The Playboy of the Western World

by John Millington Synge

directed by Caitríona McLaughlin

Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) joins Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls) in John Millington Synge’s riveting play of youth and self-discovery.

Pegeen Flaherty’s life is turned upside down when a young man walks into her pub claiming that he’s killed his father. Instead of being shunned, the killer becomes a local hero and begins to win hearts, that is until a second man unexpectedly arrives on the scene…

Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, Caitríona McLaughlin directs this darkly funny tale full to the brim with secrets.

The Story of MTV’s Unplugged Sessions

Step into a world where music breathes again — raw, real, and deeply moving. UNPLUG’D is a stunning live production that celebrates the golden era of MTV Unplugged, capturing the heart

and honesty of stripped-back performance.

This unforgettable show brings to life the spirit of the original sessions that defined a generation — where legendary artists traded stadium spectacle for intimacy, storytelling, and pure musicianship.

From Nirvana’s raw intensity to Eric Clapton’s soulful blues, George Michael’s velvet vocals to Paul McCartney’s timeless charm, UNPLUG’D delivers an evening of world-class musicianship, passion, and nostalgia.

Rediscover the beauty of live music — unfiltered, unforgettable, and completely UNPLUG’D

Recommendations

Dave Hills*****

Unplug'd take you on a soulful, acoustic journey of beautifully reimagined classic hits, everything from REM

and Duran Duran to A-ha and Nirvana!

Vocals are heartfelt, and the pure musicianship of the band captures the true spirit of the show - intimate,

raw...and Unplugged!

Not to be missed!

Katie Bobbett*****

More than a concert - it’s a living history of the MTV Unplugged era. Insightful, inspiring and beautifully

performed.

Theresa Munn*****

What an incredible night! The Story of MTV Unplugged completely blew me away. The musicians

were absolutely first-class — every song was performed with real passion and skill. You could feel

the energy in the room from start to finish, and the crowd loved every moment.

It felt like being part of something special — pure, live music played by people who truly love what

they do. If you get the chance to see this show, don’t miss it!

Website : https://www.unplugd.uk/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unplugdtributeband 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unplugdtributeband/ 

The Alter Eagles are delighted to be coming back to the Exchange for the fourth time, bringing with them a brand new theatre show for 2026 that celebrates their 21st year of touring. Since their debut gig in 2003, the Alter Eagles have established themselves as one of the country's top tribute acts, headlining at theatres all over the country, playing a mix of old and new Eagles' songs. Expect all the classics - including Hotel California, Take It Easy, One Of These Nights, Take It To The Limit, Desperado, Lyin' Eyes and Life In The Fast Lane - as well as Henley, Frey and Walsh solo numbers like Boys of Summer, The Heat is On and Rocky Mountain Way, along with some deep cuts and plenty of sweet country harmonies and rocking twin guitars.

The band members are Steve McCormack (vocals, guitars)  Alan Tomkins (keyboards, guitars, vocals) Rob Beattie (bass, acoustic guitar, vocals) Mike Bradley (guitars, vocals) and Ed Chisholm (drums, percussion, vocals). Find out more by visiting the band's website at www.altereagles.co.uk.

"World class." - Lemonrock Gig Guide

"Pitch perfect harmonies." - Brighton Evening Argus

"A joy to watch." - East Anglian Daily Times

"One of the best tribute bands I can remember seeing." - Windsor Observer

"The Alter Eagles brought more than a little American West Coast harmony to a warm English West Coast St Ives - they were perfect." - St Ives Times and Echo

"Opening with the acapella harmonies from Silver Dagger and segueing in to Take It Easy, just as The Eagles did in some of their live shows back in the 1970s, The Alter Eagles pumped out hit after Eagles hit, along with their own brand of humour and excellent communication with their audience."  NEWBURY TODAY

Website: https://www.altereagles.co.uk 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlterEaglesUK 

Instagram: https//www.instagram.com/altereagles  

'A Night of Blues ‘n’ Boogie' - 3 great acts!

