DRAMA WORKSHOPS

Thursdays 1, 15 & 29 June

THE STABLE AT WILLOW GLOBE

No experience necessary. Willow Globe, Llanwrthwl, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 6NN, 2-5pm, £6 per session, info@shakespearelink.org.uk for details.

COURTYARD THEATRE, HEREFORD

Sat - Junior Yourth Theatre. Year 3: 9.15am. Year 4: 10.15am. Year 5: 11.15am. Year 6: 12.15pm. Year 7: 1.45pm. Year 8: 3pm. Year 9: 4.45pm, £68.50 per term.

Wed - Intermediate Youth Theatre. Year 10 & 11, 5.15pm, £70.50 per term. Fri - Senior Youth Theatre for Year 12+, 7pm, £73.50 per term. Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

COMMUNITY YOUTH THEATRES

The Conquest, Bromyard. Mon - Juniors, Year 3-6: 4.30pm, £39 per term. Intermediates, Year 7-9: 7.15pm, £43 per term. Seniors, Year 10+: 7.30pm, £46 per term. The Phoenix Theatre, Ross-on-Wye. Sat - Juniors, Year 8-14: 10am, £39 per term. Market Theatre, Ledbury. Mon - Intermediates, Year 7-9: 7.30pm, £39 per term. Seniors, Year 10+: 8.30pm, £39 per term. Details email takepart@courtyard.org.uk or 01432 346526.

THEATR IEUENTID / BRYCHEINIOG YOUTH THEATRE

With weekly sessions tailored to suit the needs of each year group, from 4 years and up. Mondays 3.45pm4.45pm Roundabout, Reception & Years 1 & 2.

Wednesdays 5pm - 6pm Junior Youth, Years 3,4 & 5.

Wednesdays 6pm - 7pm Junior Youth, Years 6,7 & 8.

Thursdays 8.30pm - 10pm Senior Youth, Years 9, 10 & 11, 16 - 25. Call 01874 611622, www.brycheiniog.co.uk

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW Mon - Go MAD in Ludlow, 5-6.30pm, Oscars. Contact Simon 07506 478235 & Suzanne 07484 289215 or email hello@gomadinludlow.org Sat - Ludwig Academy of Musical Theatre. 7-11 years 1-2pm, 12-16 years 2-3pm. Oscars. Contact Jack Ludwig, 077922 66225. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow.

Tuesdays YOUTH CAFE A safe place where young people can meet and share creative activites including music, drama and films. For ages 8-16 years, free. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970

Tuesdays YOUTH THEATRE For 7-14 year-olds after school. Ledbury Market Theatre, 01432 383663.

Wednesdays KINGTON YOUTH THEATRE

Kington Primary School. Wed - Junior 7-11 years, 4-5.30pm. Intermediate 11+ 5.30-7pm. £42 per term, 01432 340555.

Thursdays (term time) SHROPSHIRE YOUTH THEATRE

Seniors, 7-9.30pm, 14-25 years. All welcome. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury. www.shropshireyouththeatre.co.uk

Thursdays IMPULSIVE THEATRE COMPANY

For ages 13-19. The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury, 5-6.45pm, 07916 277928.

Thursdays Fortnightly (term time) HAVE A GO SHAKESPEARE All welcome, 10.30am-1.30pm, £7. Wyeside, Builth Wells, info@shakespearelink.org.uk.

Saturdays (term time) SHROPSHIRE YOUTH THEATRE

Beginners 9.30am-10.45am, 6-8 year olds. Juniors 11am-1pm, 9-12 year olds. The Hive, Shrewsbury, www.shropshireyouththeatre.co.uk

Poetry & Storytelling

Until Sun 4 June

HAY FESTIVAL

Featuring Brian Bilston, Michael Rosen, Stephen James Smith, Kaffar Kunial, Nick Laird, Hannah Sullivan, Carol Ann Duffy & John Sampson, Karl Nova, Connor Allen, Simon Armitage and more. www.hayfestival.org

Fri 30 June - Sun 9 July

LEDBURY POETRY FESTIVAL

Prize-winning poets, international voices, family favourites, workshops and world classics rounded off with music and dance. Featuring Simon Armitage, Joseph Coelho, Monty Don, Tishani Doshi, Seckou Keita, Zaffar Kunial, Sam Lee, Jackie Morris, Michael Morpurgo, Don Paterson, Stephanie Sy-Quia, Joelie Taylor and more. Ledbury, www.ledburypoetry.org.uk

Comedy

Until Sun 4 June

HAY FESTIVAL

1 June - Marcus Brigstocke, Cariad Lloyd, Andre Vincent, Danny Wallace and Rachel Parris, Baillie Gifford Stage, 10am, £10.

