WAITING FOR SUNDAY
From the sublime to the ridiculous, often offbeat, occasionally on-the-one… The Waiting Room has put on regular Happenings on Sunday nights for the past 20 years. Our line-ups include original and experimental music, live art, comedy, spoken word and cinema. Expect the unexpected.
Food and drink is served in the early part of the evening, with table service and cabaret-style seating. Tickets can be purchased below, Please book tables for food by calling the restaurant in advance on 01642 780465.
See our upcoming events below
FREE CURATED PLAYLIST OF PAST PERFORMERS
Upcoming events.
Smokestack Farewell
A reading to mark the end of radical independent poerty publisher Smokestack Books. Featuring Bob Beagrie, Mark Robinson, Annie Wright, Jo Colley, Marilyn Longstaff, George Jowett and Andy Croft.
SOLD OUT Bob Fischer - At Last The 1984 Show Part Two
“Drew a bunsen burner... watched The Box of Delights... went to the detention centre woods for some conkers..."
Join Bob for an evening of unbridled 1980s nostalgia. And once again, Mr Andrew Johnson will be leading the assembly choir with school hymns and chart hits from all your favourite groups.
SOLD OUT
Elaine Palmer and Breeze
Amazing songs and whisky barrel-aged honeyed country voice from incredible North Yorkshire singer-songwriter, plus Ireland's wonderful Breeze
THE FUGITIVES Plus Tali Trow (support)
“The four part vocals are sensational – each of these Fugitives has the talent, voice and charisma to front their own band” Edmonton Sun
The Fugitives - Straight outa Canada
The Fugitives are an acoustic folk-roots group headed by songwriters Adrian Glynn and Brendan McLeod. They’re joined by banjo player Chris Suen (Viper Central) and violinist Carly Frey (The Coal Porters). Over their first five albums, they’ve amassed a JUNO nomination, numerous CFMA and WCMA nominations, and toured extensively through Canada, Europe, and the UK. Performance highlights include most major Canadian folk festivals, a slot at Glastonbury, and a tour opening for Buffy Sainte-Marie. In 2020, the band created “Ridge”, a WW1-centered theatre show, which was named a Globe & Mail “Top Arts Pick of the Year”, and has toured to over 30 theatres across Canada. The band has earned a reputation for unforgettable live shows, brimming with complex harmonies, infectious storytelling and top-notch musicianship. As the CBC has it: “This show is simply brilliant.”
THE Waiting Room has a special history with The Fugitives, who first performed here 20 years ago…
Supported by Tali Trow
Tali Trow
After nearly 30 years of playing to audiences from local pubs to The Albert Hall, Tali has toured the world with many artists and outfits including Gemma Hayes, John Murry, Bonnie Dobson and the Coal Porters. His music has been played on BBC radio and television and as a producer, he has received critical acclaim, including a Juno nominated record in Miranda Mulholland’s ‘By Appointment or Chance.’
Walking a line between morose singer songwriter and tongue in cheek storyteller, his rare solo live appearances will make you laugh and cry, hopefully in the right places…
Bob Fischer - At Last The 1984 Show
“Played on the ZX81... had a geedy muck on... watched Robin of Sherwood...”
On 1st January 1984, the 11-year-old Bob Fischer carefully filled out a page of his brand new WHSmiths diary. On the 2nd January 1984, he did it again. And again on 3rd January 1984. In fact, against all odds, he kept writing his diary every day that year, right through until 31st December. Join Bob for an evening of unbridled 1980s nostalgia. Diary readings, hilariously wonky photos, terrible drawings and possibly even a short hymn practice after registration.
Dexy's Pete Williams, and Andy Wellings
Himself and Meself - Dexys founder member Pete Williams and Andy Wellings
EAGLESFEST II Featuring Ariel Sharratt & Mathias Kom (of The Burning Hell) with Shotgun Jimmie, Withered Hand and Kathryn Williams
The Burning Hell, Never Work concert by The Waiting Room at the P&E Social Club
Smokestack Books Launch, Mark Robinson, W.N. Herbert, Bob Beagrie
WAITING FOR SUNDAY
WITH SMOKESTACK BOOKS
Smokestack Books has been called, “One of the most courageous little presses in Britain”. Join Smokestack Books director Andy Croft for a special Teesside launch of three recently published collections, with readings by all three authors. https://smokestack-books.co.uk/
W.N Herbert “Bubbles and seethes with wit and polysyllabic adventurousness” Bill is a Scottish poet who has lived in the North East for many years. His work is funny, moving, and energetic. He’ll be reading from Unselected Poems, which features, amongst other fantastical characters his outrageous Murder Bear.
Mark Robinson “Muscular and discursive... the great strength of his work is the straightforward human warmth it demonstrates.” Mark lives in Eaglescliffe and will launch The Infinite Town – you may know the title poem from the Stockton Flyer plinth on Stockton High Street. Mark’s new collection is playful and emotional, like his readings.
