Originally from Perth, Western Australia, Brandon Allen relocated to London in 2000.
Since arriving in the UK, he has worked with many high profile artists and groups / ensembles as a saxophonist.
An accomplished jazz composer and arranger, writing for other artists and for his various jazz groups.
His distinctive saxophone sound has been featured on film soundtracks including ‘Alfie’ (2004) and 'The Look of Love' (2013), featured on 4 Kyle Eastwood albums and numerous other releases.
He has performed with Eric Clapton, Paloma Faith, Kyle Eastwood, Mica Paris, Jools Holland, Gary Barlow, Neil Diamond, Gwyneth Herbert, Keith Tippett, Tony Hadley, Roachford, Candi Staton, US3, Carleen Anderson, James Torme, The BLOCKHEADS, Omar Kamal, Tony Christie, John Etheridge, Soweto Kinch, Noel McKoy, Guy Barker, Natalie Williams, The Laurence Cottle Big Band, Claire Martin, The BBC Big Band, Jesse Van Ruller, Stan Tracey, Peter King, Darius Brubeck, Ronnie Cuber, Lew Soloff, Mark Nightingale, Richie Cole, Benjamin Herman, Nigel Hitchcock, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Beverley Knight, Robin McKelle and the Czech National Symphony Orchestra.
Studio
£16
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Julian Vickers and Dan Bovey make a welcome return. From Baroque to Jazz and with some Spanish flamenco, the Vickers-Bovey Duo’s programme will be a feast for all lovers of the guitar.
'They play with outstanding exquisiteness and unanimity' The Sunday Times
£20 | £15 for Maidenhead Music Society members | Under 18s free
See the full programme details via the link below.
One of Australia’s most captivating singers.
Her lyrical voice lends itself equally to the cool subtleties of jazz and the passionate styling of rhythm and blues.
Studio
£16
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An Albion Christmas is widely regarded as the premier seasonal show. They have been touring for 25 years and attract sell-out audiences across the UK.
Featuring the combined talents of Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention), Kellie While (Albion Band), Simon Care (Edward II) and the Guvnor himself, Ashley Hutchings MBE this show takes you on a guided tour through the Christmas customs of Britain.
Kellie While, Simon Care and Simon Nicol join founder of Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and The Albion Band, Ashley Hutchings, on stage for an evening of traditional English Christmas music, song and celebratory readings.
Kellie takes time out from working with her mum, Chris While, for which both the UK press and public alike have praised her. Folk enthusiasts will know Kellie from her work with The Albion Band. She received personal praise from Ron Sexsmith for her beautiful version of his song Riverbed on her album Tenacious, which put her on the map as one this country’s finest voices.
Simon Care is currently working with Edward II and has always had a passion for Traditional English dance and song. Simon also works with Banter, Tickled Pink and the Morris On Band.
Simon Nicol, founder member of Fairport Convention finishes the line up to make this a truly festive treat. He is regarded as one of the finest acoustic guitarists in the world... His voice is pretty special too!
The Albion Christmas Show is a seasonal mixture of carols, spoken word and humorous readings. It really is the perfect way to start your festivities. This year will see material chosen by the band from the last 25 years of shows and albums… a 'best of the Albion Xmas' selection.
With sell-out tours including venues such as Buxton Opera House, The New Vic Stoke and The Sage, Gateshead, The Albion Xmas Show is a very popular show appealing to all ages.
Described in the Guardian as 'the perfect antidote to the corporate Christmas', this is a show you must not miss! And also voted in the 'top ten unmissable shows this Christmas' by The Telegraph in 2018.
Courtyard Theatre
£26.50
The Albion Christmas Band website
Join the self-crowned ‘Queen of Oklahoma’ Carter Sampson with her full band for a hotbed of good music.
Born and raised in the central state, Sampson writes relatable and honest songs about family, love, life and historical characters. She’s released six albums With her seventh expected out in January 2025. Her last album, Gold, spent many months on the Americana Music Charts.
Carter won first place in the Chris Austin Songwriting contest at Merlefest, NC, and has performed at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Rocky Mountain Folks Fest and the Lincoln Center in NYC as a top finalist in their respective songwriting contests.
The line up includes: Carter Sampson (guitar, vocals), Joe Coombs (electric and acoustic guitars), Jamie Dawson (drums) and Scott Warman (electric and stand-up bass).
