THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT!
Looking for fun times? Whether you’re seeking stand-up comedy, live music, theatre or arts and crafts, find below a bounty of entertaining events taking place in Surrey this February…
INSPIRED BY NATURE: CELIA LEWIS / UNTIL FEBRUARY 24 / WATTS GALLERY ARTISTS’ VILLAGE
Surrey-based artist Celia Lewis exhibits over 100 works, many new or unseen at her solo exhibition. Inspired by the variety of wild vistas that this beautiful county provides in abundance, Lewis creates beautiful pieces using mixed media to capture nature at its vibrant best.
For more information, visit www.wattsgallery.org.uk
THE BLACK FUTURES EXPERIENCE / FEBRUARY 2 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Immerse yourself in merry havoc courtesy of the hard riffs and beats aplenty from noisemakers Black Futures. Part of Independent Venue Week – the nationwide celebratory week of events that tips its cap to local venues, the lifeblood of live music – bang your head and get ready for a night like no other.
For more information, visit www.theboileroom.net
MET OPERA LIVE: CARMEN / FEBRUARY 2 / EVERYMAN CINEMA, ESHER
One of the most popular operas of all time, experience this tempestuous tale of seduction, passion, heartbreak and tragedy as the Metropolitan Opera’s production is beamed to the screen at the Everyman Cinema.
For more information, visit www.everymancinema.com
MODERN CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP / FEBRUARY 2 & FEBRUARY 14 / PACKHOUSE, FARNHAM
Whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby or feel a creative streak waiting to be unleashed, put pen to paper and discover the mindful art of modern calligraphy.
For more information, visit www.packhouse.com
MEASURE FOR MEASURE / FEBRUARY 4 – 23 / HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, GUILDFORD
Guildford Shakespeare Company celebrates its 40th production by returning to the stage, with their latest endeavour, the hard-hitting and aptly chosen Measure for Measure. Exploring our expectations and preconceptions of gender and the power structures that sit so ostentatiously beside them, this is a thought-provoking tale of sexual harassment and suppression.
For more information, visit www.guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk
FATHER OF LIES / FEBRUARY 4 – 8 / THE STAR INN, GUILDFORD
Horror takes centre stage at The Star Inn with a terrifying production, telling the true story of haunted priests, satanic cults and unsolved murders in Seventies West Germany. Following sell-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe in 2017 and 2018, Steve Griffin and Nathan Jones return to the town where it all began for them.
For more information, visit www.guildfordfringe.com
SANDOWN ANTIQUES MARKET / FEBRUARY 5 / SANDOWN PARK, ESHER
Make your way to Esher for a day of shopping for items from yesteryear. This antique and collectables fair is a great opportunity to indulge in beautiful gifts or finds for the home. Unearth hidden gems and find something old but new for you.
For more information, visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/sandown
DADMAN THE BATHTIME WARRIOR / FEBRUARY 7 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Sharing the trials and tribulations of DadMan, this hilarious show details what it’s like to be a modern-day family man with shared responsibility – from bath time to soft play and everything in between.
For more information, visit www.farnhammaltings.com
THE VACCINES / FEBRUARY 7 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Exploding onto the scene in 2011 with their breakthrough track “If You Wanna”, The Vaccines made a welcome return to form with 2018 album Combat Sports. Catch them on tour as they pass through Guildford.
For more information, visit www.glive.co.uk
JASON MANFORD: MUDDLE CLASS / FEBRUARY 8 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Comedian Jason Manford is back on the road, telling confessing his struggles traversing the blurred lines of his life. From growing up a working-class lad to the realisation that maybe he’s now in the middle, join Jason as he makes sense of his muddled class.
For more information, visit www.glive.co.uk
WHO SHE WAS BEFORE / FEBRUARY 8 & FEBRUARY 12 / CAFÉ MILA, GODALMING & ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
A new play following three inter-generational women through the memories of their mothers and the myths these women have become as they navigate their own journeys. Based in part on true events and in the threads that tie one version of a woman to her next self, this play aims to give you the opportunity to reimagine your family before ‘mum’ was the most uttered word in your home. Who was she before? And how will that shape who you will be next?
