Swindon Arts Centre has revealed a summer programme brimming with mischief, music, and magic—offering residents a refreshing twist to their usual night out.
Nestled in the heart of Old Town, the 200-seat venue continues to punch above its weight, curating a standout season that spans everything from raucous comedy nights to stirring storytelling and nostalgic music tributes.
Comedy lovers are in for a treat, with a run of rising talent and familiar faces gracing the stage. Steve Bujega, the creative mind behind ITV2’s Buffering, brings his sharp wit, while acclaimed political satirist Matt Forde (Spitting Image, The Last Leg) and TikTok favourite Jack Skipper add their own distinctive voices to a line-up that promises proper belly laughs.
For those with little ones—or just the young at heart—Pinocchio will spring to life in a vibrant production packed with mime, puppetry, original music, and heaps of audience participation. Expect donkeys, sharks, and a heartfelt dose of wooden-nosed wonder.
The music programme is just as ambitious. Virtuoso guitarist Richard Durrant returns with his genre-hopping journey through South American rhythms, English folk and Bach. Meanwhile, Sarah McQuaid brings her mesmerising vocals and a treasure trove of instruments in an intimate set that’s part gig, part masterclass.
For the theatrically curious, James Rowland’s new show Learning to Fly blends storytelling, humour and heartache in a beautifully honest tale of an unlikely friendship. Or catch Charlie Connelly in Attention All Shipping, a witty homage to the beloved shipping forecast as it sails into its second century.
Music tributes will have toes tapping and memories flooding in. Rock the 80s delivers all the synths and swagger of a golden era, while The Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty Legacy Show offers a rare double-tribute experience, covering the icons’ most beloved tracks with reverence and raw energy.
Adding to the mix is Midsummer Madness, three one-act plays performed by local legends The Western Players. With pieces by Anton Chekhov and Alan Ayckbourn, the production promises both poignancy and punchlines.
And for those seeking something a little otherworldly, Spiritualist Psychic Medium Nikki Kitt invites audiences to a June evening of connection and contemplation.
Swindon Arts Centre continues to showcase how smaller venues can host big ideas. With a line-up this diverse, it’s more than just a night at the theatre—it’s an invitation to try something new, right on your doorstep.
