WHAT’S ON
The Nutshell Jazz Club: Tom Barford Quartet
THE NUTSHELL JAZZ CLUB: TOm Barford Quartet
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No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.EVENT DETAILS
Thursday 17 September 2026
£25, £13 Students
8pm (doors 7pm)
“Barford’s Sleight of Hand as composer, leader, soloist warrants great attention, But will you ever surmise how the magic works?”
Composer/Saxophonist/Winner of the 2017 Kenny Wheeler Prize Tom Barford’s name has been known to aficionados for some years now. Tom's new album captured live at the Parakeet by master engineer Alex Bonney presents him sharing the frontline with star trumpeter James Copus on a set of his own original material. With Ivo Neame on piano and regular rhythm section compadres Oli Hayhurst on bass and Tim Giles on drums, this is a true London supergroup - but one based on a genuine, deep mutual respect and admiration.
The music is eclectic- virtuosic playing over fast tempos, Wayne Shorter and Vince Mendoza inspired compositions and even some tasty arrangements of some Joe Henderson classics. Tom will have newly produced record's of the album available for purchase.
“A strikingly large new British jazz talent arrives with saxophonist Tom Barford.”
THE NUTSHELL JAZZ CLUB
Join us on the third Thursday of every month* for an evening of Jazz, bring your own food and drinks a plenty in an intimate cabaret style setting.
In partnership with Winchester Jazz Festival and Alex Western-King we will host some of the UK’s best Jazz musicians on The Nutshell stage.
*please check dates as due to holiday season we will occassionally shift from the third Thursday!
The Nutshell JAZZBOPS: Tom Barford
The Nutshell JAZZBOPS: Tom Barford
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No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.EVENT DETAILS
Friday 18 September 2026
£7 per ticket
11am
“Barford’s Sleight of Hand as composer, leader, soloist warrants great attention, But will you ever surmise how the magic works?”
Join us for our monthly lunchtime jazz concert made especially for grown-ups and their little ones (ages 0-4) - a jazz club designed with grown-ups in mind.
Park up your buggies or scooters and get ready for a mid-week lunchtime concert featuring some of the UK's best Jazz musicians as part of Winchester Jazz Festival 2026!
SEPTEMBER LINE-UP: Tom Barford
“A strikingly large new British jazz talent arrives with saxophonist Tom Barford.”
Sunday Sessions x WJF
SUNDAY SESSIONS X WJF
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No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.EVENT DETAILS
SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER
£13
10am-12:30PM
Spend your Sunday afternoon immersed in live music and conversation at Sunday Sessions x WJF. Hosted by award-winning saxophonist Alex Western-King, this new event blends performance with an open workshop, giving you first-hand insight into all things Jazz.
Be part of an open workshop with some of the UK’s renowned jazz musicians , ask questions, watch live performance and maybe even try a few ideas yourself. Whether you’re a budding musician, curious about a career in music, or simply love discovering new sounds, come with friends or family and be inspired. All ages welcome!
A Message for the Future
A Message for the Future
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No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.EVENT DETAILS
Friday 25th September 2026
£8pp
11am, 1pm & 3pm
Duration: 60mins approx
Ages 0-3 & families
Explore your magical future garden where you’ll meet a punk poet Dandelion, a rock n roll Minibeast and an operatic super Herb!
A Message for the Future is a multi-sensory art installation and gig theatre experience designed for early years (ages 0-3) and family audiences.
DIY punk poetry gig theatre parents Brigitte Aphrodite and Quiet Boy offer a multi-sensory experience that subverts the early years genre through joyful rock n roll storytelling, celebrating a journey of nature and kindness. This calm pocket of punky joy explores a future full of hope, the wonders of the environment, and its unsung heroes.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
This experience offers a meditative, immersive, theatrical space in surround sound which explores themes of coexistence with nature and creativity. Combining creativity, community engagement, and artistic innovation, the show nurtures a sense of hopefulness and connection with our little ones and the environment whilst engaging multiple senses – sight, sound, touch, and smell.
ABOUT THE COMPANIES:
Commissioned by artsdepot and Southbank Centre’s Imagine Festival in 2025 to sold-out audiences, A Message for the Future has already captivated and engaged a wide range of families and communities.
Created by Crescendorious with original storytelling and live music by acclaimed Margate gig theatre-makers Brigitte Aphrodite and Quiet Boy. Set design and costumes by internationally renowned set designer and concept artist Lo Lo No, who has collaborated with Lady Gaga, Björk and MTV.
Man! I Feel Like Bingo with Shaunia Wayne
Man! I Feel Like Bingo with Shaunia Wayne
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No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.EVENT DETAILS
Friday 25th September 2026
£18
7:30pm
“The queen of character comedy ★★★★★”
Award winning performer Tracey Collins (Shell Suit Cher, Elvis Lesley, Audrey Heartburn) brings her latest musical comedy character to the stage in Man! I Feel Like Bingo! with Shania Wayne: the world’s greatest Shania Twain tribute act - with a twist. He doesn’t look or sound anything like her!
But that hasn’t stopped this sexy cowboy from Carlisle travelling the world on his trusty donkey, Casio keyboard on his back, performing at bingo halls across the globe.
His heartfelt versions of Shania hits include ‘You’re Still a C**T’ and ‘Man, I’m Hotter Than an Oven’. But this show isn’t just comedy and songs - there are epic bingo games, Wayne’s slow dance breaks (hopeless, bum shaking, and oddly sensual) and of course the life changing prizes we’ve come to expect from Tracey Collins’ bingo shows.
Shania Wayne is the man… the myth… the mullet. Join his party - go for gold and release yourself!
“A relentlessly infectious, warmly entertaining comedian. The energetically engaging Collins is superb. It isn’t long before the audience is as wired as she is. ★★★★★”
The Nutshell Pre Loved Sale
THE NUTSHELL PRE LOVED SALE
EVENT DETAILS
SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2026
FREE ENTRY / DONATION
10AM-5PM
Are you ready to re-fresh your wardrobe or home while making a positive impact on the planet?
Shopping second-hand is a powerful way to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
By extending the lifecycle of clothing items and homeware you are directly helping to reduce the demand for new production and so decreasing resource consumption, energy usage, and waste.
The Nutshell will be running a Pre Loved Sale as part of Winchester Green Week.
WANT TO SELL? BOOK YOUR TABLE USING THE LINK BELOW!
Interested in selling? - £15 a table - limited availability. Purchase via the link below.
If you would like a table to sell at our 2026 PreLoved Sale then you’re in the right place! Table spaces (6ft x 2ft area) are £15 each. You can purchase multiple but up to a maximum of 3 spaces so that we can be fair to all!
The Pre Loved Sale will take place in our ground-floor studio and we have space for 15 tables.
You do not need to use a table and can bring hanging rails instead, but please do respect other sellers around you and stick within your allocated areas.
Leave the Trees, Please - Drama Workshop for Children
LEAVE THE TREES, PLEASE
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No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.EVENT DETAILS
Saturday 26 September 2026
£10 per child
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages 5 - 12
LET’S GROW GREENER TOGETHER!
