by Grapevine Editor | Jul 21, 2026 | Comedy, Tours
‘The most I’ve laughed at a show ever. I mean ever. So brilliant. I’m still laughing’ Tim Vine
‘Top quality character comedy’ The Guardian
‘Alex Lowe’s stunning creation’ Time Out
‘Wonderfully observed … poignant and very funny’ Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard
Star of Steve Wright’s Radio 2 show for ten years, the resident lifestyle coach and local legend Barry from Watford heads out on his debut tour at the age of 92!
Using his home Super 7 Cine archive films (from the Harold Baim Collection) Barry takes us back to old holidays and pass-times of a British yesteryear and in the hilarious process evokes a warm nostalgic landscape.
But don’t assume he’s another one of those flag flying mouth-breathers whipped up of late. He has plenty to say about the difficulties of growing up in the satellite town of Watford since 1950 and how he’d love us all to move forward together.
For the most part Barry is just proud to show off his wonderful wife Margaret, his charming daughter Michelle and his lunatic son, Dave.
Whether covering the sorts of jobs his class could expect to take up, his hilarious record collection or the romantic liaison that nearly cost him his marriage in the early ‘60s, Barry will have you laughing through affectionate tears.
Barry says: “I cannot wait to finally bring this show to you all. Ninety-two years in the making, it’s my entire life – minus the really tedious bits – a chance to lift your heads out of your smart phones and see what living a life really means.”
“As for the touring, I am really looking forward to being at different venues all over the country. Obviously, it’s not much fun being away from the loving embrace of my gentle demure wife but on the other hand I do love them big fatty ‘full Englishes’ you get in the hotels of a morning. So, every cloud….!”
Barry from Watford is famous for his regular appearances on Steve Wright in the Afternoon – BBC Radio 2’s flagship afternoon magazine show in which Barry played the resident lifestyle coach for ten years 2009-2019. He also starred in Cheap Cheap Cheap, the Channel 4 gameshow with Noel Edmonds and The Late Edition BBC4 with Marcus Brigstocke.
Barry’s Lunch Club was a highly acclaimed BBC Radio 4’s sitcom and he still co-hosts Angelos and Barry the hit podcast, running now on Patreon since 2018.
Barry has also popped on many other radio shows including LBC, Talk Radio, Absolute and Talksport.
He is also a big internet hit with his virals about “Minty Biscuits” and the blue badge holders, and his legendary “Barry Does a Voice Over” for Carpet right.
Alex Lowe Biography:
A regular on the UK stand up scene, Alex Lowe has been a familiar face on television for many years appearing in: Cold Feet, A Great Night Out and the All Star Impression Show amongst many others. Comedy for BBC includes: This Time With Alan Partridge, French And Saunders, The Detectorists and House Of Fools.
Alex is best known for playing Clinton Baptiste in Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights and prior to that played Sparky in That Peter Kay Thing for Channel 4.
He can often be heard on various radio shows including Talksport Breakfast as well as Chris Moyles X Music Breakfast Show as Clinton Baptiste.
He has also written for Paul O’Grady, Jamie Theakston, Alistair Mcgowan and Ronni Ancona amongst others.
Alex recently finished his fourth UK live stand up tour as Clinton Baptiste – Roller Ghoster! – which played to sell out audiences and the new tour Spectral Intercourse tour starts 12th Feb 2026 which takes in the London Palladium on 26th February.
Harold Baim Collection:
Barry’s Super Cine 7 archive films are from the Harold Baim Collection.
Harrod Baim is a director, writer and prolific producer of 35mm short features for UK cinema release, sometimes called ‘quota quickies’, his early films featured a variety of acts. Later films were mainly colourful widescreen travelogues, often with commentaries by celebrated actors and broadcasters including Telly Savalas, Nichols Parsons and Terry Wogan.
Barry will see you here:
Cardiff, Walsall, Winchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, New Brighton, Southport, Watford, Ilkley, Leeds, Scunthorpe, Peterborough, Salford, Lincoln, Southend, London, Northampton & Glasgow
Tickets & further information: https://www.barryfromwatford.co.uk/
Photo credit Matt Crockett
by Grapevine Editor | Jul 2, 2026 | Music, Tours
Celebrated Canadian Roots Rock band The Commoners return to the UK in November 2026 for a 12-date Headline UK Tour with special guest Spencer Mackenzie.
