Sat 23 May 2026, Proteus Creation Space, Basingstoke
MALLAVORA In recent months, Mallavora have been popping up everywhere, from the stages of 2000trees, Boomtown and Burn It Down Festivals, to the catwalk at London Fashion Week where they provided the soundtrack to Unhidden's latest clothing range. Most recently, you may have heard vocalist Jessicas incredible vocal abilities in an episode of BBC 1s The Celebrity Traitors, a star-studded game show that features household names such as Stephen Fry, Alan Carr and Claudia Winkleman. For Mallavora, the music comes first and foremost, but behind their powerful music also lies equally powerful personal stories - a fierce honesty rooted in lived experience. Guitarist Larry Sobieraj channels his own experiences of chronic illness into the bands instrumentals. He passes his instrumentals to vocalist Jessica Douek, who uses her emotional response to the music to craft vocals. In essence, its a creative dialogue. It makes it quite powerful in the sense that I can feel what he has written, and then I put that into words, associated with grief of becoming ill or losing a healthier version of yourself, says Jessica, who is Disabled and lives with fibromyalgia. Theres a lot of rage about societal barriers and being treated differently. Completed by thunderous bassist Ellis James and powerhouse drummer Sam Brownlow, Mallavora have become some of alternative musics fiercest advocates for accessibility, committing to only headlining venues accessible enough for them and their audience. Ultimately, its a mantle they must take up out of necessity. SYWREN Sywren is a 4-piece cinematic alt rock / metal band delivering emotionally-driven anthems with heavy riffs, sweeping melodies, and a depth of storytelling that hits hard powerful, honest, and unafraid. Their debut EP Subliminal marked a bold introduction to their sound, combining atmospheric intensity with raw vocal grit and adrenaline-fueled grooves. With a newly solidified lineup and a fresh run of shows under their belt, Sywren are building momentum toward their next chapter HIVEMIND Are a 4-piece hard rock band formed back in 2022 while studying at Queen Marys college. Hivemind comprise of guitarist and vocalist Seb Roberts, drummer Jack Grant, and bassist Poppy, and emerged victorious in late 2025 at the Southampton-based Battle of the Bands. With inspiration from Nirvana to Metallica to the Beatles, and their debut album set for release in May 2026, Hiveminds broad sound will be sure to leave you headbanging and jumping to the roaring guitar riffs! Show Information Date & Times: Saturday 23 May | Doors at 6pm, first band takes to the stage at 7pm Stage times: TBC Age Guidance: 12+ but under 16s must be accompanied by an adult Accessibility: This will be a predominantly standing room-only gig, however we can provide a seating area to the side of the stage if requested in advance. The venue is all based on the ground floor and so accessible for most wheelchairs. We have some limited disabled parking and an accessible toilet. If you have any specific access needs or would like more information, please call us or email so we can ensure your visit is as enjoyable as possible £7* advance | £5* student | £10 on the door (+ booking fee) www.proteustheatre.com/whats-on About The Basingstoke Music Initiative The Basingstoke Music Initiative (BMI) is dedicated to igniting and rekindling the towns love of independent music. Our mission is to empower and uplift emerging, young talents whilst nurturing the growth of seasoned local musicians. We will be offering mentoring programs for musicians, as well as those aspiring to thrive in the music industry, including managers, agents, PR specialists, and promoters. We recognise the value and importance of live music in the cultural life of our communities and aim to create a sustainable ecology through this grassroots approach. Well curate a series of live performances, festivals, and gigs that highlight both fresh young talent and established local artists, by bringing the community together in the shared experience of live music. We have an ambition over the life of this project to unlock the hidden talent in our educational establishments, and to establish new venues for music in the Borough, making Basingstoke a destination for audiences and musicians. The Basingstoke Music Initiative is supported by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Are you a local band or musician or interested in getting involved in some other way? The Basingstoke Music Initiative aims to help up and coming bands, musicians or solo artists to forge a career in the music industry through mentorship, industry networking, affordable/subsidised rehearsal space and opportunities to play live alongside established/experienced artist. Join our mailing list and/ or follow us on social media to find out more about opportunities and forthcoming gigs and events from Basingstoke Music Initiative.