2 June - Briget Christie, Athena Kugblenu, Isy Suttie and Robin Morgan, Wales Stage, 9.45pm, £18.

3 June - Dara O Briain, Baillie Gifford Stage, 9.45pm, £30. www.hayfestival.org

Sat 20 June

A LIFE IN THE DAY OF ARTHUR LAGER

Steve Hewlett brings Arthur Lager to life in this unique story of a Dummy who has lived life before the ventriloquist came along. A ventriloquist masterclass of ventriloquism, laughter and characters. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, £15/£12 under 16s, 01885 488575.

Sat 10 June

GRIFF RHYS JONES: THE CAT’S PYJAMAS

Join Griff as he shares more funny observations and comic stories, no theme and he takes questions from the audience and lets rip as his associations wander... Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 8pm, £24, 01600 772467.

Tues 13 & Tues 27 June

TELFORD FRINGE FESTIVAL

Edinburgh Festival Preview comedy. Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 7.30pm, £7 on the door.

Fri 16 June

JEN BRISTER: THE OPTIMIST

Has the pandemic changed her for the better or is she the same old pessimistic naysayer she’s always been? For ages 18+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £17, 01743 281281.

Sat 17 June - Sun 2 July

LUDLOW FRINGE FESTIVAL

17 June - Rachel Thorn - ‘Mates’, 6pm, ‘Sex Lies and Improvisation’, 8pm. Oscars, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, £14 per show. 19 July - Charlotte Walker, ‘Marie Lloyd Stole my Life’ (comedy and history), 6pm, £14, Oscars, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, £14. 20 June - Adam Flood and Thao Cao, double bill, 7.30pm, £15, Ludlow Brewery.

20 June - Kemp’s Jig (comedy and history), 6pm, £14/£8, Oscars, Ludlow Assembly Rooms. 21 June - Carol Robson, ‘70 A New Decade of Fun’, 7.30pm, £10, Oscars, Ludlow Assembly Rooms. 22 June - Harun Mash’d, ‘Why I don’t talk about terrorism’, 7.30pm, £10, Oscars, Ludlow Assembly Rooms. 23 June - Drew Taylor, 7.30pm, £15, Ludlow Brewery. 23 June - Paul Boross ‘Humorology’, 6pm, £10, Oscars, Ludlow Assembly Rooms.

23 June - Michael Burdett, ‘Rude Boys - adventures with George M’, 8pm, £12, Oscars, Ludlow Assembly Rooms.

24 June - Richard Pulsford ‘It Just so happened’, (comedy and history), 6pm, £10, Oscars, Ludlow Assembly Rooms.

25 June - Richard Pulsford ‘Short Joke Telling’, 4.30pm, £10, Chang Thai Bar, Ludlow. 28 June - Paul Richards

‘Harvey Greenfield is Running’, 6pm, £10, Oscars, Ludlow Assembly Rooms. Stella Graham, 7.30pm, £10, Oscars, Ludlow Assembly Rooms. 29 June - Mark Stratford

‘MacCready! Dicken’s theatrical friend’, (comedy and history), 6pm, £12, Oscars, Ludlow Assembly Rooms.

29, 30 June & 1 July - The Old Dic Theatre Company, ‘Wind yer Neck in Kate’, 8pm, (1pm on Sat), free, Chang Thai Bar, Ludlow. 30 June - ‘Ian Stone will make it better!’ 8pm, £10, Oscars, Ludlow Assembly Rooms. www.ludlowfringe.co.uk

Fri 23 June

COMEDY CLUB

Corn Exchange, High St, Ross-on-Wye, 01989 763174.

Fri 23 June

WESTONS COMEDY CLUB

Laugh out loud comedy from some of the hottest up-and-coming comedians. For ages 18+. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8.30pm, 01432 340555.

Thurs 29 June

THE COMEDY CLUB @ HAY CASTLE

Featuring for the inaugural event is Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Noel James and Justin Panks, with MC Karen Bayley. Great Hall, Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, pre-bookable burger meal and bar available from 6.30pm, £22, 01497 820079, www.haycastle.org

Talks

Thurs 1 - Sun 4 & Fri 9 June

NORTH BOOKS

Book signings, readings and conversation.

