Bach, Bows and Arrows! - an audience with Julian & Jiaxin Lloyd Webber

Julian Lloyd Webber and his wife Jiaxin, invite audiences to join them for an evening of music, stories and celebration, as Julian returns,  having just published his candid and widely acclaimed autobiography Bows and Arrows.

Together, Julian and Jiaxin explore the extraordinary story behind Bach’s sublime Cello Suites, how Bach influenced their careers as musicians and how these masterpieces lay undiscovered for nearly two hundred years.

Audiences are treated to a richly illustrated musical journey through Julian’s own remarkable career which features over 60 recorded albums including Variations, Lloyd Webber plays Lloyd Webber and his Brit Award winning recording of Elgar’s Cello Concerto.

Julian is an ambassador of the King’s Trust and a patron for Young Lives versus Cancer, both positions he is proud to have held over thirty years and counting. Julian was the London Underground’s First Official Busker and the only classical musician chosen to perform at the Closing Ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games.

Bach, Bows and Arrows! includes live performances from Jiaxin, alongside reflections and video clips from Julian’s own personal archive.

Audiences will have a once in a lifetime chance to question both Lloyd Webbers, as they recall working with musical greats including Elton John, Philip Glass, Yehudi Menuhin, Stéphane Grappelli, Joaquín Rodrigo and Julian's brother Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber.

This is a unique and intimate and insightful evening with two of Britain’s most distinguished musicians.

Photography by Clive Conway Productions

Los Pacaminos featuring Paul Young Los Pacaminos was formed in summer 1992, when UK pop star Paul Young’s love of all things Tex-Mex led to exploratory discussions with some like-minded musician friends. Within a few weeks, Los Pacaminos was born and rehearsals had begun. The band was originally a six-piece. Joining Paul were guitarist and singer Jamie Moses, accordion/keyboard player Matt Irving, singer/songwriter Drew Barfield, bassist Steve Greetham and drummer Mark Pinder. In November 1992, the boys took to the stage for their first ever gig at the White Horse in Richmond, Matt’s local watering-hole. They went down a storm. Despite expectations that the band would fall apart when something more important came along, the exact opposite happened. With every show, their friendships grew stronger, the band played tighter, and the seeds of their loyal fanbase had been sown. While Paul’s name was used in gig promotion, the Los Pacaminos name and the boys’ trademark stetsons made it clear this wasn’t a Paul Young show. In time, the band started writing and performing their own songs, and the boys knew this wasn’t going to be a short-term project. In 1997, after five years of gigging, Jamie introduced Paul to Melvin Duffy, a pedal steel player he’d played with, and suggested Melvin play on a few songs at the next show. Paul remembers it well: “As soon as Mel took the first solo, we all melted. He had to be in the band, the decision wasn’t his to make!” In 2002, as an established seven-piece band, the Pacs delighted their fans with the release of their eponymous first album. Comprising 12 original songs that ran through their influences, including the Texas Tornados, Doug Sahm, Flaco Jimenez, Roy Orbison, The Band, Chuck Berry, Ry Cooder and Calexico, ‘Los Pacaminos’ pulled in an impressive array of positive reviews. These songs, together with a number of acclaimed covers, became the backbone of their set list over the coming years. In 2015, the boys lost their dear friend and founder member Matt Irving after a long battle with cancer. Although Matty’s boots were very big boots to fill, Steve “Woody” Oakman stepped in as the band’s accordionist a year later. Woody has been a key member ever since and with an unmatched live reputation, two acclaimed studio albums and two live albums under their belts, Los Pacaminos continue to explore and perform the music of the Southwest.

Mark Smith: Medals & Militaria Specialist and TV Personality

Mark Smith, renowned for his expertise in medals and militaria, has been a celebrated figure on BBC TV’s Antiques Roadshow since 2014. Recognized as one of the show’s most popular experts, Mark captivates audiences with his deep knowledge and engaging storytelling.

Beyond Antiques Roadshow, Mark has featured on numerous television programs, including Who Do You Think You Are? Bargain Hunt, The One Show, and BBC Breakfast, making him a familiar face to millions of viewers.

Mark’s expertise extends to radio, where he is a regular guest on the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS), and podcasts for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, sharing his insights with military history enthusiasts worldwide.

