Queering the TARDIS- Doctor Who and LGBTQ+ representation
2025-08-23 13:30 - 14:30 (Europe/London) | Melville Centre, 5 Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UN, United Kingdom
NB: Tickets Available at the Door
A look at the Queerness of Doctor Who, from ideas of chosen family, through to Queer aliens and LGBTQ+ companions. With particular reflection on the Russell T Davies era (s) and the shift towards deliberate, visible Queerness in Doctor Who. A conversation around representation and why it matters, the impact on a generation of Doctor Who fans, and where the show can go from here to continue pushing LGBTQ+ representation across time and space.

Hosted by Emily Garside, author of Queer Aliens and Gay Folks, How Russell T Davies cahnged TV.

Emily Garside is a Queer writer and LGBTQ+ educator. Beginning with a PhD on theatrical responses to the AIDS crisis and the evolution of LGBTQ theatre, I have since expanded my work into Queer cultural history, including writing books on TV, Film and Welsh Queer History. Since leaving academia, I have worked with organisations like Bishopsgate Insitute and London Playwrights to share Queer history and culture. I also work to develop diversity and inclusion in my other passions: Ice Hockey and Figure skating. As an Asexual, non-binary, neurodivergent person, I combine lived expertise with research and knowledge to educate— and occasionally entertain.

John Higgs talk
2025-08-23 16:00 - 17:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
NB: Tickets Available at the door

John Higgs is an English writer, novelist, journalist and cultural historian. The work of Higgs has been published in the form of novels (under the pseudonym JMR Higgs), biographies and works of cultural history.
He will be talking about his most recent book about the history of Doctor Who titled: Exterminate/Regenerate: The Story of Doctor Who

Jon Crespo Quartet - Beyond Armstrong
2025-08-31 20:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Jon Crespo is a musician with vast global performance and touring experience. His credits include
Lenny Kravitz, The Beach Boys, The Box Tops, KC and the Sunshine Band, The Platters, Michael
Ball and Gareth Gates.
Beyond Armstrong is a unique tribute to trumpets players who were inspired by and appeared on the
jazz scene after Louis Armstrong. Arguably, one would suggest that modern jazz trumpet playing
owes its roots and influences to him. In some way, every trumpet player owes approach,
understanding and their sound to Armstrong. This tribute will explore and pay homage to some of
those players – including Miles Davis, Tom Harrell, Woody Shaw and more.

Jon Crespo – trumpet and flugelhorn
Mark Sambell – keys
Jon Goode – bass
Greg Evans – drums

Poetry Upstairs - A book launch of Shook Up! by Ric Hool
2025-09-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Melville Centre Cafe-Bar, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
A book launch of Shook Up! by Ric Hool
Ric Hool has 13 collections of published poetry and is widely featured in poetry magazines & anthologies. His poetic themes include psychological and geographical impact of place, time and space on experience.
He has run the reading series Poetry Upstairs in Abergavenny for 30 years.
Ric Hool is from Northumberland.

September Art Courses
2025-09-08 - 2025-09-30 | Melville Centre, 5 Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UN, United Kingdom
For more information please contact: 07970 219503 or email abergavennycommunitylearning@monmouthshire.gov.uk

Gig Comedi Alun Saunders / Alun Saunders Comedy Gig
2025-09-19 19:00 - 21:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Dewch i wrando ar y comedïwr a’r awdur yn gwneud sioe newydd sbon i siaradwyr newydd
Come and listen to the comedian and author who is doing a brand new show for new Welsh language speakers

The Misha Mullov-Abbado Group
2025-09-26 20:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Our wall2wall Jazz Festival weekend starts with an exciting lineup – The Misha Mullov-
Abbado Group brings together some of London’s most acclaimed jazz musicians. Blending
jazz with classical, folk, and Latin influences, the group performs original music that’s rich in
melody, rhythm, and groove.

Led by award-winning bassist and composer Misha Mullov-Abbado, their latest album,
Effra (Ubuntu Music 2025), follows three critically acclaimed releases, with previous praise
from The Telegraph and BBC Radio 3.