1 June - Meet Mike Parker, award winning author of ‘All The Wide Border: Wales, England and The Places Between’ and ‘On The Red Hill’, 4pm, free.

2 June - Cultural historian Gavin Plumley has published his first book, ‘A Home For All Seasons’, which peels back the historical layers of his home in Pembridge, 4pm, free.

3 June - Kathy Biggs returns with her second novel ‘Scrap’, following her gripping debut ‘The Luck’, 4pm, free.

4 June - Botanical illustrator Lizzie Harper has provided work for myriad of publications. She will be spending the day sketching in the shop and chatting about her work, 10.30am-5pm, free. 9 June - Pamela Petro and Annie Garthwaite in Conversation. They will talk about writing, a friendship that spans decades and continents and their books, £5, email jules@northbooks.co.uk to book.

North Books, Castle St, Hay-on-Wye, www.northbooks.co.uk

Every day until 31 October

HEREFORD GUILD OF GUIDES

Guided tours around Hereford. Also pre-booked themed walks for groups all year round. Mon-Sat 11.30am, Sun 2.30pm (approx 1.5 hours). Tickets from the Cathedral Shop and meet at Cathedral main entrance, Adults £6, children 6-12 years £1, 07947 924494, www.herefordguidedwalks.org.uk

Fri 2 June

MARINA HYDE

In conversation with Jude Rogers. No other writer is more suited to chronicling the absurd times in which we live. Marina Hyde slashes her way through the hellscape of post-referendum politics where the chaos never stops. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £15 (ticket and book), 01873 850805.

Sat 3 & Sun 4 June

TRAHERNE FESTIVAL

Sat - ‘Solitude and Society in Traherne’s Life and Writings’, a talk by Julia Smith, 10.15am, Credenhill Church, £6. ‘The Devotional Poetry of Thomas Traherne and George Herbert’, a talk by Helen Wilcox, 11.45pm, Credenhill Church. Two-course lunch at Stretton Sugwas VH, 1pm, £25. Close poetry reading led by Richard Willmott, Credenhill Church, 2.30pm, free, tea, 3.30pm, £5. ‘Traherne on Death, Memory and Resurrection’, a talk by Cassandra Gorman, Credenhill Church, 4pm, £6. Supper and music at Stretton Sugwas VH, 6pm, £15. Sun - ‘Open Eys, to be Ravished like the Cherubims’, talk by Jill Robson, All Saints Church, 11.30am, free. Lunch at All Saints, 1pm, £15, AGM at 2pm. Evensong at Hereford Cathedral and tea at 3.30pm. 01432 761588.

Until Sun 4 June

HAY FESTIVAL

Featuring Alistair Campbell, Rafael Behr, Tracy Borman, David Wengrow, Gary Young, Sadiq Khan, David Milliband, Jesse Norman, Jack Monroe, Jeremy Bowen, Prue Leith, Rowan Williams, Colin Grant, George Monbiot & Minette Batters, Andi Oliver, Mary Berry, Tom Bullough, Lucy Worsley and more. www.hayfestival.org

Sun 4 & Sun 25 June

ALAN FLETCHER: THE DOCTOR WILL SEE YOU NOW Join Alan Fletcher (AKA Karl Kennedy), Ramsay Street’s most famous doctor, as he looks back and celebrates almost three decades of the TV hit series, Neighbours. 4 June - Malvern Theatre, 01684 892277. 25 June - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £29.50 VIP meet and greet, £25, 01743 281281.

Mon 5 June

PAPYRUS: IRENE VALLEJO

In conversation with Charlotte Whittle. ‘Papyrus: The Invention of Books in the Ancient World’ is the story of the book’s journey from oral tradition to scrolls to codices, and how that transition laid the very foundation of Western culture. Hereford Cathedral, 7pm, £12, 01432 374225.

Fri 9 June

REBECCA F JOHN

In conversation with Liz Hyder. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, £8 (with £3 off the price of the book), 01600 772467.

Fri 9 - Sun 11 June

MONTY LIT FEST

Featuring Nigel Owens, Clare Mackintosh, Frieda Hughes, Annie Garthwaite, Gavin Plumley, Rebecca Wragg Sykes, David Elias and Anna Jones. Tickets from Ivy House Cafe or Bookshop, Montgomery.