Bob Beagrie “Erudite, engaging, attuned to the pulse of the past and the voice of the people, prepare to be challenged and enthralled”
Bob is one of Teesside’s most active poets and will be reading from Eftwyrd, a new epic poem about Brother Oswin, a seventh century monk. Bob’s reading will showcase his unique language and performance skills.
Read more about the books being launched via the Buy Tickets link.
Is The Earth Flat? An after dinner presentation by Warwick Smith
Is the earth flat?
Using technology and a presentation style of the time, a recreation of an after dinner presentation given 33 years ago featuring unorthodox characters, a famous Victorian scientist and legal litigation, centered around nineteenth century experiments attempting to prove that the earth is flat. In addition, updates will be presented using modern technology and describing a twentieth century recreation of these flat earth experiments.
FESTIVE FILM FROLICS Antique Super 8 Film and Live Music with Andrew T. Smith and Ben Hopkinson
FESTIVE FILM FROLICS
Christmas time is here again and to take a breather and wind down after the big day, why not join Andrew and his archaic Super 8 film projector for an evening of eclectic delights with a festive theme. From Laurel and Hardy selling trees door to door, to unsettling Santa's selling savings bonds, to orphaned family home movies – you can be guaranteed of surprises in this laid back tribute to a bygone era of enjoying movies with friends and family on the big (ish) screen.
To make things even more special, several of the films will receive live musical accompaniment on the piano and other surprise instruments from the versatile Ben Hopkinson
David Broad and the Meanwood Valley Stompers
David Broad and the Meanwood Valley Stompers play all kinds of traditional American music: swing, blues, gospel, ragtime, sometimes even a bit of country.
Mt Misery + Cosial
"Mt. Misery sit in that fine lineage of Northern bands who battle encroaching darkness with luminous, endlessly beautiful pop songs...A haloed piece of Northern guitar pop" -Clash
"Shades of Big Star, Dr. Dog and Teenage Fanclub leap out from the speakers... an essential summer discovery" - Record Collector
Sharing stages with the likes of The Futureheads, Martha and Jeanines (NYC), Mt. Misery have been picking up plaudits from many a bespectacled scenester with their heartwarming live performances. With a new album all but finished, hear them play some new songs, and some old songs, and hope that they don't get too tired playing in the support band too.
Withered Hand
Withered Hand
Edinburgh based cult-indie songwriter Withered Hand (Dan Willson) is back with his first new album in 9 years. “How To Love” was recorded with (Mogwai producer) Tony Doogan in Glasgow, the new record features guests King Creosote and Kathryn Williams (both of whom are long standing collaborators).
Withered Hand broke out of Scotland’s Fence Collective music scene in 2009 releasing his acclaimed debut album “Good News” the same year. Willson toured Europe and North America before releasing a series of lo-fi EPs and his second album “New Gods” (FortunaPop!/Slumberland Records) which was nominated for the Scottish Album of the Year 2014 and shortlisted for an AIM Award.
His music has found favour and support from national and international radio, online and leading print publications.
Artist Website: http://witheredhand.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/witheredhand
Twitter: https://twitter.com/witheredhand
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5s27vvC5dAwOxD3ifVORQw
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Withered_Hand
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/witheredhand
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/witheredhand
Kinfauns + Frazer Lambert
KINFAUNS
Plundering the lesser-travelled highways of rock, pop and folk, Kinfauns is a super-duo consisting of Amelia Coburn (BBC Folk Awards finalist and ukulele superstar) and Andy Johnson (Cherry Head, Cherry heart, Southmartins, Crimson Bloom and more). Born of their shared love of putting a twist on cover versions that are rarely heard and a viral video of an impromptu run through Happy Mondays' Wrote For Luck in a vaguely Tex-Mex style, the duo will make you laugh, dance, cry and wonder at where they will head next.
https://open.spotify.com/track/301PXjYvrim1RobIlVYv9A?si=d7bcd8fbab764c82
https://twitter.com/itmustbeandy/status/1559536676870971394?s=46&t=uUxVzBjjyKwqoMLPEEW-zA
Super Spooky Cinema
Super Spooky Cinema
with Andrew T. Smith
To celebrate the haunted holiday season, join Andrew and his archaic Super 8 film projector for an evening of eclectic delights with an otherworldly theme. From Giant Spiders, to mad scientists and from graverobbers from outer space to wanderings fifth dimension – you can be guaranteed of surprises in this laid back tribute to a bygone era of enjoying movies with friends and family on the big (ish) screen.
The Haunted Generation - Bob Fischer
The Haunted with Generation Bob Fisher
Why did the kids in the opening titles to Bagpuss make the four-year-old Bob Fischer feel so strange? Who was the little man called Fred who peeped around his bedroom door at night? And did the Devil really leave a hoofprint on the underside of Devil's Bridge in Acklam? In this brand new show, Fortean Times columnist Bob Fischer takes a gentle look at the weirder side of his 1970s and '80s childhood. Tall tales, jumbled memories, urban folklore and maybe even the (very) odd song or two.