Join us during Winchester Green Week for an exciting drama workshop for primary-aged children, inspired by the beautiful story Leave the Trees, Please by Benjamin Zephaniah.
Through drama, creative writing, and craft, children will follow one little boy’s friendship with a tree, discovering how nature can help us feel calm, happy, and connected. Together, we’ll bring the story to life, write our own love letters to nature, and grow a shared Creativi-Tree full of ideas for a greener future.
With a powerful message about deforestation and caring for our planet, this fun and uplifting workshop will spark imaginations and inspire everyone to remember - Leave the Trees, Please!
Introduction to clown workshop
INTRODUCTION TO CLOWN WORKSHOP
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No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.EVENT DETAILS
Saturday 3 October 2026
£48, £43
2pm - 6.15pm
Suitable for ages 18+
There is a clown that lives inside each of us. This clown is full of life - it is beautiful and hilarious. To be a clown is to embrace the freedom and joy of your own glorious foolishness.
The clown reunites us with our innate curiosity and allows us to befriend parts of ourselves that we judge or stifle. It invites us to rediscover wonder.
This introductory workshop is a chance to invite your clown out into the world. To adventure into a space of curiosity and chaos, delight and discovery, freedom and expansiveness To experience presence through laughter and play, and to revel in your own imperfectly perfect uniqueness.
Susanna Hamnett fell in love with the open-heartedness of the clown over thirty years ago when she began studying and working with master clowns John Turner and Michael Kennard in Toronto, and it has infused her theatre work and teaching ever since.
This workshop is suitable for anyone 18 and up. No previous experience of clown or theatre is needed. It is limited to 16 participants.
Please note that this is a repeat of the May workshop. If you have already taken this workshop and are interested in exploring in more depth, Susanna will be offering a course of four shorter evening sessions in November.
You can read more about Susanna’s work here: www.susannahamnett.com or find her on FB (Susanna Hamnett) and Instagram (@susannahamnett).
“You led us beautifully, everything flowed and built on the last thing really naturally and everyone had a marvelous time. It was so so so fun. Thank you!”
“Such profound play and joyful curiosity! It was brilliant!”
Once you have signed up for the course, you will receive an email with more information about what to wear and what to bring with you.
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to email Susanna directly at susannadayhamnett@gmail.com
The Nutshell Comedy Club: October
THE NUTSHELL COMEDY CLUB: OCTOBER
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No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.
Ages 18+EVENT DETAILS
Saturday 24 October 2026
£18, £13 Students
8PM (doors 7PM)
120 mins
We welcome the return of our super stand-up comedy club to Saturdays. Enjoy the comedic skills of Roger Monkhouse, Cerys Nelmes, Samantha Day and local comedy legend Mike Cox!
Do note that line ups are subject to change.
Roger Monkhouse is one of the regular writers on Channel 4’s hugely popular comedy panel show ‘8 Out of 10 Cats.’
A consummate stand-up who exerts a masterful control over any audience. A highly original and quirky performer, his trademark stage-prowling style and curious, inimitable manner have established him as one of the hottest names on the comedy circuit. Supremely confident, with audience banter down to an art form, he’s happy to improvise freely but has no shortage of first class material in his armoury. Roger is widely regarded as a master of observational comedy with routines that are universally and unfailingly hysterical.
“Unfailingly entertaining – a gifted natural”
Mike Cox has been performing comedy since 2011 and quickly made his mark on the comedy scene with his sharp witted observational style which saw him crowned South Coast Comedian of the Year in 2014 and the Not So New Comedian of the Year in 2022.
Mike also made the final of the prestigious Amused Moose Laugh Off in 2016 and British Comedian of the Year 2023.
“Like an Everyman, if that Everyman had delicious cynicism and razor sharp wit.”
“If Rob Beckett is the new Micky Flanagan then Cox could be the new Rob Beckett”
Samantha Day has six children. Three of them are stepchildren, which means that they have been brought up properly, by someone else, and are therefore nice. But her three are a lot better at shoplifting.
She is 53, but looks younger because she's had a lot of work done. Some people have said that that makes her a bad feminist. They don't know the half of it.
For nearly thirty years, Samantha was an accountant. She gave it up when, despite her best efforts, she only managed to sleep her way to the middle.
“Always has our audiences in stitches, spouting words of wisdom and self-improvement - whether wanted or not!”
Cerys Nelmes has had a very colourful and eventful life which she loves talking about to make people laugh. She performs her comedy in a story telling style with a West Country charm that is easy to warm to.
Cerys is making waves in the tv industry as one of the best female TV warm up artists, most recently working for Gordon Ramsey/Studio Ramsey, and alongside George Lamb on Football Tonight for BT Sport and also working for ITV and Channel 4.
Cerys is also a Guest Comic aboard Cruise Ships all over the World.
The Shivers
The Shivers
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No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.
Content Warning: Loud MusicEVENT DETAILS
Friday 30th October 2026
£14/£12 & PWYC*
2pm
Duration: 55 mins approx
Ages 7-11 and their families
A fox, a pigeon, and a secret agent are on a mission to save the world, but everything is not what it seems. The evil Miss Information and her deadly sleepy agents are on the attack, and now all the colours are wrong, and all the sounds are upside down. When true is false and real is fake, will our superheroes be able to untangle the lies and figure out who to trust?
Featuring ingenious live video, explosive dance moves, and a cast of unforgettable characters, The Shivers is a pulsating adventure about learning to trust your instincts when something doesn’t feel right… when it gives you the shivers.
This high-octane action-comedy opens the door for grown-ups and children to talk about misinformation, fake news, and keeping safe online.
“What’s the last thing you saw online that made you question whether it was true or not?”
Join The Shivers company and The Nutshell after the show, as we open a conversation between you and your young person(s) reflecting on what they’ve just seen. At The Nutshell, we believe that theatre is the start of a great conversation, and engagement doesn’t, and shouldn’t end once the production is finished. Our friends from The Shivers are going to stick around and answer questions from the audience, and importantly, ask some questions in return.
After the show is over, there’ll be a 5-minute break for the company, before they join us back in the theatre for a group conversation.
This will be a relaxed session exploring the key themes of the show, and what resonated for you as audiences. Families are free to come and go as they please.
Details: 3pm to 3:20pm, Free to ticketholders
Created by acclaimed duo emma + pj and developed through workshops with local children and teachers in the London Borough of Camden.
You can download our Creativity Pack here to access creative activities and prompts for young people inspired by the show. The resource was developed by Peter Laycock (Creative Peter) in collaboration with emma + pj.
The Nutshell Antiques & Flea Market
The Nutshell Antiques & Flea Market
We are bringing back the legendary Kings Walk Antiques Market with four pop-up weekend events a year.
For over forty years, our building was the beating heart of Winchester’s independent scene - a ‘hidden gem’ of nostalgia, antiques, collectables, trinkets, beads and more. After nearly a decade since the former Antiques Market closed, we want to pay homage to what was one of our favourite jaunts in Winchester.
Introducing The Nutshell Antiques & Flea Market, a quarterly pop-up event dedicated to bringing creativity, community, and vintage charm back to central Winchester in an indoor market.