An exclusive 48-hour ticket pre-sale will start at 10am UK time on Wednesday July 1st at Commoners.ca.
Tickets go on general sale at 10am UK time on Friday July 3rd from Commoners.ca.
Watch the official “Runnin’ Blind” November 2026 UK Tour trailer on YouTube HERE.
To coincide with the tour announcement, The Commoners will release a new single “Runnin’ Blind” on Friday July 24th.
“Runnin’ Blind” is the second single from the band’s third studio album due for release in 2027.
“We can’t wait to get back to the UK,” says the band’s lead singer, Chris Medhurst. “British audiences are the best in the world. We always love playing live to our UK fans.”
“Runnin’ Blind’ hits hard right out of the gate,” Medhurst continues. “Musically, we wanted something that carried a lot of swagger and rock and roll grit, but lyrically it confronts that uneasy feeling of moving forward, when you can’t see what’s right in front of you. It sets a bold tone for the next record.”
“Bassist Ben Spiller, who crafted the initial iteration of the track, sheds light on its origins: “We wrote ‘Runnin’ Blind’ as a reflection on the last few years we’ve spent living on the road. Touring has a way of throwing you into situations you could never plan for. Sometimes you just have to trust your instincts and keep moving. That’s really where the song came from. It’s a lighthearted look at the chaos, misadventures, and unpredictability that come with chasing this dream, but it’s also a love letter to that lifestyle, and a reminder that some of the best stories come from the moments you never saw coming.”
“The song symbolizes running full speed down a dark road and trusting you’ll make the turn before it’s too late, so we wanted to capture that high-octane energy where everything feels urgent, loud, and off the rails,” says guitarist Ross Hayes Citrullo. “We tracked live off the floor to lock in that massive, driving groove, with blazing guitars and a driving organ for that authentic retro attitude. It’s a track built to strip gears and rattle some speakers, and we’re already dialing up the engine in rehearsals so we can rock these UK venues in November.”
Photo credit : Paul Wright
THE COMMONERS
“RUNNIN’ BLIND”
NOVEMBER 2026 UK TOUR
WITH SPECIAL GUEST
SPENCER MACKENZIE
48-HOUR TICKET PRE-SALE
STARTS 10AM WEDNESDAY JULY 1 AT COMMONERS.CA
TICKETS ON GENERAL SALE 10AM FRIDAY JULY 3
VIA COMMONERS.CA
HASTINGS, THE CARLISLE
THURSDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2026
Tickets: Commoners.ca
24 Pelham St, Hastings, TN34 1PE
https://carlislehastings.com
BRISTOL, THE EXCHANGE
FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2026
Tickets: Commoners.ca
72 – 73 Old Market St, Bristol, BS2 0EJ
https://exchangebristol.com/whats-on
PLYMOUTH, JUNCTION
SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2026
Tickets: Commoners.ca
6 Mutley Plain, Mutley, Plymouth, PL4 6LA
www.facebook.com/mutleyjunction
BIRMINGHAM, CASTLE & FALCON
SUNDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2026
Tickets: Commoners.ca
402 Moseley Rd, Balsall Heath, Birmingham, B12 9AT
http://castleandfalcon.com
NORWICH, WATERFRONT
TUESDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2026
Tickets: Commoners.ca
139-141 King St, Norwich, NR1 1QH
https://waterfrontnorwich.webflow.io
LEEDS, WARDROBE
WEDNESDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2026
Tickets: Commoners.ca
6 St Peter’s Square, Leeds, LS9 8AH
https://www.thewardrobe.co.uk
LONDON, DINGWALLS
FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2026
Tickets: Commoners.ca
Middle Yard, Camden Lock, London, NW1 8AB
https://dingwalls.com
BIRCHINGTON, KENT, THE CENTRE
SATURDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2026
Tickets: Commoners.ca
Alpha Road, Birchington, Kent, CT7 9EG
https://www.thecentrebirchington.co.uk
NOTTINGHAM, RESCUE ROOMS
SUNDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2026
Tickets: Commoners.ca
Masonic Pl, Goldsmith St, Nottingham, NG1 5LB
https://www.rescuerooms.com
NEWCASTLE, ANARCHY BREW
WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2026
Tickets: Commoners.ca
Benfield Business Park, Unit A1, Benfield Rd,
Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 4NQ
www.anarchybrewco.com/events
TROON, WINTERSTORM FESTIVAL
THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2026
Tickets: Winterstorm
Troon Concert Hall, Municipal Buildings
Troon, Ayrshire, KA10 6EF
https://www.winterstorm.co.uk
MANCHESTER, BAND ON THE WALL
FRIDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2026
Tickets: Commoners.ca
25 Swan Street, Manchester, M4 5JZ
https://bandonthewall.org
by Editor | Oct 28, 2025 | Music, Dance, Tours
Strictly Come Dancing favourites Amy Dowden MBE and Carlos Gu are back with their live tour REBORN, returning to theatres across the UK from May 2026, on the back of the packed houses earlier this year.
