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Beatlemania

Sunday 30th April

7.30pm

£21

In 2023, Beatlemania will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Beatles' first two studio albums Please Please Me and With The Beatles

1963 was the year that launched The Beatles onto the UK stage. They had two number one albums, four hit singles and played almost 300 concerts. The first section of the show is dedicated to that year alone and will feature classics like ‘Twist and Shout’, ‘All My Loving’ and 'I Want To Hold Your Hand’

The remainder of the show will try and cram in as much of their back catalogue as possible. From their mop-top beginnings to the psychedelic highs of Sgt. Pepper and beyond, this highly acclaimed production brings The Beatles to life, live on stage

There's stunning attention to detail too, even down to Lennon and McCartney’s onstage banter. Get your ticket to ride back in time with the incredible Beatlemania!

Music

LUNCHTIME RECITAL:CHRIS SANSUM(PIANO)

Thursday 4th May 1pm £6

Chris Sansum plays spinet and recorder in a chamber group in Reading, performing renaissance and baroque trio sonatas. Other recent engagements have included playing continuo with Berkshire Recorder Ensemble, regular performances on piano, spinet and clavichord in the clock tower of St Pancras Station, events with The Friends of Square Pianos and charity concerts in London.

Following other classical concerts and recitals, he set up a Jazz Hammond Organ trio which was active for several years. In parallel, an interest in the clavichord sparked initially at college led to an active role in the British Clavichord Society, and a project to build a clavichord.

Eventcinema

LEONARDO:THE WORKS

Thursday 11th May

7.30pm

£9 Standard

£8 Courthouse Friends

A film by Exhibition on Screen.

This film is an unprecedented look at arguably the world’s most celebrated artist. Many feature films have showcased the genius of Leonardo but none have ever examined in such detail the most crucial element of all: his art.

Join us on a worldwide tour travelling across eight countries – from Italy to Poland – to experience all of Leonardo’s works in situ By the end of this comprehensive film you will surely understand why Leonardo is considered by many to be one of the greatest artists of all time

'You’ve seen Mona Lisa a million times, but never this close'

- Total Film Magazine

LADYMAISERY music

Friday 12th May 8pm £17

Award-winning vocal trio Lady Maisery are long celebrated for their innovation at the forefront of the English folk scene.

All composers and multiinstrumentalists in their own right, Hazel Askew, Hannah James and Rowan Rheingans weave together a rich palate of sounds.

Whether unearthing a feminist twist hidden in a traditional tale, delivering a poignant anti-war ballad, or showcasing their immense multi-instrumental talents in original compositions that draw on a myriad of musical influences, Lady Maisery are skillful explorers of the power, beauty and vitality of song

Over the last twelve years, the trio have released five albums and toured widely, performing sell-out shows across the UK and Europe.

‘The most exquisite vocal harmony work on the English folk scene ’

- The Guardian

Music

Jonpalmer Band

Saturday 13th May 8pm £10

Our local folk rock favourites are returning for their annual show!

A high energy 6-piece folk, roots and rock 'n' roll band based in West Yorkshire, Jon Palmer Band have been described as 'a cross between The Pogues and The Oysterband, with a bit of The Waterboys, The Saw Doctors and the Bruce Springsteen Seeger Sessions Band thrown in'.

The songwriting of bandleader Jon Palmer entwines the traditions of folk with a biting social commentary on the world today.

'Great songwriter, absolutely wonderful'

- Mike Harding

'A fine songwriter'

- RnR Magazine

'Contemporary, interesting and vibrant'

- Maverick Magazine

LULOREINHARDT &YULIYA LONSKAYA

Friday 19th May 8pm £16

Lulo Reinhardt is the grandnephew of the iconic Django Reinhardt. While Lulo has a repertoire of gypsy swing as you might expect, he continues to push musical boundaries with music from North Africa and India influencing his playing

Yuliya Lonskaya was born in Belarus and began to learn to play guitar in her home town of Mogilev studying at the local music college Since then, Yuliya's eclectic repertoire of folk, jazz, baroque and bossa nova has won several international guitar competitions in Poland, England, Serbia and Montenegro, as well as the prestigious Guitar Foundation of America competition.

You can expect an unforgettable night of warmth and virtuosic talent from two masters of their instruments

SLIMCHANCE music

Sunday 21st May 8pm £19

Founded by the great Ronnie Lane after he left the Faces, Slim Chance are still going strong as the ultimate good-time band. The show features many of Ronnie’s classic songs such as ‘Ooh la la’ and ‘The Poacher’ plus a few surprises.