Four times a year, we will open the doors to our building and turn it into a bustling weekend market for traders, collectors, and everyday bargain hunters. Expect a handpicked mix of mid-century gems, vintage clothing, eccentric bric-a-brac, retro vinyl, and genuine antiques.
Whether you’re a lifelong Winchester local feeling nostalgic for the old days or a curious visitor looking for a one-of-a-kind find, come step back in time with us.
When: 6-8th November 2026 | 10am-4pm each day
Where: The Nutshell, 15 Kings Walk, Winchester (The Former Antiques Market Building)
Entry: Free
WANT TO APPLY TO TRADE? CLICK HERE
A Tale of Us
A Tale of Us
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No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.EVENT DETAILS
Monday 9th November 2026
£7 per ticket
10:30am & 2pm
Duration: 40 minutes & 20 minutes stay and play
Made for parents with children ages 0-18 months.
Sleep is like an old friend I’ve not seen for a long time. She’s stopped returning my calls. But some nights feel sort of magic. Just you and me watching a new day being born.
Ivy’s just had a baby. She’s never felt so full of love – or so alone. Days (and nights) can be tough. But she’s working it out.
A Tale of Us is a brand new play for parents and their babies. Join Ivy and her little one on a funny, frank and magical journey through their first year of life together. Blending drama and multi-sensory playtime in a relaxed and beautifully designed environment, this is a celebration of the wonder, joys and challenges of becoming a new parent.
After each performance there will be a guided Stay and Play session – a chance for everyone to explore the world of the show and meet other parents and babies.
Made for parents with children ages 0-18 months.
Anthem for Dissatisfaction
Anthem for Dissatisfaction
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No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.
CONTENT WARNINGS: Strong language, grief, classist languageEVENT DETAILS
Tuesday 24th November 2026
£16
7:30pm
Duration: 65 mins approx
Ages 14+ (guideline not restriction)
“Words can’t do justice to how good Anthem For Dissatisfaction is.” ★★★★★”
"Songs aren’t just about love or breakups. They’re about desire. Gambling. Shouting. Being skint. Frustration. Love too. They’re about us. Me and her. This is our language, our way of consistently telling each other: It’s alright mate I’ve got you! I get it!"
The Credit Crunch, 2007. ‘Irish Twins’ Sarah and Jamie are growing up in Belfast with a shared obsession of music and the weight of parents on the breadline. Pop, rock and punk rails against austerity Britain and an ever-failing Tory-government, giving these siblings an epic score to navigate lives that are destined for different paths.
Oasis, The Jam, Springsteen and Sam Fender songs scream at the state of the nation, tugging at the memories of what it means to grow up on benefits in a country where poverty became a punchline. Benefits Britain never sounded so good…
A defiant “rip-roaring tour de force” fuelled by the music and people who speak to your soul and punch you in the gut. The multi-award-winning gig-theatre show Anthem For Dissatisfaction rejoices in working class strength with wit, integrity, and disarming honesty.
Produced by SkelpieLimmer Productions and Brassneck Theatre Company
Written by Gina Donnelly
Directed by Gina Donnelly and Tony Devlin
Starring Simon Sweeney and Emily Lamey
“Great craic that reveals the great cracks in our splintered society. ★★★★”
Jemima Coulter & Essy Sparrow
Jemima coulter & Essy Sparrow
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No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.EVENT DETAILS
Friday 31 July 2026
£13
8pm (doors 7pm)
Join us for an evening of live music with Essy Sparrow and Jemima Coulter.
Line-up Change
Please note a change to the evening's line-up. Unfortunately, Lily Lyons is no longer able to perform alongside Essy Sparrow. While we're sorry that Lily can no longer join us, we're delighted to welcome Jemima Coulter, who will now be performing with Essy Sparrow.
Essy Sparrow is a multi-disciplinary artist and songwriter creating gossip-filled nostalgic indie folk from her coastal studio in Cornwall. In 2025 she played Boardmasters with BBC Introducing, supported Tors and Semler, joined Lily Lyons in opening for The Staves and sold out her 200-cap London headline at St Mary with All Souls.
Jemima Coulter is a multi-disciplinary artist working in impressionistic, dreamlike territory, turning disconnection and uncertainty into something stranger and more magical. Alongside their work with Hailaker, Coulter writes and produces largely alone at home, weaving studio recordings with iPhone voice memos and layering vocals over synths, piano, and guitar to create something intimate, playful, and entirely their own.
Before the performance by Essy Sparrow & Jemima Coulter, we'll be joined by Anya Wilding, who will be hosting a free collage craft table in our ground floor studio from 6:30pm. Everyone is welcome to drop in and take part before the show.
Jemima Coulter
DNYT: Show in a Week
DNYT: SHOW IN A WEEK
APPLY NOW.
APPLY NOW.
No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.EVENT DETAILS
Monday 27th - Friday 31st July 2026
£150 full week, pp
£40 per day, pp
9:30am-3:30pm per day
“Magic, myths and a dash of mayhem.”
Come face to face with cunning goblins, wicked witches and many more as you discover the stories behind them all!
Join us for a thrilling week of theatre making as you enter a magical kingdom filled with dragons, unicorns and mermaids. Discover extraordinary creatures from myths and legends as you journey deeper into this weird and wonderful new world.
Academic Years R – 3 Leap into a world of imagination, bringing to life some of the marvellous creatures that bring their own special type of mischief to the magical kingdom.
Academic Years 4 - 8 Take centre stage as we create a high-energy, wildly imaginative original show, packed with unforgettable characters and epic storytelling.
Dates: Monday 27th – Friday 31st July 2026
Time: 9:30am-3:30pm each day
Venue: The Nutshell, 15 Kings Walk, Winchester SO23 8AF
Cost: £150 per person, per week 5% sibling discount (bursaries available)
Day Rate: £40
Includes: Acting, singing, dancing and costume/set making
Performance: Friday 31st July at 3pm
The Nutshell Jazz Club: Emerging Sessions Joe Evans Sextet: Messengers and More
The Nutshell Jazz Club: Emerging Sessions
Joe Evans Sextet: Messengers and More
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book tickets.
No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.EVENT DETAILS
Thursday 23 July 2026
£20, £13 students
8pm (doors 7pm)
Exciting young jazz trombonist Joe Evans brings his all star sextet to the Nutshell Jazz Club.
Hailing from Southampton, Joe graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in 2025 and is now based in London. Joe has worked with the likes of Giacomo Smith, Joe Webb, Mark Nightingale, Dave O’ Higgins and with groups such as the BBC Big Band, Nikki Iles Jazz Orchestra and the Simon Spillet Big Band.
The band will present the Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers album “Caravan” along with original compositions by Joe.
Joe Evans - Trombone
Gabriel Taylor - Trumpet
Toby Evans - Tenor Saxophone
Toby Evans - Guitar
Guy Dempsey - Double Bass
Kai MacRae - Drums
THE NUTSHELL JAZZ CLUB
Join us on the third Thursday of every month* for an evening of Jazz, bring your own food and drinks a plenty in an intimate cabaret style setting.
In partnership with Winchester Jazz Festival and Alex Western-King we will host some of the UK’s best Jazz musicians on The Nutshell stage.
*please check dates as due to holiday season we will occassionally shift from the third Thursday!
