The Cause is a multi-purpose Music and Arts venue in Chippenham, Wiltshire. We host a variety of weekly activities including life drawing, pilates, choirs, band rehearsals, meetings, functions and workshops. The venue is privately funded and its aim is to support Music, Art and community activities, at the same time sustaining and conserving the historic buildings for the enjoyment of future generations.
The Cause has a range of facilities, including multi media streaming, a kitchen and fully licensed bar (available at concerts and some events) and is wheelchair accessible.
The next Music cafe is 7pm Friday 30th September and it will be epic!
What’s on at The Cause? ->
Elizabeth 1 – Virgin on the Ridiculous
Wed 22nd June 2022 7.30pm – 8.45pm
‘A case study of sinewy simplicity and honed comedy craftsmanship’ – The Stage
‘Side-splittingly funny’ – StageTalk Magazine
1558. England. A country divided by religion and politics, teetering on the brink of civil war. The hopes of the nation lie with one woman.
2020. England. A country divided by those who enjoy plays featuring men in dresses and those who don’t. The hopes of the nation lie with two West-Country actors.
Yes, that’s right. By popular demand (and the fact that they can’t be bothered to write a new show) Elizabeth’s back! The third of Living Spit’s (un)Holy Trinity of hilarious heritage historiographies is go as Howard and Stu attempt to tell the story of the greatest monarch that ever lived – Elizabeth: The Virgin Queen.
With more live original music, silly songs, smutty shenanigans, perfunctory props, and hysterically historical horseplay, this promises to be (another) poorly researched lesson in Tudor history that you’ll never forget.
For ages 14+
Elizabeth 1 – Virgin on the Ridiculous.The Cause Music And Arts Centre
The Causeway Wed 22 Jun 2022,
7:30PM – 8:45PM BOOK NOW
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/rag-and-bone-arts-cic
Coming Soon!
Helliker History Day Saturday 23rd April. Afternoon Talks 2pm – 6pm – including 1000 years of Warp and Weft, The Miners of Somerset, Henry Hunt and Peterloo, Music and Poems 7.30pm – 10.30pm ‘Cotton Town Chronicles’. In memory of Thomas Helliker the Trowbridge Martyr 1784-1803. White Horse Trades Union Council -free entry to reserve a place: rosiemacgregor@icloud.com
Fringe February – Events – Friday 11th to Sunday 13th
Friday 11 Feb – 8pm
Instant Wit – A quick fire comedy Improvisation show!
Tickets £12.50
Available to book here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/rag-and-bone-arts-cic
They’re back for their third visit to good old ‘Nam!’ Book in quickly as tickets sell fast.
A quick-fire comedy improvisation show packed full of sketches, gags, songs, surreal situations, flying packets of ‘Instant Whip’ and prizes!
Completely improvised and directed by the audience the show is highly addictive, interactive, engaging & fun.
Participate as much or as little you like: shout out during the show or write down suggestions in the interval to win prizes.
Running for 10 years +. A well developed & successful format with an established & loyal following. For audiences aged 12+.
Saturday 12 Feb – 5pm
Cult Figure: Kenneth Williams
Tickets £10 – Available from: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/chippenham-fringe/cult-figure-kenneth-williams/e-epombd
Written and Performed by Colin Elmer, Directed by Tim Astley
Kenneth Williams was one of the most unique and beloved figures in British comedy history. From show stealing performances on the radio in Hancock’s Half Hour and Round the Horne and over twenty years of starring in the Carry On films to becoming the darling of the chat shows, Williams was a rare talent who could turn from broad slapstick to erudite wit in a split second.
Celebrated actor and impressionist, Colin Elmer, who played Kenneth Williams in the UK tours of Round the Horne and Hancock’s Half Hour, reprises his role in this new production, telling the great man’s story in his own words, using anecdotes, writings and some of the material for which the comedy legend was so well-known.
So stop messing about and join us for a hilarious and engaging evening in the company of a true cult figure.
“funny, fast-paced and… beautifully performed”
– Birmingham Review
“Colin Elmer’s Kenneth Williams was hilarious and endearing“
– Reading Chronicle on ‘Round the Horne’
Saturday 12th Feb – 8pm
The Bean Spillers: The Improvised Musical
8pm – Tickets £10 available from: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/chippenham-fringe/the-bean-spillers-the-improvised-musical/e-xeypgx
Farting at a funeral. Calling your teacher ‘Mum’. Farting at your teacher’s funeral then calling the Vicar ‘Mum’! We’ve all heard some juicy gossip, but have you ever wondered if there’s more to the story?
Following the success of their five star hit ‘Timpson: The Musical’, Gigglemug Theatre (Winners of The Stage Edinburgh Award) bring you a brand-new improvised musical based on gossip from the audience.
‘Gloriously silly’ – Metro
★★★★ ‘Has the potential to be one of the best improv shows you’ll see’ – Theatre Weekly
‘A slick, fun and frivolous show’ – Chortle
★★★★ ‘This impro musical delivers laughs aplenty’ – The Reviews Hub
‘A hilarious, witty, musical masterpiece’ – Huddersfield Times
★★★★ ‘An energetic and hysterical performance’ – LondonTheatre1
★★★★ ‘Improv is difficult, and The Bean Spillers make it look like playtime’ – The Independent
Nominated for the Brighton Fringe Balkan/Otherplace Award.
Sunday 13 February – 3pm
The Mary Lou Revue
Tickets £5 – Tickets available here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/chippenham-fringe/the-mary-lou-revue/2022-02-13/15:00/t-jexgjr
The Mary Lou Revue is an all-singing all-dancing celebration of Golden Age entertainment, performed by crooner Slim Ditty and the ever-so versatile, Miss Mary Lou.
Featuring the songs of Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and Peggy Lee among others, our show will sweep you off your feet on a wave of nostalgia. With dance numbers, physical comedy and many heart-warming moments, the Mary Lou Revue is sure to put a spring in your step and a song in your heart.
The Cause Music Café
Last Friday of the Month
7-9 pm
£5 entry
The Cause & Covid-19
We are now fully open for:
Choirs and singing
Pilates
Rag & Bone Drama
Town Band
Tai Chi
Life Drawing
Quaker Meeting
Meditation
Events
Many classes have a summer timetable and there are still some safety procedures in place and anyone attending a class please check with the leader on the latest requirements or call the Cause.
We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back!
Please call on 01249 446893 if we can help or for a chat. We can also be contacted by email: fred@thecausevenue.com
How to get here
There are a limited amount of car parking spots outside the venue on The Causeway. These are council-owned and are free for 1 hour between 9am and 6pm.
Wood Lane car park does not charge after 6pm and is a short walk through an alley across the road.
Chippenham is well-served by the M4 and the Great Western Railway.