Festive Live Arts Series at Spice Merchant
We all need something sparkly and Christmassy to cheer us up right and what could be better than a dose of fabulous world renowned jazz muscians, a speakeasy pop-up Christmas Party and a unique performance of Dickens’ A Chistmas Carol?
Henley is being treated to this line up at the in The Garden Room at Spice Merchant restaurant in Thameside and has been curated by Tipi Events. Henley event organisers Tom Ryan and Paula Price-Davies certainly know how to conjure up an impressive line up.
So get your glad rags and posh frocks on to head out the door to go ‘out, out’! Remember, doing that?
Bookings 01491 636118 – henley@spicemerchantgroup.com
These bespoke performances allow the audience to engage with these world-class performers in a unique setting. Guests are expected to eat something from the menu and can arrive for dinner from 6pm – you must be seated at your table by 7.15pm. Spaces for these exclusive events are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. Performance cover charge will be taken at the time of booking.
An exclusive evening with two of the most highly regarded jazz musicians of the last six decades in the special and socially distanced setting of the Spice Merchant.
Saxophonist Art Themen has been a beloved figure on the British music scene since 1958, from his early work with Alexis Korner and future Cream stars Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce to session work with Beatles and Stones, a two-decade collaboration with Stan Tracey and making headlines earlier this year with his live lockdown performances here in Henley.
Guitarist John Etheridge first emerged in 60s London (with the rare honour of being described as ‘great’ by both Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton) before touring for six years with Stéphane Grappelli and playing with John Williams, Yehudi Menuhin, Dizzie Gillespie, Pat Metheny and many more, Today he continues to lead the highly influential Soft Machine after 45 years and is part of Nigel Kennedy’s band. John has had a working relationship with Art since he deputised in the reformed Soft Machine and they both have a taste for taking the unexpected route in what seems like familiar repertoire.
Tickets: £15.00 (Music cover charge)
Art Themen, “Subjects a tune to a series of expert but random shuffles”
John Etheridge, “There’s never a moment’s doubting his awesome authority whenever he touches a guitar”
The Guardian
This Christmas the sell-out speakeasy Purdy’s Pop Up – which has been packing out houses in Henley for three years with the very best in jazz and blues – becomes an even more delicious proposition. It comes to The Garden Room at The Spice Merchant restaurant Henley for a special, seasonal show.
Singer Rebecca Poole aka Purdy has previously performed at the Royal Variety Show and an England football international as well as guesting with the likes of Jools Holland and Jamie Cullum. Now she is joined by world-class musicians for an intimate evening in a stunning, socially distanced setting.
Tickets: £25.00 (Music cover charge)
“Purdy is a consummate artist. Old soul, young heart, witty and alluring”
Time Out
by Gerald Dickens, the great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens.
The candles flicker and night draws in. Watch as Dickens’ iconic festive tale unfolds all around you. Be transported by Gerald Dickens’ incredible one-man performance. His performance of A Christmas Carol has received standing ovations all over the world.
Watch Dickens play over 30 characters using vocal and physical talents to bring each scene vividly to life.
Tickets: £25.00 (Performance cover charge)
“His performance is twirligly, leapingly physical”
Variety
NB: Covid-19 Safe Events – We have the space and layout to perfectly complement social distancing measures and have worked hard to create comprehensive safety protocols to ensure that our clientele, artists, and staff enjoy our events in safety and comfort. If Covid-19 Government guidelines change and result in the cancellation of our events then full refunds will be issued.
