Non-broody blues

CELEBRATE the weekend with a Saturday night of comedy, when Ellie Taylor brings her show This Guy to the Swindon Arts Centre.

One-time presenter of BBC3’s Snog, Marry or Avoid, now a seasoned stand-up comedian, Taylor enjoyed a sell-out Edinburgh Festival season and autumn tour. She has starred on BBC’s Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week and The John Bishop Show, as well as Channel 4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats, and BBC Radio 4’s The Now Show.

Born in Brentwood, Taylor did some modelling then worked in corporate events before moving into comedy. She performed her debut stand up show, Elliementery at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2014.

Her new show This Guy explores the topic of child-bearing and motherhood - and the vexed questions of whether or not she should breed.

Since marrying Australian journalist Phil Black, she has faced the usual chorus of enquiries about when she plans to start a family, but says she does not feel maternal. In fact, in 2016. she responded to a Motherhood Challenge on Facebook by posting a Non-Motherhood Challenge - and shared ‘five pictures that made me happy to be a non-mother’ - which included one of her snuggling a bottle of wine. It gained over 114,000 likes in less than 24 hours.

The Guardian says she ‘radiates charisma’ and is ‘blessed with great flair,’ The show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £16.50, with concessions available. To book, call 01793 524481 or visit swindontheatres.co.uk.

R 'n' B trio bring circus excitement to their music

WITH a musical style drawing on a love of rhythm and blues, Lewis Clark and the Essentials will bring their diverse and dynamic sound to the Beehive tonight.

Based around a core trio of Lewis Clark on guitar & vocals, Rob Grist on drums and piano, and Max Mees playing double and electric bass, the group combines a shared interests in blues, folk and soul to create a distinctive live sound.

Their musical style also explores an eclectic range of influences including traditional British folk, American roots music and wider European traditions.

Lewis Clark and the Essentials became a fully-fledged band in September 2015, and when their first album, Vinyl Love, was released they undertook a 20-date tour of the south coast in September 2016.

The album was reviewed by R2 National Magazine in the November 2016 edition and the band featured on BBC Introducing in Cornwall. They have recently received an endorsement from Shubb Capos.

This year the group is unveiling their latest project, Vaudeville, to tie in with the 250th anniversary of circus music over the summer.

The concert at the pub on Prospect Hill begins at 8.30pm and it is free entry

Take yoga in the dark challenge

CHALLENGE yourself to try Yoga in the Dark and raise money for the Royal National Institute of Blind People at a charity event on Sunday.

The Uptown Yoga Studio, in Wood Street, Swindon is holding a special yoga session from 1pm to 2.15pm - when participants will wear a blindfold to simulate what it might be like to live with sight loss, and to encourage them to focus on their other senses.

Although only a small number of blind people see absolutely nothing, the challenges faced by those with sight loss can be huge.

By participating in the Yoga in the Dark event you will not only be raising funds to make every day better for those living with sight loss, but also helping raise your awareness of what it is like living with limited vision.

You will have the opportunity to develop your strength, flexibility and breathing through the practice of yoga, and to awaken your other senses through a fun activity without the use of sight.

To book, email organiser Jill Hoon at jill.hoon@me.com or call 07597 990223.

All donations for the session will go to the RNIB.