What's On - The Culture Trust Luton

COMEDY

SEASON AT A GLANCE MUSIC

COMEDY

COMEDY OF ERRORS

MUSIC

COMEDY

COMEDY

RIA LINA: RIAWAKENING THU 23 MAY

THE BLUETONES (ACOUSTIC) & ENJOYABLE LISTENS FRI 3 MAY

FRI 31 MAY

TEZ ILYAS: AFTER EIGHT SAT 12 & THU 24 OCT

AURIE STYLA: THE AURATOR TOUR THU 21 NOV

AN AMERICAN IN LUTON THU 26 SEP

LIL JIMMY REED FRI 18 OCT

APRIL

THE MUSEUM OF MARVELLOUS THINGS

TUE 2 APR / 11.30AM & 2PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£9, 3-8 years old

Discover stars in jars, catch moons like balloons, dance with Doo-Dahs in cages, sing with Noo-Nahs on stages. Because this is a museum like no other – it’s made from the magic of YOUR imagination – and you get to bring it alive.

GROOVING WITH THE PIRATES

WED 3 APR / 11.30AM & 2PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£9, 3-7 years old

Join a bunch of merry buccaneers on a funk and jazz adventure across the seas! A swashbuckling tale of friendship and treasure awaits. Specially designed for ages 3 - 7 and their grown-up crew. A fun mixture of animation, interactive music making and solid groove from the Groove Baby Organ Trio.

DALISO CHAPONDA: FEED THIS BLACK MAN AGAIN

FRI 5 APR / 8PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£16, 16+

Feed This Black Man Again is a do-over, as the now widely-loved comic revisits the themes of that ancient debut show with the considerably enhanced comic talents that two decades’ experience brings you. Along the way he’ll examine the huge differences between the way you think life will be at twenty, and the reality.

HENNING WEHN: WORK IN PROGRESS

SAT 6 APR / 8PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£18, 16+

Join the German Comedy Ambassador for Teutonic jolliness at its best. Expect some old favourites and plenty of new ideas for his upcoming tour Acid Wehn. Some might call it work-in-progress but Henning prefers to describe it as masterpiece-under-construction.

GROOVE BABY

IMWP UK LTD

IMPATIENT PRODUCTIONS

OUTSOLD

THE THREE BEARS

WED 10 APR / 11.30AM & 2PM

Stockwood Discovery Centre

£7, Suitable for ages 6 and under

Deep in the forest live Mammy, Daddy and Baby Bear. Each day the Three Bears head into the woods to collect interesting things to re-use in their home. Soon their cosy house is turned upside down by a colourful whirlwind that threatens to sit in their chairs, eat their porridge and sleep in their beds. It's Goldilocks! Bring your bears for an adventure in the woods, with original music, puppets and a tale you thought you knew.

DOGS DON’T DO BALLET

SAT 13 APR / 11.30AM & 2PM

Stockwood Discovery Centre

£9, Suitable for ages 2+

The sublime and the ridiculous combine in this hilarious story of a small dog with a big personality and even bigger dreams, brought to life using beautiful puppets, well-loved ballet music and dazzling comedy.

NASTY: ‘BIG’ GIRLS BEING GROSS, MEAN AND SEXY

SAT 20 APR / 7.30 PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£10/£8 Student, 16+

The Nasty Girls are here to tell you about all their angriest, grossest and most shameful moments in full, uncensored detail. This autobiographical, confessional piece of theatre explores the hidden side of what it means to be a woman. SURPRISE! They’re just people. And people are pretty gross.

KALEIDOSCOPE

THU 25 APR / 10AM, 11.30AM, 1PM & 2.30PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£7, Suitable for ages 6-18 months

Kaleidoscope is a brand new piece of theatre for babies aged 6 - 18 months inspired by research into how a baby’s sense of sight develops and how they instinctively begin to categorise colour.

KITCHEN ZOO

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE

FILSKIT THEATRE

SUCCULENT THEATRE

FOCUS ON JAZZ PRESENTS: ATMOSFEAR

FRI 26 APR / 7PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£29.50, 18+

Yep, we are at it again, the Focus on Jazz crew are bringing British JazzFunk sensation ATMOSFEAR with full band to Luton in a brand new venue. Adding to this incredible JazzFunk special will be DJ Deb Joy, aka the Queen of Boogie who has been smashing the decks with her uncompromising and highly entertaining musical knowledge of all things Boogie.

RICHARD HERRING: CAN I HAVE MY BALL BACK (TOUR WARM UP)

THU 2 MAY / 8PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£15, 14+

In his much-anticipated return to stand-up after six years, Richard talks bollocks and answers the question on everyone’s lips: Is a severed gonad in a jar a fitting prize to bring in for Taskmaster?

