Volunteers at Victoria Hall are busy preparing for two weekends packed with entertainment for all ages. The popular local arts venue is offering something for everyone from a free Jazz Jam Session to comedy, film screenings and family theatre.

This Friday, 6th October, local musicians are invited to join a free jazz jam session at 7.30 p.m. The event has been set up to encourage players who are new to the genre to have a go at performing and improvising in a relaxed

setting. Hosted by the local jazz quartet, ‘Round Midnight’, there will be a ready-made rhythm section and frontline support. Entry is free; just make sure you bring your instrument and buy something from the bar! Listeners are also welcome.

Saturday, 7th October, sees the return of the popular Victoria Hall comedy night, back after a summer break. Compere, Tom Glover, is hosting another evening of hilarious stand-up, interspersed with his own witty routines.

This month’s headliner, Chris Purchase, is currently taking the comedy scene by storm with his mix of light-hearted anecdotes and cultural satire. After going viral last year, Chris’ popularity has rocketed and you can now see him performing in all of the major UK comedy clubs.

The bar opens at 7 p.m. with comedy starting at 8 p.m.

Families are in for a treat on Sunday, 8th October, at 4 p.m., when Above Bounds Theatre present The Ugly Duckling and Other Tales, for children aged 4–7 years and their grown-ups. Hans Christian Anderson’s best-loved story is brought to the stage using songs, shadow puppetry and a little help from the audience.

Next weekend, Victoria Hall is turned into a cinema, to bring three top films to local audiences. The weekend kicks off with a screening of Beauty and The Beast (PG) on Saturday, 14th October, at 4.30 p.m. The evening screening is Viceroy’s House (12A) at 7.30 p.m., with the final film of the weekend on Sunday, 15th October, at 3 p.m. The comedy drama, Their Finest (12A), is set at the height of the Blitz, when Catrin (Gemma Arterton) lands a job adding a woman’s touch to propaganda films for the Ministry of Information.

Victoria Hall Cinema is supported by Moviola and Radstock Town Council.