Cranbrook Performing Arts Presents – Matilda the Musical Jr
Prepare to be captivated by the magic, humour, and heart of Matilda the Musical. This wonderfully lively and imaginative production brings Roald Dahl’s beloved story of a clever little girl with a big personality to life.
Follow Matilda Wormwood’s adventures as she navigates a world that’s not always kind to those who think differently. With her quick wit, love of reading, and a touch of mischief, she discovers that even the smallest voice can make a big difference. The musical features catchy songs, vibrant choreography, and imaginative staging that will delight audiences of all ages.
Performed by our talented students, this show promises moments of laughter, inspiration, and awe. Whether you’re a Dahl fan or simply love a fantastic theatrical experience, this performance is not to be missed!
OPEN TO ALL – Bring your family, friends, and theatre-loving spirits for an immersive journey into wonder and courage. Tickets will sell out, so be sure to reserve your seats now for a memorable night of theatre!
Parents of Performers PLEASE NOTE:
This Cranbrook School Performing Arts Production has TWO CASTS PERFORMING ON DIFFERENT DAYS (The Red Team & The Blue Team). Please check with your child and check the list below (A parent mail has also been sent out with the performance team schedule) BEFORE BOOKING TICKETS. Exchanges may NOT be possible.Date:
05/02/26 – 19:30
06/02/26 – 19.30
07/02/26 – 14.30 & 19:30RED
Thurs 05/02 -19:30
& Sat Matinee 07/02 – 14:30BLUE
Fri 06/02 – 19:30
& Sat Evening 07/02 – 19:30Matilda Arla Matilda Miss Honey Martha Claudia Michael George Max Erica Molly Evelyn Tommy Jack Connor Nigel Stan Noah Bruce Seren Alfred Amanda Eliza
(Thurs 05/02 ONLY)Amelie (Fri 06/02 both
Sat 07/02 Performances)Lavender Florence Primrose Alice Imogen Cecily Hortensia Nahla Kitty Book Tickets / View Details
Thu 5 February 20267:30 pmFri 6 February 20267:30 pmSat 7 February 20262:30 pm7:30 pm
Cranbrook Comedy Club!
Laugh until your ribs ache, and chuckle until your cheeks hurt! It's The Cranbrook Comedy Club – THE place to watch live stand-up in Kent!
Our bar will be open from 6:40, with Paradise 80s Duo playing live until 8 pmThe FOOD TRUCKS are back! This time we have the seriously delicious MoMo Nepalese!
Then Comedy from 8:00 pm with another amazing lineup!
This has got to be the BEST Comedy Event around!
The lineup this time…
Alasdair Beckett-King; is a legendary comedian and writer, in that there is little historical evidence that he exists. The multi-award-winning ABK has performed on 8 out of 10 Cats, Mock the Week, Comedy Central Live, Radio 4's The News Quiz and at the Glastonbury Festival. Following several viral videos and a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Alasdair embarked upon his first UK tour in 2023.
"You’re never sure where the next laugh is coming from, but it’s always a delight when it arrives" – The Telegraph
"A singular and truly distinct act, Alasdair Beckett-King creates his own multi-faceted world" – The ScotsmanLenny Sherman; is an actor, comic, writer and lovable cockney geezer. As an actor, Lenny has most recently appeared alongside Ant and Dec in several series of Saturday Night Takeaway for ITV, and in Late Night Mash for Dave.
He has also performed in the Channel 4 satirical comedy show Ministry of Justice, played Alex in BBC’s Eastenders and has appeared in four different sketches for BBC Three Quickies Online, along with multiple other web series.
In the world of stand-up he is a comedy circuit veteran with more than eight years of experience performing gigs for Off The Kerb, Downstairs At The Kings Head, Glee and clubs all over the country. Lenny made his Edinburgh Fringe debut in 2018 with Make the World a Better Place at Just The Tonic and returned in 2019 with his follow up show Have Fun.