THE BLUETONES (ACOUSTIC)

+ ENJOYABLE LISTENS

FRI 3 MAY / 7.30PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£20, 18+

The Bluetones frontman Mark Morriss and his partner in crime Adam Devlin are taking their “Bluetones Acoustic” show back out on the road. Special guest support comes from Enjoyable Listens.

LAUGH OUT PROUD

THU 9 MAY / 8PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£10, 18+

Laugh Out Proud: London’s new LGBTIQA+ comedy night at The Hat Factory. Enjoy established and upcoming acts from the UK comedy circuit in an inclusive and friendly environment. Join us for a night of laughter, fun, and self-expression with Mark Cram, Aaron Twitchen and Sikisa! Lineups subject to change.

AVALON UK

JAZZCOTECH

KANE BROWN: DON'T LISTEN TO ME

FRI 17 MAY / 8PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£15, 18+

Fearlessly hilarious delivery combined with honesty and sincerity. Kane Brown is 19 years in the game, has performed around the world, has opened for Guz Khan on his UK Tour, can be seen on Man Like Mobeen (Netflix), Deepfake (Channel 4), She’s the One (Amazon) and heard on his hit Podcast.

HANDA’S SURPRISE

FRI 17 MAY - 11AM & 2PM

SAT 18 MAY - 10AM & 11.30AM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£9, Suitable for ages 2-5

A blend of physical performance, puppetry, live music and song combine to create an intimate, magical production with audience participation. Come and share in the magical tangerine surprise!

IRISH HOUSE PARTY

SAT 18 MAY / 6PM & 9.15PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£20, 16+

At last, an Irish music show that has come out of Ireland without the clichés that usually follow! There are no flat caps or twee costumes here. Instead you get incredibly talented musicians and dancers who simply want to bring you the sound and fun of Ireland in an intimate and homely setting.

RIA LINA: RIAWAKENING

THU 23 MAY / 7.30 PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£15, 16+

In the aftermath of a global pandemic, comedian and scientist, Ria Lina has had a Riawakening and sees the world differently. In this, her highly anticipated debut tour, Ria tackles the issues of coming out of a global pandemic, the new normal, divorce, dating in a new digital world, motherhood and what it really means to be a woman today.

MIDNIGHT MANGO LTD MUSIC

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE

THE BIG WEEKEND 24 – 26 MAY

To celebrate BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend heading to Luton this May, The Culture Trust, The Castle and The Bear Club have come together to present a series of events over the weekend to keep the party going after the main events at Stockwood Park have come to an end.

THE HAT FACTORY

The Hat Factory will be presenting free neurodivergent watchalong sessions throughout the weekend streaming all the action live from Stockwood as well as DJ sets, live performances and some exclusive events. Full line up to be announced In April so keep an eye on the website and emails for more information.

THE CASTLE

The Castle is hosting a mixed bill of DJ’s, live performances and maybe even some secret sets across the weekend. Keep an eye on socials for further information!

The Bear Club have two huge gigs, with The Big Smoke Family performing on Friday 24th May purveyors of voodoo funk they present a unique mix of punchy horns, heavy street beats chants and samples. Saturday 25th May sees the return of Ray Gelato, The Godfather of Swing and multi-talented singer saxophonist, songwriter and bandleader. www.the-bear.club

www.facebook.com/thecastlelive

THE BEAR CLUB

LUTON CARNIVAL

MON 27 MAY / 12 MIDDAY - 6PM

Hat District

Free, All ages

The 48th Luton International Carnival, hosted by the UK Centre for Carnival Arts, will dazzle thousands with vibrant parades, immersive storytelling, and multicultural performances. Families will enjoy entertainment, traditional Caribbean characters, and interactive shows. The event will showcase diverse cultures, including Eastern European, African, and local school performances, creating a joyous celebration for all.

TEN IN THE BED

WED 29 MAY / 11.30AM & 2PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£9, 3-7 years old

Join the boat-bed’s disparate crew as they dream up playful tales of pirates, misunderstood sharks and fishing trips that hook some unexpected catches. But what happens if the bed is not big enough to fit everyone in? How do they decide who gets to stay and who has to go? This humorous and inventive new show celebrates the power of imaginary play and proves there’s always enough room to have fun, even when the world is at its most daunting.

OLAF FALAFEL’S SUPER STUPID SHOW (20% MORE STUPIDER)

THU 30 MAY / 11.30AM & 2PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre, £9, Suitable for ages 3-13

Join comedian and children’s author Olaf Falafel for an hour of kid’s comedy which is now 20% more stupider than ever before. There will be truth-telling cheese, fishing, ducks, bumbags, sausages and maybe some drawing. Family- friendly frivolity that will leave you feeling a lot less intelligent than when you walked in, from one of the masters of the (stupid) art. Be there or be a dodecahedron.