For more information, visit www.electric.theatre
MIXED MEDIA POSTCARDS / FEBRUARY 9 / NOWER WOOD NATURE RESERVE, LEATHERHEAD
Fancy doing some crafting? Take part in this workshop with internationally recognised artist Cas Holmes using everyday materials to create works of art that connect with and represent nature, as well as learning about the Japanese art Momigami that transforms paper into a cloth-like appearance.
For more information, visit www.surreywildlifetrust.org
AN EVENING WITH PAM AYRES / FEBRUARY 13 / EPSOM PLAYHOUSE
With recent appearances including TV shows Celebrity Mastermind and Celebrity Antique Road Trip, and radio comedy favourites Just A Minute and I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue – plus a career spanning 40 years as a poet, comedian and broadcaster – Pam Ayres returns to the stage to perform her latest show.
For more information, visit www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk
GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS / FEBRUARY 14 – 16 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
Experience Mamet’s darkly comic tale of what’s got to be done to get the deal closed. Starring in this timeless tale of real estate savagery are Nigel Sharman, Mark Benton, Wil Johnson, Scott Sparrow, James Staddon, Denis Conway and Zephryn Taitte.
For more information, visit www.atgtickets.com
THE ADVENTURE OF ISAAC SADDLESORE AND THE WITCHES OF DRENN / FEBRUARY 15 – 16 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Fans of fabulously farcical fiction should get set for a theatrical crime caper of epic proportions as the inquisitive eye of detective Isaac Saddlesore and companion Dr George Hotburns attempt to save Sir Maxwell Gropefund from a mysterious, magical family curse.
For more information, visit www.electric.theatre
PUNK VALENTINE / FEBRUARY 16 / THE FIERY BIRD, WOKING
Love punk? Enjoy this Valentine-special punk and post-punk all-day gig, featuring the likes of The Chords UK (acoustic) Finn Panton’s Seeds of 77, Phoenix Chroi, Stone Heroes, Jelly, Kilter, Holy Faction, The Anoraks, The Glorias, Plague UK, Rage DC, Nancy Boy and Broken Idols.
For more information, visit www.fierybirdvenue.org.uk
GENO WASHINGTON & THE RAM JAM BAND / FEBRUARY 16 / SUBURBS AT THE HOLROYD, GUILDFORD
Sixties soul legend Geno Washington comes to town for a night of classic crooning and the expected high energy associated with his performances. Hailing from the US, Geno originally found fame on these shores with the Ram Jam Band in 1966 and enjoyed chart success for a consecutive 48 – outsold only by The Sound of Music.
For more information, visit www.theholroydarms.com
ART / FEBRUARY 18 – 23 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
A story of friendship, prejudice and patience, starring Nigel Havers (Downton Abbey), Denis Lawson (Bleak House) and Stephen Tompkinson (Wild at Heart), Yasmina Reza’s multi-award-winning Art makes a stop in Guildford as part of its national tour.
For more information, visit www.yvonne-arnuad.co.uk
MAMA G’S STORYTIME ROADSHOW / FEBRUARY 18 / CAMBERLEY THEATRE
Get set for story time with a difference as the irresistible Mama G provides an evening of outlandish entertainment. Combining panto, drag and storytelling, this musical bonanza is packed with characters that’ll make you laugh, cry and think.
For more information, visit www.camberleytheatre.co.uk
THE BAND / FEBRUARY 19 – 23 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
“It only takes a minute girl” to book your tickets to The Band – a musical for anybody who grew up with pop superstar boy-bands, and whose lives were soundtracked by their sweet ditties. Featuring the music of Take That, The Band is the fastest-selling musical theatre tour of all time.