“Power-packed performance jammed full of gags – a real blast.” – Steve Bennett, Chortle
“Deft Joke Writer” – Loaded Magazine
“Laughed my t*ts off” – Irvine WelshRussell Arathoon; is a likeable act who the audience instantly warm to. With his sharp and cheeky material Russell is a perfect act for any live audience. A solid MC he is fast building up a reputation as a very safe pair of hands.
Russell is now regularly popping up at clubs such as The Frog & Bucket, Fuzzy Bear, Funhouse Comedy Club, Backyard Comedy Club, OTK, Avalon to name a few
In 2018 Russell made his Edinburgh Fringe debut with his critically acclaimed show ‘The Curious Incidents Of The Gay In The Night Time’. Since then Russell has gone on to perform at festivals all over the country including Leicester, Nottingham, Manchester & Brighton. He even appeared on the Glee Cardiff Pride Stage alongside Robert White in 2019.
"Instantly connects with the audience, a guilty pleasure" – Chortle
"The sort of flamboyant persona that makes it impossible to dislike.” – Notts Comedy ReviewPerformance: 14th February 2026 – 8:00 PM Start – Our Bar opens at 7:00 PM
Tickets: £13.50 / £9 Front 2 Rows / £17 Balcony Front Row
Running Time: Approx 2 Hours (Including interval)Ticketholders must be 15 years old or over!
Please note: that due to the nature of this industry, the Advertised Comedians may change at short notice (if they get offered a TV slot for example), This is very rare and they will usually provide us with 28 days' notice, The Queens Hall theatre promises to provide you with a replacement comedian of the same calibre in this eventuality.
Book Tickets / View Details
Sat 14 February 20268:00 pm
BOOTLEG BLONDIE is returning to Cranbrook: The world’s No.1 official Debbie Harry & Blondie tribute band. They started up in 2001 and have played the infamous CBGB club in New York City, the Isle of Wight Festival, the Shepherds Bush Empire, London’s 100 Club and the legendary Hammersmith Palais and appear regularly at many top venues and festivals in the UK, Europe and around the world. They are the only tribute to have performed with two founder members of Blondie, legendary drummer Clem Burke and singer-songwriter, bass player and author Gary Valentine. They are unique in that not only have they had the honour to be thanked on Blondie’s 11th studio album ‘Pollinator’, but also toured the UK in 2019 with Clem Burke on drums to celebrate 40 years since the release of Blondie’s iconic album Parallel Lines!
Debbie Harris, the lead vocalist of Bootleg Blondie, has the looks, the voice and the attitude of the original Blondie bombshell and like her heroine is typically outrageous on stage. She has been known to wear dustbin liners, thigh-length boots and t-shirts with more holes than t-shirts! Her outfit changes throughout the performance perfectly reflect the varying stages of Debbie Harry’s career.
Bootleg Blondie deliver exactly what any Blondie/Debbie Harry fan could possibly wish for. The uncanny resemblance, and vocals, of singer Debbie Harris, and the magnificent recreation of a stream of immortal classic tunes. If the original band ever need a break, they know who to call.Presented by: Windy Miller's Whirligig
please note: Tickets are being sold on behalf of Windy Miller's Whirligig the events organiser.Book Tickets / View Details
Sat 21 February 20267:30 pm
The South East’s most popular Family touring wrestling promotion is coming to Cranbrook as Rumble Wrestling bring an adrenaline-pumping show to The Queens Hall Theatre, Cranbrook on the 28th of February at 7.30 pm – so get ready for an action-packed show with a host of stars from the Rumble Wrestling roster.
There is a sensational a full supporting line-up. The whole family will enjoy an afternoon of high-flying moves that the kids will be talking about for weeks after. Cheer the good guys, boo the bad ones as the energy flows through the area. There is also a chance to meet all the wrestlers after the show, bring your phone with you to grab those all-important photos with the stars you have been watching.