Amy made her highly anticipated return to the dancefloor last year after her cancer diagnosis, while Carlos embraced a new chapter of self-discovery since moving to the UK – together, they truly feel REBORN.
This uplifting and inspirational show celebrates the transformative power of dance, featuring a dazzling cast of world-class dancers and vocalists. Audiences can expect an emotional journey through powerful and show-stopping routines that capture the joy, energy and beauty of dance.
Amy Dowden and her partner Ben Jones were crowned British National Latin Dance Champions in 2016, becoming the first all-British pair to win the title in over 30 years. Their other accolades include British Dance Federation Champions, English Closed Champions, and Welsh Closed and Open Champions.
Since joining Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, Amy has become one of the show’s most loved professionals. Her highlight came in 2019, reaching the Final with Karim Zeroual, while she has also partnered with Tom Fletcher, Brian Conley and JJ Chalmers.
Amy’s achievements extend beyond the dancefloor. She won the Raising Awareness Award at the Hello! Magazine Star Women Awards in 2019, received a Points of Light Award from the Prime Minister in 2023, and was awarded an MBEin the King’s Birthday Honours 2024 for her charity work with Crohn’s & Colitis UK. Her BBC documentary Strictly Amy: Crohn’s & Me won a BAFTA Cymru, and following her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, she continues her advocacy through her work with both My Breast Friend and CoppaFeel! A new BBC One documentary following her cancer journey aired last year.
Carlos Gu is a three-time Chinese National Champion, multiple World semi-finalist, and has achieved success as a German Open finalist and runner-up in the Amateur Rising Star Latin at the 2017 UK Championships.
Joining Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, Carlos reached the Final in his debut season with Molly Rainford, and in 2023 partnered Angela Scanlon, captivating audiences with their stunning Argentine Tango at Blackpool.
Beyond Strictly, Carlos has performed on live tours and led professional productions showcasing his artistry. His charisma and openness have also shone through television appearances on The One Show, This Morning, Lorraine, It Takes Two, The Hit List and CBeebies Bedtime Stories, where he has shared how dance and his move to the UK have transformed his life.
As Carlos continues to inspire audiences, his story – like Amy’s – is one of passion, resilience and renewal. Together, they promise an unforgettable experience with REBORN.
Credits:
Creative Director: Elizabeth Honan
Image : Gaby Jerrard PR
by Grapevine Editor | Dec 20, 2024 | Music, Tours
Globally revered Irish artist Imelda May has today announced her new “Raised on Songs & Stories” tour across the UK, with a unique series of intimate evenings featuring new stripped back versions of her wide discography and favourite songs, integrated with her famed poetry & storytelling.
Imelda May says: “I’m coming to you soon! Ten nights of UK Spring tour. It’ll be an evening of songs, poems, stories, joy and beauty. This idea evolved naturally over the last couple of years. You see, when I write, produce and release an album I get so excited to perform the songs live that I fizz up and plan and rehearse gigs with such enthusiasm that I’m like a little thrilled whirlwind but too often I leave room for little else. I work out which songs will flow best into another to create the vibe desired that I sometimes don’t leave much space for the unknown which is where a different magic lies. This space is the place where I exist most and write and create. So it feels right to stay there a while. To have a gig where someone might ask for a song I haven’t visited in a while and I think ‘yeah let’s give it a go’, or where I can tell you the stories behind the songs and how I ended up working with some of the people I’ve worked with so far. Not a ‘show’ this will be a shared night of what music, art, connection and creativity means to me, with you.”
