The Showbar

16/06/2026

15/06/2026

June's Record Club is all about the City, curated by the Mowlem's own DJ Bo Dadly, AKA Paul Angel. Expect the unexpected, but his thing is jazz, world grooves and loud shirts...

Thursday 18th June - bar open from 5, happy Hour til 6.30 when the music starts. First featured album introduced at 7.30, second at 8.30 - and feel free to bring your own tracks on CD or vinyl to play either side of the full albums!

06/06/2026

We can't guarantee that the sun will be shining but we can guarantee the spirit of the original Balearic sunset bar this Thursday when Jai Danton returns with part two of his Sunset Sessions: Café del Mar.

Jai delves into his deep collection of the world's finest chillout music to bring the classic sound of the Ibizan sunset to The Showbar, with our panoramic views of the bay and beach as his backdrop - whatever the weather!

Bar open from 5, Happy Hour til 6.30, music from 7 til the sun sets!

01/06/2026

The Pent-Up House Trio play live in The Showbar on Tuesday 2 June!

This month the trio (Rob Mills, sax, Rick Foot, bass, Rob Howes, piano) will be joined by the wonderful Pili Lopez, singing Spanish and Brazilian song, and they'll also be playing a tribute to the great Sonny Rollins who died last week at the age of 95.

Bar open at 5, Happy Hour til 6.30, music starts at 7.15pm, admission free with a bucket collection on the bar if you'd like to show your appreciation!

29/05/2026

Love musicals? Step into The Mowlem's Showbar for a lively one‑hour show‑tune karaoke workshop with a live pianist and all your favourite musical theatre hits.

This fun, relaxed group session is all about the joy of singing big numbers together as a chorus. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just love a good show tune, come along to sing, learn and enjoy the thrill of live accompaniment.

No solos required (unless you fancy it) — just great songs, great company, a drink in hand and plenty of musical theatre magic.

Saturday 30 May, 8:30pm | Suggested donation £5 (inc. booking fee)

29/05/2026

This All Sort'd event is suitable for anyone, any age! They will perform an uplifting and eclectic range of songs ranging from ' Lean on Me' to 'Under The Moon of Love'. Get up, dance, sing-along or sit back and take it all in. The audience are all welcome to join however they wish.

Saturday 30 May, 2pm | Free entry, donations welcome.

29/05/2026

Take the stage at The Mowlem's very first Open Mic Night with host Ryan Lowe! Whether you’re a singer, musician, poet, comedian or just here to cheer, everyone’s welcome for a relaxed, feel‑good night in The Showbar.

Performers 16+ can sign up from 7:30pm outside the Showbar. All abilities welcome. We’ll provide a mic and acoustic guitar — or bring your own instruments/ props. The bar’s open, the atmosphere’s warm, and the Big Weekend buzz is guaranteed.

Come share your voice, your creativity, and your courage.
Sunday 31 May, 8:45-10pm | Free entry, donations welcome.

28/05/2026

Do you have memories of The Mowlem ?

Purbeck Sounds are inviting you to think back and share the stories that connect you to this much‑loved building.

Whether you’re a lifelong Swanage resident or a holidaymaker who visited once upon a time, so many of us hold memories — old and new — tied to this place.

Drop in for a chat in the Showbar, and tell Cathy and Thelma from Purbeck Sounds your stories. Memories can be recorded and contributed to the History Box Project, in collaboration with Swanage Museum.

Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st May, 10am-12pm | Donations welcome

Info about all Big Weekend events is available at https://themowlem.com/series/the-big-weekend-2026/

28/05/2026

Step into Art for Fun with local Purbeck artist AndyKnill as he brings his much‑loved drop‑in drawing activity to The Mowlem for the Big Weekend. Suitable for all ages, this low‑cost creative session lets you try professional marker pens, experiment with ideas, and enjoy drawing in a relaxed, welcoming space — from just 50p.

A retired teacher turned full‑time artist, Andy shares how creativity supported his own wellbeing and now encourages others to discover the joy of making art. No teaching, no pressure — just enthusiasm, inspiration and plenty of pens.

This low-cost creative session will be based in the Showbar from 10am-4pm on Sunday 31st May.

Sunday 31st May, 10am-4pm | Donations from 50p are welcome

Information about all Big Weekend events is at https://themowlem.com/series/the-big-weekend-2026/