COMEDY OF ERRORS

FRI 31 MAY / 7PM

Stockwood Discovery Centre

£18 adult, £11 under 21, £3.50 under 12, Under 5’s Free, advance £20 on the door, 8+

Pedalling from venue to venue with all of their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes, the HandleBards are a four-strong troupe of actors who are spending the summer bringing environmentally sustainable Shakespeare to venues across the UK. Join the troupe at Stockwood Discovery Centre for a bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s ‘The Comedy of Errors’ like you’ve never seen before.

OLAF FALAFEL

HALF MOON THEATRE

UKCCA

JUNE

UTTER! LUTONIA

THU 6 JUN / 8PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£5 adult/£3 conc, 16+

Each UTTER! Lutonia is slightly different but just as full of warmth, joy, challenge, ideas, glorious people and wonderful words. This is a place where divides drop, connections are sparked, words and ideas cross-fertilise and nobody is nobody.

SOLDOUT

RUSSELL KANE: HYPERACTIVE

THU 6 JUN / 8PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£30, 14+

Whirlwind, FitBit-breaking comedian, presenter, actor and author Russell Kane is out on the road again, setting it on fire with his unique recipe of sharp wit and “storming physical comedy” (Mail on Sunday). The brand-new tour for 2024 and 2025 comes with a safety warning: wear strong underwear - pants will be spoiled. Russell is high-energy, high-octane, and hyper-active!

REPTILE HOUSE

Hat Factory Arts Centre

Following a successful tour across the UK with Lizzie and the Banshees, Reptile House bring their tribute to the alternative rockers Sisters of Mercy to Luton. Whether you’re a fan of the early EPs classics like Alice and Floorshow or you love the big production hits like Dominion and Lucretia, we have the three albums and EPs covered.

MISSING THE FERRY

FRI 21 JUN / 8PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£5, 18+

Missing The Ferry are three Luton-based brothers and their 2 best friends who perform a variety of Irish and Irish-influenced music as well as writing original songs about identity and belonging. With inspiration as diverse as Brendan Shine, The Pogues and The Stone Roses their mission is to get people dancing, singing, and thinking.

REPTILE HOUSE

MISSING THE FERRY

JUNE / JULY

WONDER GIGS

FRI 21 JUN / 10AM, 11.30AM & 1.30PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£6, Ages 0-4

Our Wonder Gigs offer an uplifting and relaxing hour with a live musician playing beautiful acoustic versions of well-known folk, jazz and pop songs. Songs are accessible and enjoyable for both big and small ears alike, alongside beautiful atmospheric sensory visuals from Filskit Theatre. No pressure and no judgement; just gentle, interactive time for you and your little one and some great tunes.

UPFRONT COMEDY: JUNE

SAT 29 JUN / 8PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£15, 18+

Upfront Comedy are back with a heavyweight line up headlined by comedy’s don CURTIS WALKER featuring Midlands loud girl ANNETTE FAGON and a surprise guest. It’s hosted by comedian turned Teletubbie JOHN SIMMIT.

JAZZ ORIENT WITH BALUJI SHRIVASTAV OBE

FRI 19 JUL / 8PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£15, Suitable for all but guidance of 12+ due to length of performance Jazz Orient are Baluji Shrivastav OBE (sitar, dilruba, gopi), Linda Shanovitch (vocals, percussion), Alex Hill (keyboards, vocals), Sukhdeep Dhanjal (tabla) & Rishi Gulati (saxophone) who celebrate Latin, Indian & Jazz music, creating a kaleidoscope of rhythms and melodies with intricate patterns of percussive footwork and graceful movements from Indian dance.

PREYASI

SAT 20 JUL / 7.30PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£12/£10 concession, All ages

An evening of mesmerising dance intertwined with poetry and live music exploring the shades of love, delighting the senses and fillling the heart. Kadam Dance presents Preyasi ('Beloved'). Performances by Divya Ravi, a Bharatanatyam dancer of international repute, alongside vocalist Sharan Subramanian, supported by Odissi dancer Katie Ryan presenting Sakhi. The scene is set by young dancers of Ananda Ensemble and Satyam Dance.

FILSKIT THEATRE

BALUJI MUSIC FOUNDATION

KADAM DANCE AND MUSIC

IMAGE: SHARAN AND DIVYA RAVI

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER

BUTE STREET FILM FESTIVAL

THU 1 & FRI 2 AUG / 5PM - 10PM

SAT 3 AUG / 12PM - 10PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£12 Adult or £24 for all 3 days / £10 concession or £18 for all 3 days

The moment Bute Street festival fans have been eagerly awaiting is here! Save the dates for Thursday, August 1st, to Saturday, August 3rd. As your BIFA Qualifying festival, our submissions hit an all-time high, promising a jam-packed program for an unforgettable experience! Get ready for an incredible festival weekend!

