Check out the Adver's pick of what our theatres in Swindon have to offer this week.

An enriching experience

RICH Hall is inviting audiences to a Hoedown at the Wyvern Theatre next week.

Join Rich and his virtuoso musical mates on Wednesday, May 17, for a mash-up of music, comedy and gratuitous coloration featuring the very best of comedy and music. Performing will be Rich’s regular band of talented and chronically unemployable urchins. The floor will reek of liquor and spent dreams.

One of the many unique features of Rich’s act is that he goes out of his way to find out about the town he is playing in and then improvises a song on stage about it. He goes the extra mile to tailor-make his material for that particular venue.

“I try to tap into what is happening locally and address that musically by writing an improvised song based on the town I’m in.

Audiences really appreciate this bespoke comedy. Once they realise you’re not just trotting out your regular act, people think, ‘He’s made a real effort. He’s on our side, so we’re on his side’. Then you can take them anywhere.

“I like to do something custom-made every night, otherwise you would just be like a robot. That can really wear you down. Nobody gets more sick of hearing their own voice than a comedian.”

Rich Hall is the star of the critically acclaimed BBC 4 documentaries Rich Hall’s Californian Stars, Rich Hall’s You Can Go To Hell, I’m Going To Texas, Rich Hall’s Inventing the Indian and his most recent Rich Hall’s Presidential Grudge Match. He also wrote and starred in a four-part series for BBC Radio 4 in November 2016 called Rich Hall’s (US Election) Breakdown.

Rich’s critically acclaimed grouchy, deadpan style has established him as a master of absurdist irony and the king of rapid-fire wit.

He has also become well known for his television and radio work. Notable UK appearances include regular appearances on Very British Problems (Channel 4), Stand Up For The Week (Channel 4), QI (BBC1/2), Live At The Apollo (BBC1), Channel 4’s Comedy Gala Live At The O2, Have I Got News For You (BBC1), Rich Hall’s Cattle Drive (BBC4), Rich Hall’s Gone Fishing (BBC4), Otis Lee Crenshaw – London Not Tennessee (BBC2), and Never Mind The Buzzcocks (BBC2).

Wednesday’s show starts at 8pm. Tickets are £20.50 from 01793 524481 or swindontheatres.co.uk.

Comedian Ruby talks mindfulness

US COMEDIAN Ruby Wax beings her show, Frazzled: A Guide To Mindfulness, to the Wyvern on Monday.

Ruby Wax is a much loved US comedian, actor and writer, along with being the ‘it girl’ of mental health campaigning. She has a Master’s degree in Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy from Oxford University.

This event is a follow up to her sell out touring show, and best-selling book, Sane New World, which helps us understand why we sabotage our sanity with our own thinking.

Her new best-selling book, A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled is the basis for the discussion. Funny and insightful, this event is your passport to saner living. She might not be sane herself, but she does a pretty good imitation.

Tickets are £23.50 from 01793 524481 or swindontheatres.co.uk.

Women get in the swing

SWING Birds will enjoy a sell-out performance at Swindon Arts Centre this weekend.

In Full Swing: The Birds Are Back In Town Again sees the all-female Big Band with legendary drummer Crissy Lee amongst the flock, swing, sway and entertain.

The show starts at 7.30pm. If you haven’t got tickets but would like to catch the Swing Birds, visit their Facebook page.

Orchestra’s golden oldies

THE Syd Lawrence Orchestra will treat people to a Golden Night of Swing, marking their 50th anniversary tour at the Wyvern tomorrow.

In 1967 Syd Lawrence formed what was to become the UK’s most successful and longest running Big Band, performing in theatres all over Europe and regularly featuring on many TV shows such as Les Dawson, Morecambe and Wise, Pebble Mill, Wheel Tappers and Shunters and a Royal Variety performance.

With Radio 2 broadcasts every week and numerous album recordings, the orchestra also toured with Tony Bennett, Matt Munro, Frankie Vaughan, Mel Torme and played concerts with Shirley Bassey all adding to the orchestra’s gravitas.

And they haven’t slowed down! For the last 20 years the orchestra have been led by virtuoso trombonist Chris Dean and have filled theatres around the country, making 14 albums under his baton and recording TV shows in England and Germany. Tours of Brazil and Holland, Belgium and Monaco have kept the band at the top of the big band world.

The show gets under way at 7.30pm. Tickets are £22.50 from 01793 524481 or swindontheatres.co.uk.