Ronnie always jokingly claimed that he found the musicians for Slim Chance in the pages of Exchange and Mart However, in 2010, members Charlie Hart and Steve Simpson trawled the streets of South London and miraculously found three more ex-Slim Chancers who were all keen to join the quest for Ronnie's musical holy grail

Music

Inthefootsteps Ofewan

Comedy

GEOFF NORCOTT: WORKIN PROGRESS

Friday 26th May 7.30pm £19

From 1957-64, Ewan MacColl worked with Charles Parker and Peggy Seeger to create the revolutionary audio documentary series Radio Ballads. Combining song, music and sound effects, each programme focused on the lived experiences and resistance of workers and groups whose voices were rarely or never heard in the media

Saturday 27th May 8pm £14.50

As a rare right-winger, Geoff Norcott is a unique voice in British comedy. Operating outside the usual comedic commentary on politics and social issues, Geoff has carved a real niche for himself.

ThePhoenixTapes,

Following last year ’ s release of The Phoenix Tapeswhich features a guest spot from The Who’s windmilling guitarist Pete Townshend, the band’s new show celebrates the range and diversity of Ronnie Lane’s later music.

‘A magical band in their own right’

- Record Collector Magazine

Almost half a century later, in 2006, a new set of ballads were commissioned by BBC Radio 2 using the same format but this time involving a new generation of folk singers and artists. Now three members of that team, Bob Fox, Jez Lowe and Julie Matthews, have put together a selection of songs from 2006's Radio Ballads for their new live show.

Expect to be entertained and enlightened by songs of joy, love, hardship and humour.

Off the back of sold out Edinburgh runs and four national tours, he now has a string of top-level credits to his name including Have I Got News for You (BBC1), A League of Their Own (Sky One), The Last Leg (C4), Would I lie To You? (BBC1), Mock the Week (BBC2), Live at The Apollo (BBC2), The Mash Report (BBC2), 8 Out of 10 Cats (C4) and Backstage with Katherine Ryan (Amazon)

'He has become one of our most refreshingly funny comedians of any stripe'

- The Times

‘A Right Laugh’

- Guardian

Theatre

EDDIE&THE GOLDTOPS

Sunday 28th May 7.30pm £14

Written by Kate Bramley with original music by folk-legend

Jez Lowe

Set against the backdrop of the swinging 60s, the star of this tale is our Eddie, a much-loved milkman. But things start to take a churn for the worst when Eddie suddenly becomes a charttopping superstar.

Coming from a long line of Italian milkmen, Eddie inherited the family milk round from his father, whose deathbed promise was that his son will never miss a delivery. Now that Eddie’s become an overnight pop sensation, his songs are climbing the charts and he’s been asked to appear on Top of the Pops. Can he get to the TV studio in time? And will he make it back for the morning milk round?

There’s a skim chance

Music

LUNCHTIME RECITAL: SAXOFONIE

Thursday 1st June 1pm

£6

Saxofonie are a saxophone quartet based near York, formed in 2017.

After 15 months of being stuck at home with just a microphone and a click track for company, Saxofonie have returned to live music and hit the ground running If you think the sax is just for jazz, think again! Saxofonie's repertoire is adventurous and eclectic, delving into classical, pop, folk, rag-time, big band and much more!

The group are made up of:

Tristan Watson - Soprano sax

Hannah Garnett - Alto sax

Amy Lacy - Tenor sax

Patricia Critchley - Baritone sax

MARTINTAYLOR music

Friday 2nd June 8pm £21

Described as ‘THE Acoustic Guitarist of his Generation’, Grammy-nominated musician Dr. Martin Taylor

MBE is a virtuoso guitarist, composer, educator and musical innovator.

Completely self-taught beginning at the early age of 14, he has invented and developed a unique way of playing the guitar that is greatly admired, and often emulated, by guitarists all over the world Widely considered to be a master of solo jazz and fingerstyle guitar playing, Martin's inimitable style has earned him global acclaim from fellow musicians, fans and critics alike.

His widespread influence has led to collaborations with some of music’s most legendary artists, including Jeff Beck, Tommy Emmanuel, Bill Wyman, Chet Atkins, George Harrison, Jamie Cullum and Bryn Terfel.

- The Stage

‘[Martin is] a portal into all that came before’

- Tommy Emmanuel

ROSIEJONES: TRIPLETHREAT JIMMORAY music comedy

Sunday 4th June 8pm £16

Over the past two decades of British folk music, Jim Moray has marked himself out as having a singular, idiosyncratic vision that has rarely wavered in style and substance.

