Tubby Hayes: A Man in a Hurry Film Screening at The Jazz Centre UK

Celebrating a British Jazz Giant in Southend-on-Sea

Jazz enthusiasts and cultural history buffs in Southend-on-Sea are invited to an afternoon dedicated to musical brilliance this autumn. On Thursday 15 October 2026, The Jazz Centre UK will host a special screening of the acclaimed documentary film Tubby Hayes: A Man in a Hurry. Beginning at 14:00, this free event provides an immersive look into the meteoric rise and enduring legacy of one of Britain's most prolific musical visionaries.

The Whirlwind Story of Tubby Hayes

Edward Brian 'Tubby' Hayes was a true virtuoso of modern jazz. A formidable tenor saxophonist, flautist, and vibraphonist, he took the post-war British music scene by storm during the 1950s and 1960s. Remarkably gifted and endlessly energetic, Hayes broke barriers by performing alongside legendary American icons at a time when British players rarely achieved transatlantic fame.

Narrated by actor Martin Freeman, Tubby Hayes: A Man in a Hurry charts Hayes's relentless work ethic, personal battles, and his untimely death at just 38 years old. Featuring rare archive performances and revealing contributions from contemporaries, the documentary captures the vibrant spirit of a man who packed several lifetimes into a brief, brilliant career.

Key Event Details

Whether you are a lifelong bebop enthusiast or entirely new to British jazz history, this complimentary screening offers an accessible and entertaining afternoon out in Southend.

• Date and Time: Thursday 15 October 2026 at 14:00
• Location: The Jazz Centre UK, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6EX
• Admission: Free entry (donations gratefully accepted to support the venue)
• Format: Feature-length documentary screening

Explore The Jazz Centre UK

Situated within the Beecroft Art Gallery building on Victoria Avenue, The Jazz Centre UK stands as a premier national institution celebrating jazz heritage. Attendees arriving for the screening can take the opportunity to explore the centre’s permanent collections, vintage instruments, and extensive sound archives, making this midday screening an unmissable cultural highlight on the local autumn calendar.