If you are a die-hard wrestling fan or just looking for some thrilling live entertainment – The Rumble Wrestling Show is for everyone. Tell your family and friends, and if you have a birthday or a group booking message us for special deals putting the icing on the cake.Book your tickets now for this high-demand event!
Please note: The Queens Hall Theatre is selling tickets on behalf of Rumble Wrestling Promotions, the event organisers.
Book Tickets / View Details
Sat 28 February 20267:30 pm
BRAVE RIVAL Supported by: Star Circus
Brave Rival is a rock band on a mission. No gimmicks, no frills—just raw, high-energy, riff-driven rock that demands to be heard.Since forming in 2019, the Portsmouth-based quartet—vocalist Lindsey Bonnick, guitarist Ed ‘the Shred’ Clarke, bassist Billy Dedman, and drummer Donna Peters—have built a reputation as one of the UK’s most electrifying live acts. Their debut album Life’s Machine (2022) put them on the map, catching the attention of critics, fans, and even Joe Bonamassa, who called them one of his “favourite discoveries.”Their 2024 follow-up, Fight or Flight, upped the stakes, earning a 9/10 review from Classic Rock Magazine, which hailed it as “an album packed with ambition, fire, and killer songs.” With massive hooks, blistering guitar work, and unstoppable energy, the album set the stage for their biggest year yet—festivals, headline tours, and sharing stages with rock legends like FM. Brave Rival are only getting started. Get on board or get out of the way.
Supported by: Star Circus –
Star Circus are a London-based rock band led by Dave Winkler and Sophie Aurélia Young, influenced by a variety of artists including Queen, Thin Lizzy, Cheap Trick and Def Leppard. “Possessing an eclectic range of influences stretching from classic hard rock, through AOR, ’80s Glam Metal, ’90s American power pop, heavy funk and post-grunge, these fuse faultlessly to form a sound that is stacked full of infectious melodies, grandiose vocal and instrumental harmonies plus colossally catchy choruses. It is this musical melting pot that makes Star Circus so fascinating.” – Sophie James (MetalTalk) Star Circus were formed in 2019 by frontman Dave Winkler, whose songwriting caught the attention of radio legend Tony Wilson. The pair worked together on creating the album 'Separate Sides' which came out in December 2022 to an overwhelmingly positive critical response. Following the album release and several UK tours, the Star Circus lineup has formed a collaborative band-project, with album 2 due in Spring 2025. "Melodies that earworm their way into your head, set up camp, and refuse to move out again." – Alex Holmes (Powerplay Magazine)Saturday 4th of April, 2026
Door time: 7:00 pm, Start time: 7:30 pm(under 16s must be accompanied by an adult)
Presented by: Windy Miller's Whirligig
Please note: The Queens Hall Theatre is selling tickets on behalf of Windy Miller's Whirligig , the event organisers.
Book Tickets / View Details
Sat 4 April 20267:30 pm
‘An Evening with Jack the Ripper’ – Whitechapel. 1888. Between August and November, a series of women are brutally murdered. The identity of the killer remains a mystery. Until now..?
It’s the greatest unsolved case in criminal history. One that continues to confuse and confound. Generating argument, debate and a host of different theories.
Who was he?
What was his motive?
And how did he get away with it?
‘An Evening with Jack the Ripper’ will delve into the sordid realms of Victorian London in an attempt to finally unmask the man, with the blackest of hearts, who preyed upon the most vulnerable members of society.
Award-winning producer and broadcaster Steve Morgan has captivated thousands of people on his celebrated ‘Ripper walks’ through the East End of London, where he retraces the steps of the notorious killer through the streets he stalked.
Now he has adapted the story for the stage and invites you to spend an evening in the company of Jack the Ripper and live to tell the tale.Book Tickets / View Details
Sat 2 May 20267:30 pm
Simon Yates of Touching the Void – Pleasure and Pain NEW SHOW
Simon Yates of Touching the Void returns to The Queens Hall, Kent, with his new talk ‘Pleasure and Pain’ due to phenomenal demand!