SUMMER PUPPETRY HOLIDAY CAMP

MON 5 - SAT 10 AUG / 10AM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£150 Child/£75 concessions, 8 - 12 years old

A week-long puppetry-based summer camp working with the Young People’s Puppet Theatre. Learn backstage skills including lighting, set design and puppetry. Produce an amazing performance of the Indian folk tale of The Magic Bowl and a newly commission piece telling Luton’s Story, complete with marionette puppets!

UTTER! LUTONIA

THU 5 SEP / 8PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£5 adult/£3 conc, 16+

Each UTTER! Lutonia is slightly different but just as full of warmth, joy, challenge, ideas, glorious people and wonderful words. This is a place where divides drop, connections are sparked, words and ideas cross-fertilise and nobody is nobody.

JAMES TAYLOR QUARTET

SAT 14 SEP / 8.15 PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£25 advance/£30 on door, 18+

If you’re a fan of groovy tunes, energetic performances, and a blend of jazz, funk, and soul, catching the James Taylor Quartet (JTQ) live is an experience you won’t want to miss.

UTTER! LUTONIA

VINYL REVELATIONS PRESENTS

FAMILY

FILM CLUB

£4 each or 4 for £12

ELEMENTAL PG SAT 6 APR / 10.30AM

Join the club! Handpicked titles for the whole family to enjoy, screened on a Saturday morning at the Hat Factory Arts Centre

Elemental introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live.

LILO & STITCH PG SAT 11 MAY / 10.30AM

A young and parentless girl adopts a ‘dog’ from the local pound, completely unaware that it’s supposedly a dangerous scientific experiment that’s taken refuge on Earth and is now hiding from its creator and those who see it as a menace.

LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE PG SAT 1 JUN / 10.30AM

When the Primm family moves to New York City, their young son, Josh, struggles to adapt to his new school and friends. All of that changes when he discovers Lyle, a singing crocodile that loves baths, caviar and great music. The two become fast friends, but when evil neighbor Mr. Grumps threatens Lyle’s existence, the Primms must band together to show the world that family can come from the most unexpected places.

WISH PG SAT 13 JUL / 10.30AM

A 17-year-old girl named Asha in the Kingdom of Rosas, makes a passionate plea to the stars in a moment of need, leading her to meet a living, magic star which has fallen from the sky, and together they face up to the kingdom’s evil ruler, Magnifico.

ONWARD PG SAT 21 SEP / 10.30AM

In a suburban fantasy world, two teenage elf brothers, Ian and Barley Lightfoot, go on a journey to discover if there is still a little magic left out there in order to spend one last day with their father, who died when they were too young to remember him.

THE COMEDY BAR

EVERY 3RD FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

7.30PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£6, 16+

Gather your friends for an evening in our Basement Bar with compere Jake Pickford. This season features many of comedy’s rising star’s including one of the hottest talents on the comedy circuit, Lateef Lovejoy. Check our website for future line ups.

FRI 19 APR

Sallyanne Fellows

Riggs Riggs Riggs

Ginnea Cheng

HL- Mad Ron

FRI 17 MAY

Joshua Bethania

Mel Byron

Daniel Rubenstein (stylophobia)

HL - Kathryn Mathers

FRI 21 JUN

HL - Lateef Lovejoy

FRI 19 JUL

HL - Joshua Robertson

FRI 20 SEP

HL - Douglas Carter

FRI 18 OCT

HL - Athena Kugblenu

AT STOCKWOOD

JULY & AUGUST 2024

Embark on an enchanting journey through the hidden corners of Stockwood Discovery Centre. Stroll through lush lawns and meander among the trees to find a whimsical garden party that promises joy for the whole family! YLIMAF

Collie-dog, Kep, puts two and two together, but will he be in time to rescue Jemima from her fate?

SUNDOWN CINEMA KIDS

Stockwood Discovery Centre

£11 adult / £5.50 child, £1.50 for under 2

All ages

SUPER MARIO BROS

WED 31 JUL / 11AM

WONKA

WED 31 JUL / 3PM

STOCKWOOD GARDEN PARTY

TUE 6, WED 7, THU 8 AUG / 11AM - 3PM

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Free, All ages

TAPE THAT

THU 15 AUG / 11.30AM & 2PM

Stockwood Discovery Centre

£7, All ages

Tape That is a charming, light-hearted, non-verbal acrobatic duet. Two performers construct a visual world using colourful tape, object manipulation and partner acrobatics. A simple roll of tape transforms from DJ decks to a spyglass, and is stretched to create physical barriers and obstacles for the performers to navigate.