Return to the Forbidden Planet
Return to the Forbidden Planet
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No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.
A DNYT Production.EVENT DETAILS
Thursday 16th - 18th July 2026
£16/£14 & PWYC*
7pm & 2pm (sat mat)
Fasten your seat belts, set your ray guns to stun, and get ready for a cosmic adventure of meteoric proportions!
Winner of the 1990 Olivier Award for Best Musical, this interstellar smash bursts with red-hot rock & roll hits including Great Balls of Fire, Good Vibrations, Teenager in Love, and The Young Ones.
Bob Carlton’s spectacular West End musical takes the 1956 sci-fi film with a plot inspired by Shakespeare’s The Tempest and raids the Bard’s other works at will, setting it all to a show-stopping soundtrack of classic pop hits from the 1960s and 70s.
Romeo & Juliet
Romeo & Juliet
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BOOK TICKETS.
No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.
A DNYT Production.EVENT DETAILS
Thursday 9th - 11th July 2026
£16/£14 & PWYC*
7pm & 2pm (sat mat)
‘Star-crossed’ lovers, Romeo and Juliet, are caught in a brutal feud between their warring families, whose hatred poisons everything it touches. Against a backdrop of violence and fear, they dare to defy fate itself, risking everything for a chance at love and a future free from hate. But when Romeo is pulled into a deadly clash with Juliet’s fiery cousin Tybalt, their world shatters setting off a chain of events that will change their lives forever and tear apart the fragile bonds of family and loyalty.
DNYT’s bold production of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy bursts with fierce passion, rebellion, and an aching longing for a world transformed, plunging audiences into a realm where desire blazes like wildfire, dreams clash with harsh reality, and destiny strikes with devastating force.
The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition
The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition
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BOOK TICKETS.
No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.
A DNYT Production.EVENT DETAILS
Saturday 27th & 28th June 2026
£14/£12 & PWYC*
10:30am, 1:30pm & 4:30pm
Duration: 60 mins approx
We're off to see the Wizard!
Follow the yellow brick road on the most magical musical adventure of them all. Little Dorothy Gale of Kansas, like so many girls her age, dreams of what lies over the rainbow. One day a twister hits her farm and carries her away over the rainbow to a mysterious new world.
Join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman and the Cowardly Lion and a host of colourful characters in one of the world’s best-known tales, loved by children and adults alike. Featuring the charming songs beloved by all such as ‘Over The Rainbow’ and ‘Follow The Yellow Brick Road’, ‘If I Only Had a Heart’ and ‘Ding! Dong! The Witch is Dead!’
Whether you're just beginning your musical theatre journey or ready to take on a bigger role, this summer production offers something for everyone. Our younger performers (AY R-3) will discover the joy of storytelling and self-expression in a fun, safe, and supportive space - perfect for making friends, building confidence, and stepping on stage for the very first time! Meanwhile, our older students (AY 4-8) will take their performance skills to the next level, embracing the chance to shine in featured roles, grow as ensemble members, and experience the thrill of bringing a full production to life.
By L. Frank Baum
With Music and Lyrics by
Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg
Background Music by Herbert Stothart
Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Peter Howard Orchestration by Larry Wilcox
Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company
Based upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by Turner
Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros.
The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition
The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition
BOOK TICKETS.
BOOK TICKETS.
No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.
A DNYT Production.EVENT DETAILS
Saturday 20th & 21st June 2026
£14/£12 & PWYC*
10:30am, 1:30pm & 4:30pm
Duration: 60 mins approx
We're off to see the Wizard!
Follow the yellow brick road on the most magical musical adventure of them all. Little Dorothy Gale of Kansas, like so many girls her age, dreams of what lies over the rainbow. One day a twister hits her farm and carries her away over the rainbow to a mysterious new world.
Join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman and the Cowardly Lion and a host of colourful characters in one of the world’s best-known tales, loved by children and adults alike. Featuring the charming songs beloved by all such as ‘Over The Rainbow’ and ‘Follow The Yellow Brick Road’, ‘If I Only Had a Heart’ and ‘Ding! Dong! The Witch is Dead!’
Whether you're just beginning your musical theatre journey or ready to take on a bigger role, this summer production offers something for everyone. Our younger performers (AY R-3) will discover the joy of storytelling and self-expression in a fun, safe, and supportive space - perfect for making friends, building confidence, and stepping on stage for the very first time! Meanwhile, our older students (AY 4-8) will take their performance skills to the next level, embracing the chance to shine in featured roles, grow as ensemble members, and experience the thrill of bringing a full production to life.
By L. Frank Baum
With Music and Lyrics by
Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg
Background Music by Herbert Stothart
Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Peter Howard Orchestration by Larry Wilcox
Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company
Based upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by Turner
Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros.
The Nutshell Jazz Club: James Owston Quartet
THE NUTSHELL JAZZ CLUB: James Owston Quartet
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book tickets.
No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.EVENT DETAILS
Thursday 18 June 2026
£25, £13 Students
8pm (doors 7pm)
With a technical fluidity on his instrument, and strong connection to various forms of improvised music, James has built a reputation as one of the most in demand bassists in the country, drawing on his many influences to develop a sound that is stylish, virtuosic and captivating. “His tone big and resonant, his time keeping immaculate and his solos highly dexterous and consistently engaging” (The Jazz Mann). His extensive performance CV shows collaborations with notable artists such as Paul Dunmall, Jay Phelps, Mark Lockett, Neil Yates, Roger Manins, Xhosa Cole, Alex Clarke, Greg Abate, and many more.
With firm roots in bebop and the jazz tradition, James is heavily influenced by Ray Brown, Charles Mingus, Oscar Pettiford, Charlie Haden, and other pioneering bassists, as well as current greats including Larry Grenadier and Robert Landferman. He draws inspiration from modern and contemporary music, as well as his experience on the free improv scene, in his approach to improvising and writing music. In 2018, James was a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician Award, performing at the Queen-Elizabeth Hall with Gwilym Simcock and Asaf Sirkis.
The past 2-3 years have seen James step forward as a band leader, composing for a variety of ensembles. After touring with his trio in Autumn 2023, he started focusing on his quartet for which he wrote the suite of music ‘Songs from an Imaginary Childhood’. This music was a commission from the Jazz Central Mentorship Programme and features Alex Western-King (Saxophone), Nick Manz (Piano) and Matthew Holmes (Drums). The compositions took inspiration from the juxtaposition of seeing the world from a child’s perspective and that of an adult’s, focusing on specific examples personal to James. This music was recorded in 2024 and is set to be released as James’s first record as a leader in 2026.
THE NUTSHELL JAZZ CLUB
Join us on the third Thursday of every month* for an evening of Jazz, delicious food (bring your own / order in) and drinks a plenty in an intimate cabaret style setting.
In partnership with Winchester Jazz Festival and Alex Western-King we will host some of the UK’s best Jazz musicians on The Nutshell stage.
*please check dates as due to holiday season we will occassionally shift from the third Thursday!
JUNGLE BOOK
JUNGLE BOOK
BOOK TICKETS.
BOOK TICKETS.
No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.
