Dive into a mosaic of enriching and thought-provoking events at The Place Bedford, where creativity, introspection, and community spirit come alive. From poetic gatherings and soulful sound baths to festive celebrations and engaging workshops, each event offers a unique opportunity to explore, learn, and connect. Whether you're a poetry enthusiast, a seeker of mindfulness, or someone looking to enjoy a festive quiz night, The Place Bedford has something for everyone. Let's embark on a journey through the highlights of this cultural haven and discover what makes each event uniquely captivating and memorable.

Cultural Kaleidoscope: A Year of Enriching Events at The Place Bedford

Join Kaye Leidoskope for these lively & lovely interactive storytelling sessions for under-fives and their grown-ups. Expect songs, games, crafts and dancing …perfect for little ones to creatively learn through play!

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Exploring with Kaye Leidoskope – Exploring Weather

The Place Bedford

It’s Christmas Eve and tight-fisted Ebenezer Scrooge is meaner than ever. He is shunning his only living relative, underpaying his clerk and refusing to acknowledge the plight of the poor… but will timely visits from the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future change his miserly ways before it’s too late


A Christmas Carol

Come and join us for our last Big Bumper Book sale of 2024 and grab yourselves some stocking fillers. All in aid of our Raise the Roof campaign.

Browse a huge selection of second-hand books including fiction, non-fiction and children’s books.The Place Bedford


The Big Bumper Book Sale

Join us for our last Quiz Night of 2024. A fun filled festive quiz to round of 2024. Tables of up to 6 players or just come along and we can make up teams on the night.

Festive Quiz Night

Our last Read Poets Society for 2024 – thank you to all those who have attended and contributed this year. Join us for the last event of the year as we explore “Yet Another Chill”

Read Poets Society – December 2024

Join Kaye Leidoskope for these lively & lovely interactive storytelling sessions for under-fives and their grown-ups. Expect songs, games, crafts and dancing …perfect for little ones to creatively learn through play!

Kaye Leidoskope (aka Kaye Mahoney) is an experienced performer and workshop leader who loves to help little ones (and big ones!)  to create and learn. She also runs Puggle Club, the preschooler’s creative arts programme at The Higgins, and you can follow her on social media to find out more athttps://www.instagram.com/k.leidoskope/andhttps://www.facebook.com/k.leidoskope/

Exploring with Kaye Leidoskope – Exploring Sounds

Vengeful spirits, murderous revenants and gruesome promises kept from beyond the grave – every horror imaginable is conjured in this uniquely terrifying experience. Nightmares is a gothic show that will leave you quaking in your seat… and dying for more!
The show features three of the most spine-tingling tales ever written – 'The Judge’s House' by Bram Stoker, 'The Kit-Bag' by Algernon Blackwood and 'John Charrington’s Wedding' by E Nesbit.

Nightmares

In the late nineteenth century, a young governess for two orphaned youngsters becomes convinced that their lonely manor house is haunted and that the children are possessed by the spirits of a former caretaker and governess. Along with the housekeeper, she works to discover the truth behind her fears.

The Innocents

An opportunity to meet the Tibetan monks from Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, who will introduce you to the unique traditions of Buddhist monastic art. These include sand mandala making – ‘painting’ with coloured grains of ground marble – the printing of prayer flags and the delicate art of butter sculpture. You can learn some Tibetan language and make a dukar wheel which will be blessed by the monks to offer protection from negative influences. 

Hands on Workshop – Tibetan Monks from Tashi Lhunpo Monastery

Tibet – the Land of Snows: home to Buddhist lamas whose ancient rituals have fascinated people for thousands of years. ‘From the Roof of the World’ presents chant, mantras, music and dance by eight Tibetan Monks from Tashi Lhunpo Monastery who open a magical window on to a world of reincarnation and Buddhist mysticism which has inspired audiences in theatres and festivals throughout Europe.From the contemplative, mesmerising chant of Buddhist texts to swirling costumed masked dances accompanied by ancient Tantric musical instruments including horns made from human leg bones, skull-drums, cymbals, bells and with the shattering sound of the dungchen (long horns), the Monks evoke the atmosphere of sacred Tibet: an experience of an ancient culture accessible to all, with introductory explanations offering additional insight into this endangered world.

Tibetan Monks From Tashi Lhunpo Monastery ‘from The Roof Of The World’

We all know practice makes perfect and practising languages is a must. Do you feel you could do with more experience speaking so you can shine when you next go to Spain?

Spanish Workshop – delivered by Bedford Language Centre

“We don’t know whether this will be the last time we’ll see each other…”



When Adie’s mum decided it was time to stop her medical treatment, Adie promised herself that she would travel to Germany and visit her regularly. Then the pandemic happened…

Another Goodbye

Maddie Morris is an artist who strives to make a difference in the world. Bold, insightful and refreshingly unique, they take traditional song in new directions to shine a light on contemporary issues, offering new perspectives about the world we live in today.