Back by popular demand. A wonderfully varied and thrilling night of blues! Three great acts showcasing the superb talents of the truly authentic Boogie-Woogie piano and vocals of Julian Phillips, the ‘uplifting’ and ‘inspirational’ Acoustic Roots of Mark Harrison (guitar & vocals); and as always, the night will close with the dynamic and ever-popular Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion, whose Hammond-organ-driven electric blues blend old-school tradition with contemporary flare and sophistication.

Prepare for an unforgettable night of entertainment!

Julian Phillips – Solo Boogie-Woogie Piano

 As one of the UK's top boogie-woogie piano players, Julian has gained a great reputation for his wide and varied repertoire in the boogie and blues genre and is one of the founder organisers of the UK boogie-woogie festival here at Sturminster Newton.  

Julian has played concerts and festivals in Europe and America and is highly esteemed by his fellow players.  He taught himself how to play the piano at the age of 14 by listening to and interpreting the music of the great boogie-woogie pioneers including Jimmy Yancey and Pinetop Smith. His love and knowledge of blues ‘n boogie is infectious, and whether playing solo or performing with other musicians his enjoyment of the music is intensely evident.

Followed by…

Mark Harrison – Acoustic Roots

Mark is an established, multi-award-nominated artist with an ever-growing reputation for being unlike any other artist out there. He performs all-original songs in his own very individual style. He has been regularly featured on BBC Radio, including the Radio 2 Pick Of the Week show, and a live session on Radio 2 Cerys Matthews Blues Show.  He has been described by the BBC as an artist who 'makes you think afresh' and by countless reviewers and audience members as 'uplifting' and 'inspirational'.

Mark is well-known in the blues world - BBC Radio has said 'He's kind of reinvented the blues in this country. What a glorious sound he makes', he has been described as 'one of the most genuinely innovative, interesting bluesmen in Europe today' by Blues Matters magazine, and he has been nominated multiple times in the UK Blues Awards (including 2026).

“One of the most genuinely innovative bluesmen in Europe today. Always a joy” - Blues Matters magazine

“He's kind of reinvented the blues in this country. What a glorious sound he makes” - Frank Hennessey, BBC Radio

“Everybody should be talking about Mark Harrison” - Classic Rock magazine

markharrisonrootsmusic.com

 INTERVAL

Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion – dynamic and lyrical Hammond-organ driven contemporary electric blues.

“Seriously good music” – Cerys Matthews, BBC Radio 2

ZSBC refresh the blues genre with eclectic arrangements, virtuosic playing and vocal prowess. Their vibrant, exciting live set is based around rootsy original songs, strong catchy riffs and exciting grooves; they mix old-school tradition with contemporary flare and sophistication.

Zoe’s dynamic and commanding vocal delivery, her majestic vocal sweep and her interpretive ability, are complimented by the unmistakable and inimitable touch and flow of Rob Koral-guitar; and the highly accomplished rhythm section of Pete Whittaker-Hammond organ and Eddie John-drums who bring massive musical authority and the ability to push the music in unpredictable and exciting directions.

There is diversity, depth, and uniqueness in the band's music, with each member given the freedom to express their musical prowess and add their own magic to Zoë and Rob’s songwriting. A testament to their chemistry is the sheer volume of music they’ve written, recorded, released, and toured — with their brand-new album Colourful House marking their seventh studio release since their formation in 2012.

“A great band. Terrific musicians all four of them” - Paul Jones, BBC Radio 2

“A different level of class. Zoe's vocal: powerful yet vulnerable. Rob, Pete and [Paul] turned out a masterclass in Schofield-esque sophistication” - Blues in Britain Magazine

“This is a band of exceptional quality, fronted by the stellar vocals of Zoe Schwarz; you really shouldn't miss the opportunity to enjoy them” - Live Review, Brian Harrington, Arlington Arts, Newbury Times

zoeschwarzmusic.com