A DNYT Production.EVENT DETAILS
Saturday 13th June 2026
£14/£12 & PWYC*
11am & 1:30pm
Duration: 60 mins approx
Ages 5+ and their families
Rudyard Kipling’s timeless tale comes alive on stage! Follow Mowgli, a young boy raised by a family of wolves deep in the jungle. When Shere Khan, the fierce tiger, vows to hunt him down, loyal friends Baloo and Bagheera set out to protect him and take him to the safety of the man village. But the jungle is full of dangers and surprises, and Mowgli’s incredible adventure is only just beginning.
Filled with thrilling battles, heartwarming friendships, and moments of laughter and courage, The Jungle Book is a classic family show that brings the magic and mystery of the wild to life. Will Mowgli find where he truly belongs?
Join us for an unforgettable journey through the jungle, perfect for all ages!
The Mikado
The Mikado
BOOK TICKETS.
BOOK TICKETS.
No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.
This is an Independent Hire event.EVENT DETAILS
Thursday 11th June 2026
£15
7:30pm
There are no strings attached in this puppet‑powered version of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic! Mikado explodes onto the stage with felt, foam, and absolutely no shame.
Expect a marketplace of mischief where cookie‑addicted creatures flirt outrageously, bargains turn into battles, and every puppet has something to hide. It’s bold, bonkers, a little bit saucy, and gloriously unhinged. A comedy for grown‑ups and children who like their theatre wild, witty, and just the right amount of wrong.
Music and Dance in Support of Ukraine
Music and Dance in Support of Ukraine
BOOK TICKETS.
BOOK TICKETS.
No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.
This is an Independent Hire event.EVENT DETAILS
Saturday 30th May 2026
£12 / PWYC
7:30pm / Doors 7pm
Duration: 180 mins
Hydeout and CHERVONA RUTA invite you to: Music and Dance in support of Ukraine
Come and join Hydeout, Ukrainian Dance Group CHERVONA RUTA and guest singer Larisa Sotnikova for an evening of Music and Dance in aid of Ukraine.
The fabulous team from CHERVONA RUTA along with special guest singer Larisa Sotnikova will present a sequence of vibrant Ukrainian dance and song, bringing centuries-old traditions to life at the Nutshell - with a chance for you to join in!
Hydeout are a 5 pieceWinchester based band covering an eclectic mix of sounds you know and love, songs you’ll want to listen, sing and dance to-all the way from Olivia Rodrigo and Miley Cyrus to Amy Winehouse, Stereophonics and U2.
The Nutshell bar will be open + feel free to bring your own supper to the Nutshell
All proceeds from tickets and donations* will go toConvoy4Ukraine(C4U).
C4U fundraise to buy 4x4s and ambulances, fill them with essential items such as medical equipment, food, and other humanitarian aid, and drive across Europe to deliver the supplies and vehicles to Ukrainian partners before returning home - see www.convoy4ukraine.com.
The WUCA is a non-profit community group formed with support from Winchester City Council and Community First which aims to support and give a voice to Ukrainians and host regular events in conjunction with the Ukrainian community.
*ticket donations via box office booking site go to Discarded Nut CIO
*charity donations made during the event go to Convoy4Ukraine
“a vibrant evening of song and dance to provide urgently needed medical supplies and vehicles for Ukraine.”
Du Iz Tak?
Du Iz Tak?
BOOK TICKETS.
BOOK TICKETS.
No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.EVENT DETAILS
Wednesday 27th May 2026
£8 & PWYC*
11am & 2pm
Duration: 35 mins approx
Ages 3+ and their families
“A stunning visual aesthetic combined with clever puppetry make this new adaptation of Carson Ellis’s picture book a total delight.”
Told through the language of insects, Du Iz Tak? is a story about the cycle of life and all its impermanence. Come and peer into a miniature world of little puppets to see a delightful group of friends exploring their ever-changing home. Adapted from the award-winning and beautiful book by Carson Ellis.
Du Iz Tak? is an enchanting, unusual and magical theatre show for young families.
Tiny Pickles are a Brighton-based theatre company, specialising in puppetry and making art you want to eat. Annie Brooks and Katherine Morton are people who are puppet makers, puppeteers and theatre makers.
“If you see it listed book quickly; the kids will love you for it.”
Stories in the Dust
Stories in the Dust
BOOK TICKETS.
BOOK TICKETS.
No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.EVENT DETAILS
Wednesday 27th May 2026
£14/£12 & PWYC*
11:30am & 2:30pm
Duration: 60 mins approx
Ages 5+ and their families
“The writing was superb, the performances were outstanding and the audience were in awe. We can’t wait to see them back at The Plough!”
Stories in the Dust
Anna Harriott and Iona Fleur Sheppard
The sun beats down on two travellers, journeying across a mysterious land in a contraption they've built themselves. They sing, play games, and tell stories inspired by a collection of precious things they've gathered from a time gone by.
With live music and puppetry, Stories in the Dust is a funny, heartfelt and hopeful eco-fable that takes you to another world. A world where an ancient book guides your way, a drop of rain changes everything and a mighty lion holds its secrets in an old clay pot.
Will our intrepid explorers make it? They're full of ideas and full of hope but dangerously low on baked beans.
“Elegant engaging eco-fable ★★★★”
The Nutshell Jazz Club: Out Front
THE NUTSHELL JAZZ CLUB: Out Front
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book tickets.
No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.EVENT DETAILS
Thursday 21 May 2026
£25, £13 Students
8pm (doors 7pm)
A UK jazz super group, Out Front originally formed to play the music of two of jazz's greatest 'inside-outside' composers; Booker Little and Andrew Hill. With roots anchored in the the work of these two masters, they now present sets of entirely original music, composed by multiple members of the band. They are touring throughout 2026, showcasing music from their debut album, ‘Buried Webs’.
Featuring a rich line-up of three horns, drums and bass, the band draws on years of collective experience at the highest level of jazz and improvised music, exploring a full spectrum of possibilities, from joyous straight ahead time playing, to the most open of improvisation.
Nick Malcolm – Trumpet
Jason Yarde – Alto Saxophone
Jake McMurchie – Tenor Saxophone
Olie Brice – Double Bass
Dave Smith - Drums
THE NUTSHELL JAZZ CLUB
Join us on the third Thursday of every month* for an evening of Jazz, delicious food (bring your own / order in) and drinks a plenty in an intimate cabaret style setting.
In partnership with Winchester Jazz Festival and Alex Western-King we will host some of the UK’s best Jazz musicians on The Nutshell stage.
*please check dates as due to holiday season we will occassionally shift from the third Thursday!
Winchester Print Fair
WINCHESTER PRINT FAIR
No lift access to performance studio.
Tables on ground floor and first floor.EVENT DETAILS
Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th May 2026
FREE ENTRY
10:30AM-4:30PM
Winchester Print Fair returns for its fifth year at The Nutshell, welcoming lovers of all things print, from lino to screenprint, etchings to woodcut. There is something for everyone.
The event has continued the success of previous years, with a mix of printmakers and different styles and techniques over the weekend. Featuring returning printmakers, including Molly Lemon and Jonny Hannah, with almost half the line-up formed of new printmakers to the event, including from as far away as Northern Ireland.
It promises to be an outstanding event to source new original art, both for yourself and your friends and family.