THE GUY IN THE LUGGAGE RACK

THU 22 AUG / 11.30AM & 2PM

Stockwood Discovery Centre

£9, 8+

The Guy In The Luggage Rack is an aerial theatre show about grief, memory and relationship. This narrative show combines physical comedy with striking aerial acrobatics and is the debut live show from She Said Jump.

DAYDREAMERS BY FULL HOUSE

THU 29 AUG / 11.30AM, 1.30PM & 2.30PM

Stockwood Discovery Centre, £7, 5+

FULL HOUSETHEATRE

Day Dreamers is a hilarious interactive audio experience for children (5+) & their families, inspired by the dreams and imaginations of primary aged school children. Day Dreamers Inc. is the brainchild of our fictional character Imogen Stretcher - winner of the In your Dreams Inspirational Woman of the Year Award 2024! Audiences take part in Imogen’s 3 step programme & learn how to stretch their Imaginations to the MAX!

FAMILY/EVENT

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER

NOASIS

SAT 21 SEP / 8.15PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£16 Advance/£18.50 on door, 18+

Vinyl Revelations and Masterplan in conjunction with Culture Trust Luton proudly presents: NOASIS - The Definitive Oasis tribute band. Widely considered the world’s premier Oasis tribute band, Noasis make their return to Luton after selling out shows all around the UK.

AN AMERICAN IN LUTON

THU 26 SEP / 8PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£12, 12+

Festival and radio regular John Hegley returns with a story of family, fantasy, love, loss - and the long unseen son’s stamp album. A Caravaggio and a wry dry stone-waller are also thrown into the mixture. The show contains a good deal of yet-to-bepublished material alongside some back catalogue favourites.

KIRI PRITCHARD-MCLEAN: PEACOCK

SAT 28 SEP / 7.30PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£16 Adult/£14 Conc, 15+

Star of Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You and QI Kiri Pritchard-McLean is back with a brand new tour, her funniest and most personal to date. Prepare for a joyous and uplifting show from a comedian known for making “powerhouse stand-up from the thorniest of subjects” (The Guardian).

UK SUBS

FRI 4 OCT / 8PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£25 Adv/£30 on door, 18+

With the Subs not touring anymore each individual show becomes a real rare event. The band are back at the intimate Hat Factory in Luton. A cracking venue with a top sound system. Easy to get to. One minute walk from Luton Central train station. 22 minutes from St Pancras/Kings Cross. Busway and huge car park opposite the venue. Sure to sell out in advance. Get your tickets sorted early!

JOHN HEGLEY

VINYL REVELATIONS

LITTLE WANDER

JEFF INNOCENT: SMART CASUAL

THU 10 OCT / 8PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£18.50, 16+

Following a sold out show in February Jeff Innocent returns with Smart Casual! Bringing his unique and hilarious cultural insights on the road for the first time in a career that has spanned almost three decades and earned him a reputation as one of the greatest living comedians the country has to offer.

TEZ ILYAS: AFTER EIGHT

SAT 12 & THU 24 OCT / 7.30PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£25 Adult/£20 conc, 16+

A lot has changed in the last two years for Tez. He got married, he bought a house, and he’s became a stepdad... to two rabbits. Trying to make sense of his new life, the changing world around us and wrestling the big questions, like: why is Lotus Biscoff in everything now?

LIL JIMMY REED

FRI 18 OCT / 8PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£16, 12+

Lil Jimmy Reed & The ‘A’ Team have presented a series of show-stopping performances over the last 12 years around Europe and North America. Now he is bringing his Louisiana Blues sound to Luton!

THE MARLEY EXPERIENCE

SAT 26 OCT / 8PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£17.50, 18+

The Marley Experience, the UK’s No 1 Bob Marley & Wailers, recreate the music and vibe of the late great King of Reggae Music. Expect all the hits and classic album tracks, including 'Three Little Birds', 'I Shot The Sheriff', 'Is this Love', 'No Woman No Cry', 'Kinky Reggae', 'Punky Reggae Party' and more.

UNIVERSAL TALENT COLLECTIVE

PROSPECT MUSIC CO

THE MARLEY EXPERIENCE

MUSIC

OCTOBER HALF-TERM

IGOREMERICH

MR SLEEPYBUM

SAT 26 OCT / 11.30AM & 2PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

Do you have stupid and silly dreams at night? Well, Mr. Sleepybum does, and he’s going to reenact them all for you in this high-energy, silly comedy show YLIMAF / T H EATRE

THE GREAT BIG DINOSAUR SHOW

MON 28 OCT / 11.30AM & 2PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£9, aimed at families and young audiences of 3-11 years old

Join poet Simon Mole and musician Gecko for a family show full of poems, raps and songs about all your favourite prehistoric protagonists (and some you haven’t heard of yet!). Expect some spine-tinglingly funny scares and get your groove on to some Jurassic Classics! The show is inspired by Simon Mole’s 4th book; A First Book of Dinosaurs.