Folk songs have always told stories, but how Maddie makes their mark is by turning this storytelling into action. Described by Jim Moray as “leading the next generation of socially conscious songwriters”, Maddie uses their work to highlight inequality, challenge viewpoints and provide an inclusive space for shared experiences. Maddie was recently commissioned by Unlimited to explore LGBTQIA+ experiences of disability through traditional music, and has also been proud to collaborate with organisations such as Queer Folk, The Bit Collective and Trans Pride Brighton.

Maddie Morris – Autumn Tour 2024

Candlelit Theatre bring The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde dramatically to life with their signature storytelling approach using shadows, sounds and theatricality to faithfully recreate the tale. 

Praised as being “an inspiration for aspiring playwrights” – The Stage –  Bart Lee skilfully guides the audience with his adaptation and direction enabling wonderful acting and choices that both thrill and delight.

Candlelit Theatre – The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Join us in November for the latest Read Poetry Society. Our theme for November is “Put a Girdle Round About the Earth” Make of that what you will!

Come along and join us in the cosy surroundings of Eagle Bookshop for what promises to be an interesting evening of Poetry and Prose.

Read Poets Society – November 2024

Daisy Donald is bright, bold and full of fun but she’s also hiding a secret…that she lives with Type 1 Diabetes, an invisible disability. When Daisy’s world starts to goes very grey, will she be ready for an adventure with 3 sneaky, shuffly monsters Moe, Sky and Eddy?

Adapted for the stage from Jade Byrne’s much-loved book, this brand-new family show takes you on a remarkable journey of learning about disabilities and difference, filled with take-home songs and positive messages of acceptance.

Daisy Donald

Dear Delivery Agents, you are invited to explore adventure archives  from 1b Nosmo Road. Join us for a wild ride through stagnant sewers, across perilous oceans and amongst stars as we track down missing intern Phillip Appleseed ( Who for both reasons most people call Pip ). 

Mr Cleverly is a playfully visual and hugely silly live audio adventure told via wireless headphones, binaural sound technology and live on stage percussion. A multi-roling, fast-paced immersive storytelling experience for brave children and their families presented by the award-winning (EDFRINGE Excellence Award Winner 2018 ) and critically acclaimed Living Record Productions 

Mr Cleverly’s Transcontinental Delivery Service.

Seeking relaxation and mindfulness in Bedford? My name is Yanni and I would like to invite you to join us for a relaxing Sound Bath at The Place Theatre  from 7 to 8 PM.

A sound bath is a meditative experience where participants are “bathed” in sound waves produced by various healing instruments. As you recline comfortably, you’ll be enveloped in the soothing vibrations of singing bowls, rattles, chimes, and drums.

Sunday Sound Bath

Jon, the chaotic student of Frank the Dog, breaks a precious artefact and has to redeem himself through a series of bizarre, yet playful, challenges and games. if successful Jon will acquire the status of ‘master’, repair the artifact and redeem himself.

Along the way Jon is hampered in his quest; with set-backs, twists, turns, and the interference of the sinister Cyprian Londt.

Kickmouse Mysterium

Exploring with Kaye Leidoskope – Exploring Numbers

One man, one monster, one glorious dream to singlehandedly tell the most famous cult horror story of all time, and absolutely no budget whatsoever. What could possibly go wrong?

Frankenstein (On a Budget) features one actor, some decidedly dodgy backdrops, lots of weather based puns, plenty of cardboard props and more hats than you can throw a stick at. Can our ill fated doctor build his monstrous creation, play 25 characters, sing a lot of songs, attempt accents from across the world, perform a dance routine, and ultimately save the day in just 60 minutes?

Frankenstein (On a Budget)

As partition draws closer, the girls remain oblivious to the spreading social unrest and violence. They’re too busy stealing books, swimming in the lake and spying on Rahul (the local hottie). When Naz is betrothed to a tailor from the soon-to-be capital of Pakistan the threat of separation for the young women looms on the horizon. Bound by their love for each other we learn how far they will go to avoid the inevitable. 

Santi & Naz

StageWrite is a hothouse for the development of new writing for theatre, designed to help plays grow from page to performance. It supports writers in the process of getting their work up on its feet and in front of an audience for the very first time.

Plays are performed semi-staged, script in hand to allow for a more developed experience than a rehearsed reading (where actors simply read the play out loud). You’ll be amazed at how much we can do in a short space of time!

StageWrite: Autumn 24

The Browning Version: a middle aged Classics teacher, who had been full of promise in his youth, finds himself with a mediocre career and a failing marriage. His inability to express his true emotions causes friction in all areas of his life. However, the actions of a young pupil result in an unexpected change in perspective

Playbill – The Browning Version / Harlequinade

Soldiering On introduces us to Muriel whose life revolved around her husband, Ralph; she ran their home, brought up their children, hosted dinner parties for his colleagues. After Ralph’s death, she has to find a way forward. 

In Her Big Chance we meet Lesley, an actress, who tells us about filming the video she has just completed ‘targeted chiefly on West Germany’ and shares her experiences with us. Alan Bennett’s astute observation brings his usual poignancy and humour to these two stories.