CLOWNING WORKSHOP
CLOWNING WORKSHOP
BOOK TICKETS.
BOOK TICKETS.
No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.
This is an Independent Hire event.To be a clown is to embrace the freedom and joy of your own glorious foolishness.
There is a clown that lives inside each of us. This clown is full of life - it is beautiful and hilarious.
This introductory workshop is a chance to invite your clown out to play. To jump into a space of presence, chaos and delight, and discover more of what makes each of us uniquely funny and loveable.
The clown reunites us with our innate curiosity and allows us to befriend parts of ourselves that we judge or stifle. It invites us to rediscover wonder.
Susanna Hamnett fell in love with the open-heartedness of the clown over thirty years ago when she began studying and working with master clowns John Turner and Michael Kennard in Toronto, and it has infused her theatre work and teaching ever since.
This workshop is suitable for anyone 18 and up. No previous experience of clown or theatre needed. It is limited to 18 participants
Warning: this workshop carries a high risk of laughter and fun.
You can read more about Susanna’s work here: www.susannahamnett.com
Please note: if you sign up for the workshop, I will write to you towards the end of April with more information (what to wear, what to bring etc), so do look out for an email from this address: susannadayhamnett@gmail.com
Nearly Lear
Nearly Lear
BOOK TICKETS.
BOOK TICKETS.
No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.
This is an Independent Hire event.EVENT DETAILS
Friday 8th May 2026
£18/£16
7:30pm
Duration: 80 mins (no interval)
Guidance: 12+
“Extraordinary…A magical, world-class theatrical experience ★★★★★”
Performed by Susanna Hamnett
Written and adapted from Shakespeare by Susanna Hamnett & Edith Tankus
Directed by Edith Tankus Additional direction by Steve MacGregor
What if the great and tragic story of King Lear were told through the eyes of his closest companion? In this dynamic one-woman tour-de-force, Susanna Hamnett plays the Fool (and every other character) to tell a story that – with an exuberant blend of tragedy and humour – honours Shakespeare’s language while taking a bit of poetic licence. By turns poignant, mischievous, tragic, and hilarious, Nearly Lear is a very personal journey into the heart of Shakespeare’s play.
This award-winning and internationally acclaimed ‘mighty theatrical force’ has enthralled audiences from Toronto to Aberdeen, and from Broadway and the Kennedy Center to the Sydney Opera House. It is the winner of the prestigious IPAY Victor Award for Outstanding Production, was named a 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe Outstanding Production, and in 2024 won the Best Show Award at the Riverside Studios London Bitesize Festival.
“The show was extraordinary in its fineness. So detailed, skilled and full of heart and humanity…the reimagining of Lear was beautiful.”
Cyanotype and Coffee
Cyanotype & Coffee with Simon Bray
BOOK YOUR PLACE.
BOOK YOUR PLACE.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.
Workshop located in the ground floor studio.EvENT DETAILS
SUNDAY 26 APRIL 2026
10AM-12:30PM
£40 - includes all materials, coffee and cake.
Step into the world of cyanotype - a historic photographic printing process known for its striking blue tones - in this relaxed, hands-on workshop led by photographer and artist Simon Bray.
Over the course of the morning, you’ll explore how to make your own unique prints using natural objects, layering techniques, and sunlight (or UV light should the October weather not play it's part!). No experience is needed and all materials are provided - just bring your curiosity. By the end of the workshop, you’ll take home your own collection of blueprints, each one completely personal and one-of-a-kind.
To keep you fuelled and inspired, delicious coffee will be supplied by South Down Social and homemade cake by Jess’ Kitchen Hampshire.
📍 Venue: The Nutshell, Winchester
🕙 Time: Sunday 26 April, 10am-12.30pm
💷 Workshop Cost: £40 (all materials included, plus coffee & cake)
Whether you’re an experienced creative or trying something new, this is a perfect way to spend a Sunday morning immersed in art, food, and community.
MRF Festival 2026 presents: Come & Sing – Come & Play
MRF Festival 2026 presents: Come & Sing – Come & Play
BOOK TICKETS.
BOOK TICKETS.
No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.
This is an Independent Hire event.EVENT DETAILS
Sunday 19th April 2026
£6.25-£12.50
12-7:30pm
“A huge ‘thank you’ for a truly amazing evening...”
For the first year since its launch in 2014, our Annual Festival will be in Winchester. Featuring will be London Contemporary Ensemble Quartet: Madeleine Mitchell & Gordon MacKay - violins, Bridget Carey - viola, Joseph Spooner - cello. String quartet of outstanding and experienced British chamber musicians was formed in 2019.
The 18.30 concert will include music from their up-coming release, and new pieces for String Quartet by our 4 award-holders: Ernest , Immy, Tasha & Matthew.
Also in the concert will be performances of contemporary pieces workshopped earlier in the day in our...
Come & Sing, Come & Play!!
String players are invited to join theFestival String Ensemble, led by LCEQ, pieces to include Samuel Barber's famous Adagio for Strings, and new work for strings, specially written for the Festival by Simon Speare - composer-mentor, and by MRF alumnus Joe Jolliffe.
Singers are invited to join the Festival Choir - exploring rounds and canons and to work up contemporary pieces, by composers including Benjamin Britten and Dr Alison Willis - composer-mentor.
The Finale will be for choir and strings, by Vaugham Williams.
Workshops for singers and string players will start around 12noon.
The Nutshell Comedy Club: April
The NUTSHELL COMEDY CLUB: APRIL
book tickets.
book tickets.
No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.
Line-ups subject to last-minute change.EVENT DETAILS
SATURDAY 18 APRIL 2026
£18/£13
8PM (DOORS AT 7PM)
More Spring Comedy fun, and April fools, to brighten up the day so we bring you yet another cracking comedy night featuring just the finest stand-up comedians from the UK comedy circuit.
This month’s delights are Nathan Eagle, Tal Davies, Andrew White and all held together by your host and MC Sunjai Arif!
Please note that line ups are subject to change.SUNJAI ARIF
“Truly entertaining”
SUNJAI ARIF is an act who can quickly win over any audience with his warm personality and keep them engaged with comedy story-telling, neat turns of phrases and exciting set-pieces.
With material on everything from raising his young children to his own upbringing in anIndian/Turkish mixed raced family, Sunjai injects an irresistibly joyful energy into every topic he turns his hand to.
He is especially well known for his unforgettable alternative and absurdist routines. Recreating nostalgic pop culture through music, homemade props, and hilarious costumes.
“An excellent performer.”
TAL DAVIES
TAL DAVIES is a comedian, writer and self-proclaimed scumbag who blends toe-curling anecdotes with dry observational humour, delivered with a warm, likeable stage presence and a deadpan Brummie accent.
A BBC New Comedy Award regional finalist, Funny Women finalist, and British Comedian of the Year semi-finalist, Tal was also crowned Breakthrough Act at the Midlands Comedy Awards and has supported the likes of Milton Jones, Paul Choudry and Josh Pugh on tour.She’s a BBC Writers room alumni and credited screenwriter for BBC Three’s The Break.
“Nathan is one of the most original and exciting new acts I have seen in ages. Brilliantly funny.”