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG U

TUE 29 OCT / 10.30AM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£4 each or 4 for £12

A waitress, desperate to fulfill her dreams as a restaurant owner, is set on a journey to turn a frog prince back into a human being, but she has to face the same problem after she kisses him.

AFRICAN DRUMS AND RHYTHM

TUE 29 OCT / 11.30AM & 2PM

Stockwood Discovery Centre

£7, 4-12 years old, child only workshop

Unlock your creativity with an authentic African rhythm and drums workshop. This energetic and dynamic workshop will get your hands pounding and heart racing. Running Time: 1 hour. Parents to stay with children during workshop.

THE MARVELLOUS MYTH HUNTER: MAD MONSTERZZZ

SUN 3 NOV / 11.30AM & 2PM

Stockwood Discovery Centre

£9, 5+

Dust off your maps and strap on your jet packs–the Marvellous Myth Hunter needs your help! Travel to India, Russia and Greece as we track down the weirdest, wildest, wackiest mythic creatures ever to have roamed the earth, in our most perilous mission to date.

WEIRD FOLK

NOVEMBER

MICHAEL ODEWALE

FRI 1 NOV / 8PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£16, 16+

BAFTA Award Winner and star of Live at The Apollo Michael Odewale presents his highly anticipated debut tour: Thoughts on Shuffle. In this show, Michael muses on how he's become a terrible role model, ended up running from girlfriends dads, and questions why he has developed stop and search envy. COMEDY

SPECIAL KIND OF MADNESS!

SAT 2 NOV / 8PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£15, 18+

Here’s the lowdown; SPECIAL KINDA MADNESS perform a truly authentic set from each band, combining the phenomenally energetic stage presence of The Specials with the wonderful iconic tunes of the Madness ‘Nutty Boys’. Playing a set from each band and producing a show that will have the audience up and dancing from the off, Special Kinda Madness will have everyone hankering after that exciting era of 2-Tone and ska.

HAL CRUTTENDEN AND FRIENDS!

SAT 16 NOV / 8PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£21, 12+

Join Hal Cruttenden, one of Britain’s best loved stand-ups, for this special evening of hilarity!

AURIE STYLA: THE AURATOR TOUR

LIVE NATION LTD

THU 21 NOV / 8PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£14, 16+

After a year of performing worldwide, award-winning comedian Aurie Styla is back on tour, with his biggest one to date. Join him as he talks about this wild world, and his journey to make sense of it, in The Aurator!

LIVE NATION

MUSIC

THE PAD PRESENTS LTD

UNIVERSAL TALENT COLLECTIVE

QUINTESSENTIAL TALENT

MARK SIMMONS: QUIP OFF THE MARK

FRI 22 NOV / 8PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£17, 14+

As Seen on Mock The Week, BT Sport and ITV, ‘Master of one-liners’, and social media phenomenon MARK SIMMONS brings his sellout tour show ‘Quip Off the Mark’. This isn’t your average one-liner show as there is the running theme throughout. This year Mark’s parents have sold the house he grew up in and has to collect his box of stuff from the loft. Come discover what’s in the box in this top-level one-liner show structured in a way you’ve never seen before.

WRONG JOVI

SAT 23 NOV / 8PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£15, Under 16s to be accompanied by an adult

So, are you ready for One Wild Night of Bon Jovi hits, live favourites and rarities? Wrong Jovi will transform venues and theatres into stadiums for the ultimate Bon Jovi tribute show. Get your dose of Bad Medicine with Wrong Jovi - “The Best Bon Jovi Tribute Band In The World!”

IAN STONE: IS KEEPING IT TOGETHER

THU 28 NOV / 8PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£15, 16+

A masterful exponent of self mocking Jewish humour - The Times HHHH

One of the Top ten comedians in the UK - The Independent Seriously funny - The Guardian

One of the sharpest comic minds in the countryRomesh Ranganathan

RUSSELL HICKS: HAPPY TO BE HERE

SAT 30 NOV / 8PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre, £16, 16+

Russell Hicks heads out on his first tour, but not his first rodeo. (Warning: This is a stand up show. NOT a rodeo.) Russell Hicks is here to stay and he really is happy to be here. So, why don’t British People believe him? Hot off the back of a starring role in an Amazon Prime show that nobody watched, and was cancelled immediately, American Stand Up comedian Russell Hicks, lives in the UK where he allegedly performs stand-up comedy. Naturally, his parents still think he makes his money through some kind of illegal activity, so buy some tickets and help prove his legitimacy!