For more information, visit www.atgtickets.com
ROB HERON & THE TEA PAD ORCHESTRA / FEBRUARY 20 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Tirelessly touring their brand of swing, ragtime, and country blues, the fabulous Rob Heron & the Tea Pad Orchestra will make you want to get up out of your seats and dance the night away.
For more information, visit www.farnhammaltings.com
ARTIST TALK SERIES: MR BINGO / FEBRUARY 21 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Describing himself as an “Artist, Speaker, and Tw*t”, the acclaimed Mr Bingo joins the fifth installment of the venue’s Artist Talk Series. Hitting the headlines in 2011 with his Hate Mail series, which involved individuals on Twitter commissioning offensive hand-drawn postcards to be sent to a recipient of their choice, find out more about this iconoclast.
For more information, visit www.theboileroom.net
THE SHY MANIFESTO / FEBRUARY 21 / MILL STUDIO, GUILDFORD
A show for anyone who thinks the world could do with some self-restraint. Starring Theo Ancient (Harry Potter and The Cursed Child), The Shy Manifesto tells the story of shy and shrinking Callum who’s proud to take up his quiet corner of the classroom and resists calls to come out of his shell.
For more information, visit www.yvonne-arnuad.co.uk
UNRAVEL… A FESTIVAL OF KNITTING /FEBRUARY 22 – 24 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
‘Tis the season for ‘crafty sew and sews’ and knitting enthusiasts to unite and descend upon Farnham Maltings for the return of the knitting fiesta that is Unravel Festival. Featuring a programme of bookable workshops, talks and demonstrations led by UK and International experts and a marketplace of over 70 quality exhibitors selling yarn and fibre accessories, meet likeminded lovers of darn good yarn.
For more information, visit www.farnhammaltings.com
MANSFIELD PARK / FEBRUARY 22 – 23 / HASLEMERE HALL
Making opera accessible for over 30 years, Opera South present their latest production; an adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel. Join Fanny Price et al as they make sense of the muddled social order at Mansfield Park.
For more information, visit www.operasouth.co.uk
MOCK TUDOR COMEDY CLUB / FEBRUARY 22 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON
Laugh out loud and let it all out with the Mock Tudor Comedy Club in Walton. With regular appearances from some of the hottest names in stand-up comedy, pop along to this popular monthly club. February highlights include the brilliant Ben Norris, Johnny Pelham, and MC Susan Murray.
For more information, visit www.riverhousebarn.co.uk
HUNDRED WATT CLUB / FEBRUARY 23 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Bringing senses back to life, Hundred Watt Club returns to Guildford for an evening of ravishing burlesque, vaudeville and cabaret. Featuring the talents of Lili La Scala, Trixie Kixx, Rod Laver, Bootsy Bonafonte and Tina T’urner Tea Lady, expect a naughty night of anything goes.
For more information, visit www.electric.theatre
PAINT LIKE A PROFESSIONAL UPCYCLER / FEBRUARY 23 / CRANLEIGH ARTS CENTRE
Adverse to throwing things away? Think more could be done to save the side table that’s seen better days? If you fancy saving some pennies in the future then head for this workshop and get top tips on how to upcycle like a pro and breathe new life into forgotten furniture.
For more information, visit www.cranleighartscentre.org
ABIGAIL’S PARTY / FEBRUARY 25 – MARCH 2 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
Starring Jodie Prenger (Coronation Street), Vicky Binns (Emmerdale) and Daniel Casey (Midsomer Murders), take a trip to 1970s suburbia for Mike Leigh’s highly acclaimed comedy. Join Lawrence, Beverley and a bevy of neighbours as cocktails flow, disco tunes play, and social drama unfolds.
For more information, visit www.atgtickets.com
A SONG AT TWILIGHT / FEBRUARY 25 – MARCH 2 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Nöel Coward’s semi-autobiographical role of Sir Hugo Latymer, a world-famous author living the in the autumn of his years, is brought to life by actor Simon Callow (Four Weddings and a Funeral), who stars alongside Jane Asher (Great Expectations) in a story of honour and regret.