Expect vibrant, genre-crossing sounds from one of the UK’s most exciting jazz ensembles.
Adam Chatterton (Trumpet)
Tom Smith (alto Sax)
Liam Dunachie (piano)
Misha Mullov-Abbado (Double Bass)
Jay Davies (Drums)
“An unfailing inventive, artfully produced, and delightfully sunny debut.” – The Telegraph on
New Ansonia(UK)

“One of the finest young bands in the country” – Jazz FM
“Soul-enhancing jazz” – BBC Radio 3
“A mouthwatering prospect” – Jazzwise

The Siglo Section featuring Kat Rees
2025-09-27 20:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
wall2wall Jazz Festival is proud to welcome The Siglo Section, Cardiff’s hottest young big
band, to this year’s festival lineup.

Founded in 2019 by dynamic duo Matt Lush and Loz Collier, The Collective has quickly
established itself as one of South Wales’s premier jazz ensembles – bringing a bold, youthful
energy to the big band tradition.

This 18-piece powerhouse features the classic big band formation – saxes, trumpets,
trombones and a full rhythm section. Their repertoire blends swing-era classics with modern
funk, innovative arrangements and original works from within the band.

This vibrant ensemble showcases South Wales’ top emerging talent and features the
standout vocalist Kat Rees. Kat is a Welsh bilingual jazz singer celebrated for her soulful
voice and innovative blend of traditional and contemporary jazz. Featured on BBC Radio
Cymru and BBC Radio3, she made history with The Siglo Section by releasing the first
original Welsh-language big band jazz EP. Praised as the “Welsh Ella Fitzgerald,” Kat
continues to captivate audiences both live and on air.

More than just a band, The Siglo Section is a vibrant musical community – a hub for
creativity, collaboration and high-calibre live performance. Whether they’re channelling the
golden age of jazz or pushing boundaries with contemporary sounds, their performances are
electrifying, fresh and not to be missed.

Join us at wall2wall Saturday to experience the energy, skill, and spirit of the next generation
of big band jazz.

Ian Shaw Performs the Music of Joni Mitchell and David Bowie
2025-09-28 20:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Closing our festival weekend, multi-award-winning singer, Ian Shaw, performs one of his
favourite shows, fusing the words and music of two of popular music’s genius giants – Joni
Mitchell and David Bowie.

Traversing the mammoth back catalogue of these legendary and influential artists, this solo
show draws on stories from the early seventies and our own ideals of love, hope and the
endless presence of the darker truths of recent times.

Shaw recorded a critically highly praised album of Joni Mitchell (‘Drawn To All Things’, Linn
Records) and has a personal connection to both, which is the core of this exciting show. This
promises to be a highly charged evening of tears, laughter and simply great song writing.

“Jazz singer Ian Shaw is almost too talented for his own good…a brilliant vocal chameleon”;
The Telegraph
“Great jazz singers, like great comedians, are masters of timing. That Ian Shaw is a virtuoso
of both disciplines, balancing stand-up and concert gigs, speaks to the breadth of his genius
and to the singularity of his style as a singer”: Jazz Times (USA)

Website
www.ianshaw.biz

BMJ Collective with guest Nigel Price
2025-10-12 19:00 - 21:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Award-winning jazz guitarist Nigel Price is widely regarded as one of the UK’s finest jazz
musicians. With a career spanning more than 25 years, his blend of flowing bebop lines, deep
blues feeling and masterful chording has won him acclaim from audiences and fellow
musicians alike.
A regular at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club (with over 500 performances), Nigel has worked with
stars including Van Morrison, James Taylor, Gladys Knight and David Axelrod. He has
recorded more than 50 albums and picked up multiple awards, including Best Guitarist at the
British Jazz Awards (2016).
Performing with our brilliant house band, The BMJ Jazz Collective, expect a night of
swinging, soulful jazz from a true master of the guitar.
 Guitar: Nigel Price
 Bass: Nick Kacal
 Drums: Ryan Thrupp
 Sax: Jack McDougal
“For me, this is how jazz should be; communicative and inclusive. Jazz performed this
way feels like a gift, a here, this is for you scenario’ – Denny Ilett, London Jazz News
“Nigel Price is probably the most dynamic and gifted guitarist on the British jazz scene
today” – All About Jazz
Our early-month events support our youth initiative – the BMJazz Katz, helping to keep jazz
alive in the younger generations of musicians in Abergavenny.
BMJazz Katz currently have 18 youngsters who meet once a month at the Melville Centre-
Abergavenny. There is room for more – if you know any interested young musicians.
Website
nigethejazzer.com

Poetry Upstairs -Graham Harthill & Clare e Potter
2025-10-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Melville Centre Cafe-Bar, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Graham Hartill moved to the Black Mountains in 1992.
He has published seven co-translations with Wu Fusheng (of the University of Utah) from classical Chinese.
Graham teaches post-graduate students Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes for the Metanoia Institute in London
and was a writer-in-residence at HMP Parc, Bridgend.

clare e. potter is a poet and radio presenter who studied and taught in The Deep South (USA). She has had poetry residencies
with the Landmark Trust, performed at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC and was a Hay Festival Writer at Work.
Healing the Pack (Verve Poetry Press) her second poetry collection was published in 2024.