COMEDY

COMEDY

RBM COMEDY

CHRISTMAS WITH THE CULTURE TRUST

STOCKWOOD ILLUMINATED

FRI 13 - TUE 24 DEC / MULTIPLE TIMES

Stockwood Discovery Centre

£7.50 Adult/£5.50 concessions, All ages

This December, we invite you to join us for our winter light celebration set against the backdrop of the beautiful gardens at Stockwood Discovery Centre. Discover Stockwood like you’ve never seen it before, as you weave your way on a self-guided tour through the illuminated pathways, set against the backdrop of the lush greenery.

SELECTED DATES

THROUGHOUT DEC

Hat Factory Arts Centre

FAMILY / THEATRE

£12 Adult/£10 Child, Multiple Times, 4+ Join Luton’s favourites Full House Theatre as they journey across the ice fields beneath the awesome shimmer of the northern lights. This cosy new show will be full of warmth and sparkle, where young and old alike will be carried away by the magic of an arctic adventure never heard of before.

FATHER CHRISTMAS VISITS WARDOWN

SELECTED DATES THROUGHOUT DEC / MULTIPLE TIMES

Wardown House, Museum and Gallery

£16 Child/£6 Adult, Suitable for ages 0-10 years old

A magical Christmas experience awaits the whole family at Wardown House, Museum and Gallery. Listen to a festive story from Miss Christmas, meet the whimsical elves, and receive a special gift from under the tree when you meet Father Christmas. Plus, you’ll be treated to milk and cookies in our cozy café afterwards!

WARDOWN HOUSE MUSEUM & GALLERY

MUSIC IN THE MUSEUM

SUN 7 APR / 2PM

Wardown House, Museum & Gallery

£10, All ages

A classical music performance taking place in Wardown House, Museum and Gallery’s stunning Drawing Roomsurrounded by the museums’s unique art collection and with spectacular views overlooking Wardown Park.

EID STORIES

SUN 30 JUN / 11AM & 2PM

Wardown House, Museum and Gallery

£7, All ages

A rich collection of tales of wisdom, wonder and humour from Muslim heritage for families on the occasion of Eid al-Adha featuring Rumi, Sa’adi and Hodja Nasreddin.

MINNIE STYKER

THU 15 AUG / 11AM & 2PM

Wardown House, Museum and Gallery

£9, 3+

Moving house to a new city where it always rains, Kit is alone. Making friends is always hard, but here, it feels impossible. The rain beats down on the roof and drips down the window panes, trapping Kit in the quiet stillness of their dingy bedroom. But, one night, when idly scribbling to pass the time, the swirls and whirls on the page giggle into a life of their own, and a very unusual adventure unfolds!

ALL ABOARD! SHIP INSPIRED CARNIVAL COSTUME MAKING

WED 30 & THU 31 OCT / 11AM, 1PM & 3PM

Wardown House, Museum and Gallery

£4, All ages

Join the UK Centre for Carnival Arts for fun and creative ship inspired carnival costume making! Make your ship carnival headdress celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Windrush or walk the plank with a Caribbean pirate ship!"

SOAP SOUP THEATRE

UKCCA

KHAYAAL THEATRE COMPANY

CLUB NIGHT

REGULAR PROGRAMME

SWIRL NIGHTCLUB

LAST TUE OF THE MONTH / 7PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

£5 / Free Carer Ticket, 18+

Bedfordshire’s Biggest Disability Club Night! Each night features Live DJs, state of the art sound and lighting, fully flat accessible venue, with toilets, licensed bar, and much more.

BASEMENT LIVE

SAT 27 APR, SAT 29 JUN, SAT 27 JUL

£5, 16+

Join us for regular live music gigs in the Hat Factory, presented by Luton Live/s. Check out the website for further line-up information.

MUSIC

SAT 20 APR, SUN 19 MAY, SUN 23 JUN / 1PM - 4PM

Meet with new friends and old, relax and enjoy some time with

LUTON TRANS+ ADMIN GROUP

EVERY 1ST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH, 6.30PM - 9PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

Free, All ages

We are a safe and inclusive space for adults who identify as transgender, non-binary, or gender nonconforming. Our group believes in creating an empowering and supportive community that helps individuals on their gender journey.

ARTISAN FOOD, ARTS & CRAFT MARKET

EVERY 2ND SUNDAY OF THE MONTH, 11AM - 5PM

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Free entry, All ages

Our monthly Artisan Market is a unique shopping experience held in the Mossman Galleries, which house one of the largest carriage collections in Europe. With a varied selection of handmade crafts, food & drinks, there’s something for everyone.