A Leading Authority on the Victoria Cross

Acknowledged as a global expert on the Victoria Cross, Mark has authored five books on the Great War and contributed to numerous publications and magazines. As a member of both the Western Front Association and the Orders and Medals Research Society, he continues to shape the field of military history and medal research.

His live presentation, For Valour: The Story of the Victoria Cross, offers audiences a chance to delve into the origins of this prestigious award, dispel myths, and hear extraordinary stories of the brave men who have received Britain’s highest military honour.

Collector, Dealer, and Passionate Historian

Mark’s passion for military history began in 1983 when he started dealing in militaria in Islington, London. Over the years, he has built an extensive private collection, specialising not only in the Victoria Cross but also in flying clothing and RAF logbooks.

Mark’s unrivalled expertise, passion, and captivating storytelling have solidified his reputation as a trusted authority in the world of medals and militaria, inspiring collectors and history lovers alike.

Exclusive Pre-Show Meet & Greet Experience with Mark Smith

 Limited Availability

Enhance your theatre evening with a unique one-hour session inspired by BBC’s Antiques Roadshow. Join Mark for an intimate event where history comes alive.

Up to 20 guests will gather for a private Meet & Greet, with the opportunity to bring along personal family medals or militaria. Mark will share his remarkable expertise, uncovering the stories, battles, and historic moments behind each item.

Each couple will enjoy their own dedicated time as Mark examines and explains their pieces, offering fascinating insight and a professional valuation—while the rest of the group listens to captivating wartime stories.

This rare add-on experience promises unforgettable memories, intriguing discoveries, and a deeper connection to the past. Add it to your ticket for an evening you’ll truly treasure.

'DIRECT FROM THE WEST END' ELO Again are back with their stunning 'BACK to the BLUE' Tour celebrating the truly universal music of Jeff Lynne and the Electric Light Orchestra.  ELO Again really give you a dramatic taste of what a legendary ELO concert would have been like back in their heyday, the whole experience is professionally re-enacted with amazing sound reproduction, light show and visual effects. They perform all the big hits – MR BLUE SKY, LIVIN’ THING, SWEET TALKIN’ WOMAN, SHINE A LITTLE LOVE, CONFUSION, LAST TRAIN TO LONDON, ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN, WILD WEST HERO, DON'T BRING ME DOWN, THE DIARY OF HORACE WIMP, TELEPHONE LINE, TURN TO STONE plus many more.  As the No.1 tribute show, ELO Again provide you with the spectacular live experience of ELO’s famous orchestrations, soaring strings and vocals. They certainly know how to entertain too, as the hits just keep on coming. Their version of MR BLUE SKY is breathtaking, full of passion and fervour; the whole auditorium will be on its feet.  Come along and relive the age of Glam Rock as ELO Again pay tribute to the beautifully crafted songs of Jeff Lynne. You will revel in ELO’s unique symphonic rock style and hear some of the most unforgettable classic rock and pop songs of our generation.  The timeless MR BLUE SKY returns, so Roll Over Beethoven - Rock 'n Roll Is King. ELO AGAIN: 'The Best ELO Tribute on the Planet'

Artsreach & The Exchange presents

Team Viking

By James Rowland

Fifteen years ago, James’s best friend Tom was diagnosed with heart cancer and given three months

to live. His last wish was to be given a full Viking burial.

Team Viking is the remarkable, hilarious and heart-lifting story of how James actually gave his best

mate the send-off he wanted.

Originally premiering at the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe, Team Viking became a critically acclaimed

breakthrough hit and marked the beginning of James’s career as one of the UK’s leading

contemporary storytellers.

Blending storytelling, music, comedy and even an actual Viking helmet, Team Viking is a comic ode

to death, friendship and the absurdity of life. Now this modern classic returns for its 10th

anniversary tour, as funny, raw and joyous as ever.

★★★★★ “As accomplished storytelling as you could hope to see… joyous – heart lifting and

incredibly moving.” The Stage

★★★★★ “Real grief, still raw; real heart, still healing… A reminder that life really is for the

living.” Fest Magazine

★★★★ “Brilliant storytelling… beautifully written and superbly performed.” Ed Fest Mag

★★★★ “Equal parts sad, funny and ridiculous… a show of real courage.” ThreeWeeks

Running time 70mins no interval

Recommended 14+ (adult themes and language)

Touring with Artsreach, Dorset’s rural arts charity.

www.artsreach.co.uk

Moonlight Swing Band presents a Christmas Concert

Start the festive season with some sparkle, merriment and dancing, with an evening of toe-tapping music from The Moonlight Swing Band, with sounds from the big band era of Glenn Miller and more… raising funds for The Exchange as we party.

