Join us for a vibrant evening where great music meets great hospitality in one of Barnes’ most characterful pubs. The Waterman’s Arms, known for its welcoming atmosphere, riverside charm and inventive seasonal cooking, hosts an intimate night of song with acclaimed vocalist Kate Dimbleby. Blending soulful performance with the pub’s specially curated small plates and drinks, this relaxed event invites you to savour, listen and unwind. Expect stories, songs and shared flavours in a convivial setting that captures the very spirit of the Barnes Music Festival—community, creativity and a love of gathering together. Book here

Singer and storyteller Kate Dimbleby returns with Songs for Penelope, songs drawn from two decades of performance. Blending her acclaimed originals with the songs of Nina Simone, Peggy Lee, Kirsty MacColl, Dory Previn, Elvis Costello and more, Kate explores what it means to navigate the middle of life — songs from the edge, songs for finding laughter in the cracks.

Audiences know her for her warmth, humour, and extraordinary voice: “A rare and peerless talent… a striking, majestic voice” (The Times). Her shows are praised as “soulful, personal… people often cry and laugh, sometimes at the same time” (The Guardian). And as The Londonist noted: “Unashamedly a show by a woman about women… but there’s plenty here for every fan of jazz and blues, regardless of gender.”

Like Penelope at her loom, Kate unpicks, rewinds, and reweaves the stories that shape us, offering a musical companion for anyone who has ever started again, held it together, or laughed in the dark.

Singer and storyteller Kate Dimbleby returns with Songs for Penelope, songs drawn from two decades of performance. Blending her acclaimed originals with the songs of Nina Simone, Peggy Lee, Kirsty MacColl, Dory Previn, Elvis Costello and more, Kate explores what it means to navigate the middle of life — songs from the edge, songs for finding laughter in the cracks.

Audiences know her for her warmth, humour, and extraordinary voice: “A rare and peerless talent… a striking, majestic voice” (The Times). Her shows are praised as “soulful, personal… people often cry and laugh, sometimes at the same time” (The Guardian). And as The Londonist noted: “Unashamedly a show by a woman about women… but there’s plenty here for every fan of jazz and blues, regardless of gender.”

Like Penelope at her loom, Kate unpicks, rewinds, and reweaves the stories that shape us, offering a musical companion for anyone who has ever started again, held it together, or laughed in the dark.