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18-21 MARCH 2026 Book Tickets

The 19th Annual WriteFest

WriteFest returns for its 19th year with a sparkling line-up of brand-new short plays from a range of talented writers. Expect sharp comedy, bold characters and plenty of surprises, from mythological mishaps and small-town secrets to medical mayhem, menopausal fury and even the quietly irritating presence of zombies. By turns witty, surreal and laugh-out-loud funny, this year’s selection showcases original voices and inventive storytelling – a fast-paced celebration of new writing that promises something for everyone.

This year's plays are:

Dead Annoying by Adam Wells
Curious Incident of the Man in the Bowler Hat by Liz Carroll
Indefinite Edibility by Dan Clark
Ye Gods by Liz Carroll
World of Pain by Peter Roan
Shambridge by Melanie Roan

Next Jazz

27 MARCH 2026 Book Tickets

Small Blue

Martin Pyne drums / composition
David Beebee piano
Marianne Windham double bass

Percussionist, composer and improviser Martin Pyne, when not working with contemporary dance or as a silent film accompanist, performs solo sets, leads bands, and collaborates with a range of musicians and other artists.

Formed in 2023, the jazz trio Small Blue is a result of just such a collaboration, with David Beebee on piano, and Marianne Windham on double bass.

Small Blue is a piano trio in the classic modern jazz tradition, featuring material including straight ahead swinging tunes and beautiful ballads, as well as African inspired grooves – but always with a twist.

Martin says that most of the tunes he composes have a back story, often being inspired by novels or poems he’s read, movies or art he’s seen, or places he’s visited.

The result is music that is intimate but ranges far and wide in tempo and mood – by turns lyrical, atmospheric, groovy, and mischievous – and takes in heartfelt ballads, mysterious grooves, evocative atmospheres and melodic swing along the way.

Next Art Exhibition

Available for viewing during events throughout March 2026.

Collected Reflections by Ellen Jewell

This show is a culmination of the artist's work as it moves between an impressionistic style and a new abstract style. In the past the artist has relied heavily on symbolism in a challenging world to try and portray a positive outlook and give symbols of hope. After being shut away during the pandemic and during periods of illness the artist has grown to appreciate nature, the seasons and the simple pleasures of a sunny day. More recently the artist has become more interested in abstraction, shape and pattern. The artist is particularly inspired by light and how it reflects, refracts and how it shines through coloured glass. The artist uses this subject matter to lead them into more exciting abstracted compositions.

Ellen Jewell has been working as an Artist in Reading, London and Internationally for the last 25 years. Ellen has worked with local charities, schools and community groups creating communal projects around Reading as well as continuing her own practice.

http://collectedreflections.blogspot.com