Nathan Eagle
NATHAN EAGLE Praised by Zoe Lyons as “brilliantly funny”, Nathan Eagle is a comedian making waves on the circuit as a name to look out for.
Nathan has won over crowds all over the UK with material covering everything from growing up working class to life as a modern day man. Expect expertly observed stories, sharppunchlines and an unmatched on-stage energy
“Nathan’s funny observations of life are brilliant. He had me laughing out loud! If you can see his show, do it!”
“Very exciting and very funny.”
ANDREW WHITE
Flamboyantly repressed and optimistically cynical, Andrew White is a stand-up fast rising through the comedy ranks with an act that's "not to be missed" (Daily Record).
Andrew performs all over the country at various clubs, festivals, and corporate events throughout the year.
“Absolutely Brilliant...took the stage by storm.”
Alternatives
The Nutshell
April 18th to 24th 2026
10am-4pm
(excl. Monday 20th 12-4pm)
Alternatives
Exhibition by Michelle Quinton
This project started as a way to explore how the idea of being “alternative” has changed over time — not just the word itself, but the people who’ve used it to describe who they are. Once, it simply meant being outside the mainstream: alternative music, fashion, lifestyles, and ways of thinking. In the ’90s and early 2000s, it became more of a label in itself for many of us, an umbrella term for groups like goths, punks, rockers and metallers, each group being seen as more of a subculture within the alternative scene. While the word has shifted and faded in and out of fashion, it still feels relevant today as a broad way to describe people who live outside society’s idea of “normal.”
As I spoke to people about how they see themselves, it became clear that many fit this wider definition of alternative — often without standing out at all. The project naturally evolved into a celebration of difference, showing how varied these lives are and why that diversity is something positive and beautiful.
There’s also an underlying look at how society reacts to difference. People often fear or distrust what they don’t understand, and I’ve seen that first-hand in reactions to those who express themselves differently. This work aims to offer a view into the lives of others, to show that everyone has their differences, and those differences are beautiful. This exhibition focuses primarily on the origin of the project, and the creatives I’ve met as I’ve developed it, but will be growing to look more into the careers people choose and the homes they live in.
Some of the project is available to view here, along with blog posts documenting the process. Alternatives / Ongoing Projects | Michelle Quinton Photography
The Nutshell Jazz Club: The Fraser Smith Quartet
THE NUTSHELL JAZZ CLUB:
The Fraser Smith Quartet
book tickets.
book tickets.
No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.EVENT DETAILS
Thursday 16 April 2026
£25, £13 Students
8pm (doors 7pm)
London based Tenor player Fraser Smith has been playing professionally across Europe and beyond for the past 20 years. His latest album Lifeline! was recently added to The Times and Jazzwise 'Best Jazz Albums of 2025' lists, receiving a glowing 4 star review from each. 'Fiery and energetic hard-bop', the band's previous album Tiptop!, received coverage from the Guardian, Jazzwise and Hi-fi magazine and amassed 1.3 million streams.
This year Fraser will release his most ambitious project yet featuring US sax legend Harry Allen. The album was recorded in Paris with a carefully selected European rhythm section and will be released on French record label Zoot!. Also this year Fraser will be joining Living Jazz legend Chuck Israels (John Coltrane, Bud Powell, Billie Holiday, Bill Evans) as part of his European Quartet.
Fraser Smith Quartet play straight ahead jazz, firmly rooted in the golden eras of bebop/ hard bop and swing.
Fraser Smith - Sax
Rob Barron - Piano
TBC - Bass
Steve Brown - Drums
THE NUTSHELL JAZZ CLUB
Join us on the third Thursday of every month* for an evening of Jazz, delicious food (bring your own / order in) and drinks a plenty in an intimate cabaret style setting.
In partnership with Winchester Jazz Festival and Alex Western-King we will host some of the UK’s best Jazz musicians on The Nutshell stage.
*please check dates as due to holiday season we will occassionally shift from the third Thursday!
Last Unicorn Airways
Last Unicorn Airways
BOOK TICKETS.
BOOK TICKETS.
This performance will take place in our ground floor studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.EVENT DETAILS
Friday 10th April 2026
All tickets PAY WHAT YOU CAN!
11am & 2pm
Duration: 60 mins approx
Ages 4+ and their families
“★★★★ An enjoyable and immersive journey around the world, giving full permission for young children to explore their imaginations.”
This heartwarming show is perfect for families and young children aged 4-9, and disabled children of all ages who experience complex and multiple barriers to access.
Take flight with Last Unicorn Airways!
Join two playful baggage handlers as they unpack a globe-trotting adventure from a magical final flight, where every suitcase tells a story. Among them is The Flying Trunk, a spellbinding Arabian Nights-inspired tale of a daring storyteller and his enchanted flying suitcase, adapted from Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless tale.
The show uses playful storytelling to remind us to see everyday life as an adventure and to cherish our world and each other. It’s a heartwarming reflection on courage, connection and resilience - perfect for families and children, including those with complex needs and disabilities.
Stick around after the show to explore an immersive, hands-on sensory installation that brings the journey to life!
This performance will take place in our ground floor studio which has level access.
Half Moon Presents Last Unicorn Airways - A spellbinding sensory-immersive journey around the world. A Blanket Fort Club production for ages 4+
PLAYTIME! A Woodland Wonder
PLAYTIME! A Woodland Wonder
BOOK TICKETS.
BOOK TICKETS.
No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.
Buggy park available downstairs when the event is held upstairs.EVENT DETAILS
Thursday 09 April 2026
10am + 11:30am
£12 - admits 2
Additional Little One £6
Additional Adult £6
Come along for a fun, relaxed participatory theatre session with The Last Baguette theatre company. There’ll be silliness, play-acting, games and music- expect to play, move, watch and laugh.
Join Ratty and her friends for a fun and gentle introduction to theatre with play-along storytelling, original music, puppetry, theatre games, movement, and lots of imaginative play. Ratty has a lot of ideas but sometimes things don’t go according to plan....can you help her by playing along and working together?
Sessions last 1 hour, and are created for ages 2-6 and their grown-ups. Younger and older siblings welcome!
The Last Baguette makes entertaining, accessible and eccentric work for family audiences.
SESSION THEME: A Woodland Wonder
Tiny Planet
Tiny Planet
BOOK TICKETS.
BOOK TICKETS.
No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.EVENT DETAILS
Tuesday 7th & Wednesday 8th April 2026
£14/£12 & PWYC*
11:30am & 2:30pm
Duration: 60 mins approx
Ages 5+ and families/adults
“Breathtaking ★★★★★”
Half a String Theatre presents Tiny Planet.
Imagine a whole world no bigger than a house. A planet that can be explored in a matter of minutes, yet it is the centre of a galaxy.
With breathtaking puppetry, original live folk songs and earthy percussion, uncover the mysteries that keep this little globe turning. Live camera projection brings this tiny world to life as a wanderer learns that the smallest things hold the biggest stories. Marvel as asteroids collide and discover the curious and wonderful as new creatures evolve.
This is a truly unique piece of puppet theatre for the whole family. Tiny Planet carries the echos of The Little Prince, inviting you on a journey to explore how we all can sometimes feel impossibly small and infinitely gigantic.
