From a jazz performance to a comedy thriller show, there's plenty to enjoy in Taunton over the next week.
Several talks as part of the 2025 Taunton Literary Festival are also on the agenda.
Gurt Haunted
A comedy thriller show is coming to Taunton this weekend.
Gurt Haunted, described as a blend of Most Haunted Live and This Country, will be performed at The Brewhouse on Friday, October 17.
The show is set in the South West, which it labels a "paranormal hotspot."
The cast includes Tony Chestnut and his team of spiritualists, mediums, and investigators.
Audience participation is a key part of the event.
Tickets for the 8pm show have sold out, but tickets can be purchased for the 5.45pm show at tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk/events/gurt-haunted for £12.
The event is suitable for ages 16 and over.
Nigel Planer – Young Once: A Life Less Heavy
Nigel Planer is bringing his memoir to life in Taunton.
The actor and comedian, best known for his role as Neil in The Young Ones, will appear as part of the Taunton Literary Festival on Friday, October 17.
The talk will take place at 7pm at the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre.
Mr Planer will share stories from his memoir, Young Once: A Life Less Heavy, and take questions from the audience.
He will also read from his poetry collection, Making Other Plans, and sign books after the event.
Tickets cost £15, with an additional £2.95 fee per transaction for online purchases, and can be purchased at tacchi-morris.com/nigel-planer-young-once-a-life-less-heavy-taunton-literary-festival.
The event will last 90 minutes, including an interval.
Paula Byrne – Six Weeks by the Sea: The Summer Jane Austen Fell in Love
A bestselling author will discuss her book on Jane Austen's love life at a Taunton event.
Paula Byrne, known for biographies like The Real Jane Austen, will present Six Weeks by the Sea: The Summer Jane Austen Fell in Love.
Sophia Waugh will interview Ms Byrne at Brendon Books CIC on Saturday, October 18.
Doors open at 6.30pm, and the event runs from 7pm to 8.30pm.
The book explores a summer in 1801 when Austen's life reportedly changed forever due to her interactions with two men.
The event is part of the Taunton Literary Festival, with tickets available at ticketsource.com/whats-on/taunton/brendon-books-cic/paula-byrne-six-weeks-by-the-sea-the-summer-jane-austen-fell-in-love/2025-10-18/19:00/t-krkleqn.
Sunday Big Band Jazz
A big band jazz session is set to perform in Taunton this weekend.
The Creative Innovation Centre CIC will host the event on Sunday, October 19, with doors opening at 11.45am.
Tickets are priced at £15 in advance, available at creativeinnovationcentre.co.uk/live-music/sunday-big-band-jazz-sun-19th-oct, and £20 on the door.
The 17-piece band, performing monthly, promises a fresh set of tunes each time, creating an exciting lunchtime atmosphere.
The Sunday Big Band is a collaboration of musicians and is one of the few big band residencies in the UK.
The centre's café and bar will serve a range of drinks throughout the session.
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