Talking Heads – Soldiering On and Her Big Chance

Join us at the Eagle Bookshop for an evening of poetry and prose, this month on the theme of “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea”

Read Poets Society – October 2024

Howlin’ Mat is a BLUES musician who has performed everywhere from the Arctic Circle to the Sahara Desert. He performs up to 200 shows a year and his escapades include him opening for the Happy Mondays, spending an evening with Led Zeppelin legend John Paul Jones on an Island 130 miles inside the Arctic Circle in the middle of winter and having a birthday party being thrown by a notorious biker gang. 

Armed with his guitars and a slide on his finger, Mat follows in the footsteps of his musical heroes such as Mississippi Fred McDowell and Muddy Waters and onstage he combines his musical talents with hilarious tales of his time on the road.

Howlin Mat Concert

Ever wanted to make and own your own guitar? Now is your chance! This workshop introduces you to the Cigar Box Cigar and guides you through making your very own. However, this is more than just a workshop – come and meet like-minded people and leave with a new group of friends!

Howlin Mat – Cigar Box Social Workshop

Flamenco is as universal, powerful and versatile as the blues, as epic as opera, and as delicate and pin-sharp as ballet. For over thirty years, Flamenco Express has existed to do justice to this unique art form by choosing the best artists and allowing them total freedom of expression. The result is a new emotional and artistic experience every night, delivered by an astonishing range of talent.

Victor Fernández The talents of this incredibly versatile dancer were recognised by major international artists from his early youth. He has performed with legends such as Rafaela Carrasco, Javier Latorre, Rafael Aguilar, Juanjo Linares and Eva Yerbabuena in major theatres from Santa Fe to Shanghai. A dancer at the forefront of modern flamenco choreography.

Flamenco Express

Truvy Jones runs the salon with her anxious and eager assistant, Annelle. Among their customers are wealthy widow and former first lady of Chinquapin, Clairee Belcher, local curmudgeon Ouiser Boudreaux, intelligent and compassionate career woman M’Lynn, and her daughter Shelby, pretty, youthful and vivacious. Shelby’s engagement is the talk of the town, but the joy and excitement of her wedding quickly turn to concern as she faces a risky pregnancy and associated health complications. There are many hurdles for all the women to face but they find comfort in one another. The play is by Robert Harling whose sister died from complications relating to diabetes and potential for such tragedy is always lurking in the wings in this emotional, funny and thought-provoking drama.

Steel Magnolias

A Death Café is an informal gathering of people (often strangers) to talk about death over a cup of tea and a piece of cake. The topic of discussion is generated by the group and there is no agenda, objective or prescribed theme. A Death Café is an open, accessible and confidential space for those interested in talking about anything in relation to death.

Death Cafe

North Bedford and Milton Keynes Poetry Stanza is a monthly group that meets to discuss their poetry, to learn together, develop their skills and approaches. It’s open to all adults. It’s a workshop format with occasional guests to support a themed session and is linked to the Poetry Society.

North Bedford and Milton Keynes Poetry Stanza

Unlock your full potential with the Empower You Performance Skills Workshops, brought to you by Standing in the Wings. 

These dynamic sessions are designed to boost your confidence, enhance your presentation abilities, and refine your performance skills. Whether you're looking to excel in public speaking, improve your stage presence, or develop your personal brand, our coaches provide tailored guidance to help you shine. 


Empower You – Performance Skills Workshop

Discover a day dedicated to your health and happiness, wellness companies, expert information and a vibrant community. Explore holistic approaches to enhance your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Come, recharge, and find your path to a balanced life!
Whether you want to find a new hobby, understand more about holistic therapies or find a local class, this is the place for you!

Wellbeing Fair

Two estranged sisters meet after twenty years. In a remote cottage over a single night they bury the hatchet. As their dying father lies in the room next door they’re forced to confront who they were and who they’ve become. When the only person they have left in common disappears, is their relationship worth saving?

This darkly comic tale examines how a sibling can be both your best friend and your worst enemy. And asks the question: how can you forgive the past when you can’t even agree what it looks like?

Get ready for an unforgettable night of songs, stories, and smiles as The Lincoln Noel Trio teams up with the fabulous Standing In The Wings Songbirds for a musical journey that will warm your heart and lift your spirits! 
Join us for an enchanting evening filled with timeless classics and soulful melodies, all brought to life by The Maestro and his band's elegant jazz stylings and the harmonious voices of the Songbirds. With their rich storytelling, heartwarming anecdotes, and, of course, the joy of music, this event promises to leave you with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.

The Place Bedford

12 - 22 Dec, 2024

A Christmas Carol

Sep 19, 2024 - Jun 19, 2025

North Bedford and Milton Keynes Poetry Stanza

Jan 24, 2025

Empower You – Performance Skills Workshop

Sep 26, 2024 - Jun 26, 2025

Death Cafe

Feb 2, 2025

Wellbeing Fair

Dec 20, 2024

Exploring with Kaye Leidoskope – Exploring Weather

12 - 22 Dec, 2024

A Christmas Carol

Articles & News

The Place Bedford