A welcome return of the band under the baton of Musical Director Kevin Morgan, Principal Trombone of the Bournemouth

Symphony Orchestra.

Join us for a festive party evening here at The Exchange.

SUPERSONIC QUEEN – the UK’s most dynamic tribute

Supersonic Queen are rapidly establishing themselves as the UK’s leading Queen tribute – and one of the most electrifying anywhere in the world.

Celebrated for their breathtaking musicianship, commanding stage presence and meticulous attention to detail, they recreate the magic of Queen’s legendary live performances with stunning authenticity and explosive energy. This totally live 5-piece band delivers far more than a tribute show – they deliver an experience.

From the soaring anthems and theatrical epics to the stadium-shaking rock classics, Supersonic Queen capture the spirit, scale and majesty that made Queen one of the greatest bands of all time.  

Touring extensively across the UK’s top theatres, music venues and festivals, the band continue to win over audiences of all ages, earning critical acclaim and a fiercely loyal fanbase. Every show is packed with hit after hit, performed with passion, precision and the kind of on-stage chemistry that truly sets them apart.  

Step back in time and relive the excitement of a live Queen concert. Bring your friends, bring your family, and prepare for an unforgettable night of music, memories and pure rock ‘n’ roll spectacle.

Living Spit presents It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Quizmas!

Writer/Performer: Stu McLoughlin

Director: Craig Edwards.

Ah, Christmas. A time for good will, peace on earth and absolutely CRUSHING your friends and family in a festive quiz.

But this isn't just any Christmas quiz night. It's a comedy show hastily gift-wrapped in unrecycleable quizzy paper! Join Living

Spit’s Holy host, Stu Mcloughlin, as he sings, dances and otherwise vaguely performs his way through ridiculous rounds, questionable facts, surprise challenges and enough festive foolery to make Santa fake an injury.

Bring your brains, your buddies and your strongest opinions about which Quality Street selections are the best.

Big laughs! Tiny prizes! Family arguments!

Come clever. Leave confused.

Age Guide: 12+

A Christmas Concert with Tenors Un Limited

Tenors Unlimited are back to celebrate with a feast of Yuletide songs, including firm family favourites - O Holy Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, Silent Night, Last Christmas, Hark The Herald Angels Sing, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, as well as their number 1 selling Christmas single ‘Who Is He?’ The guys’ rich vocal harmonies and down to earth sense of humour have endeared them to audiences around the world. There is something for everyone in this programme including evergreen classical pieces like Nessun Dorma, Pearl Fishers.

“Bravi, complimeni e grazie”        “21st Century Tenors”        They shivered the timbers

From Sting                        Alan Tichmarsh                Evening Standard

Neil Sands and his wonderful cast return with a brand-new production of their must-see Christmas Cracker! Get ready for a magical afternoon packed with festive joy and heartwarming nostalgia, featuring over 60 timeless Christmas songs and carols you know and love. From the first note to the final curtain, you’ll be singing along and reliving the magic of Christmases past. With dazzling costumes, magical moments, and even falling snow, audiences have described it as “like a sparkly Christmas card come to life.” The perfect way to start the festive season in style.

Moscow Drug Club... Named after the BB Gabor song about an underground Jazz club during the cold war…

Are heady and waggish mix of Jazz- French Musette- Latin Grooves -and New Orleans Swing.

Combining their original material with songs by the likes of Jacques Brel, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen & Eartha Kitt.

Selling out venues for over a decade, Moscow Drug Club deliver an intoxicating and intimate musical experience you won’t soon forget!

“Absolutely knock out performance, great musicianship and very entertaining!!”

“Amazingly evocative, beautiful and inspiring, such originality just like the band’s name.”

Katya Gorrie – Voice

Jonny Bruce – Trumpet

Andy Crowdy – Bass

Mirek Salmon – Accordion

Andy Bowen – Guitar

http://www.moscowdrugclub.com/