“Exceptional ★★★★★”
Cinderella Ice Cream Seller
Cinderella Ice Cream Seller
BOOK TICKETS.
BOOK TICKETS.
No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.EVENT DETAILS
Tuesday 31st March 2026
£14/£12 & PWYC*
11am & 2pm
Duration: 60 mins approx
Ages 5+ and their families
“Perfectly scrumptious ★★★★★”
Little Seeds Music presents Cinderella Ice Cream Seller.
Written by David Gibb.
Suitable for ages 5+.
Get your dessert spoons ready for a tale of perseverance, princes, palace balls, glass slippers and, um, ice cream?
Over the last four decades, Cinderella’s has become the kingdom’s most beloved ice cream company, with a parlour on every street corner. But how did a humble street seller with not a penny to her name end up as a multimillionaire business woman with her own ice cream empire?
In this new musical for families and children, join Talvi and Caldwell, loyal employees of Cinderella’s, as they share her rags to riches tale, and confront their own desires, hopes, and the magic that lies within each scoop of Cinderella’s legendary ice cream.
Little Seeds Music specialise in inspiring young people and families through music and theatre. Established in 2015 with the mission to provide children and families with unforgettable, high quality musical experiences for all generations to enjoy and share together, their work is supported and recognised by Arts Council England and they have created work in association with Half Moon Theatre, Z-arts, The Story Museum, and The Met, Bury.
“Genuinely inspired ★★★★★”
Between You & Us
BETWEEN YOU & US WORKSHOP
© RedManhattan Photography
BOOK TICKETS
BOOK TICKETS
No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.
This event is part of RAW Winchester.EVENT DETAILS
Sunday 29th March 2026
£6 per person
10am & 11:30am
Ages 5-7 and 8-11
Between You & Us is a playful, creative workshop for young people aged 5-7 and 8 - 12 to move, dance, and make choreography with their adults or friends.
Inspired by the themes of Cathy Waller Company’s Unseen | Unmasked exhibition by Harris (The1Harris) - which explores the experience of feeling invisible - the session invites families and friends to explore language, connection, and imagination through movement.
Led by Cathy, you’ll spend time moving together and shaping your collective ideas directly onto one of the company’s professional dancers. The workshop is fun, inclusive, and focused on creation rather than technique, no dance experience is needed, and everyone is warmly welcomed.
Workshop 1
1 hr 15 mins
10 - 11:15am
5 - 7 year olds and their families
Workshop 2
1 hr 15 mins
11:30am - 12:45pm
8 - 12 year olds and their families
The Nutshell Jazz Club: The Harry Cristelis Quartet
THE NUTSHELL JAZZ CLUB:
The Harry Cristelis Quartet
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book tickets.
No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.EVENT DETAILS
Thursday 26 March 2026
£25 & £13 Students
8pm (doors 7pm)
“Breathy and textural tones that perfectly create a sense of space and memory”
Harry Christelis and his quartet perform music from Preserving Fictions, a captivating blend of jazz, folk, and ambient soundscapes. Expect inventive interplay, haunting beauty, and deep emotional resonance from this remarkable group of musicians.
Guitarist and composer Harry Christelis presents his new album, Preserving Fictions — an exploration of how music and art can serve as a means to preserve and document the seeming truths we see, hear, feel, and experience every day. This record, a continuation and development of his 2025 EP Half Truths (recorded during the same session), sees Christelis delve deeper into a sound world that has become synonymous with his name, fusing elements of jazz and folk traditions with ambient drones and delicate electronic textures to create a truly immersive listening experience.
Featuring his long-standing quartet of Christos Stylianides (trumpet/effects), Andrea Di Biase (double bass/synth), and Dave Storey (drums), the highly acclaimed musicians constantly break free from their traditional roles within the jazz idiom. Instead, they embrace a deeply communal approach to improvisation, colouring, shaping, and delineating every moment of each piece together. Across the adventurous 58-minute album, the listener is taken on a journey that moves through dreamy psychedelic trips, expansive soundscapes, delicate moments of intimacy, and furious bursts of energy — all seamlessly bound by a tone that holds sombre and hopeful feelings in harmonious equilibrium.
“Compelling ambient music pitched somewhere between In A Silent Way-era Miles Davis and late-era Talk Talk”
THE NUTSHELL JAZZ CLUB
Join us on the third Thursday of every month* for an evening of Jazz, delicious food (bring your own / order in) and drinks a plenty in an intimate cabaret style setting.
In partnership with Winchester Jazz Festival and Alex Western-King we will host some of the UK’s best Jazz musicians on The Nutshell stage.
*please check dates as due to holiday season we will occassionally shift from the third Thursday!
I Saw Satan at the 7-Eleven
I Saw Satan at the 7-Eleven
BOOK TICKETS
BOOK TICKETS
No lift access to performance studio.
No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased.EVENT DETAILS
25 March 2026
£13+
8pm
1hr plus interval (approx)
“lip-blisteringly nihilistic beat poetry”
Come see Christopher Brett Bailey (This Is How We Die) perform I Saw Satan at the 7-Eleven. Fear and Loathing meets South Park in a screwball monologue that's part romance, part buddy comedy, part body horror.
Two miles north of Hell, a nameless deadbeat narrator spots Satan buying soy milk at the 7-Eleven. Satan's a washed-up has-been, who’s totally lost his edge. That is until he falls in love with our narrator and the two embark on a debauched misadventure, by turns slapstick, violent, whimsical, dreamlike and tender.
WARNINGS
Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, scenes of a sexual nature, scenes of sexual violence, scenes of violence, strong language/swearing.
“blisteringly brilliant…staggeringly eloquent”
Part of RAW
This event is part of RAW, a week of contemporary performance across arts venues in Winchester.
Discover the full RAW line-up at RAWwinchester.co.uk
Unseen | Unmasked
UNSEEN | UNMASKED
Explore concepts of identity, perception and neurodivergence through this dual exhibition.
Unseen | Unmasked is a powerful photographic exhibition by Harris (The1Harris), sharing experiences of Neurodivergence, including his own, in order to unmask identity and perception. Through these portraits, the exhibition reveals what is usually hidden, challenging assumptions about identity and perception. It forms part of You & Us, a touring triptych by Cathy Waller Company examining themes of invisibility through photography, dance and film.
South London based documentary and portrait photographer Harris started young – capturing life’s moments with a haunting beauty. In his 20s, his street photography earned him recognition and a partnership with Nikon UK. Currently, he is the commissioned artist for Bryen & Langley x Photofusion documenting their redevelopment and relocation to Beehive Place, Brixton. In addition, he is immersed in a deeply personal project titled ‘Chasing Intimacy’, challenging societal norms regarding non-sexual intimacy among Afro-Caribbean men and pursuing a long-form project exploring grief work, isolation and the forging of communities of grief.
Commissioned by Cathy Waller Company as part of their current project ‘Us’, the exhibition sits alongside a groundbreaking dance film ‘You are also Us’ and a powerful new dance performance, ‘You and Us’.
Unseen | Unmasked is a Cathy Waller Company commissioned project supported by Arts Council England and Disability Arts Online.