Born and raised in The Liberties area of Dublin, Imelda May has become one of the UK & Ireland’s most celebrated female artists as a singer, songwriter, actor, producer, poet, presenter and storyteller. Imelda’s breakthrough album Love Tattoo (2008) remains the best-selling album of all time by a homegrown female artist in Ireland, whilst most recent album 11 Past the Hour (2021) marks her 4th No. 1 album in Ireland and 4th Top 10 in the UK. Her debut poetry book A Lick & A Promise (2022) is already on its third re-print, with the Irish government using one of her poems on billboards across the country for their “ReThink Ireland” campaign as well as included in the school curriculum.
A dynamic live performer with her unique blend of rockabilly, jazz, rock and blues she has toured across the world and performed with legends such as Jeff Beck, Lou Reed, Bono, Noel Gallagher, Jeff Goldblum & Ronnie Wood. This year she joined Jools Holland on a string of summer shows as well as performing with Sharon Shannon’s Big Band on shows celebrating the repertoire of her dear friend Shane McGowan.
Imelda’s recent turn to the silver screen saw her glowing debut in Top 5 UK film Fisherman’s Friends: One and All, a stunning portrayal of ‘villain’ Eve in psychological thriller ‘The People Before’ which screened across film festivals this summer, with her next film role as Pierce Brosnan’s wife in Four Letters of Love, out in 2025.
Imelda’s first foray into theatre, a one woman show ‘Mother of All The Behans’ by director Peter Sheridan received all 4 & 5 star reviews resulting in its return for a second summer at the Olympia, Dublin with more shows in 2025 across Belfast, Cork, Waterford and Dublin.
A true creative, Imelda immerses herself in art across many forms, and these special U.K. evenings will showcase her unique ability to evoke the purest of emotion using her voice as her sole instrument.
IMELDA MAY – RAISED ON SONGS & STORIES – APRIL 2025
- Mon 07 LEMON TREE – ABERDEEN, UK
- Tue 08 ST. LUKES – GLASGOW, UK
- Wed 09 QUEENS HALL – EDINBURGH, UK
- Fri 11 THE FIRE STATION – SUNDERLAND, UK
- Sat 12 SAGE 2 – GATESHEAD, UK
- Mon 14 – SALFORD LOWRY QUAYS THEATRE – SALFORD, UK
- Tue 15 BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL – BIRMINGHAM, UK
- Thu 17 CARDIFF NEW THEATRE – CARDIFF, UK
- Fri 18 CADOGAN HALL – LONDON, UK
- Sat 19 ST GEORGES CHURCH – BRIGHTON, UK
by Grapevine Editor | Dec 9, 2024 | Music, Featured, Tours
Stanleys have today announced a new headline tour for 2025, including a headline show at The Portland Arms, Cambridge on Thursday 15th May. The news follows a barnstorming, sold-out homecoming show this past weekend at The Monaco in Wigan. Tickets for the new show went on sale on Wednesday 4th December at 9am, available here.
The announcement continues momentum into the New Year for the band after a stellar 2024, where all headline shows sold out, including their largest hometown headliner to date. The band rocked the festival circuit, performing at several major events including Isle of Wight, Truck and Y Not? as well as sharing the stage with Shed Seven, The Libertines, Cast, Inspiral Carpets, The Blinders, The View and their hometown hero, Richard Ashcroft.
Emerging from Wigan, Stanleys are the next in a long line of illustrious musicians to emerge from the North Western town. Bands and artists ranging from George Formby Senior and Junior to The Verve, Starsailor to The Lathums are proud to call Wigan home, eventually taking their poignant song writing across the rest of the country and Stanleys are set to follow in their footsteps.
Perhaps there’s something about hearing a regional accent singing in full flow that’s endearing, or their jangly riffs and subtle drum beats reminiscent of other great North West bands such as The Smiths or The La’s. Some would argue the recognisable relatable stories told by front man Tom Concannon is the focal point of the band, with Jake Dorsman (guitar), Harry Ivory (bass) and Rob Hilton (drums and backing vocals) completing the line up. But ultimately, it is a combination of all these things that have seen Stanleys make their mark on the North West scene so quickly.
Performing on the road with the likes of Richard Ashcroft, The Libertines, Inspiral Carpets, The Lathums, Jamie Webster, Cast, Shed Seven and The View to name but a few; all on top of selling out back to back headline tours, Stanleys have a strong-hold on the North West scene. And it’s now only a matter of time before the rest of the country are hanging onto every word.