The cinematic vision of albums such as Skulk (2012), Upcetera (2016), and his game-changing debut Sweet England (2003) show just how far the old songs can be taken.

As Moray embarks on his third decade as a professional musician, his arrangements of traditional songs are regarded as classics of the folk genre, while his treatment of the ballad ‘Lord Douglas’ has become a must-learn for fingerstyle guitarists. And never satisfied with staying still, there’s a sense that he has only just begun.

'Simple, warm and unfettered'

- The Guardian

'The great songs make it a treasure'

- Folk Radio UK

Comedy

Thursday 8th June 8pm £13

Rosie Jones is embarking on her first ever UK tour and, oh boy, she is excited. Join Rosie as she ponders whether she is a national treasure, a little prick, or somewhere in between! This show is guaranteed to be full of unapologetic cheekiness, nonsensical fun and unadulterated joy from the triple threat herself.

Rosie's best known for her hit travel series Mission: Accessible, as well as for numerous appearances on The Last Leg, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Cats Does Countdown, Hypothetical, Mock the Week, The Ranganation and Joe Lycett's Got Your Back.

‘Rosie Jones is completely brazen, downright hilarious and will leave you snorting with laughter’

- Edinburgh Fest Magazine

TOMDAVIS: WORKIN PROGRESS

Saturday 10th June 8pm £16

Tom Davis has returned to his stand up roots and is heading out on the road to try out brand new material.

He's best known for his hit shows King Gary, The Curse, Murder In Successville,his hugely popular podcast Wolf and Owl with Romesh Ranganathan, and for multiple appearances on our screens on A League of Their Own, The Ranganation, Judge Romesh, and Action Team.

But it's not all fun and games! Tom was chosen by an industry panel to be part of BAFTA's 'Breakthrough Brits' in association with Burberry initiative, which highlights and supports exciting and emerging talent in film, TV, production and gaming each year, supporting the likes of Florence Pugh and Tom Holland.

Music

THESONGSOF LEONARD COHEN:KEITH JAMESIN CONCERT

Sunday 11th June 7.30pm £18

Known as the 'Godfather of Gloom' and 'Pop's Poet Laureate', Leonard Cohen is a totemic figure in the history of contemporary song He was called 'the number one songwriter' by Bob Dylan and has been admired by the likes of Lou Reed, Bruce Springsteen and Nick Cave.

Playing some of Cohen’s best-loved songs with a few of his poems sprinkled in for good measure, Keith James' homage to Leonard Cohen is a profound and intimate tribute. Keith has over 40 years of experience in the music industry, having given over 550 performances to more than 200,000 people, so you know that the Godfather of Gloom is in safe hands.

‘Some of the most atmospheric and emotive music you will ever hear’ - The Independent

Bestofenemies

Thursday 15th June 7pm

Standard: £15 Courthouse friends: £13

Written by James Graham and directed by Jeremy Herrin.

David Harewood (Homeland) and Zachary Quinto (Star Trek) play feuding political rivals in James Graham’s (Sherwood) multiple award-winning new drama.

In 1968, as two men fight to become president of the USA, all eyes are on the battle between two others: the cunning conservative William F. Buckley Jr. and the unruly liberal Gore Vidal

During a new nightly television format, they debate the moral landscape of a shattered nation. As beliefs are challenged and slurs slung, a new frontier in American politics is opening and television news is about to change forever.

Music

JOHNOTWAY& WILDWILLY BARRETT

Friday 16th June 8pm £18

The magnetic bond still holds after more than 40 years of attempted escapes. This will be a performance from two musical heavyweights that's as irreverent as it is aweinspiring. John's just celebrated his 5,000th gig to a packed house at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire Meanwhile, Willy has been using scaffolding planks and racing cars to build his own instruments since 1965.

So, be prepared for anything and everything, from bare-chested theremin playing to wah wah wheelie bin solos as this duo jump from one hit and 40 near misses to another.

When discussing the tour, Willy remarked that ‘this will be the last time that many of you will see us together again’. Don't let this concern you though, he hastily added that, ‘it’s not us packing up, it’s you lot dying off You know who you are!’

SCIENCECAFE science

Thursday 22nd June 7.30pm Standard: £6

Students: free

At our Science Cafe, each speaker has a quarter of an hour to talk, then you, the audience take over.

Whether you want to grill a speaker about generalities or pose a particular problem, the floor is yours to ask the questions. Our cafe is the place to sample new ideas as well as something from the bar!