PARTICIPATION

NEXT GENERATION YOUTH THEATRE

REGULAR WEEKLY CLASSES MON/TUE/WED/FRI

STARTING FROM 5PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

We care. We Listen. We Create. We Are NGYT.

Next Generation Youth Theatre provide Theatre, Dance & Arts opportunities for ALL young people aged 0 to 25. Encouraging ambition, amplifying voices and supporting wellbeing. Sign up to classes and try for free www.ngyt.co.uk #NGYTfamily

BIG HAT FACTORY COMMUNITY CHOIR

EVERY WED / 7PM - 9PM

Join the BIG Hat Factory Community Choir and transform your Wednesdays into something extraordinary! Every Wednesday, we come together to sing a diverse array of songs, spanning pop, rock, reggae, soul, musical theatre, and beyond. No auditions required—whether you in the shower or in your car, everyone everyvoice is welcome. Join us for singing, camaraderie, laughter, and leave feeling energized!

CLAY CLUB

SAT APR 13 / SAT 11 MAY / SAT 15 JUN / 1PM – 4PM

Hat Factory Arts Centre

Adult £25, Child £12 or two for £18

Join Lugus Ceramics for a fun-filled and family friendly ceramics workshop! You will be provided a lump of clay, tools and basic hand-building techniques to enable you to make whatever your heart desires - let your imaginations run wild! No experience required, just bring yourselves, and some clothes you don't mind getting a little mucky! All children must be accompanied by an adult.

OPEN MIC NIGHT

THU 9 MAY / THU 13 JUN / THU 11 JUL / 7PM – 10PM

£5, 16+

Hat Factory Café

Calling all local talents! Don't miss Luton's open mic night at the Hat Factory starting this May. Showcase your skills and join the excitement! Join your host, local Lutonian and Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist, Yvonne Michele in an evening of encouragement in finding your voice, stepping into the light, and shining. Email boxoffice@culturetrust.com for more information.

YVONNE MICHELLE

ELSEWHERE IN THE HAT DISTRICT

CALLING ALL CREATIVES!

If you are launching your creative business or thinking about it, you can’t afford to miss this: start-up support programme launching soon!

To find out more: www.hatdistrict.co.uk

Contact the project coordinator: jakub.rokita@culturetrust.com or drop in to Hat Works on

Situated in the heart of Luton’s Hat District, our spaces are specifically designed and curated to support Luton’s thriving creative ecology.

HAT WORKS Creative Workspace

Hat Works is a refurbished workspace for creative businesses looking for affordable hot-desking in central Luton. This unique co-working space is ideal for microbusinesses, graduates and entrepreneurs looking to develop their creative ideas, services or products. Membership starts from just £7.50 a day with monthly membership from £99.

Find out more and join today: www.hatdistrict.co.uk

47 Guildford Street, LU1 2NQ

Now open Mon-Fri

DIARY LISTING

DIARY LISTING

ABOUT THE CULTURE TRUST

The Culture Trust, Luton is an arts and cultural charity that connects communities through culture at Wardown House Museum & Gallery, Stockwood Discovery Centre and the Hat Factory Arts Centre and Hat District Creative Industry Cluster. Our museums are free to enter and we welcome you to explore our incredible collections and galleries.

Where to find us

Our venue opening times are as follows:

Stockwood Discovery Centre, Gardens and Museum, LU1 4LX

Free entry - Wed – Sun, 11am – 5pm

Wardown House, Museum and Gallery

LU2 7HA

Free entry - Sun – Thu, 11am - 5pm

Hat Factory Arts Centre, LU1 2EY

Open Daily

Hat Works, LU1 2NJ

Hot-desk creative spaceMon – Thu, 10am – 5pm

Hat Factory Arts Centre

65 - 67 Bute Street, Luton, LU1 2EY

Email: boxoffice@culturetrust.com

Telephone: 01582 878 100

What We Do

We are dedicated to giving everyone the chance to take part in learning, cultural events and activities. Your support will help us amplify our work, including:

· Widen community participation at our sites and museums

· Develop young people’s skills and talents

· Present inspiring and diverse arts

· Co-curate museum collections

· Grow Luton’s creative industry cluster and boost the creative economy

With special thanks to:

Luton Cultural Services Trust Company

Registration Number 06373488

Charity Number 1122964

SARFRAZ MANZOOR PRESENTS

OBJECTS LUTON IN 50

16 MAY - 20 OCT / 11AM - 5PM

WARDOWN HOUSE, MUSEUM AND GALLERY FREE, SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES

May 2024 will be the 50th anniversary of when Sarfraz arrived in Luton and he has been reflecting on the journey of his life and home town. It is this story, the story of Luton that he wants to tell through personal objects belonging to the people of Luton.