Bednieri's Grand Variety Show

Come along to our Variety Show this July for a fun night of music, drag, singing, comedy, choir performances, poetry and more. 

Join us at The Highbury, Dads Lane, Birmingham B13 8PQ on Friday 24th July. Doors from 7.30pm, show starts 8pm. This special event is a fundraiser to support members of Ensemble Bednieri to attend a life-changing trip to Georgia (see details below).  

Line up: 

We're delighted to be supported by an amazing line up of artists for this Variety Show, who will be giving special performances on the night. Current acts include:

Wild Willy Barrett & Mary Holland: This quirky and original duo’s varied performance moves from beautiful, sensual argentine tango on cello and guitar to toe tapping fiddle and irreverent humour.

Ken Brûlée: Born in Soho theatre, Kèn Brûlée is Kings Heath’s very own French butler. Bit of upstairs downstairs, how’s your father old fashioned good time fun.

SHE Choir Birmingham: A community choir for women and non-binary people based in Birmingham. Singing original arrangements of pop, rock, indie, R&B and more. 

Jack Goodall: Birmingham-based songwriter and serial collaborator who this year released a new self-titled album.

Louis Scheuer: Louis Scheuer sings his own songs about heartbreak and dread. It’s all in good humour though. He plays with numerous acts and is based in Kings Heath.

Andie Davies: andie (they/she) is a performance poet, event, and music producer local to Brum. She explores community and trans language within their work.

Jo Wright: Jo is a parent, poet and part time adventurer. Jo has been writing poetry since her teenage years and has recently returned to writing and performance in the vibrant West Midlands poetry scene.

John Meredith: John is a professional magician who performs all across the country at weddings, restaurants and corporate events for the past 16 years. A true student of the deceptive arts he mixes his knowledge of sleight of hand, misdirection and psychological suggestion to entertain people of all ages from all walks of life.

Music & Poetry: From members and friends of Bednieri, featuring Celia, Hariet, Zahra, Kathie. 

Hosted by Bednieri's own Jennie & Jack.

Plus a headline performance from Ensemble Bednieri. 

Accessibility: 

This venue has step-free access. There is no accessible toilet. There will be a mix of acts and performances. Some acts will be amplified, and the exact content, nature and volume of acts will vary. Alcohol will be served on the premises. If you have any access requirements or questions, please contact eb.elis.jordan@gmail.com. 

About the Fundraiser 

Ensemble Bednieri are delighted to have been invited to perform at this year's International Polyphonic Symposium in Tbilisi, Georgia in September 2026. We need your help to support low-income choir members, who would otherwise be unable to attend, to join us at the symposium. We have also been invited to perform at an exclusive reception hosted at the British Ambassador's residence in Tbilisi. 

As well as getting yourself a great night out, your ticket price will go towards the fundraiser, covering travel costs, insurance, shared accommodation and food for choir members who would otherwise be financially excluded. We will share the bursary pot equitably between members, ensuring the money goes to those who need it most.

Who are Ensemble Bednieri?

Ensemble Bednieri is a Stirchley-based choir singing folk polyphony from Georgia; this small country is on the eastern edge of the Black Sea, nestled between the snowy Caucasus mountains in the north and the arid Turkish lands in the south.

We sing songs from many regions and practice vocal techniques from across Georgia. Ensemble Bednieri is led by Eb Jordan, a musician dedicated to cultural appreciation and ethnographically informed practice. Eb has studied with a wide variety of Georgian folk specialists both in the UK and Georgia for over eight years.

The meaning of bednieri in Georgian is 'fateful, joyful and happy'. This sums up our vibe; it’s the feeling we get when we sing these songs and perform together.