It helps to know in advance the number of attendees in order to arrange the seating,
so please register with Nicky Hassett (Melville Events Manager) Phone: 01873 853167
Then pay on the door as usual

Iago Banet, ‘The Galician King of Acoustic Guitar’
2025-10-25 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Described as ‘a master of the guitar’ by Sean Rafferty, BBC Radio 3 In Tune; as ‘nothing short of phenomenal’ in a recent review, and as a ‘highly recommended artist’ by Celtic Connections, Iago creates stories without words, enthralling audiences as he does so.

Iago Banet, ‘The Galician King of Acoustic Guitar’ launched his third album, TRES, in 2023, with a tour which has included multiple sell-out shows and sensational receptions from audiences across the UK. He has showcased his immense talent at festivals including Brecon Jazz, Hellys International Guitar Festival and Aberjazz, displaying new levels of skill, complexity and versatility, whilst fusing styles, ranging from gypsy jazz, blues, Americana, country and dixieland, to swing, pop and folk

Since 2018, Banet has been building an impressive career as a solo fingerstyle acoustic guitarist, displaying his exceptional abilities and receiving rave reviews along the way. He has performed with artists, including Josh Smith (Joe Bonamassa), Mark Flanagan (Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra), Jack Broadbent and Clive Carroll, amongst others.
Iago’s technique and approach to performance have captivated crowds across the UK and Spain. He is a one-man-band on acoustic guitar not to be missed.
Video 1: https://youtu.be/vTFkiwyVp8s
Video 2: https://youtu.be/QUgpfSbbPEU

Chris Cobbson Quartet - From Dixie to Smooth: The History of Jazz Guitar
2025-10-26 20:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Chris ‘Santo’ Cobbson is one of the most exciting and in-demand
guitarists in the UK. He has performed with Osibisa, Courtney Pine, The
JBs (Maceo Parker, Pee Wee Ellis, Fred Wesley), Monty Alexander, Andy
Sheppard, Clifford Jarvis, Jean Toussaint, the Ronnie Scott’s Big Band,
Sheila Ferguson, S.E. Rogie, Gasper Lawal, Dick Heckstall-Smith, Jim
Mullen, Ray Gelato, David Newton, Omar, Curtis Stigers, Imelda May,
the Ebony Steel Band, Jay Rayner, and many other artists across a wide
range of musical genres. He is also a prolific composer and arranger.

In this captivating project, Chris traces the history of jazz guitar, from its
early roots in Africa to the present day. With a masterful command of
guitar styles from every jazz era, he delivers a performance rich in
historical insight, musicality, and humour – sure to engage and entertain
any audience.

“Swinging”-James Moody
“Wonderful musician, beautiful music”- Russell Malone
“Sweet textures”- Music Republic Magazine
“Intriguing voicings”- Sounds of Surprise
“Beautiful fluid guitar grooves”- Courtney Pine
“Impressive variety of musical styles”- the Jazz Mann
“Wonderful guitar solo”- the Funk and Soul Review

 Chris Cobbson (guitar)
 Andrew Hooley (saxophone and clarinet)
 Paul Jefferies (acoustic and electric bass)
 Mike Cypher (drums)

Third man, Plant Species & Meg Wassell
2025-11-08 19:00 - 22:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Join us for a night of live music that includes:
Indie Rock
Rock Pop Psychedelia
Jazz/Blues/Soul

Thrifty
2025-11-14 19:00 - 21:30, 2025-11-15 19:00 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Step into a world where bargain bins brim with secrets, and second-hand treasures spark unforgettable tales—Thrifty, the dazzling new comedy by Cecilia Bawler, transforms a humble charity shop into a riotous stage for laughter, love, and a few surprising revelations. With every actor shape-shifting into a cast of quirky staff and eccentric customers, this heartwarming romp invites you to discover how far people will go to support a cause unlike any other. Come for the comedy, stay for the compassion—Thrifty is not just a play, it’s a feel-good frenzy of human connection, priced to make your heart sing.

