What's On...

Autumn 2026

ROYSTON Saturday 26th September – “Perfect Ten” – I would love you to join me for this exciting celebration performance as I bow out of my role as Poet in Residence with Homestart, Royston after ten wonderful years. This will be a cabaret-style event with a bar and nibbles, performances by me, and lots of testimonials and memories to celebrate. Taking place in Royston as part of the town’s wonderful Arts Festival.

Date: Saturday 26 September 2026
Time: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Venue: The Old Schoolhouse, Royston, SG8 9JL

Tickets: £20 per person
Tickets here: https://www.hsrsc.org.uk/event/perfect-ten-celebration-performance-jude-simpson/

PETERBOROUGH October 1st and 2nd – BEFORE AND DAFTER work-in-progress daytime event at Peterborough Key Theatre FAMILY-FRIENDLY

BARKWAY LIT FEST Saturday October 3rd Interviewing columnist and reviewer Lucy Mangan

SWAFFHAM PRIOR HARVEST FESTIVAL Saturday October 3rd 6.30pm in Swaffham Prior village hall, tickets include supper and entertainment! Book by September 27th by emailing mandy@kingsmills.uk.

CAMBRIDGE JUNCTION THEATRE – Short Scratchings – presenting 10 minutes of new material that will (or will it?) be part of my ANTICIPATING HINDSIGHT show.

PETERBOROUGH Friday November 6th, evening – ANTICIPATING HINDSIGHT work-in-progress show at Peterborough Key Theatre.

CAMBRIDGE POETRY FESTIVAL November 10th / 11th Performance and workshop for children and families. FAMILY-FRIENDLY

SWINDON WORDSMITHS November 21st

CAMBRIDGE ADC THEATRE Tuesday 15th December A NOISE ANNOYS AT CHRISTMAS 5pm – FAMILY-FRIENDLY

CAMBRIDGE ADC THEATRE Friday 18th December Jude Simpson’s Poetic Christmas Cabaret 7.45pm

HASTINGS / BEXHILL Saturday 19th December A Noise Annoys at Christmas – 11am at Bexhill Library, 3.30pm at Hastings Library FAMILY-FRIENDLY

BRAMPTON Monday 21st December I’m compering a Christmassy Open Mic Night at PEPYS HOUSE in a heated teepee in the garden. Sounds amazing!

NOTE: if a gig is labelled “FAMILY-FRIENDLY” then it’s designed for families with children aged 6+ and is suitable for any age. As for other gigs, my material is generally family-friendly, but these will be more suited to age 13+. However, I can’t speak for other performers at the same gig – please contact me if you’re unsure or want more guidance.

Early 2027

BEDFORD Saturday 13th February 1.30pm – The Place Theatre – Ridiculous Rhymes and Silly Singalongs – an hour of poems, songs and jokes for all the family FAMILY-FRIENDLY

CAMBRIDGE JUNCTION THEATRE – Sunday 21st February – Work-In-Progress of BEFORE AND DAFTER, my forthcoming touring show – probably the last chance to see this show in development before it tours from May 2027! FAMILY-FRIENDLY

CAMBRIDGESHIRE TOFT PEOPLE’S HALL – join me for the tour launch of my show ANTICIPATING HINDSIGHT at this legendary local venue. 7.30pm

FELIXSTOWE– Thursday 6th May TWO SISTERS ARTS CENTRE – supporting Luke Wright

WESTON SUPER MARE – Friday 21st May The Front Room ANTICIPATING HINDSIGHT full show

WESTON SUPER MARE – Saturday 29th May The Front Room BEFORE AND DAFTER full show FAMILY-FRIENDLY

FELIXSTOWE – Friday 21st May TWO SISTERS ARTS CENTRE – ANTICIPATING HINDSIGHT full show