Live Entertainment

Stephen James Smith: See No Evil Tour

We are excited to welcome Irish poet Stephen James Smith for a return visit to Thorner. His performance here in 2019 was mesmerising; now back with a fully immersive spoken word experience to support his forthcoming album, with live illustration and musical accompaniment, this is set to be an unforgettable evening.

“Passionate, witty, just plain great; this man’s voice hops right off the page.” – Roddy Doyle

“His poems are crafted with care, with great skill, and most importantly, with love.” – Donal Ryan

“He knocks seven shades of shite out of all the usual ‘birds and bees, whey and cheese’ nonsense you find at poetry readings.” – Jinx Lennon

Tickets £12.50
14+ Event (Under 18 to be accompanied by an adult)
Doors & Bar 7:30pm

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Stephen James Smith is a Dublin poet and playwright central to the rise of the vibrant spoken word scene in Ireland today. His poetry videos have amassed over 2.5 million views. His new album ‘See No Evil’ has been created in collaboration with composer/producer Gareth Quinn Redmond, and the tour incorporates a live visual performance by illustrator Steve Simpson

Support will be from Bradford-based poet Chris Cambell

Steve Forbert: Live at The Victory Hall

We are thrilled to welcome Steve Forbert for a return visit to Thorner Victory Hall, one of his favourite venues.

Like most musicians during lockdown, Steve has been busy. On May 1, 2020 via Blue Rose Music, Steve released a cover record of 11 of his favorite folk-rock songs, entitled Early Morning Rain. “I recorded this album in an attempt to renew people’s appreciation for the fine craftsmanship these songs represent,” says Forbert, “and as an acknowledgement of how much good ‘ol songs like these have meant to me.”

The last time that Steve was here, in 2018, he had published his memoir Big City Cat: My Life in Folk-Rock.  “Like the earlier Bob Dylan and Patti Smith books, Forbert has a warm way of describing the pull of NYC and the ensuing challenges of getting traction, against the context of a small-town upbringing. He offers a sparkling observation about the pull of music as excellent as any I have seen,” says Entertainment Today.
During 2020, Steve was the recipient of the 2020 Governor’s Arts Award in his home state of Mississippi, having already been inducted into the  Mississippi Musician’s Hall of Fame in 2016.

Anyone who reviews Steve’s catalog of music can see the writer in the musician. His songs are as literary as they are musically vibrant. Brutally honest lyrics delivered with sensitivity create an uncommon trust with his listeners. Excelling in every decade of his career, Forbert exemplifies the heart and soul of the troubadour tradition.

Steve will be doing two sets for us to guarantee we get our much needed top-up dose of Forbert songs and tunes.

Edwina Hayes & Emily Slade: Live at the Victory Hall

No stranger to the Victory Hall stage, Edwina Hayes is paying a return visit for an exclusive DOUBLE BILL with Emily Slade 

This will be a Charity Fundraiser in memory of David Walmsley, with all proceeds from the evening will be donated to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).

Tickets £12.00
Doors & Bar 7:00pm

Performance 7:30pm

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One of the finest female singer/songwriters this country has produced in years. Edwina brings together English folk, Americana and the rich northern singer/songwriter tradition to create a sound that’s truly her own. Highly accomplished, she’s toured with such notable performers as Jools Holland, Van Morrison, Nanci Griffith and Loudon Wainwright III to name just a few.

Edwina numbers Michael Parkinson and Mike Harding among her fans and the title track of her album ‘Pour Me A Drink’ was covered by Nanci Griffith who calls her ‘the sweetest voice in England’. Her cover of the Randy Newman song ‘Feels Like Home’ was featured in the film ‘My Sister’s Keeper’ and has since had over ten million plays on Spotify and over fifty million plays on You Tube.

Emily is an outstanding acoustic guitarist, singer-songwriter from North Hertfordshire. The partnership between her enchanting voice and intricate guitar playing are rarely found in one person, making Emily a captivating performer. Her debut album ‘Shire Boy’ led to a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nomination, and she now tours as part of the mighty Phil Beer Band.

Emily is widely hailed as an intelligent contemporary British songwriter. Her songs approach modern day issues, relating to real people. She is a woman quite clearly at ease with her audience. Her winning personality and presence have endeared her to audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.