Sun 11 June

KEITH BRYMER JONES: LIFE CLAY AND EVERYTHING

Judge from ‘The Great Pottery Throw Down’. Hilarious, at times heart-wrenching, but most definitely entertaining. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £37-£27, 01743 281281.

Tues 13 June

THE VISITATION OF HEREFORD DIOCESE IN 1397

Ian Forrest and Christopher Whittick have recently published a complete translation of this important medieval document and will discuss its unparalleled insight into life, behaviour, religious belief and practice druing this time. Hereford Cathedral, 7pm, £10, 01432 374225.

Wed 14 June

CONVERSATIONS AT THE CHAPEL

Historian and broadcaster Margaret MacMillan in conversation with Alastair Laurence. Margaret explains the immense geo-political changes that confront us today, and in the future. The Art Shop & Chapel, Market St, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £12, 01873 852690.

Fri 16 June

CLIVE ANDERSON: ME, MACBETH & I

The host of ‘Whose Line is it Anyway’, bring his one-man show, guaranteed to be funnier than Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy. For ages 14+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £22, 01743 281281.

Fri 16 June

HEREFORD ARTS APPRECIATION SOCIETY

‘The Global Story of the Apple’, an illustrated lecture by Dr David Marshall. Office Q, Kindle Centre, Hereford, 2.30pm, 01432 357552.

Fri 16 June, Fri 7 July

IGNITE ME!

A series of inspirational talks by people whose lives have been ignited by spirituality and faith. 16 June - Ian Marchant, author and broadcaster. 7 July - Right Rev. John Lomaas, Bishop of Swansea & Brecon. Saint Mary Magdalene’s Church, Bleddfa, near Knighton, 7pm, £5 with a glass of wine. Advance booking via email: nicola.payne@btinternet.com

Sat 17 June - Sun 2 July

LUDLOW FRINGE FESTIVAL

22 June - Countdown’s Susie Dent, ‘The Secret Lives of Words’, 2pm, £23, Ludlow Assembly Rooms. 24 June - Alistair McGowan, Poetry Slam, 7.30pm, £12, Ludlow Brewery. 25 June - David Davies & Nick Owen, 3.30pm, £23, Ludlow Assembly Rooms. 30 June - John Inverdale in conversation with Alistair McGowan, 6pm, £23, Ludlow Assembly Rooms. 1 July - Kim Olyett, Write a Folk song competition, 8pm, £12, Oscars, Ludlow Assembly Rooms. www.ludlowfringe.co.uk

Sun 18 June

ADAM KAY: UNDOCTORED

Adam Kay’s novel ‘This is Going to Hurt’ was a literary sensation. Now comes ‘Undoctored’. Adam will be talking about the book and his life then signing copies. In collaboration with Rossiter Books. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, £12 (with £3 off the price of the book), 01600 772467.

Tues 20 June

CHARLES HANSON

Often seen on Flog It and Bargain Hunt, antiques expert and valuer Charles Hanson will give a talk, then offer valuations to the public. The Hafren Theatr, Newtown, 12pm, £2.50, 01686 948100.

Wed 21 June

MORTIMER HISTORY SOCIETY

The John Grove Memorial Lecture. ‘Conflict, acculturation and integration in the medieval March of Wales’, lecture by Dr David Stephenson. Powis Castle Ballroom, Welshpool. www.mortimerhistorysociety.org.uk

Wed 21 June

THE ARTS SOCIETY TEME VALLEY

‘Sadlers Wells: Theatrical mothership’. A talk by Nigel Bates. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 2.15pm, £8 on the door, 078011 78846, www.theartssocietytemevalley.org.uk

Wed 21 June

FRIEDA HUGHES

In conversation with Anna Dreda (former Bookseller of the Year and Co-Founder of the Wenlock Poetry Festival). Frieda will be reading extracts from her new book, ‘George: A Magpie Memoir’. Aardvark Books, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, 6pm, free, but bookable in advance, 01547 530744.

Fri 23 June

KENTON COOL - EVEREST: THE UNTOLD STORY

The 16 times summit non-Sherpa world record-holder takes you on a fascinating journey through the history of the highs and lows of summit attempts. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £20, 01743 281281.

