Saturday 16 May 2026

Saturday 16 May 2026. MADDOX BATSON live at Shepherds Bush Empire. Maddox Batson (he is aged a mere 16 ) is an American singer and songwriter from Nashville. He went viral on TikTok in 2022, and caught the eye of record labels. His debut single "Tears in the River" entered the top-twenty on Spotify's US Viral 50 chart and the song had approximately twelve million global streams by the end of 2024. He has released two EPs and and a dozen singles....despite his young age , he is on a world tour....USA /Canada/UK / mainland Europe . ------- Not sold out tonight , but an impressive 1000/1200 are here. Lots of teenage girls and under here , many are with parents . For many of them it would certainly be their first ever gig. HANNAH JANE LEWIS and band arrived on stage at 8pm for their decent 25 mins set. MADDOX BATSON and band arrived on stage at 8.45 and played for 85 mins. His set included his own material and a couple of cover versions. He certainly gives the impression of someone a few years older by the way he talks, sings , dresses etc. Batson sang with a poise and confidence not often seen in teenagers. He commanded the stage like a seasoned pro. He wore a baseball cap with wing tips spreading beneath it, a haircut that recalls a young Justin Bieber. He strutted back and forth, occasionally reaching out to touch the outstretched hands of the teenage girls who showed up to admire him. Most of his songs are about longing for some unnamed sweetheart. One gets the sense that, while listening to the high-pitched screams that erupt throughout his songs, many young girls wish his songs were about them. A decent enough show , and will be interesting to see how his career developes. -------------------------------- -------------------------------- Friday 15 May 2026. ALI WOODS live at Shepherds Bush Empire Join Ali Woods, viral comedy sensation as he returns with his latest stand-up comedy show ‘Basher’. Online, Ali has gained hundreds of millions of views and likes for his relatable and satirical sketches. With his unique blend of sharp wit and relatable humour, his performances are a must-see. In 2024, Ali starred on Comedy Central Live and Stand Up Sketch Show. He also had a third sold out Edinburgh run with his show ‘At the Moment’ . ----------- Not sold out tonight, and stalls seated, so maybe 800 tickets sold. Support acts Hamish Shepherd and Katie Buckingham did a decent 15 mins each. ALI WOODS arrived on stage at 8.45pm for his 80 mins. No production, just him standing by a stool. There was a wide range of ages in the audience , and for the most part, the jokes landed across the board, getting big laughs throughout. Subjects covered included his parents, older folks habits , Ed Sheeran, Harry Potter, relationships and sex. There were a few darker or more controversial moments that did not quite hit with everyone, but overall, it made for a really enjoyable evening. ------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- Thursday 14 May 2026...6.30pm to 11pm... ARCADE COVENT GARDEN - launch party - 6 Bedford Street , London WC2. This location used to be the first TFI Fridays in London , that opened back in 1987. A big crowd of 300 or 400 guests here. The main room is full , but we find a table in a side space by MANNA burgers. Lots of complimentary drinks and food. There was Pommery champers served until 8.30pm. Four different cocktails, including Pina Colada Old Fashioned. Sparling wines, wines and beers. Very yummy full size cheeseburgers and waffle fries from MANNA. Steak strips and fries, canapes and plates of desserts from SOLIO. What they say about it .... London-based food hall operator Arcade has revealed further details of its third outpost ahead of its launch in Covent Garden. Opening in May, the 12,000 sq ft, 385-cover site on Bedford Street will feature two standalone restaurants, a central dining area showcasing several Arcade brands, as well as a listening bar and café. The latest outpost will offer a mix of F&B outlets, including a chef-led Greek-Cypriot taverna, a Mexican taqueria and New York and New Haven pizza joint Gracey’s from Grace Surman and James Woodley. In addition, it will host a number of brands from its in-house incubator, Arcade Create, which includes south American chicken and steak grill Solis, North Indian fast food brand Hero, smashburger concept Manna and its first Studio Coffee site, which serves drinks such as black sesame latte, gochujang hot chocolate and chocolate orange negroni. Luke Farrell’s third Plaza Khao Gaeng will also be located within Arcade Covent Gardem.

Posted 14th May 2026