Stanleys 2025 Tour Dates
- Saturday 12th April – SWG3 Poetry Club, Glasgow
- Saturday 26th April – Arts Club Loft, Liverpool
- Saturday 3rd May – Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham
- Saturday 10th May – The Key Club, Leeds
- Thursday 15th May – Portland Arms, Cambridge
- Friday 16th May – Met Lounge, Peterborough
- Saturday 17th May – The Waterfront Studios, Norwich
- Friday 23rd May – The Lower Third, London
- Saturday 24th May – Heartbreakers, Cambridge
by Grapevine Editor | Dec 8, 2024 | Music, Tours
Celebrated Swedish rock band H.E.A.T are pleased to announce their January 2025 UK Tour. Tickets for all shows are available from www.myticket.co.uk/artists/h-e-a-t The tour precedes the band’s highly anticipated new studio album due to be released in 2025.
“We are excited to return to the UK for another tour,” says H.E.A.T’s lead singer Kenny Leckremo. “UK audiences are the best and we can’t wait to rock the house in January 2025. The tour is going to be an unforgettable experience. We look forward to seeing our UK fans on the road in January.”
H.E.A.T, are one of the biggest Swedish rock bands who are bringing 80s-inspired hard rock back to the forefront. They continue to build on their momentum in 2025. Known for their electrifying sound that blends classic melodic rock with modern energy, the band remains at the top of their game, releasing new music and touring internationally.
Their 2022 album, Force Majeure, marked a major milestone as it saw the return of original frontman Kenny Leckremo after a decade-long hiatus. This seventh studio album, released via earMUSIC, perfectly captures the essence of H.E.A.T’s sound, merging the youthful exuberance of their early work with the harder-edged sound developed during Erik Grönwall’s tenure. Force Majeure received widespread acclaim, showcasing 11 tracks that exemplify the pure joy of melodic hard rock. Leckremo’s powerful vocals were praised as a triumphant return, and the album’s tight production signaled H.E.A.T’s laser-focused direction.
Following the departure of Erik Grönwall, who led the band through four albums after winning Swedish Idol, H.E.A.T made it clear that Leckremo was the only choice to take back the mic. The band’s fan base remains fiercely loyal, and the release of Extra Force in 2023 only deepened their connection. This limited-edition collection, released in both CD Digipak and 1LP Black Vinyl formats, features new studio tracks, unreleased live performances, and re-recorded H.E.A.T classics originally sung by Grönwall, now given new life with Leckremo on vocals. Extra Force was a celebration of the band’s history and a testament to their continued evolution, becoming an essential collector’s item for fans.
Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, H.E.A.T shows no signs of slowing down. The band is currently working on their next album, slated for release in 2025, which promises to build on the success of Force Majeure while continuing to push their sound forward. Fans can expect a series of high-energy singles throughout the year, as well as major live performances across Europe and South America. With their unparalleled stage presence and commitment to delivering melodic rock at its finest, H.E.A.T remains one of the genre’s most exciting and vital bands heading into the new year.
As the group gears up for more touring, H.E.A.T’s global presence continues to grow, supported by their strengthened partnership with earMUSIC. With Leckremo back at the helm and their sound more refined than ever, H.E.A.T is poised to continue their journey of revitalizing and modernizing 80s-influenced hard rock for a new generation of fans.
H.E.A.T Tour dates
BRISTOL, FLEECE
TUESDAY 28th JANUARY 2025
2 St Thomas St, Redcliffe, Bristol, BS1 6JJ
https://thefleece.co.uk
NOTTINGHAM, RESCUE ROOMS
WEDNESDAY 29th JANUARY 2025
Rescue Rooms, Masonic Place, Goldsmith St,
Nottingham, NG1 5LB
www.rescuerooms.com
MANCHESTER, CLUB ACADEMY
THURSDAY 30th JANUARY 2025
Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PR
www.manchesteracademy.net
LONDON, ISLINGTON ASSEMBLY HALL
FRIDAY 31st JANUARY 2025
Upper St, Islington, London, N1 2UD
https://islingtonassemblyhall.co.uk
WOLVERHAMPTON, KK’s STEEL MILL
SATURDAY 1st FEBRUARY 2025
Starworks Warehouse, Frederick Street, WV2 4DU
www.kkssteelmill.co.uk
SPECIAL GUESTS – ART NATION & CHEZ KANE
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM WWW.MYTICKET.CO.UK/ARTISTS/H-E-A-T