‘Touching the Void’ mountaineer Simon Yates is a veteran of over eighty expeditions to high and remote mountains around the globe. Now in his sixties, he is showing no signs of slowing down!
This is his story of the last decade, of new adventures and climbs in the far north and south, along with summits in South America, Central Asia and the Himalayas.
In 2023, Simon travelled with legendary British mountaineer Mick Fowler to attempt the unclimbed north face of Patkhor in Tajikistan. Their trip ran smoothly until the first evening on the mountain when they both contracted food poisoning from their freeze-dried food. After some debate, they continued, but this was just the beginning of a series of events that would see them run out of food, retreat below the summit in a storm, and Simon taking a bone-breaking 100m fall during the descent. After two days of lying on the glacier waiting for a helicopter, rescuers finally arrived but were unable to carry Simon down. Somehow, he would need to summon the energy for the painful three-day walk to safety.Book Tickets / View Details
Sun 10 May 20267:30 pm
Jon Boden has become the ‘stand out performer of his generation’ (The Guardian) of traditional folk artists, but one whose repertoire extends far beyond the boundaries of the genre.
He is best known as the lead singer and main arranger of the progressive folk juggernaut Bellowhead who achieved a quarter of a million album sales, seven singles on the Radio 2 playlist and selling out hundreds of venues, notably the Royal Albert Hall.Meanwhile in 2009, Jon founded his band The Remnant Kings, originally formed to perform the album ’Songs from the Floodplain’, the first in his post-apocalyptic trilogy of albums. The performances combined the post-oil concept of the album, with other songs that might survive the apocalypse. In this genre busting mix, Jon Boden & The Remnant Kings performed concerts where folk songs, Bach, Pop and Jazz all rubbed shoulders with Jon’s own songs. This was all augmented by the use on stage of two wax cylinder players, which played specially recorded material.
Reunited and relaunched to record the albums ‘Afterglow’ in 2017, ‘Rose In June’ (2019) and performances of Jon’s final album in the trilogy, ‘Last Mile Home’ (2021), they returned with their latest album ‘Parlour Ballads’ (Hudson Records) – released Sept ’24 and delivering their unique brand of traditional folk played with post-apocalyptic swagger. Live, Boden’s Waitsian parlour ballads and Napoleonic power-pop, are performed alongside the band’s fifteen-year back-catalogue of traditional and original songs and tunes.
The band combines a deep understanding of traditional music with musical audacity and theatrical brio, and feature the enormous talents of Sam Sweeney (Bellowhead), Rob Harbron (Leveret), Ben Nicholls (Seth Lakeman Band), Sally Hawkins (Bellowhead) and the vocals and pedal-steel guitar of cult singer-songwriter M.G. Boulter.‘Resurrects the brassy swagger of Bellowhead’
– Financial Times
‘Ambitious, genre-busting folk’
– The Guardian
’Recalling Gabriel-era Genesis with a dash of Bush and Bowie’
– The Observer‘Springy fingerpicking and rolling drums convey the thrill of an anarchic street celebration.’
– The Independent‘Vivid lyrics, striking imagery, challenging arrangements.’
– fRoots
‘I didn’t count numbers but it was possibly even a larger aggregation than his previous band, Bellowhead…There were several ‘wow’ moments throughout and we were left in no doubt that Boden’s talents are multi-faceted and often bewildering… he’s fast emerging as a modern-day Richard Thompson or John Tams…with this big band he has reached another level. He may even have emerged as the premier UK folk artist of his generation.’ efestivals review of Shrewsbury Folk Festival
www.jonboden.comBook Tickets / View Details
Sat 16 May 20267:30 pm
Russell Hicks: This Time It’s Personal
American stand-up comedian Russell Hicks is back on tour. It’s been a big year
for Russell. He’s appeared in multiple feature films, including Edgar Wright's The
Running Man (2025). You also may have seen his phenomenally successful 'Dear
Diary' series on Instagram, which has gained millions of views. Last year's show
was about his life in the UK. This year is about…him. He’s back. And this time…
it’s personal.(As seen on ITV, BBC, Channel 4, Prime Video, and Paramount Pictures. 2x
Leicester Festival Best Show Nominee and Winner of the 2024 Prague Fringe
Festival)16+ recommended.