Mon 26 June

EYEWITNESS - STORIES FROM PALESTINE & ISRAEL

David Cannon spent three months in West Bank with EAPPI. Friends Meeting House, 21 King St, Hereford, 7.30pm, refreshments from 7.15pm. Palestinian goods for sale. herefordpsc@gmail.com

Wed 28 June

MORE TALES FROM THE TOMBS

Talk by Heather Hurley. St Mary’s Church, Ross-on-Wye, 7.30pm, £7, www.rossparishes.uk

Wed 28 June

DIANA POWELL

A talk on her book ‘Things Found on the Mountain’. Clore Learning Space, Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, £7.50, 01497 820079, www.haycastle.org

Thurs 29 June

JESSE NORMAN

A book talk by the MP for Hereford. St Mary’s Church, Ross-on-Wye, 7pm, £8 from TicketSource or at the door.

Workshops & Courses

Thurs 1 June ABCS OF PODCASTING

All levels welcome for this podcasting workshop aimed at 14-18 year olds led by Mark Woodyatt. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 10am-3pm, please bring a packed lunch. Free but 50p booking fee applies, 01743 234970.

Thurs 15 June & Sat 13 July NATURE WRITING

Developing skills in writing, crafting and feedback. Using botanical knowledge and observing seasonal change, keeping a personal record through words and pictures. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 10am-11.30am, free, but booking essential, 01743 234970.

LEDBURY YOUNG POETS COMPETITION‘EARTHWORDS’

Invites 5-18 year olds to explore the natural world prompted by the theme ‘Earthwords’. Open to anyone living in Herefordshire, Worcestershire & Gloucestershire. (5-11 and 12-18). Poems can be entered online at www.ledburypoetry.org.uk and the winners will be announced during Ledbury Poetry Festival on 1 July.

ITALIAN LESSONS ON-LINE FOR ADULTS –ONE-TO-ONE or SMALL GROUPS

Learn or improve your Italian from the comfort of your home with Lorenzo, your local native Italian tutor and language specialist. Conversational Italian, Beginners Italian, Improvers Italian, Advanced Italian, Italian culture and food.Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: On-line only. Thursday morning: In-person group conversation meetings and workshops in Hereford. For more info, call Lorenzo on 01432 870661, WhatsApp +441432870661, or email italian@italianwords.co.uk

Visit www.italianwords.co.uk/tuition.html

Until 1 July SPARKS - YOUNG WRITERS GROUP

Workshop designed to develop writing skills for young people. Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, Market Square, Shrewsbury, 10.30am-12.30pm, booking essential, www.sparkwriters.org

Mondays WRITING ROOM

The Courtyard, Hereford, 6.30-8.30pm, £75 per term, 01432 340555.

Every Tues, Wed & Thurs SPANISH LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS

Tues - Advance beginners 10am-11.30am, Wed - Advance Spanish B1, 10am. Thurs - Total beginners, 10am-11.30am with Mely. Private tuitionGCSE students and A Level. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, 07837 160505. www.hayspanish.com

Every Tuesday READING ROOM

The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.30am-12.30pm, £55 per term, 01432 340555.

Last Tuesday of each month HOMEND POETS

Share words written by themselves or others. Music, good company and food. No booking required. Pot & Page, 8 New St, Ledbury, 6.30pm, www.potandpage.co.uk

First Wednesday of each month BABARS’ BOOK CLUB

All welcome, 6.30pm, Babar’s Cafe, Union St, Hereford, 01432 342334.

First Wednesday of the month POETRY CAFE, Charlton Arms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 872813.

Third Wednesday of the month BEREAVEMENT CAFE

Old Chapel, Hereford Cathedral, 2.30pm-4pm, run by volunteers, www.herefordcathedral.org

Every other Thursday PHILOSOPHY CAFE

Informal group which offers the chance to discuss philosophical issues. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, 01497 821762. philosphycafe@outlook.com

Last Thursday of the month BOOK CLUB

De Koffie Pot, Bridge St, Hereford, 8pm, 01432 357753, ECStarling@theherefordacademy.org.uk

First Friday of the month BOOKCLUB DINNERS

Join Katie and the bookworms for an evening of literary delights. Each month we meet to discuss a different book and share a meal inspired by the story. Pot & Page, New St, Ledbury, 7pm, please book, www.potandpage.co.uk

Fridays READING ROOM EXTRA

The Courtyard, Hereford, 6-8pm, £55 per term, 01432 340555.

International Poetry Writers’ Collective: Abergavenny 01873 856350

Leominster Writers’ Circle, Leominster Community Centre, Frank Pavitt, chairman LWC, 01568 614973, meet first Tuesday, monthly, 2pm. Presteigne Writers’ Circle, 3rd Thursday, Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, 01544 260398.