‘Sampson sings from the heart. Nothing is sugar coated. She's as real as her red dirt roots or the red cowboy boots that she proudly wears’ Country Standard Time
‘Heartfelt, sincere, and honest. There’s an inherent happiness that populates a Carter Sampson record and it’s something I’ve truly come to look forward to with each album she’s released’ Americana Highways
Studio
£16
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Carter will be supported by Joe Martin. Described in his own words as a modern day troubadour, Joe is now a seasoned singer songwriter having toured extensively around the UK and Nashville, playing some of Music City’s most renowned venues. His sound is deeply rooted in the classic American style, with a focus on storytelling and lyric.
'Superb melodies accompanied by a fantastic voice and outstanding lyrics.' Fatea Magazine
Joe's website
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Featuring Stefan Taylor, with special guest original Northern Soul artist Lorraine Silver.
The UK’s most authentic Northern Soul Live Show.
Experience the soul-stirring magic of The Signatures, the official backing band for many of the Northern Soul original artists and featured house band on BBC 6 Music's The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show.
Immerse yourself in the energy of a ten-piece live band, showcasing their exceptional talent in their own distinctive style. The Signatures, along with their power and expression, have worked with more original artists than any other band in the UK delivering a truly authentic performance.
Joining The Signatures on stage is the sensational Stefan Taylor, one of the hottest young vocalists on the UK Soul scene, and the iconic original Northern Soul artist Lorraine Silver (Lost Summer Love) a favourite from the legendary Wigan Casino.
This live show guarantees an evening filled with more than just the Northern Soul classics, presented in a unique and exhilarating manner. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a soulful journey that takes you back in time and captivates the essence of Northern Soul.
Courtyard Theatre
£25
Dir: Karim Aïnouz 2023 | 120 mins
In blood-soaked Tudor England, Katherine Parr, the sixth and last wife of King Henry VIII, is named Regent while tyrant Henry is fighting overseas.
Katherine has done everything she can to push for a new future based on her radical Protestant beliefs. When an increasingly ailing and paranoid King returns, he turns his fury on the radicals, charging Katherine’s childhood friend with treason.
Conspiracy reverberates through the palace. Everyone holds their breath – for the queen to slip up, for Henry to take her head like wives before. With the hope for a future free of tyranny at risk, will Katherine submit to the inevitable for the sake of King and country?
Starring Alicia Vikander and Jude Law.
£10.50 | £9.50 conc
Neon Members - Free membership for ages 16 - 25
£5 (offer applied in basket once logged in). Find out more about Neon Membership here.
Special Ticket Offer
£9 | £8 conc tickets when you book for three films at the same time. Offer excludes event cinema screenings. Offer applied in basket.
Led by Mairi Cowieson
Showstopper Tots Musical Theatre themed music and movement classes for ages 2-5yrs. Younger siblings are welcome. Under 6months free.
Autumn
Course 1:
12 Sept - 24 Oct (7 weeks)
£56 for 7 week course (1 adult and 1 child)
£9 drop-in per session (1 adult and 1 child).
£5.40 drop-in per sibling per session
Join us ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ as we skip down the Yellow Brick Road on our Wizard of Oz themed term. Meet the Scarecrow and dance in our Emerald City.
The classes take the children on an adventure, exploring the music and story of The Wizard of Oz. Learning a dance to help with their coordination, singing songs and playing drama games to help with their confidence and ending each class with our mini theatre and story song - written especially for ShowstopperUK, by fabulous West End composers.
This story song is added to each week to enhance their engagement and concentration skills. It's also fun for the parents/carers who attend with their little ones.
Age guidance: 2-5 years
Course 2:
7 Nov
14 Nov
12 Dec
19 Dec
(4 weeks)
Whole course - £32 (4 weeks) (1 adult & 1 child)
Trial on 7 Nov - £9 (1 adult & 1 child) Siblings £5.40
£24 (1 adult & 1 child) if you would like to continue for the rest of the 3 weeks – please put remaining dates in the basket when rebooking and a discount will apply)
Drop-in sessions for the rest of the term £9 (1 adult & 1 child). Siblings £5.40
Join us and the miserable Scrooge as we head from our spooky to festive season. Shake hands with friends as we sing and dance to ‘Thank You Very Much’ and help teach Scrooge to share and find his love of Christmas once more. No more ‘Bah Humbug!’
This story song is added to each week to enhance their engagement and concentration skills. It's also fun for the parents/carers who attend with their little ones.
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.
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