Cannonball Statman + Support
A native of NYC, Cannonball Statman has penned over 100 songs, released over a dozen albums, and done extensive tours in North America, Europe, and East Asia, sharing stages with artists such as Jeffrey Lewis, Days N' Daze, Julia Cumming, and David Peel. His unique style sets soulful and often surreal lyrics that Radio Javali calls "great American storytelling" to music that daMusic describes as "quite fun".
TICKETS COMING SOON
Tom Joshua
Tom Joshua writes and sings soaring songs with an fantastic vocal range, wonderful quietly swelling emotion and great warmth. Dressed Like Wolves writes great songs full of saying idiosyncratic stuff as lived, and street humour
Jodie Nicholson
Sunday 1st October 2023
Jodie Nicholson + support
“My new obsession... harmonies to die for!” - Sian Eleri (BBC Radio 1)
Waiting Room favourite Jodie Nicholson returns this autumn with her lovely band to play us songs from her upcoming second album, and most likely some old favourites too.
Nicholson’s signature rich harmonies, explorative textures and pensive lyrics have earned her a deserved place on BBC Radio 6 Music playlist, Best of BBC Introducing on Radio 1 and Amazing Radio’s A-List, alongside airplay across BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Introducing.
Sam Barrett and Lewis Burner Double Bill
Serious Sam Barrett is a hard touring, folk and country singer/songwriter from Otley, West Yorkshire. Playing honest, heartfelt self penned and traditional songs on 12 string guitar and banjo. Raised in the Dales village of Addingham, Sam began performing in and around Leeds in 2004, with word spreading further afield with the release of his 2009 debut album Close To Home.
Performing at SXSW in Austin, Texas in 2010, he has toured the US widely, usually in the company of friends and fellow skaters The Pine Hill Haints. Along the way, Sam has shared stages with the likes of Martin Carthy, Dave Burland, Katherine Tickell, Lucero, The Young Un's,
Grasping Straws plus support
Psychedelic art rock. In 2012, singer-songwriter Mallory Feuer formed the Grasping Straws band and started performing in and around New York City. Mallory has since gone on to tour Europe, Canada, and more of the U.S. solo and with different iterations of The Grasping Straws band to support the release of the band's debut album.
"Raw, emotional, lo-fi art rock that really drew the crowd in. And with wide ranging dynamics, Feuer could be soft and subdued one minute and then release an angst ridden banshee wail the next. Instrument wise she's as eclectic as the sound, playing guitar, violin and keyboard at various points." (Full Time Aesthetic)
(solo acoustic)
Tom Remon
Tom Remon
Jazz Guitarist
Tom Remon is a guitarist based in North London who cut his teeth with the artist development organisation Tomorrow’s Warriors, and made an impressive debut recording with UK jazz hero guitarist, Jim Mullen. Tom has performed, toured and recorded with some of the mos esteemed musicians of the UK including MOBO award-nominated drummer David Lyttle, Neil Yates, Soweto Kinch, Jonathan Gee, Steve Williamson, Sid Jacobs, Denys Baptiste, Nat Steele & Gary Crosby, and has currently 3 studio albums out as a leader. Tom cites jazz guitar legends such as Wes Montgomery and Peter Bernstein as his main influences.
Tom Hingley (Inspiral Carpets)
Tom Hingley returns to The Waiting Room!
After such an amazing show last year it's time to bring back the Inspiral Carpets front man, known for hits like 'This Is How It Feels' 'Saturn Five' 'Dragging Me Down' and many many more.
Such and important and influencual figure of the Manchester era and beyond, his voice transcends generations, and his humour and wit will keep you entertained throughout.
Tickets available by the link below
https://buytickets.at/eventkitchen/913088
Carmen and Dick's Hot Release
Carmen and Dick’s Hot Release… Our Number 1. Christmas Party!
Past Events
Since the year 2002 and before, you have been watching…
The Burning Hell | Jeffrey Lewis | Duke Special |Stewart Lee | Dave Swarbrick | Josie Long | John Otway | Peggy Seeger | Martin Carthy | Stanley Brinks | Malcolm Middleton | John Bishop | Nick Pynn | Thomas Truax | Piney Gir | Misty’s Big Adventure | Jane Bom-Bane | Baby Gramps | Sandra Kerr | Simon Donald | Dan Mangan | The Fugitives | Them Trembling Bells | Buddy Wakefield | Anna and Elizabeth | The Young Uns | The Sweetback Sisters | Kristen Andreassen | Snowapple | Baskery | Say Sue Me | Paul Smith | Trevor & Simon | Ben Wetherill | The Folk Theatre Partisans…
…and hundreds more incredible, inventive, original artists; help yourself to Luke’s curated Spotify playlist of 100 past artists above - and to photos in our galleries below - but mostly to tickets for future events.
We have been putting on live music and arts events every Sunday evening at the Waiting Room since 2002.
Here are some of our most recent pre-lockdown full programmes.