8pm £13

Award-winning Irish folk singer Aoife Scott is steadily rising to the top of the trad folk music scene. It’s only a few years since her single ‘All Along the Wild Atlantic Way’ hit the Number One spot, knocking Ed Sheeran off the top of the charts before being named Song of the Year at the Irish Folk Music Awards.

Produced by 12-times Grammy Award-winning banjo virtuoso Ron Block (Alison Krauss and ‘Oh Brother Where art thou’), her second album is a turning point in her musical legacy. Recorded in Nashville and Dublin, ‘HomeBird’ is an impressive collaboration combining the best of Irish folk musicians and Grammy Award-winning Bluegrass musicians.

Whilst her creative scope is broad, Aoife’s versatility doesn’t overshadow her reputation as a trailblazer in folk and traditional Irish music.

Film

OTLEYFILM SOCIETYAND OTLEYWALKING FESTIVAL PRESENT:RIGHT OFWAY

Thursday 29th June 7.45pm £5

Right of Way is a collection of short films, combining stunning new artists’ commissions with historical archive films that question accessibility and inclusion in the UK countryside.

It interrupts and challenges the enduring perception of the rural idyll as an untouched and unchanging space where time stands still. What happens when Black, Asian and other ethnically diverse people enter these landscapes? How can our natural spaces be homes to protest, trespassing, activism and raves?

This film is a platform for debate on who has a right to the great outdoors and who will be excluded from it.

SIMON&GARFUNKELTHROUGHTHEYEARS

Friday 30th June 7.30pm £21

Critically-acclaimed as one of the world’s greatest tribute shows, Simon & Garfunkel Through the Years (pictured above) have had tours around Europe,the US and Australia, attracting packed houses night after night, including a stint on London’s West End.

THEMICKRONSONSTORY:BEFORE,BESIDE& BEYONDBOWIE

Saturday 1st July 8pm £15

Mick Ronson was most famous for contributing to David Bowie's spectacular live band, the Spiders from Mars. Authors Rupert Creed & Garry Burnett present an evening of stories, archive photos and film clips portraying a great life with a great soundtrack.

Woolpackstudioschoirandotleyrock Orchestra

Sunday 2nd July 8pm £11

A double-header from two of the ensembles put together by Richard Sabey and Jennifer Pugh of Woolpack Studios The Woolpack Studios Choir sing original arrangements by Jen and Richard in three and four part part harmony. Otley Rock Orchestra perform Richard's arrangements of classic rock anthems by the likes of Led Zeppelin and the Moody Blues.

GAELFORCE music

Friday 21st July 8pm £11

Gaelforce are an awardwinning Celtic folk-rock band playing a fusion of traditional folk and some rocked up jigs ‘ n ’ reels. An experienced outfit, the band amassed a sizeable following in the 90s before going their separate ways.

Leeds2023communityday

Thursday 6th July Free

My Leeds 2023 have teamed up with the Courthouse and Otley Live to bring you an unforgettable evening showcasing local and traditional, dance, song, craft, poetry, writing and creativity.

Sospiriwindquintet

Sunday 9th July

2pm

Standard: £11

Concession: £9

This Wakefield wind quintet formed in 2012 and have been exploring a unique and colourful repertoire ever since.

Sospiri programmes include an unorthodox mix of wind quintet standards, new compositions and popular tunes, often integrating sung and spoken voice into their energetic performances.

LOOKOUTFOROTHEROTLEYLIVEEVENTS INVENUESACROSSTHETOWN...

They’ve now reunited and have hit the ground running after winning the Introducing stage at The Great British Folk Festival 2023. Winning by popular vote, Gaelforce shared a line-up with Courthouse favourites Mark Chadwick, Pitmen Poets, Chris Difford and Kris Drever, as well as folk royalty like Steeleye Span and Pentangle.

Following several appearances at Otley Folk Festival, their sights are now set on the Courthouse. This is a Gael-force to be reckoned with

Music

Leventdu Nord

Thursday 3rd August 8pm £21

Since forming in August 2002, Le Vent du Nord have enjoyed meteoric success, performing well over 1,800 concerts across 4 continents and racking up several prestigious awards, including two Junos (Canada’s Grammys), a Canadian Folk Music Award, and Artist of the Year at the North American Folk Alliance's Annual Gala.

As a leading force in Quebec’s progressive francophone folk movement, their vast repertoire draws from both traditional sources and original compositions, embellishing Celtic sounds with a broad range of global influences.

'Featuring button accordion, guitar and fiddle, the band’s sound is defined by the hurdy-gurdy, which adds an earthy, rough-hewn flavor to even the most buoyant dance tunes'

- Boston Herald