The Remi Harris Hot Club Trio
2025-11-21 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
The Remi Harris Hot Club Trio – on tour across the UK in 2025

One of the UK’s most exciting guitarists, Remi Harris is joined by double bassist Tom Moore and rhythm guitarist Chris Nesbitt to present an enthralling evening of Gypsy Jazz and Blues. Combining musical virtuosity with passion and flair, this dynamic trio deliver a mesmerising show inspired by Django Reinhardt, Peter Green, Wes Montgomery, Jimi Hendrix and Joe Pass.

Since the age of seven, Remi has dedicated himself to a life of guitar. His playing has taken him from busking on the streets of his local towns to performing at many prestigious events and venues including Buckingham Palace, Montreal Jazz Festival, BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall with Jamie Cullum, and on national radio and television.

Remi has been performing with Tom Moore for over ten years, during which time they have developed a remarkable musical affinity. Since graduating from The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in 2011 where he is currently based, Tom has performed around the UK with a variety of bands and musical projects. Starting at a young age on guitar and quickly moving to bass, he has appeared at high profile venues including the Royal Albert Hall and The North Sea Jazz Festival, and more recently supporting Jools Holland.

Chris Nesbitt is a jazz and blues guitarist and teacher from Northern Ireland, currently based in the South West. Since graduating from Bath Spa University – where he now lectures – Chris has performed with various groups across the UK, playing gypsy jazz, blues, rock and RnB.

In 2025 Remi will also be touring with his blues rock project Man of the World: the Music of Peter Green, performing at venues selling out months in advance. He has recently released his third book Gypsy Jazz Soloing Etudes, a follow-up to his previous book 100 Gypsy Jazz Guitar Licks, which made it into the Top 10 in the Amazon Charts, as well as working on a keenly anticipated new album.

Remi’s unique style continues to win him fans from around the world and he has an enthusiastic following on social media that is growing exponentially. His output has also been attracting attention from increasingly renowned quarters, receiving rave reviews from the likes of Dr Martin Taylor MBE who recently said, ‘Remi is a phenomenal player specialising in both gypsy jazz, and blues guitar. He’s a true master of both genres’. With a formidable technique and a genuine passion for the guitar, the ease and warmth of Remi’s stage presence, together with his virtuoso talent, will have concert goers captivated.

Owl Light Trio and Rholben
2025-11-22 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
An evening of exquisite folk music from two Oxfordshire-based bands.

Owl Light Trio are Jim Penny on concertina, Jane Griffiths on fiddle and viola and Colin Fletcher on guitar.
All three musicians have deep roots in traditional music, share a passion for tunes from Ireland, the UK and Brittany, and draw upon their combined influences to create complex, compelling and heartfelt arrangements. Between them they have performed and recorded with Maddy Prior, Nancy Kerr, Tim van Eyken, Red Dog Green Dog and Duotone.
The trio released their second album ‘Sound into Light’ last year to glowing reviews.
“Beautifully played, full of tunes to dance to and brimming with charm” – Tradfolk.

Rholben’s interpretations of the traditional music of Wales are full of tenderness, wit, and deep emotion. The sublime voice of Siriol Davies is backed by thoughtful guitar, melodic bass, sweeping strings, and lush vocal harmony to create a sound that feels light and current whilst also feeling as weighty and old as the hill from which they take their name.
They are Siriol Davies (vocals, oboe), John Ruddock (Guitar), Colin Fletcher (Double Bass), Jane Griffiths (Viola, Fiddle) and Giles Lewin (Fiddle).

A BIG CHRISTMAS COMEDY JAM
2025-12-05 19:30 - 21:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
It was the night before Christmas… and the house was filled with JAM.
The Meliville Theatre and Alec Crane (a man of jam) are proud to bring you A BIG CHRISTMAS COMEDY JAM. An evening dedicated to all things comedy that isn’t just stand-up. There will be comedy, music, clowning, a harpist, and JAM. Christmas games, prizes, and, we can’t stress this enough… JAM.
Your lineup includes
Anna Soden!
Anna is a comedian, actor and award-nominated pantomime cow. Her work has been featured on Absolute Radio, BBC, and has millions of views on social media. “Very funny”-Harry Hill, “Supurb with a real gift for comedy”-British Theatre Guide.