For more information, visit www.yvonne-arnuad.co.uk
JAZZ CAFÉ: SCREEN SIRENS WITH SUE RICHARDSON / FEBRUARY 26 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Celebrating the Golden Age of Hollywood and the songs that made them famous, Sue Richardson (trumpet and vocals) brings to the fore a cast of female leads, including Ginger Rogers, Marlene Dietrich, Betty Davis, Judy Garland, Rita Hayworth, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Carmen Miranda, Audrey Hepburn and Doris Day.
For more information, visit www.electric.theatre
SHUT DOWN / FEBRUARY 26 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Know what it is to be man? Exploring various themes of masculinity in the modern age, Shut Down brings music, dance and poetry together in a powerful and politically charged piece of theatre for anyone seeking to understand the confusing times we live in.
For more information, visit www.farnhammaltings.com
WARD THOMAS / FEBRUARY 26 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Returning to their spiritual home of Surrey, country-singing sisters and identical twins Ward Thomas are touring their new album Restless Minds.
For more information, visit www.glive.co.uk
SINDHU VEE: SANDHOG / FEBRUARY 27 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Nominee for the Best Newcomer Award at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, stand-up comic Sindhu Vee’s highly acclaimed show Sandhog imparts wisdom on the ups and downs of loving your children, your spouse, and your parents.
For more information, visit www.glive.co.uk
RUSSELL KANE: THE FAST AND THE CURIOUS / FEBRUARY 27 / DORKING HALLS
Struggle to find time for family, friends and love? Back with a brand-new show, Russell Kane’s quick wit makes quips on the urgency of life’s intricacies and discusses how to make the most of it.
For more information, visit www.dorkinghalls.co.uk
CAFÉ SCIENTIFIQUE / FEBRUARY 28 / THE LIGHTBOX, WOKING
If you’ve not chanced upon this monthly meeting of minds, then Café Scientifique is a great event that involves a speaker discussing a topic, followed by a Q&A session. Always interesting and always popular, this month’s talk focuses on ‘Quantum physics, music and Valentines’.
For more information, visit www.thelightbox.org.uk
ENTERTAINMENT & MEMORABILIA AUCTION / FEBRUARY 28 / EWBANK’S AUCTION HOUSE, WOKING
Entertainment enthusiasts, take note: from photographs to first-issue Marvel comics, find yourself something special at this dedicated auction.
For more information, visit www.ewbankauctions.co.uk
BARN DANCE / MARCH 1 / GRAYSHOTT FOLK CLUB
Prepare to get down and dosey doe at this traditional Barn Dance with music courtesy of the lively Oxford Nags.
For more information, visit www.grayshottfolkclub.co.uk
WILLIE J HEALEY / MARCH 2 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Get a dose of dreamy indie pop from the wonderful Willie J Healey who makes a welcome return to The Boileroom. Having just finished supporting Slaves on their national tour as well as supporting the likes of Gaz Coombes, Willie embarks on his first headline tour in support of his album 666 Kill.
For more information, visit www.theboileroom.net
RAG RUGGING ON THE WILDSIDE / MARCH 2 / NOWER WOOD EDUCATIONAL NATURE RESERVE, LEATHERHEAD
Far from being the latest sports craze, Rag Running is the art of using forgotten fabrics and torn textiles to create a highly textured piece to furnish your floor. Once a popular pastime, reinvent some rags and make a huggable rug with this creative craft workshop hosted by the Surrey Wildlife Trust.
For more information, visit www.surreywildlifetrust.org
GSC STAGES: A PRACTICAL COURSE FOR THEATRE LOVERS / MARCH 2 – 3 / GUILDFORD SHAKESPEARE COMPANY
Join Director Richard Neale for this weekend workshop on how to approach and unlock the key to understanding Shakespeare.
For more information, visit www.guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk