, one hell of a hairy baby… Scott Bennett from Live at the Apollo, The Royal Variety Performance and The News Quiz tells the amazing true story of how his daughter fell ill with a rare genetic condition, congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI). Never heard of it? Neither had Scott and Jemma. ‘What’s so rare and satisfying is how all the jokes go hand in hand with the seriousness of the situation. It’s a wonderfully hopeful, often hilarious show from a properly funny man’ The Times ★★★★ ‘Fabulous turn of phrase, superb character creations ‘ Chortle ★★★★ ‘Stardom is surely just one punchline away ‘ Evening Standard ★★★★ Yes, it’s a story about an ill baby, but it’s a very funny one with a happy ending, as new parents Scott and Jemma fight to get the right diagnosis for their daughter and are plunged into months of bewildering treatment, sleepless nights, celebrity encounters and bizarre side effects. Age Guidance 14+

Malt Room Standing Ferocious Dog has emerged as a prominent figure in the music world, renowned for their dynamic and authentic folk-punk sound that echoes the essence of Nottinghamshire. Celebrated for their narrative-driven lyrics addressing social, political, and personal issues, they strike a chord with their audience. The journey began in 2011 with their debut single “Ferocious Dog,” laying the foundation for a diverse and profound discography. Their first album in 2013 showcased their dedication to storytelling, a hallmark of their musical identity. Projects like “Ferocious Dog 3 Piece Acoustic” (

2

Extended Theatre Seated Following a stellar performance in 2025, Hejira return to Brewery Arts. Hejira is an outstanding 7-piece band set up to celebrate and honour the masterpiece works of Joni Mitchell, mostly from the late ‘70s. Having released the albums The Hissing of Summer Lawns, Hejira, Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter and Mingus, Joni then toured briefly with a band formed from the crème de la crème of contemporaneous musicians (Metheny, Mays, Brecker, Pastorius and Alias). The tour was recorded, producing the much-lauded live album, Shadows And Light; it is from this album that the band Hejira is drawing the body of its repertoire. Comprising highly experienced, world class musicians, this band is fronted by the brilliant Hattie Whitehead who not only has – in her own way – assimilated the poise, power and beauty of Joni’s vocals, but also plays guitar with Joni’s stylistic mannerisms. Expect an evening of the ‘great’ songs from Mitchell’s back catalogue, such as Amelia, Help Me, A Case Of You, Song For Sharon, Free Man in Paris and more. Lineup: Hattie Whitehead ~ vocals & guitarOllie Weston ~ tenor & soprano saxophonesChris Eldred ~ keyboardsPete Oxley ~ guitarDave Jones ~ bassRick Finlay ~ drumsMarc Cecil ~ percussion

Malt Room Standing Cut Capers are the explosive 11-piece from Bristol, renowned for their legendary high-energy shows and unstoppable stage presence. Now joined by the sensational vocalists Lady B and Naomi Johnson, the band has elevated their already electrifying live performance to new heights, delivering a bigger, bolder, and more dynamic sound than ever before. With a killer reputation for vibrant and infectious performances, Cut Capers guarantee to get any crowd on their feet. Their signature fusion of funk, soul, hip-hop, and jazz continues to captivate audiences, earning them widespread support from the likes of Jazz FM. The station has previously named one of their albums ‘Album of the Week’, selected their single ‘Home’ as Nigel Williams’ ‘Tune of the Week’, and added multiple tracks to its prestigious A-List playlist. The band now hits the road to celebrate the release of their fourth studio album, Balance, a bold new record packed with special guest appearances and fresh musical explorations. This show will showcase the exciting new material alongside fan favourites from albums one, two, and three, creating a setlist that spans the full spectrum of the band’s evolution. Fresh from a triumphant year of touring, including commanding a crowd of 20, 000 at France’s Festival du Bout du Monde, selling out iconic London venues such as The 100 Club and Pizza Express Holborn, and sharing the stage with Acid Jazz legends The Brand New Heavies at the Royal Albert Hall, Cut Capers are bringing their most ambitious live show yet. Get ready for a night where epic arrangements, powerhouse vocals, and scintillating solos collide in a whirlwind of pure live energy. “They’re on their way up!” – Huey Morgan, BBC Radio 6 Music “I am feeling that! Oh my goodness that just had me moving!” – YolanDa Brown OBE, Jazz FM

Malt Room Standing Ríoghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet move with ease and confidence between swampy jazz, raucous brass, fractured funk, blues balladry, and gorgeous folkloric textures. Connolly’s powerhouse vocals lead the charge, blending mischief, protest and vulnerability into something fiercely human and utterly live. Honeyfeet holds all of this together with a groove and a commitment to musical freedom. The lineup consists of Lorien Garth Edwards on bass, Ellis Davies on guitar, John Ellis on keyboards, Biff Roxby on brass, and Phill Howley on drums form a fluid and fearless musical unit. At the heart of Ríoghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet is the indomitable Ríoghnach Connolly, whose voice is equal parts fierce, tender and fearless, connecting ancestral song traditions with contemporary storytelling. She has won the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Award for Best Folk Singer and BBC Radio 2’s Folk Singer of the Year. In early 2025, she joined Annie Lennox on stage at the Royal Albert Hall for “Sisters: Annie Lennox and Friends,” a landmark concert that raised funds for The Circle, Lennox’s global feminist organisation. Sharing the bill with artists including Celeste and Nadine Shah, Connolly brought her singular presence to a night that celebrated the transformative power of music and collective voice. Ríoghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet have found themselves on a steady rise. Their They Want What You’ve Got tour featured a string of acclaimed performances, including shows at The Glasshouse in Gateshead and a headline slot at the Albert Hall in Manchester as part of WOMEX

2

Under the oppressive heat of the Spanish sun, the fiercely independent Carmen attracts the attention of Don José. She warns him not to fall in love with her, but his obsession knows no bounds. Damiano Michieletto’s searing production returns, casting scorching light on the lust, violence and destructive desire of Bizet’s ever-popular opera. An all-star cast brings this white-hot drama to life, with Ginger Costa-Jackson in the fiery title role, alongside Russell Thomas as the jealous and despairing Don José. Following his 2023 Royal Opera debut, Sesto Quatrini returns to conduct Bizet’s electrifying and sensual score.

3, 000 Feet is the untold story of Hugh Munro, the man whose name has become synonymous with Scotland’s highest mountains. Scottish mountaineering originated in the sciences, academia and the arts. But these hill-going pioneers came across a society in the Highland glens that had only just undergone immense upheaval with far-reaching consequences. Their journeys bridged societies, language, class and culture in pursuit of the mountain summits. While modern-day athletes test themselves against these summits, Munro’s enduring list of “Mountains Exceeding 3, 000 Feet in Height” has evolved into a cultural cornerstone of modern-day Scotland, building a legacy that Munro himself could never have imagined. Join us for a Q&A with director Kevin Woods and Producer Lindsay Hill | Thu 26 Feb | 7pm

Standard Theatre Ian Stone is ‘Looking for the Wow’ “Life can’t just be the humdrum, the mundane and the routine before the inevitable slide of disease, decay and death. Why can’t we sneak in a bit of awesome, a tad of amazing and maybe a smidge of wonderful?” A forest canopy opening onto a huge vista would be enchanting for some but Ian’s ancestors wondered the desert for forty years, they’ve been outdoors enough. Others get their fix from the spiritual but Ian’s been harbouring a grudge against God since his mother stopped him going to Arsenal after his Barmitzvah. Forty-nine years ago. ‘God will be watching’ she said. Well, at least he got to see the game. The point is, life could be so much better so Ian’s on the lookout. Come and join him on the hunt. Ian Stone is a hugely experienced broadcaster, podcaster and writer and a brilliantly funny comedian. He performs at major comedy festivals and venues globally. His popular posts and reels on social media have quickly earned him a following of over 60k across BlueSky, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, amassing millions of views. Aside from stand-up comedy, Ian co-hosted the award-winning Rock ‘N’ Roll Football show on Absolute Radio for five years with Ian Wright. He currently presents a very popular (50k downloads per episode), twice-weekly Arsenal podcast, Handbrake Off, for The Athletic. A live version of the podcast recently sold out Leicester Square Theatre in London. Ian is also a regular contributor on Times Radio. His book To Be Someone was published in 2020 and has received nearly 500 four- and five-star reviews on Amazon.

Malt Room Standing Mad Dog McRea can only be described as a pop-up festival – bursting with energy, colour, and an infectious mix of folk, rock and Celtic influences. Hailing from Plymouth & Donegal in Ireland, the band has built a reputation for raucous live shows, blending original songs with traditional melodies and a dash of storytelling charm. Their sound is a unique fusion of foot-stomping rhythms, intricate musicianship, and wry, often humorous lyrics that transport audiences on a wild musical journey. With a dedicated following and a history of playing major festivals and packed-out venues, Mad Dog McRea continue to bring their lively, genre-defying spirit to stages across the UK and beyond. “It’s always a joy to me when something jumps up and smacks you between the eyes – Mad Dog Mcrea did that to me.” – Mike Harding

Standard Theatre Seated Following the overwhelming response to last year’s celebrated Two Wheels Good tour, Martin McAloon is hitting the road again this autumn — this time bringing Prefab Sprout’s landmark album Steve McQueen to towns, cities and venues that the tour didn’t reach first time around. Steve McQueen – Slight Return is a joyful acknowledgement of the demand that never quite went away. “Following the national and international success of the Two Wheels Good tour,” says Martin, “it seemed right to acknowledge just how many people were asking for more — in places we hadn’t yet reached. I’m buoyed by the reception these songs received, and I’m thrilled to be taking the album out on the road one last time.” One of the most beloved British records of the 1980s, Steve McQueen will be performed in full — and that’s just the beginning. As with last year’s shows, Martin will also be drawing from the wider Prefab Sprout catalogue, bringing to life as many of his brother Paddy’s songs as the evening will hold. Last year’s repertoire stretched to over thirty songs beyond the album itself. “An absolute delight and must-see for any Prefab Sprout fan and a masterclass in how to survive the music business and remain human. ” Peter Freeth – At The barrier.com These are evenings for fans old and new: intimate, warm, and overflowing with some of the most beautifully crafted pop songs this country has ever produced.

Malt Room Standing One of the most unique and enjoyable live dub acts on the planet, Zion Train’s use of dynamic onstage dub mixing whilst performing alongside acoustic instruments and exceptional vocalists make this group one of a kind. Zion Train were initially formed in Oxford as a sound system in 1988 by Neil Perch and Ben Hamilton. Colin Cod and Dave Tench joined in 1990 upon relocation to London. The original line-up was added to with vocalist Molara in

1

A 20th-anniversary screening tour of Graham Fellows’ much loved comedy documentary It’s Nice Up North starring his alter ego John Shuttleworth. The tour is also being presented as a tribute to the late Martin Parr, the celebrated photographer who shot the movie, and whose distinctive eye is central to the movie’s charm and enduring appeal. It’s Nice Up North follows the legendary comic character John Shuttleworth – on a gently absurd journey through the Shetland Islands to test the theory that the further north you go, the nicer people become. Foiled by failing light, let down by a flat car battery, and buffeted by the constant wind, John doggedly pursues his quest; asking everyone he meets the all important question; ‘Is it nice up North?’ Costarring Shetland tour guide, Elma Johnson, as herself, and featuring the inspiring music of Shetland’s folk ensemble Fiddlers Bid Graham Fellows will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A, and to discuss his on and off screen relationship with Martin Parr and how the photographer chose to adapt his legendary techniques to a film camera and crew on a remote Scottish island. ‘Eccentric, beautifully inconsequential..’ Time Out

Extended Theatre Seated Larry Dean is coming to Brewery Arts! Recently married, emotionally feral. The Gallus Glaswegian Goon returns with a riotous show about refusing to grow up. As seen on SNL, Live at the Apollo, QI and The Royal Variety Performance. ★★★★★ Telegraph ★★★★★ Broadway World ★★★★★ Herald

The band from the 1960/70’s that just keeps giving. Featuring Thijs Van Leer, Pierre Van Der Linden, Menno Gootjes and Udo Pannekeet, Focus return to the stage. Fresh from a successful 2025 tour, and the 2024 release of their new studio album Focus 12, extensive European/UK touring as well as a month-long tour of the USA (alongside Asia, Martin Turner ex Wishbone Ash and Curved Air), Focus stop off at Brewery Arts to give their loyal fans what they always want – a good time, and timeless music. Each song breathtakingly unique, and each performance different to the one before. How much longer will Focus tour? We have had 50 years of this amazingly spectacular show, and Focus have achieved so much in this time span. And now for the interesting facts of Focus: From Polydor’s record plant closing to other bands, to press nothing but Focus for ten days to meet demand, to being a favourite of Bob Harris on The Old Grey Whistle Test, and to holding positions in the UK top ten charts in both singles and albums. Focus have featured in the orchestra pit for Victor Spinetti’s musical Hair; have claimed a knighthood; soundtracked on a 2010 football World Cup commercial featuring Wayne Rooney; and not forgetting that Hocus Pocus was featured in the iconic car chase sequence, after the bank heist in 2017 movie Baby Driver and also featured in Disney’s Classic Trolls World Tour movie, 2020.

Malt Room Cabaret Seating | Age guidance 18+ Comedy Club is our ever-popular and ever-hilarious night featuring some of the best UK comedians on the UK stand-up circuit for your laughing pleasure. Sit back, relax, and get ready to laugh your socks off! Comedy Club September 2026 Here comes our ever-popular and ever-super-fun Malt-Rooms comedy club featuring some of the best UK comedians on the UK stand-up circuit for your laughing pleasure! This month’s cracking club features the comedy skills of Alex Hylton, David Hoare, Jacob Nussey and headlined by Dave Twentyman! Comedy Club October 2026 Come and join us for a night of fantastic festive funnies at our ever-popular comedy club this December! Joining us for this night of mighty mirth-filled merriment are these comedy Christmas Crackers! – Alex Camp, Louise Leigh, Edward Midgley and back by popular demand, your MC Al Stevenson! Do note that line ups are subject to change.