John James Davies is Alister Henceforth!
Character comedian and all-around human man.Reb Day!
Reb is a comedian known for her “razor-sharp storytelling and dry charm”. She came second in this year’s So You Think You’re Funny? Competition, making her one of the top up-and-coming comics in the country. She is currently opening for Ria Lina on her nationwide tour “Riabellion” and appeared on Dave’s Go 8 Bit: DLC, where she was a series regular.
And your headliner, Sam Hickman!
‘Transatlantic singer/harpist/comedian, dubbed ‘The Sensational Sam Hickman’ by The British Comedy Guide, ‘Tom Lehrer of the comedy Harp’ by FringeReview and like ‘Michelle Visage with the musician and comedic ability of Victoria Wood’ by BroadwayBaby. She’s been treading the boards all over the place! Most notably at Wales Millennium Centre, Komedia Brighton, and Kings Head theatre London, just to name a few. She considers herself at home in her adopted home, like every Cardiff resident she has had a cameo on BBC’s Casualty.Plus… Father Christmas!We can’t wait to share all our Christmas joy with you. ”

Experience the Beatles
2025-12-06 19:30 - 22:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Experience The Beatles Wales’ premiere Beatles tribute show takes you back in time to relive the height of Beatlemania from the Mop-tops to the Rooftops they do it all from ‘Love Me Do to Let It Be’ with authentic equipment and costume changes it is the ultimate experience. With over 30 greatest hits in a 2 hour spectacular their cheeky wit this young group of musicians channels the spirit, the charm and the sound of The Beatles when they first burst onto the scene so get ready to ‘Come Together’ and Twist and Shout’ and fall in love all over again!

Ring Round The Moon
2025-12-11 19:30 - 2025-12-13 14:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
RING ROUND THE MOON
Step into a glittering winter-garden ball where mischief, mistaken identity, and matters of the heart collide. Twin brothers — the scheming Hugo and the hopelessly romantic Frédéric — find themselves entangled in a whirl of love, money, and masquerade. With a poor ballet dancer posing as a society belle, a rich heiress in pursuit, and a host of eccentric guests, everyone’s going “round the moon” — in love with the wrong person, clinging to old dreams, and stumbling into farce.
Suitcase Theatre brings Jean Anouilh’s elegant, witty comedy (translated by Christopher Fry) to life with a festive twist — sparkling, romantic, and full of mischief. Suitable for ages 12 and up.

Tickets available at www.suitcasetheatrecompany.com

Nutcrackers - Family Show
2025-12-18 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-12-19 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-12-20 14:00 - 16:30, 2025-12-23 18:30 - 20:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
NUTCRACKERS!
Nutcrackers is an utterly magical and playful take on the festive fairytale by E.T.A. Hoffmann – sharing this familiar story in a way you’ve never seen before! Follow Clara as she is transported through imaginative lands where she’ll meet some familiar…and unfamiliar characters! From the Sugar Plum Fairy to the King of Chaos – Nutcrackers is an unforgettable theatrical experience where anything is possible!
A cracking way to start your family’s Christmas celebrations! Suitable for all ages.

Nutcrackers - Nursery show (ages 6 & Under)
2025-12-19 11:00 - 12:30 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom

Nutcrackers - Adult show (16+)
2025-12-20 19:30 - 21:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
NUTCRACKERS!
Nutcrackers is an utterly magical and playful take on the festive fairytale by E.T.A. Hoffmann – sharing this familiar story in a way you’ve never seen before! Follow Clara as she is transported through imaginative lands where she’ll meet some familiar…and unfamiliar characters! From the Sugar Plum Fairy to the King of Chaos – Nutcrackers is an unforgettable theatrical experience where anything is possible!
A cracking way to start your family’s Christmas celebrations!

Santa's ultimate Christmas party
2025-12-21 16:30 - 18:00, 2025-12-23 16:30 - 18:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
Meet Santa and our festive fairytale characters at the ultimate Christmas party!
Ice a gingerbread man,
play silly games,
pose with the Sugar Plum Fairy and enjoy yummy delights from our cafe!
Suitable for all ages.
Booking required & adults free! Ho ho ho!!

Nutcrackers - Relaxed Performance
2025-12-21 18:30 - 21:00 | The Melville Theatre, The Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD, United Kingdom