Book Tickets / View Details
Sat 23 May 20268:00 pm
No country music icon has the depth, enigma and songwriting weight of Johnny Cash, and there’s nobody better suited to honour and revitalize this legacy than Australian outlaw country founding-figure and brooding baritone Henry Wagons.Known as the “Man in Black”, Cash’s music has always embraced the existential void and stared downthe darkness head-on. No period of his esteemed career did this more so than his infamous, late-career American Recordings albums recorded with creative guru Rick Rubin. Across the course of these six albums released between 1996 and 2006, Cash’s every syllable serves as both a show-down and an embrace of death itself. These American Recordings records were the instigators for Henry Wagons to pick up the guitar and serve as the embryo for an esteemed career playing his own brand of gothic country music over a quarter century. Now, spanning space and time, these two titans of twang, Cash and Wagons, perfectly intertwine in this new show honouring the songs, arrangements and stories behind these perfectly curated songs.In CASH: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE AMERICAN RECORDINGS, HENRY WAGONS will lean into the deep mythology and sound of The American Recordings Albums. Featuring the favourites Solitary Man (Neil Diamond), I Hung My Head (Sting), The Mercy Seat (Nick Cave), Hurt (Nine Inch Nails), One (U2) and more, Wagons and his band The Tennessee Studs will re-create the sonic depth, poise and ominous force of the original recordings, as if you were sitting with Cash and Rubin in the control room.
Book Tickets / View Details
Fri 29 May 20267:30 pm
From the haunting melody of 'Kashmir' to the rockers such as 'Whole Lotta Love' and 'Immigrant Song', the folksy acoustics such as 'Going to California' and 'Babe I'm Gonna Leave You' to the classic 'Stairway to Heaven' a concert by Letz Zep bring you an evening with the music of the greatest rock band EVER! Led Zeppelin.
Endorsed by Messrs. Plant and Page, Letz Zep are critically acclaimed as the leading tribute to the music of Led Zeppelin, an achievement marked by the authoritative Ticketmaster organisation when they awarded the band 'The Most Popular' and 'The Most Highly Rated' tribute to Led Zeppelin today.
Letz Zep is a band formed by talented, experienced and respected musicians who are all true Zep fans with a strong musical pedigree. All four members possess the considerable musical ability required to produce a completely convincing recreation of Led Zeppelin in their prime, complete with the "tight but loose" raw excitement which was the trademark of a Led Zeppelin concert. This is not an exercise in nostalgia, but of revolt against time, a heart rendering shout against mediocrity and forgetfulness, faithfully recreating the sights and sounds of Led Zeppelin at their awesome best. Bringing the music of Led Zep to new generations of audience.
The times may have changed but – The Song Remains The Same…..Book Tickets / View Details
Sat 13 June 20267:30 pm
The Kast off Kinks Not to be missed!
The Kast off Kinks has always included former members of the legendary band ‘The Kinks’. Past Kinks members include John Dalton, Jim Rodford, Ian Gibbons, John Gosling & Bob Henrit. Ray Davies has also graced the stage on the odd occasion. The current great line-up features Mick Avory (Founding member of The Kinks & the original drummer on all the classic hits from 1964-84), Mark Haley (keyboards/vocals, Kinks 1989-93, also played with The Rubettes), Mike Steed (bass/vocals, playing history with Love Affair, Chip Hawkes, Marmalade, The Rubettes & Mike Pender). These high-class professionals are then fronted by the equally talented & charismatic Robin Bibi (guitar/main vocals). Robin is an award-winning guitarist in his own right & has worked as a session man with such artists as Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, The Pretty Things, Ben E. King and Helen Shapiro, to name but a few.
Expect all the hits, including You Really Got Me, Dedicated Follower of Fashion, Sunny Afternoon, Lola, Days, Waterloo Sunset, Come Dancing, and many more for a great night out!
“A full house, and a standing ovation. To anyone wondering about going, do not hesitate” – The Stables, Milton Keynes.
“Nothing short of superb. From start to finish, it was filled with hit after hit” – Mad Ferret, Preston
Tickets from £23
Bar & Doors from 19:00
Starts 19:30 – 55/20/55 minutesBook Tickets / View Details
Sat 27 June 20267:30 pm
1991 brought us the final Dire Straits album – On Every Street – and was commemorated by an enormous two year world tour that was one of their most successful ever.
In On Every Street, Mark created some classic Dire Straits songs such as Calling Elvis, The Bug and On Every Street and the expanded lineup created yet another ‘sound’ that remained instantly recognisable as “Dire Straits”.
Over the past few tours, DS:UK have become THE Dire Straits tribute show for true fans of Mark Knopfler’s incredible band, earned by delivering the music with an attention to detail that few tribute bands strive for.
The ON anoTHEr NIGHT show is DS:UK’s 5th tour, representing the final era of Dire Straits’ phenomenal career, and brings a genuine and unique experience that will bring fans the tracks they love from On Every Street, alongside the classic Dire Straits songs you love to hear. This will be DS:UK’s most packed and exciting set yet… are you and your friend gonna come around?
"Oh my we had such a lovely time seeing DS:Uk in Norwich,. The quality of the band members is amazing and it was very moving listening to Romeo and Juliet and Sultans of Swing. The stories in between the songs added to the evening, and everyone we went with had a great time. If you love Dire Straits then do go and see DS:Uk it’s a brilliant tribute to the music “ ~ Becs
"These guys are a great band and a must see for any Dire Straits fan. We saw them in Canterbury and enjoyed it so much we went to see them again two weeks later in Deal! Very much looking forward to seeing them again next year" ~ Nick
Website : www.direstraitstribute.co.uk / Facebook: facebook.com/dsuktribute / Instagram: Instagram.com/dsuktributeBook Tickets / View Details
Sat 19 September 20267:30 pm
Mark Simmons – Jest to Impress
WINNER Dave’s Funniest Joke of the Fringe 2024
As Seen on Mock The Week, BT Sport and ITV, ‘Master of one-liners’ Mark Simmons had a groundbreaking 200+ date sell out debut tour lasting two years, spanning the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.Mark is back on tour in 2026 with Jest To Impress, a brand new show packed with even more expertly crafted one-liners, alongside his trademark off-the-cuff jokes based on random audience suggestions.
Mark is enjoying further success with his podcast, Jokes With Mark Simmons, where he invites a fellow comic, such as Gary Delaney, Sarah Millican, Milton Jones, and Penn & Teller to discuss jokes that they’ve written but for whatever reason couldn’t get to work.
Recipient of Victoria Wood Panel Prize Fringe 2023
UK Comics’ Comic 2022 – Best Act
RUNNER UP DAVE’s Top 10 Jokes of the Fringe 2022'Master of the crisp, clean, one-line zinger' **** Evening Standard
'A talented comic with an artisan’s grasp of joke writing' **** Chortle
'Master of one-liners…his show consists of literally one liner after one liner, with one or two breaks for the audience to catch their breath before another assault on the laughter and muscles with the next segment' **** One4Review
'Absolutely hilarious' **** ScotsmanBook Tickets / View Details
Fri 9 October 20268:00 pm